2008 Editors Choice Awards

Spend a day test-driving prospective new rides and you just might believe that there are no bad vehicles anymore. That’s largely true, but what linger on are the wide gaps in execution in terms of performance, quality, style and more. Within the limits of these criteria the ho-hums sink to the bottom and the exceptional rides rise to the top. That’s where you’ll find the best of the best, the vehicles conceptualized and built with pride of ownership foremost in their creators’ minds. For that reason, they’re each worthy of car buyers’ consideration and one of our 2008 Editors’ Choice Awards.

How We Did It

As has become tradition, our editors compiled a list of every new or substantially revised vehicle, assigned them to their respective categories based on factors such as segment and price, and deleted vehicles not driven by at least one editor prior to voting on Nov. 12, 2007. Except for contenders in the Best Car for the Environment, Best Family Car, and Best Car for Teen Drivers categories, all vehicles must have been introduced for retail sale during the 2007 calendar year. Each editor voted for the vehicle they’d most often recommend, with winners determined by a simple majority.

Criteria

Best Car for the Environment finalists scored EPA ratings of at least 9.5 for pollution and 5 for greenhouse gases. Best Family Car finalists included four-door vehicles starting below $30,000 with at least four stars in every NHTSA category, no safety concerns, and Good IIHS ratings as of Nov. 5, 2007. Best Car for Teen Drivers contenders were equally safe with a base price of $25,000 or less. Small Cars offered 94 cu.ft. of passenger room or less, Midsize Cars offered 105 cu.ft. or less, Small Utilities provided 75 cu.ft. of cargo room or less, Midsize Utilities provided 75-95 cu.ft., and Large Utilities provided more than 95 cu.ft..

Volvo C30: Best New Small Car

Let’s face it, the styling of most small cars is as dull as dishwater. That’s not the case with the C30, which carries familiar Volvo design elements to a hot looking hatch that’s evocative of the automaker’s old P1800. With a stylish and functional interior, Volvo avoids being too cute while not looking like everything else on the road. The C30’s turbocharged, inline-five pumps out 227 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, and with crisp handling and capable brakes, the little Swede is a fun drive. Two versions and a long list of options mean buyers can make a C30 to their liking.

Chevrolet Malibu: Best New Midsize Car

Just when you’re about to give up entirely on domestics’ ability to compete in the midsize class, along comes the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. A car that debuts at the top of its class, the Malibu has the looks, equipment, power and refinement to take the Japanese leaders head-on, and even take some of them to the cleaners. The only hard part for GM will be convincing skeptical buyers, burned for decades by Chevy’s lousy midsizers, that the Malibu is really worth a test drive. But once customers get behind the wheel, the Malibu is good enough that it sells itself.

Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable: Best New Large Car

Ford hit a homerun when it restyled the Five Hundred and reintroduced it as the Taurus. Though not suitable for pink-slip racing, the 263-horsepower V-6 is a huge improvement over its predecessor, offering plenty of off-the-line zip and passing power; optional all-wheel traction provides drivers with an added level of security. Talk of large cars often includes the topic of passenger room, of which the Taurus provides in abundance, especially in the hip and shoulder areas, and the overall comfort level makes the Taurus a first choice on long road trips. If you’re looking for large car accommodations, the ’08 Taurus is a good bet.

Kia Rondo: Best New Wagon

Once a brand known only for selling cheap cars with long warranties, Kia has transformed into a nameplate with an expanding stable of respected vehicles including a bona fide wagon dubbed the Rondo. Others may call it a crossover or a five-door hatch, but as a front-driver with five- or seven-passenger seating and generous cargo capacity, we believe the Rondo clearly qualifies as a family-friendly station wagon. It also happens to be available with four- and six-cylinder engines, an affordable base price of about $17,000, gobs of safety features, and a pleasant driving character, making the Rondo the perfect alternative to larger crossovers and SUVs.

Cadillac CTS: Best New Entry Luxury Car Under $40,000

Talk entry luxury and you’ll end up discussing Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and others. Cadillac also makes the cut courtesy of the CTS, though its limited V-Series version has essentially been the only shining star. That changes for the 2008 model year, as the thoroughly-revamped CTS not only blows away its former mold but also kicks the pristine paint off of its competitors’ quarter panels. Exterior styling is aggressive yet upscale, interior materials and layout are arguably class-leading, and performance and handling options deliver everything from a comfortable commuter to an enthusiast’s delight. Germany and Japan, consider yourselves served.

BMW 5 Series: Best New Luxury Car Under $75,000

BMW has been billing itself as the “Ultimate Driving Machine” for years, and when it comes to the new 5 Series, we find it hard to disagree. An unparalleled combination of performance and luxury made it the clear choice for Best new luxury car under $75,000. Further cementing it as the winner is the choice of seven different trim levels ranging from the 230 hp, 3.0-liter, inline-six-powered 528i to the 500-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-10-powered M5. There is even a Sports Wagon version available as the 535xi which might also qualify the 2008 BMW 5 Series as the “Ultimate Cargo Machine.”

Audi TT Roadster Best New Convertible Under $75,000

With a choice of two engines and two transmissions, the sleekly-restyled TT Roadster offers a couple of pleasant dilemmas. Buyers can choose a normally-aspirated V-6 model with all-wheel drive or a turbocharged four-cylinder TT with power delivery limited to the front wheels. Transmission offerings include a six-speed manual or S Tronic, Audi’s dual-clutch gem of an automatic that lets you shift the paddles or just step on the gas and smile. Thanks to a comfortable and convenient interior and precise handling, the Audi TT has you (un)covered for miles of top-down enjoyment.

Audi S5: Best New Sports Car Under $75,000

Car manufacturers have personalities. For example, a BMW has a certain feel behind the wheel, as does a Mercedes-Benz and an Audi. Until the S5, that Audi feel was a little different than BMW’s (as in, not quite as good). Now things are different, and Audi’s new V-8 powered S5 combines the best of all worlds: the steering feel and controllability of a BMW, the all-wheel drive of an Audi, and the V-8 roar of an American muscle car. Of course, it still has Audi’s traditional good looks, flawless interior and a usable rear seat and trunk. A winning combination? You bet.