2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
It happens every late summer -- car buyers wonder if they should get a current model-year vehicle or wait several weeks until the upcoming model-year ones go on sale.
If the current generation model has had few changes over, say, the last four years, its successor usually has significant improvements. But if it has been introduced in the past two to three years, chances are there are few changes.
From a financial standpoint, depreciation on all vehicles except low-volume sexy cars occurs in their first three years. Those planning to keep them for four or more years thus shouldn't consider depreciation to be a significant factor in a buying decision.
Also, since auto manufacturers and dealers like to clear the decks of vehicles from the current model year, there invariably are special "year-end" deals to be had.
However, an increasing number of vehicles are "early year" models, introduced when their manufacturers feel they're ready to sell, and don't wait until the traditional fall introduction period. In that case, it makes no difference if you bought a 2009 model months ago or wait until Oct. 1, when the new model year officially begins, to get one.
There's nothing new about early-year models -- for instance, the 1965 Ford Mustang was introduced in the spring of 1964. But such introductions are becoming increasingly common. Some early-year models now arrive soon after the new calendar year begins and long before the traditional model year starts as automakers try to get a jump on rivals in an increasingly crowded, competitive market.
Such a market has led to development of an unusually good number of new cars and auto-related vehicles such as crossovers and minivans. That makes it more difficult to select top 2008 model-year vehicles, but here are 27 that really stand out:
BMW 3-Series ($32,400-$64,950): There's a large variety of 3-Series models, and all long have been the benchmark for sporty compact cars.
Buick Enclave ($32,790-$$37,040): This crossover has such style, room, quality and performance that it has almost single-handedly revived Buick.
Cadillac CTS ($33,245-$35,545): This sporty, premium mid-size sedan turned around Cadillac's fortunes when introduced for 2003. Continually improved, with major changes for 2008, it's a sound alternative to highly rated premium mid-size foreign cars.
Chevrolet Malibu ($19,645-$23,640): Styling, performance and quality let it compete with such top-selling Japanese mid-size sedans such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The gas/electric hybrid gets an estimated 24 mpg city and 32 highway.
Chevrolet Corvette ($46,100-$83,345): The base Corvette is just fine. No other sports car can match the 'Vette's sizzling performance for the money.
Chrysler 300 ($24,695-$41,905): Some need a large car's roominess -- or just want a big auto. The stylish 300 sedan offers a lot. Fuel economy is 17-18 city and 24-26 highway if you don't want the awesome 425-horsepower Hemi V-8.
Dodge Grand Caravan ($21,930-$27,140): This minivan can't be beaten for carlike manners and roominess. German car producers are savvy, and Volkswagen -- Europe's largest automaker -- is basing its new minivan on the Caravan. That says a lot.
Ford Fusion ($17,770-$24,000) and near-identical but more-upscale Mercury Milan ($18,725-$25,530): They compare favorably with popular Japanese and South Korean mid-size sedans and drive much like good European sedans.
Honda Civic ($14,810-$29,500): The slick Civic also comes in a wide range of models and continues to set the standard for refined, comfortable, fuel-stingy compacts. The gas/electric hybrid version provides an estimated 40 mpg city and 45 highway.
Hyundai Elantra ($13,625-$17,325): This economical compact sedan matches rivals in most areas and beats most for standard safety equipment. Its seemingly endless powertrain warranty is a plus.
Infiniti M ($43,350-$52,200): This well-equipped, sleek midsize sedan is a credible rival to class leaders such as the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class models.
Jaguar XK ($74,835-$92,035): A sports car with high style, amazing performance and lots of luxury in the best Jaguar tradition.
Kia Rio ($10,890-$14,715): A solid subcompact that's mostly a stranger to gas pumps and has a long warranty. Its front-side and side-curtain air bags aren't usually standard in entry-level cars.
Lexus ES350 ($34,120): This entry Lexus offers the same smoothness, top construction and performance of costlier Lexus cars.
Mazda3 ($13,995-$24,155): An entry, fuel-thrifty sedan and hatchback with nifty styling that's backed by sporty driving abilities.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class ($31,600-$53,800): Redesigned for 2008. Most compact C-Class sedans cost under $37,000 and provide the solidity, refinement, advanced engineering and performance expected from all Mercedes models.
Mitsubishi Galant ($19,999-$27,149): As roomy as mid-size sedan rivals and can match them in acceleration and handling -- especially the sporty Ralliart model.
Nissan Versa ($12,880-$15,980): A fairly new fuel-sipping compact sedan with roominess, comfort, refinement and decent performance.
Pontiac G8 ($26,910-$29,310): Large high-performance rear-drive sedan that's a logical successor to the iconic 1960s Pontiac GTO.
Porsche 911 ($73,500-$136,500): Simply Porsche's traditional top sports car.
Saturn Aura ($20,045-$25,675): Handsome, roomy and fast European-style mid-size sedan. Hybrid version provides 28 mpg city, 35 highway.
Subaru Outback ($21,995-$32,195): This midsize crossover has carlike ride and handling with versatile all-wheel drive.
Suzuki Grand Vitara ($19,349-$25,149): A compact, roomy crossover that handles well and is loaded with safety features.
Toyota Camry ($18,570-$28,120): Very smooth, polished and highly competent mid-size sedan. Top-selling car here for years.
Volkswagen Jetta ($16,990-$25,305): Good example of well-engineered, affordable German sedan. Standout handling and nearly 30 mpg on highways.
Volvo XC90 ($36,210-$49,870): Carlike, roomy, solid crossover with many safety features.
source:searchicago
