Top 10 Passenger Cars
The most popular passenger cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages.
Passenger cars have traditionally come in small, midsize or full-size but a new entry-level class was introduced recently when automakers began making more fuel-efficient subcompact cars. However, small and midsize cars continue to be the bread and butter of the segment and it's evident on MSN Autos' most popular passenger cars list.
Japanese imports lead the way with the Honda Civic taking the number one spot for the fourth consecutive quarter. The next three spots are taken up by three of the best-selling cars in America in 2006: the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
The lone bright spot for domestics is the always popular Ford Mustang. It ranks fifth on the list followed by the most recognizable hybrid on the road today, the Toyota Prius. In fact, Toyota is the only automaker with four vehicles in the top ten.
The most popular list consists of nine imports with eight coming from Japan and one from Germany. The top ten is also comprised of five midsize cars, four small cars and one subcompact.
The list of the ten most popular passenger cars on MSN Autos is based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages between April and June of 2007. Here is the complete list:
1. Honda Civic
Over the years, Honda has shown the Civic can take on the shape of a sedan, coupe and hatchback. There is no hatchback version for the eighth generation but there is a sedan version of the Si for the first time ever. Sharing the same characteristics as the 197-horsepower Si Coupe, the Si Sedan comes in a 6-speed manual transmission with helical-type limited slip differential, 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. For consumers who don't need all that power, opt for the more efficient DX, LE or EX which can get about 30/38 mpg on city/hwy.
2. Nissan Altima
Nissan introduced a redesigned version of the Altima for 2007 with distinctive styling. Built smaller than its predecessor, the midsize sedan has a smaller wheelbase and is shorter in overall length but is about a half-inch wider. For the first time a coupe version of the Altima is available and joins the lineup for 2008. Based on the sedan, the Altima coupe is smaller, shorter and lighter than the sedan but it shares similar interior design and features. The Altima also comes in a hybrid but it is only available in eight states so far.
3. Toyota Camry
The best-selling car in America continues its dominance in 2007 with more than 240,000 units sold in the first half of the year. Toyota redesigned the Camry to give it a richer look, roomier interior and the most powerful V6 ever. On top of that, the first-ever gasoline-electric Camry Hybrid also debuted for 2007 featuring an estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. The Camry is available in four trim levels—CE, LE, SE and XLE—and prices start at under $19,000 for the base CE with a 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission.
4. Honda Accord
Not long ago Honda held the top spot in U.S. car sales. Now the automaker is trying to regain that crown via the Accord, which was revamped in the 2006 model year. According to Automotive News, the Accord is third in passenger car sales in the first half of 2007. Available in a coupe or a sedan, the midsize car is fun to drive and comes with a laundry list of safety features. Although it's popular among families, Honda says the V6 sedan with a 6-speed manual is "designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts." The gasoline-electric hybrid is still available for 2007 but Honda has announced it will not produce it for 2008.
5. Ford Mustang
Ford's Mustang was given the retro look back in the 2005 model year. Its popularity has not waned and consumers have continued to give it a thumbs up by making it the most popular sports car on MSN Autos for six straight quarters. Available in a coupe or convertible, shoppers can also choose between a 210-horsepower V6 or a 300-horsepower V8. The convertible is more rigidly built than any pre-2005 Mustang convertibles with virtually no cowl shake. Affordability has kept the Mustang an attainable sports car with a starting price of under $20,000.
6. Toyota Prius
The most popular hybrid on MSN Autos also makes the top ten passenger cars list as well. Known for its great fuel economy, the Prius has become a mainstream vehicle since its introduction in 2000. One of Consumer Reports' Top Picks of 2007, the Prius is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in America with estimated 2008 EPA ratings at 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. Consumer Reports also gave the hybrid the best depreciating rating because of the ongoing demand and excellent reliability.
7. Toyota Corolla
It seems that Toyota's formula to keeping the Corolla a success is rather simple: Don't change it. The Corolla has consistently been a best-selling car in America without any major changes for the past few years. Fuel economy is one of the reasons for its popularity and having a good reputation as a reliable car doesn't hurt either. A Consumer Reports survey named the Corolla as one of 59 cars to make the Good Bets List and a top vehicle priced under $25,000 for 2007. Prices start at under $15,000 for a 2007 Corolla.
8. Toyota Yaris
A whole new entry-level segment of vehicles has emerged and Toyota is once again ahead of the game with the Yaris. Available in a sedan or a hatchback, the subcompact car has better fuel economy than any of its nonhybrid competitors with a starting price of just over $11,000. The Yaris is powered by a 106-horsepower 1.5-liter engine and provides decent 65-75 mph passing. Lots of shifting is required for best performance but buyers can opt for the automatic, which is smooth and responsive. The ride is supple and handling is OK if it's not pushed too hard especially with the base version that has 14-inch tires.
9. Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta has grown in size over the years and this latest-generation version is the biggest one ever. Offered in a variety of trims, the Jetta comes with a 150-horsepower 2.5-liter engine or the more peppy 2.0-liter inline four turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Volkswagen has been showing a number of commercials touting its vehicles' safety. The Jetta comes with a number of safety features including anti-lock brakes, traction control, front-seat side airbags and head-curtain airbags. The Jetta also gets four stars out of five from the NHTSA in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test.
10. Nissan Maxima
Nissan's flagship car got a facelift for the 2007 model year featuring a new grille, hood, bumpers and headlights. One of the new features is the Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which is designed to be more fuel-efficient than the traditional automatic transmission. The 255-horsepower V6 is quite potent but it produces a bit of torque steer. Automotive consulting firm Strategic Vision awarded the Maxima as a top medium car (tied with Saturn Aura) in the 2007 Total Quality Index (TQI). The survey is based on responses from more than 27,000 buyers who bought 2007 models in September, October and November of 2006.
(C)MSN
Passenger cars have traditionally come in small, midsize or full-size but a new entry-level class was introduced recently when automakers began making more fuel-efficient subcompact cars. However, small and midsize cars continue to be the bread and butter of the segment and it's evident on MSN Autos' most popular passenger cars list.Japanese imports lead the way with the Honda Civic taking the number one spot for the fourth consecutive quarter. The next three spots are taken up by three of the best-selling cars in America in 2006: the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
The lone bright spot for domestics is the always popular Ford Mustang. It ranks fifth on the list followed by the most recognizable hybrid on the road today, the Toyota Prius. In fact, Toyota is the only automaker with four vehicles in the top ten.
The most popular list consists of nine imports with eight coming from Japan and one from Germany. The top ten is also comprised of five midsize cars, four small cars and one subcompact.
The list of the ten most popular passenger cars on MSN Autos is based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages between April and June of 2007. Here is the complete list:
1. Honda Civic
Over the years, Honda has shown the Civic can take on the shape of a sedan, coupe and hatchback. There is no hatchback version for the eighth generation but there is a sedan version of the Si for the first time ever. Sharing the same characteristics as the 197-horsepower Si Coupe, the Si Sedan comes in a 6-speed manual transmission with helical-type limited slip differential, 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. For consumers who don't need all that power, opt for the more efficient DX, LE or EX which can get about 30/38 mpg on city/hwy.2. Nissan Altima
Nissan introduced a redesigned version of the Altima for 2007 with distinctive styling. Built smaller than its predecessor, the midsize sedan has a smaller wheelbase and is shorter in overall length but is about a half-inch wider. For the first time a coupe version of the Altima is available and joins the lineup for 2008. Based on the sedan, the Altima coupe is smaller, shorter and lighter than the sedan but it shares similar interior design and features. The Altima also comes in a hybrid but it is only available in eight states so far.3. Toyota Camry
The best-selling car in America continues its dominance in 2007 with more than 240,000 units sold in the first half of the year. Toyota redesigned the Camry to give it a richer look, roomier interior and the most powerful V6 ever. On top of that, the first-ever gasoline-electric Camry Hybrid also debuted for 2007 featuring an estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. The Camry is available in four trim levels—CE, LE, SE and XLE—and prices start at under $19,000 for the base CE with a 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission.4. Honda Accord
Not long ago Honda held the top spot in U.S. car sales. Now the automaker is trying to regain that crown via the Accord, which was revamped in the 2006 model year. According to Automotive News, the Accord is third in passenger car sales in the first half of 2007. Available in a coupe or a sedan, the midsize car is fun to drive and comes with a laundry list of safety features. Although it's popular among families, Honda says the V6 sedan with a 6-speed manual is "designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts." The gasoline-electric hybrid is still available for 2007 but Honda has announced it will not produce it for 2008.5. Ford Mustang
Ford's Mustang was given the retro look back in the 2005 model year. Its popularity has not waned and consumers have continued to give it a thumbs up by making it the most popular sports car on MSN Autos for six straight quarters. Available in a coupe or convertible, shoppers can also choose between a 210-horsepower V6 or a 300-horsepower V8. The convertible is more rigidly built than any pre-2005 Mustang convertibles with virtually no cowl shake. Affordability has kept the Mustang an attainable sports car with a starting price of under $20,000.6. Toyota Prius
The most popular hybrid on MSN Autos also makes the top ten passenger cars list as well. Known for its great fuel economy, the Prius has become a mainstream vehicle since its introduction in 2000. One of Consumer Reports' Top Picks of 2007, the Prius is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in America with estimated 2008 EPA ratings at 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. Consumer Reports also gave the hybrid the best depreciating rating because of the ongoing demand and excellent reliability.7. Toyota Corolla
It seems that Toyota's formula to keeping the Corolla a success is rather simple: Don't change it. The Corolla has consistently been a best-selling car in America without any major changes for the past few years. Fuel economy is one of the reasons for its popularity and having a good reputation as a reliable car doesn't hurt either. A Consumer Reports survey named the Corolla as one of 59 cars to make the Good Bets List and a top vehicle priced under $25,000 for 2007. Prices start at under $15,000 for a 2007 Corolla.8. Toyota Yaris
A whole new entry-level segment of vehicles has emerged and Toyota is once again ahead of the game with the Yaris. Available in a sedan or a hatchback, the subcompact car has better fuel economy than any of its nonhybrid competitors with a starting price of just over $11,000. The Yaris is powered by a 106-horsepower 1.5-liter engine and provides decent 65-75 mph passing. Lots of shifting is required for best performance but buyers can opt for the automatic, which is smooth and responsive. The ride is supple and handling is OK if it's not pushed too hard especially with the base version that has 14-inch tires.9. Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta has grown in size over the years and this latest-generation version is the biggest one ever. Offered in a variety of trims, the Jetta comes with a 150-horsepower 2.5-liter engine or the more peppy 2.0-liter inline four turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Volkswagen has been showing a number of commercials touting its vehicles' safety. The Jetta comes with a number of safety features including anti-lock brakes, traction control, front-seat side airbags and head-curtain airbags. The Jetta also gets four stars out of five from the NHTSA in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test.10. Nissan Maxima
Nissan's flagship car got a facelift for the 2007 model year featuring a new grille, hood, bumpers and headlights. One of the new features is the Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which is designed to be more fuel-efficient than the traditional automatic transmission. The 255-horsepower V6 is quite potent but it produces a bit of torque steer. Automotive consulting firm Strategic Vision awarded the Maxima as a top medium car (tied with Saturn Aura) in the 2007 Total Quality Index (TQI). The survey is based on responses from more than 27,000 buyers who bought 2007 models in September, October and November of 2006.(C)MSN
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