The 2008 car market reflected shifting priorities: rising fuel costs, a tighter economy, and buyers leaning toward efficiency and value. Those forces reshaped showroom lineups and pushed some long-standing models to adapt or decline.
There are 24 Popular Cars in 2008, ranging from BMW 3 Series to Volkswagen Golf. The list is presented with columns for Make, Sales (units), Category so you can compare manufacturers, volumes, and segments at a glance; you’ll find those details below.
Which types of cars tended to sell best in 2008 and why?
Compact cars and practical sedans generally led sales because they offered better fuel economy, lower ownership costs, and strong fleet demand; buyers and fleet purchasers favored models that balanced price, efficiency, and reliability, which helps explain the presence of both mainstream hatchbacks and premium compact sedans on the list.
How can I use the Make, Sales (units), Category table to draw meaningful comparisons?
Look at Category to compare like with like, use Sales (units) to gauge market popularity, and check Make to see brand patterns; also consider regional differences and model generations—raw sales tell part of the story, but segment and manufacturer context make comparisons more useful.
Popular Cars in 2008
| Model | Make | Sales (units) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-Series | Ford | 515,513 | Pickup Truck |
| Chevrolet Silverado | Chevrolet | 465,065 | Pickup Truck |
| Toyota Camry | Toyota | 436,617 | Mid-size Sedan |
| Honda Accord | Honda | 372,789 | Mid-size Sedan |
| Honda Civic | Honda | 339,289 | Compact Car |
| Toyota Corolla | Toyota | 308,695 | Compact Car |
| Nissan Altima | Nissan | 269,668 | Mid-size Sedan |
| Honda CR-V | Honda | 197,279 | Compact SUV |
| Chevrolet Malibu | Chevrolet | 178,253 | Mid-size Sedan |
| Ford Focus | Ford | 173,214 | Compact Car |
| Dodge Grand Caravan | Dodge | 123,749 | Minivan |
| Ford Mustang | Ford | 91,469 | Muscle Car |
| Volkswagen Golf | Volkswagen | ~726,000 | Compact Car |
| Peugeot 207 | Peugeot | ~423,000 | Supermini |
| Fiat 500 | Fiat | ~195,000 | City Car |
| BMW 3 Series | BMW | ~470,000 | Compact Executive Car |
| Mazda2 | Mazda | ~135,000 | Supermini |
| Cadillac CTS | Cadillac | 57,025 | Mid-size Luxury Sedan |
| Nissan GT-R (R35) | Nissan | 1,730 | Sports Car |
| Dodge Challenger | Dodge | 8,060 | Muscle Car |
| Tesla Roadster | Tesla | ~150 | Electric Sports Car |
| Hyundai Genesis | Hyundai | 6,167 | Full-size Luxury Sedan |
| Smart Fortwo | Smart | 24,622 | Microcar |
| Mazda CX-9 | Mazda | 25,662 | Full-size Crossover |
Images and Descriptions
Ford F-Series
America’s best-selling vehicle, the F-Series remained the king of trucks despite high 2008 fuel prices. A dominant force in the US market, it was the go-to choice for work and personal use thanks to its rugged reputation and versatility.
Chevrolet Silverado
The second best-selling vehicle in the US, the Silverado was locked in a fierce battle with Ford’s F-Series. It was known for its powerful V8 engines, comfortable ride, and refined interior, making it a top choice for truck buyers across North America.
Toyota Camry
The best-selling passenger car in America, the 2008 Camry was the benchmark for reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It was a hugely popular choice for families and commuters in North America, Australia, and the Middle East, solidifying its dependable reputation.
Honda Accord
A top contender in the family sedan market, the redesigned 2008 Accord was larger and more refined than ever. It was highly popular in the US for its blend of reliability, engaging driving dynamics, and a spacious, high-quality interior that rivaled more expensive cars.
Honda Civic
A global icon for economy and reliability, the Civic’s futuristic eighth-generation design was still a hit in 2008. It was a top seller in North America and other markets, praised for its excellent fuel efficiency, especially as global gas prices soared.
Toyota Corolla
Often the world’s best-selling car, the Corolla was a global symbol of reliability and value. The 2008 model was a go-to choice for buyers seeking dependable, low-maintenance transportation in virtually every market worldwide, from North America to Asia.
Nissan Altima
A stylish and sporty alternative to the Camry and Accord, the Altima was a strong seller in the US market. The 2008 model was praised for its powerful V6 engine option and engaging handling, appealing to buyers who wanted a more exciting family sedan.
Honda CR-V
A leader in the booming compact SUV segment, the CR-V was praised for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and car-like handling. In 2008, it was a top choice for families in the US and globally who wanted SUV utility without poor gas mileage.
Chevrolet Malibu
The stylish, redesigned 2008 Malibu was a game-changer for Chevrolet, winning the prestigious North American Car of the Year award. It was praised for its handsome looks, refined interior, and quiet ride, making it a credible rival to Japanese mainstays.
Ford Focus
While the US had a distinct model, the European Ford Focus was a massive seller and critically acclaimed for its superb handling. In 2008, it was one of Europe’s top cars, lauded for being fun to drive, practical, and well-built.
Dodge Grand Caravan
A dominant force in the minivan segment, the redesigned 2008 Grand Caravan introduced innovative features like Swivel ‘n Go seating. It remained a top choice for large families in North America, valued for its immense practicality and versatile interior space.
Ford Mustang
An American icon, the retro-styled Mustang continued its reign as the most popular muscle car. The 2008 model, including the powerful Bullitt special edition, captivated enthusiasts with its V8 rumble, classic design, and accessible performance, primarily in the US market.
Volkswagen Golf
Europe’s perennial best-selling car, the Golf (sold as the Rabbit in the US) set the standard for the hatchback segment. It was praised for its refined driving dynamics, high-quality interior, and practical design, making it a favorite across Europe and globally.
Peugeot 207
One of Europe’s best-selling cars, the Peugeot 207 was a stylish and popular supermini, especially in France and the UK. It offered a range of efficient engines and body styles, including a hatchback, wagon, and a popular coupe-cabriolet with a folding hardtop.
Fiat 500
A massive success, the retro-chic Fiat 500 won the 2008 European Car of the Year award. Its charming design, personalization options, and compact size made it a fashion statement and a perfect vehicle for navigating narrow European city streets.
BMW 3 Series
The benchmark for sport sedans, the 3 Series was the best-selling luxury car globally. Its 2008 lineup offered a perfect blend of performance, handling, and prestige that was aspirational for many buyers in Europe, North America, and other major markets.
Mazda2
The Mazda2 (or Demio in Japan) won the prestigious 2008 World Car of the Year award. It stood out in the competitive supermini class in Europe and Asia for its lightweight design, stylish looks, and a fun-to-drive nature that prioritized driver engagement.
Cadillac CTS
The sharply styled 2008 CTS was a major hit for Cadillac, winning Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. It was praised for its bold design, luxurious interior, and improved performance, proving Cadillac could compete seriously with German luxury brands in North America.
Nissan GT-R (R35)
While sales numbers were low, the GT-R generated immense hype in 2008 as it launched globally. Dubbed “Godzilla,” it offered supercar-beating performance for a fraction of the price, becoming an instant legend among enthusiasts and the automotive press worldwide.
Dodge Challenger
Resurrected for 2008, the Dodge Challenger brought pure retro muscle car styling back to the US market. Initially available only in high-performance SRT8 form, its bold looks and Hemi V8 power created huge excitement among enthusiasts anticipating the new muscle car wars.
Tesla Roadster
Though sales were tiny, the Tesla Roadster was one of 2008’s most talked-about cars. As the first highway-legal all-electric car to use lithium-ion cells, it proved that EVs could be fast and desirable, capturing the world’s imagination and heralding a new era.
Hyundai Genesis
The 2008 Genesis sedan was a landmark vehicle for Hyundai, marking its first serious entry into the luxury market. It aimed directly at established German and Japanese brands, earning praise for its high-quality interior, powerful engines, and exceptional value in the US market.
Smart Fortwo
After years overseas, the tiny Smart Fortwo officially arrived in the US in 2008. Amidst high gas prices, its quirky two-seat design and excellent fuel economy generated significant buzz, making it a popular and distinctive choice for urban drivers.
Mazda CX-9
The CX-9 was a standout in the three-row crossover segment, winning the 2008 North American Truck of the Year award. It was praised for being surprisingly fun to drive for its size, blending family-friendly practicality with Mazda’s signature sporty handling.
