2008 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID You want to go green and you’ve been thinking about a hybrid. You are ready to reduce those gas bills, but you’re not so sure of the higher sales prices. The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid might be your best entry point. Although it will never be confused with a sport sedan, the Altima Hybrid is the perfect alternative for those who want their hybrid to feel like a non-hybrid car.

2008 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE
When this car was originally introduced, Americans went crazy over the retro-themed "Bug" styling and cute flower vase protruding from its dash. Its popularity has waned over the years however, but it still elicits smiles from passers-by. The Beetle delivers solid German engineering, comfortable road manners and a fair amount of room for those up front. All the basics are covered in its standard price, and you can easily upgrade the Beetle’s content through trim packages and stand-alone options.

2008 ACURA TL
Despite its sporty nature, the TL provides a wonderfully smooth ride and luxury appointments that will make comfort-minded customers happy. This is Acura’s best-selling car and has stood out from the pack since being redesigned. The TL’s wedge-like shape is still attractive as ever, and its spacious interior remains a model of craftsmanship and ergonomics. Plus, it’s almost enough to justify buying the car solely on its spectacular surround-sound stereo system.

2008 CHEVROLET HHR
Introduced a couple of years ago, the Chevrolet HHR is a modern take on the expressive, big-fendered American vehicles of the late 1940s. Chevrolet says the HHR moniker refers to Heritage High Roof, and the model’s overall styling was inspired by the 1949 Chevy Suburban. Many prospective buyers wouldn’t know a ’49 Suburban if it ran them over, but they will likely be drawn to the HHR’s mix of classic-car styling, everyday practicality, mainstream mechanicals and affordable sticker price.

2008 MAZDA RX-8
This Mazda exists in a gray area somewhere between a sports car and a coupe. It has the sleek style and entertaining performance of a sports car, coupled with the true four-passenger capacity of a sport coupe. The RX-8 also features two things not typically seen in either segment-a pair of reverse-opening rear doors and a rotary engine. In fact, it’s the only car on the planet currently in production that’s powered by a rotary engine.

2008 SAAB 9-3
Though the 9-3 is the most mainstream car ever sold by Saab, it remains a special choice among entry-level luxury sedans, wagons and convertibles. With its distinct Scandinavian charm, the 9-3’s styling looks as modern as any peer’s, yet its design cues are a refreshing break from the mainline aesthetic. If you are looking for a deal (and who isn’t?), this Saab is your chance to pick up a quality luxury car at a great price.

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