2008 Honda Models

As the second-best-selling car in the U.S., the new Honda Accord is one of the most significant introductions of the 2008 model year. The Accord gets an extensive redesign that includes all-new styling inside and out, a spacious rear seat for the sedan, more standard safety features and more-powerful engines, including an optional V-6 with advanced fuel-saving technology. Competitors include the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. 

A redesigned eighth-generation version of Honda's smallest model went on sale for the 2006 model year, with Honda calling it the most-changed Civic since the model was introduced to the U.S. market in 1973. Changes for 2008 include a new Mugen Si trim designed by Honda's high-performance tuner of the same name; there's also a leather package available for the first time on a Civic. Honda's Civic shares space in the compact class with the Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cobalt and Toyota Corolla. 

With the redesign of the Civic for 2006, Honda also rolled out a new version of its Civic Hybrid that was more fuel-efficient than the prior-generation model. It used a new version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, which the company said allowed the car to operate on the electric motor alone when cruising conditions were right. The Civic Hybrid competes with the Toyota Prius. 

Many newcomers have entered the compact SUV market since Honda launched its car-based CR-V as a 1997 model. Redesigned for 2007, the CR-V's top-of-the-line EX-L trim level gains more standard features for 2008. Competitors include the Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4. 

Youthful shoppers issued a big thumbs-up when Honda exhibited its Model X concept vehicle at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Because of that reaction, the innovative light truck wound up on what Honda called the "fast track to production." As a result, the youth-oriented Element was launched as a 2003 model. 

For 2007, Honda filled its entry-level subcompact void with a car clearly intended for a young, urban crowd: the Fit, a versatile vehicle in a small size that's perfect for squeezing into tight spots — or tight budgets. 

The 1999-2004 generation of Honda's front-wheel-drive Odyssey was a class leader. For 2005, the minivan received a major redesign in Honda's attempt to leapfrog the growing competition. For 2008, the Odyssey continues its trend of exterior and interior changes, and the V-6 engine has been updated to improve fuel economy. 

Honda hasn't completely redesigned its midsize Pilot sport utility vehicle since its introduction in 2003, and that's a long time. It shows in some bad ways, but it also shows in the standard features Honda keeps adding to hold buyers' interest. Larger than the company's compact CR-V and youth-focused Element, the Pilot is technically midsized based on its exterior dimensions, but its car-based construction makes for a roomier interior and eight seats in three rows. There are more models in the Pilot's high-capacity crossover class than ever before, including the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Subaru Tribeca and Toyota Highlander.  

The Ridgeline is the first pickup truck with a secure storage compartment built right into the cargo bed. According to Honda, it's also the first midsize pickup with an independent rear suspension, which is intended to improve ride quality. The Ridgeline is meant for medium-duty offroad use and when properly equipped can tow a 5,000-pound trailer. All-wheel drive is standard. 

Honda's high-performance S2000 two-seat roadster has gone almost 10 years without a complete redesign, though there were some engine and aesthetic changes for 2004. For 2008, Honda spices things up with a new track-ready package called the S2000 CR; CR stands for "club racer." Less spicy are the changes to the regular S2000, which include a new wheel design, suspension tweaks and an altered gauge layout. The S2000 competes with other two-seat roadsters, including the Pontiac Solstice GXP, BMW Z4 and Audi TT.