The 10 most popular passenger cars in America USA

The 10 most popular passenger cars are determined by visits to the site's vehicle research pages during the third quarter of 2008. Here is the complete list:

1. Honda Accord
According to Automotive News, the Accord is currently the second-best-selling passenger car in America, trailing the Toyota Camry by some 36,000 units. Accord sales are up over last year's levels, due in part to an all-new design for 2008. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the new model is the roomiest Accord ever offered. The Accord is available as a sedan or coupe, with the coupe measuring 3.2 inches shorter than the four-door, with more aggressive and distinct styling. Both the 4-cylinder and V6 engines are more powerful than previous iterations and offer impressive fuel economy.

2. Honda Civic
Part of the Civic’s recipe for success is offering a style for everyone — the small car is available as a sedan, hatchback or coupe with powertrains ranging from super efficient to high-revving performance versions. The entire Civic line was all-new for 2006, and in 2007 a sedan version of the sporty Civic Si was added to the lineup. For 2008 Honda adds more features for the Civic EX-L, including heated seats and side mirrors, and leather trim for the steering wheel, seating surfaces and center armrest. A Civic MUGEN Si sedan is also available, featuring a high-performance suspension, forged aluminum 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels, a full aerodynamic body kit with an adjustable rear spoiler, a rear diffuser and a sport-tuned exhaust system.

3. Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is Toyota’s compact sedan, with the 10th generation debuting for the 2009 model year. More than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide since its introduction in 1966, making it one of the best selling cars of all time. Virtually the same length as the outgoing version and with an identical wheelbase, the 2009 model is almost 3 inches wider and an inch shorter, giving the new Corolla a more stable appearance. For the first time, the Corolla will be available with such items as a touch-screen navigation system, real-time traffic updates via XM NavTraffic and a JBL audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. The new model gets a slight horsepower increase, but it remains one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles available in America.

4. Toyota Camry
Owning the title again as the best-selling car in America, the redesigned Camry is currently the second-best-selling vehicle of any kind in the U.S. The Camry received a total makeover inside and out last year, with more modern styling and increased performance. The midsize sedan is available in a number of trim levels, with a choice of fuel-efficient 4- or 6-cylinder engines. Toyota also offers the Camry with a gas-electric hybrid powerplant, which is rated at an impressive 33 mpg in the city, 34 on the highway.

5. Nissan Altima
The Altima is Nissan's best-selling car, available as a midsize sedan or coupe. First introduced in 1992, the Altima moved into its fourth generation with a redesign for the 2007 model year. Featuring distinctive styling, the new Altima provides improved body rigidity and a redesigned suspension. A coupe version of the Altima was added to the lineup for 2008. Smaller, shorter and lighter than the sedan, the coupe boasts a sporty exterior design highlighted by a unique grille, a new front headlight design, and distinctive rear combination lights. Not only is the Altima popular with MSN shoppers, it is currently the fifth-best-selling car in America, showing a sales increase of 9 percent in the first eight months of 2008 — an impressive feat in this tough market.

6. Toyota Yaris
The Yaris is Toyota's smallest offering and was introduced to the American market for the 2007 model year. With fuel economy topping many car buyers' lists, it's no wonder that the fuel-efficient Yaris has seen a 2008 sales increase of more than 30 percent over the same period last year. On sale in Europe since 1998, the Yaris is offered in the U.S. as either a 3- or 5-door hatchback or as a sedan, and is designed to offer a level of style and sportiness not often found in the subcompact class. With a tiny 1.5-liter engine, the Yaris rates 36 mpg on the highway.

7. smart fortwo
The tiny smart car might not have succeeded in the U.S. market had it been introduced when fuel was inexpensive, but the diminutive coupe is in high demand as fuel prices climb beyond $4.00 per gallon. On sale in Europe for years, the fortwo is new to America for 2008. The smart fortwo is offered in three versions for the U.S. market: pure coupe, passion coupe and passion cabriolet. All are two-seaters and powered by a 71-horsepower 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine teamed with an automated 5-speed manual transmission. With a length slightly under nine feet, the smart is the smallest production car on American roads — a full three-feet shorter than the MINI Cooper.

8. Ford Focus
The Focus is Ford's compact car that was redesigned for 2008 and is available as a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan. First introduced in Europe in 1998, the Focus became available in the U.S. for the 2000 model year. With a rating as high as 35 mpg on the highway, the Focus is the most fuel-efficient vehicle produced by Ford for the stateside market. In addition to its impressive fuel economy, the Focus has risen in popularity due to its Sync communications and entertainment system. Powered by Microsoft (MSN Autos is owned by Microsoft), the Sync system fully integrates Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the entertainment system, providing easy access via voice activation.

9. Honda Fit
The Fit is a versatile 4-door hatchback that fills the entry-level position in the Honda lineup. Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Fit has seen great success with its interior functionality, sporty driving characteristics and a high level of standard safety equipment. With EPA ratings of 28 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway, it’s no wonder that sales of the Fit are up almost 70 percent over last year. While the Fit is relatively new to the U.S. market, look for a freshened 2009 model to arrive this fall.

10. Toyota Prius
The darling of the green movement, the Prius has become a household name. Thanks to its standing as the most fuel-efficient car in America, the increasing price of fuel should only help the Prius keep its title as the best-selling hybrid in the world. Considered a full hybrid, the midsize hatchback can be powered solely by the gas engine, the electric motor, or both at the same time. The larger, second-generation Prius was introduced in 2003 with a spacious cabin and room for five adults, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for lengthy cargo.