Getting started - Sedan guide

This classic body style covers a broad range of cars with varying levels of comfort, fuel economy, overall quality, performance, and reliability. Because of the diversity of size and price, the four-door, five-passenger sedan remains among the most-popular car types, but the popularity of SUVs has eroded sedans' long-held marketplace dominance. Common midsized sedans priced from about $22,000 to $32,000 have the potential to offer a good balance of cost, function, and safety, addressing the needs of many drivers. Midsized models such as the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry are among the biggest sellers, and they all excel at the segment's virtues.

Key things to consider

With more than 100 foreign and domestic sedans to choose from, it can be hard to winnow the choices. Key considerations include size, price, fuel economy, comfort, performance, safety, and reliability. Those factors are often related. For example, smaller cars and smaller engines tend to get better fuel economy and have better handling. But some of the latest models, such as the excellent Hyundai Sonata, show that you can have good fuel economy and handling in some larger cars, as well.

Determining the sedan type that you need will help narrow the field. Each type (Small, Family, Upscale, and Luxury) has a spectrum of models to choose from, so this is a useful step toward creating your shopping list.

Find out how Consumer Reports can help you to choose the best sedan for your needs.

What you'll spend

See also:

GPS

Car batteries

Tires

Car seats