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Re-activateThere's a good reason sedans are the most popular choice among car buyers. They provide the best combination of performance, fuel economy, comfort, practicality, and affordability. And the latest models keep pushing the envelope, with some midsized sedans delivering fuel economy that rivals subcompacts and agility that's reminiscent of a sports sedan.
Drawbacks: These sedans can carry five people, but they don't provide the cargo-carrying flexibility of a wagon, a hatchback, or an SUV. Also, your choices are pretty slim if you're looking for all-wheel drive.
The four-cylinder Accord is a spacious, well-equipped family car that does almost everything well. It provides responsive handling, a roomy cabin, comfortable seats, and a great view out. And it delivers a surprising 30 mpg overall, similar to some small subcompacts. An overly firm ride is one of our few reservations. We also tested an EX-L V6 version, but below-average reliability prevents us from recommending it. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are also available.
Price as tested: $23,270
Overall mpg: 30
The Sonata gives you a lot for your money. Its 200-hp four-cylinder engine is smooth and responsive, and it returns a thrifty 27 mpg overall. Good handling, a supple ride, and comfortable power seats are other pluses. Its coupelike styling is eye-catching yet doesn't restrict visibility or rear access. Our major gripe is that there's more road noise than we'd like. Versions with a more powerful 274-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine return 25 mpg, but their reliability has been below average, so we don't recommend them. We suggest skipping the hybrid version, which didn't score high in our tests and returns mediocre fuel economy for a hybrid.
Price as tested: $21,800
Overall mpg: 27
The Camry treats drivers to a refined, quiet, and roomy environment while getting from point A to point B. It provides a comfortable ride, and its handling is responsive and secure, if not sporty. You can choose from three efficient engines. We measured a frugal 27 mpg with the four-cylinder; the powerful V6 got only 1 mpg less. The hybrid version delivers an
excellent 38 mpg, which is among the best in its class. The main drawback is a touch-screen radio that isn't very user-friendly.
Price as tested: $23,830-$29,052
Overall mpg: 26-38
Chevrolet Malibu
Toyota Camry
If you frequently drive in urban areas or on winter-ravaged roads, you might put a lot of weight on ride comfort. There's nothing more fatiguing than spending a lot of time in a car that makes you feel every bump in the road. The best models ride almost like luxury cars; the worst feel like compact budget cars. The midsized sedans with the most comfortable ride are the Malibu and the Camry. The Malibu's ride is absorbent, mopping up every bump and rut in its way, providing a relaxed and tranquil feel. The Camry's ride is also absorbent, masking bumps quite well. On the other hand, you might want to scratch the Sonata, Optima, and perhaps the Accord from your short list. Their firmer ride is less cushy and comfy.
Subaru Legacy
Ford Fusion
All-wheel drive provides extra traction in slippery conditions. But if you want it in a moderately priced sedan, your options are pretty limited. All Subarus except the sporty BR-Z come with AWD as a standard feature, so you can choose a Legacy with a four- or six-cylinder engine. The Fusion also offers AWD as a $2,000 option, but only on the high-end Titanium versions, which start at about $30,000. If you can wait, the 2015 Chrysler 200 will also offer AWD. For a wider range of models with AWD, consider an SUV or a luxury car.
Even though these corporate cousins are being replaced and discontinued, respectively, there might be plenty of them on dealers' lots at a discount. Don't be tempted. They are outdated and outclassed. The noisy and unrefined four-cylinder engines get only 21 mpg overall. And neither scored high enough in our testing to be recommended. The redesigned 200 is expected this spring.
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