Sedans: In the spotlight
The Honda Accord, redesigned for 2008, has been a standout among family sedans and easily outperforms the other cars in this month's group. But the V6 version scored one point lower than the previous version, allowing the Nissan Altima to upstage it. The Altima is now top-rated among midsized sedans in both four-cylinder and V6 varieties.
We tested the Accord in EX-L V6 and four- cylinder LX-P trims. It is longer, wider, and more powerful than the old model and remains an excellent well-rounded sedan. But it's not as quick and doesn't get the fuel economy of the old model or the Altima in either configuration.
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Rounding out the cast of this test are the new Ford Taurus and Dodge Avenger and the freshened Kia Amanti and Subaru Legacy.
Three of the sedans in this test are available with all-wheel drive, which aids in wet- weather and winter traction. AWD is a growing trend among sedans. It is optional on the Ford Taurus, its Mercury Sable twin, and the Dodge Avenger, and is standard on the Subaru Legacy. All-wheel drive is also available on the Chrysler Sebring, Ford Fusion, and Mercury Milan in this class.
Of the six sedans in this month's test, four of them are recommended. Because of a sterling reliability history for past Accords and for Honda overall, we predict better than average reliability for the redesign and we recommend it. Above average reliability also allows us to recommend the Subaru Legacy. We predict average reliability for the Ford Taurus based on the record of the Ford Five Hundred, which is virtually the same car. The Amanti's reliability has been worse than average, so we cannot recommend it. Reliability for the Dodge Avenger is unknown and it scored too low in our test for us to recommend it.
Prices range from $22,795 for the Accord LX to $30,130 for the Amanti, though we paid less than $25,000 after discounts for the Kia.
Greener Choices for Sedans
Hybrid choices are proliferating in this market segment and more are on the way. We've already tested and recommend the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which returned an impressive 34 mpg overall. We're currently testing the Nissan Altima hybrid. While its powertrain is a bit unrefined, it is currently achieving around 32 mpg overall. Hybrid versions of the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu will go on sale shortly. The Accord hybrid is discontinued, but a diesel version is expected for 2009.
Coming Attractions
Other new sedans on the horizon include the redesigned Mazda6, the larger new Pontiac G8, and the Hyundai Genesis. The current Mazda6 platform also underpins the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ. The large, rear-wheel-drive G8 replaces the Grand Prix. Both should be in showrooms later in 2008.
The redesigned Chevrolet Malibu was not available in time for this test, but we have some initial driving impressions to report.
We recently purchased two Malibus, an LT four-cylinder and an LTZ V6, and we can already say that the new Malibu brings many welcome improvements over the model it replaces.
The redesigned Malibu shares a platform with the Saturn Aura, which we tested in March 2007, and it has a roomier backseat and a better ride/handling balance than the outgoing model.
The Malibu's four-cylinder engine sounds quieter than that in other GM sedans, while the V6 is powerful and refined. We'll have a full report on the Malibu next month.
