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Consumer Reports' Choice of Upscale Sedans

The ConsumerReports.org has once again embarked in a testing spree this time with the objective of helping consumers in choosing the best upscale sedans available.

Toyota’s luxurious Lexus ES350 and the sporty Infiniti G35 -- though very different from each other have both found their way to the top the Consumer Reports’ upscale sedans ratings. The sedans that were included in the $30,000 to $40,000 range possess diverse blends of luxury and sporty appeal. More stylish models tend to be quieter, spacious, and provide a smoother handling and driving capability. On the other hand sporty models tend to have minimal interior space, ride firmly, and handle more with ease.

Consumer report has made the BMW 3 Series and the G35 as its example for sedans that focused on sporty driving but provides minimal interior space. On the other hand the Lexus ES350 emphasizes not only quietness but also comfort. There are also other sedans like the Acura TL with its top-of-the-line acura exhaust system that offer a good balance of performance, comfort, driving and handling ability.

The high-end V6 versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat although not included in the upscale segment are likewise commended for their performance and amenities as well as for their low cost.

According to Consumer Reports the good buys for this category include the Acura TL, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and the sporty BMW 3 Series. But for those who want high performance at a lesser cost, the Acura TSX is a great alternative. Another capable sedan is the Cadillac CTS that will soon have a redesign version for 2008. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class despite its being a sporty, agile contender sad to say has proven not quite reliable. It will also have a redesigned version coming in the summer of 2008.

Consumer Reports has chosen the Lincoln MKZ, Lexus ES350, Nissan Maxima, Saab 9-5, Buick Lucerne CXS V8 and of course the rear–and all-wheel-drive versions of the Infiniti G35 for the test it has conducted. All the chosen cars possess features such as heated leather seats, powerful engines, and sunroofs. Likewise, the stability control is a common feature in this class with the exemption of the Lincoln MKZ which does not provide it.

The G35 significantly updated for 2007. The rear-wheel-drive G35 was provided with a sunroof and a power adjustable steering wheel as options. It cost $35,140. The all-wheel-drive G35x that includes a navigation system is priced at $39,400.

For Toyota, its ES which was based on the Camry was also redesigned for 2007 and cost $41,289 and offer optional features that include cooled seats, power adjustable steering column, and navigation system. The Nissan Maxima was also freshened up for 2007 and was given a continuously variable transmission. The Maxima 3.5 SL is equipped with a stability control, memory seats, sunroof, and also a power adjustable steering column. It cost $33,715.

Aside from the change in name the Zephyr now MKZ was given a larger engine for 2007. It was also equipped with a heated and cooled seats, sunroof, and 17-inch wheels. Its price is $32,675 and the least expensive vehicle in the group tested.

The Saab 9-5 2.3T is equipped with an automatic transmission, backup sensors, and xenon headlights resulting to its $38,635 price tag. The Consumer Reports has also tested a top-level Lucerne CXS with a V8 engine which is different from the CXL V6 tested in 2006. The new CXS possess a different type of suspension tuning, stability control, and a set of different tires. Its other options include a remote start, sunroof, park assist, and chrome wheels, heated and cooled seats. It has a base price of $38,935.

And according to Consumer Reports all the group vehicles included in the group has been confirmed reliable basing on their results of their subscribers survey and are therefore recommended to consumers who are searching for quality sedans to purchase.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

2004 Nissan Maxima SE Turbo "Red Heat" takes his steep driveway PT-2