Brands

Below we highlight the most popular and the most significant sedan brands, with a synopsis of traits common among their sedans.

Audi

Audi is Volkswagen's premium-car marque, distinguished by top-drawer fit and finish and the wide availability of its all-wheel-drive system, called Quattro. The lineup includes the upscale compact A4, the mid-sized luxury A6 and large ultra-luxury A8.

BMW

BMW has long set the standard for European-style "driver's cars." We have long given BMW high marks for the cars' agility, handling finesse, sophisticated engineering, and impeccable fit and finish. We have criticized the lack of rear seat room in the smaller models and the over-complexity of some controls, and had persistent small gripes such as inadequate cup holders and mediocre radio reception. Reliability has not been BMW's long suit. Some models hold up well, some assuredly do not.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet is an iconic, all-American brand. Chevy offerings include every size and type, from the pokey Aveo sedan to the eye-candy Corvette and the giant Suburban SUV. After many years of making serviceable but mediocre cars and trucks, the brand now offers a few really competitive models such as the latest generation of the Malibu sedan and Silverado pickup.

Ford

The Ford logo, symbolized by a blue oval, appears on a full range of cars, trucks, and SUVs. In recent years, Ford has made good use of its global resources to create good-handling sedans such as the mid-sized Fusion and large Taurus, formerly called the Five Hundred. Ford has also turned a corner in reliability, compared with the rest of Detroit, with most Ford products, especially newer designs, scoring average or better on our reliability surveys.

Honda

For years, Honda made a name for itself, and a good one, selling just two vehicles in the U.S., the Civic and Accord. While it now competes in other markets as well, the Civic and Accord remain vastly popular cars for the right reasons: They are high quality, reasonably priced, and have excellent reliability.

Infiniti

Infiniti is Nissan's upscale brand. It long struggled in the shadow of Lexus, which was the class act among the Japanese luxury marques. Lately, though, we have been impressed with the driving qualities, powertrains, and interior design of such cars as the Infiniti G and Infiniti M sedans.

Lexus

Lexus, a Toyota division, arrived in 1988 as the first of a wave of Japanese luxury cars. The flagship LS sedan was our top-Rated car or top-Rated luxury car for many years, known for its tomb-like quiet, supple suspension and Swiss-watch reliability. Most Lexus sedans follow that formula: comfort, quietness, high-end materials, and unobtrusive grace. They are also known for overly light steering feel and sound but not sporty handling.

Mercedes-Benz

With a Mercedes-Benz model, you can expect an excellent powertrain at every level, crisp handling, and a composed and comfortable ride. Mercedes' seats tend to be very firm but comfortable and supportive on long trips. Some controls can be needlessly complicated, and the cruise-control lever is notorious for its awkward placement next to the turn-signal lever. Reliability has been spotty in recent years, with the C- and E-class popping on and off our Recommended lists as a result.

Nissan

Nissan has long been famed for its excellent engines, especially its V6s. In recent years, Nissan has made marked improvements in interior quality and packaging, and the latest Altima is a true standout in the competitive family sedan segment. Reliability for Nissan sedans has usually been very good.

Toyota

Toyota is by far the world's richest and by some measures largest automobile manufacturer. It also has a reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation and seems better positioned than any other carmaker for long-term success. A full-range manufacturer, Toyota has produced very few duds across its broad product line. In most years of late, the Toyota Camry has been the best selling sedan in the U.S. despite often-voiced criticisms about light steering and bland styling.

Volkswagen

A specialist in small and midsized cars, Volkswagen can be counted on for excellent fit and finish, crisp handling, and good ride composure. Reliability has been spotty—good one year, poor the next. That's a shame because otherwise, the cars are so good and fun to drive.

See also:

GPS Navigation Systems

Car batteries

Car seats

Guide to Driving Green