Consumer Reports reviews upscale sedans

[ifcar]

Ranking of all recent upscale sedans tested by CR (recommended models in bold):

EXCELLENT
1. Infiniti G35 Journey ($35,140)
2. Lexus ES350 ($41,289)
3. Acura TL ($33,670)
4. Nissan Maxima 3.5SL ($33,715)
5. Lexus IS350 ($33,734)

VERY GOOD
6. BMW 325i (2006) ($36,720)
7. Lincoln MKZ ($32,250)
8. Acura TSX ($29,760)
9. Audi A4 2.0T ($35,855)
10. Cadillac CTS 2.8 ($35,275)
11. Mercedes-Benz C230 ($34,255)
12. Saab 9-5 Base ($38,310)
13. Jaguar X-Type ($39,120)
14. Saab 9-3 2.0T ($31,615)

GOOD
15. Volvo S60 2.5T ($34,980)


Detailed ratings of the five cars most recently tested (G35, ES350, MKZ, Maxima, 9-5):

G35:
Acceleration: 5/5 (5.4 seconds to 60 RWD, 5.6 seconds to 60 AWD)
Transmission: 5/5
Routine Handling: 5/5
Emergency Handling: 5/5 (Emergency Maneuver Speed: 56.5 mph RWD, 55 mph AWD)
Braking: 5/5 (126 feet from 60 dry, 132 feet from 60 wet RWD; 125 feet from 60 dry, 134 feet from 60 wet)
Ride: 4/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Access: 4/5
Controls and displays: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 5/5
Trunk: 2/5
Front seat comfort: 5/5
Second seat comfort: 3/5
Fuel Economy: 2/5 (19 mpg RWD, 18 mpg AWD)

ES350:
Acceleration: 5/5 (6.4 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5
Routine Handling: 3/5
Emergency Handling: 3/5 (Emergency Maneuver Speed: 50.5 mph)
Braking: 4/5 (131 feet from 60 dry, 140 feet from 60 wet)
Ride: 5/5
Noise: 5/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Access: 4/5
Controls and displays: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 5/5
Trunk: 3/5
Front seat comfort: 5/5
Second seat comfort: 3/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (23 mpg)

Maxima:
Acceleration: 5/5 (6.8 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5
Routine Handling: 4/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5 (Emergency Maneuver Speed: 53 mph)
Braking: 4/5 (135 feet from 60 dry, 150 feet from 60 wet)
Ride: 4/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Access: 4/5
Controls and displays: 5/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Trunk: 3/5
Front seat comfort: 4/5
Second seat comfort: 4/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (21 mpg)

MKZ:
Acceleration: 5/5 (6.9 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5
Routine Handling: 4/5
Emergency Handling: 3/5 (Emergency Maneuver Speed: 53 mph)
Braking: 4/5 (134 feet from 60 dry, 135 feet from 60 wet)
Ride: 4/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Access: 4/5
Controls and displays: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Trunk: 3/5
Front seat comfort: 4/5
Second seat comfort: 4/5
Fuel Economy: 2/5 (20 mpg)

9-5:
Acceleration: 4/5 (7.2 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 4/5
Routine Handling: 4/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5 (Emergency Maneuver Speed: 56 mph)
Braking: 5/5 (128 feet from 60 dry, 139 feet from 60 wet)
Ride: 3/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Access: 4/5
Controls and displays: 4/5
Fit and Finish: 4/5
Trunk: 3/5
Front seat comfort: 4/5
Second seat comfort: 4/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (21 mpg)


CR hasn't released its written road tests yet, so I may not be able to answer all questions right now.

[mazda6er]

They need to seriously rethink how they're breaking up these categories...

[ro51092]

I love how the TL is excellent, but the 3er and the A4 are very good.

[mazda6er]

I love how the TL is excellent, but the 3er and the A4 are very good.

Don't forget the Maxima, everyone's favorite.

[the Teuton]

Don't forget the Maxima, everyone's favorite.

I like the Maxima, but it is a different sort of car.

[omicron]

Hurrah, I don't ever have to see a Lexus ES ever again.

[850CSi]

Haha they're so full of shit.

[93JC]

You see, this is just further proof that Consumer Reports is complete and utter trash. Anyone who ranks any car below a Lexus ES is a tool.

[850CSi]

Wait, why is the S60 bold but it's only "good" when there are "very good" models that aren't recommended?

And why isn't there a "bad" category?

[JYODER240]

How do they manage to get a slower 0-60 for the AWD G35 vs. the RWD

[Raghavan]

How do they manage to get a slower 0-60 for the AWD G35 vs. the RWD

Because it's heavier and has more rotating mass and in the dry traction shouldn't be much of an issue?

[93JC]

Wait, why is the S60 bold but it's only "good" when there are "very good" models that aren't recommended?

And why isn't there a "bad" category?

You forget the all-important reliability ratings, old boy. If they don't have a prerequisite number of... whatever the hell colour 'good' is on their moronic little bubble chart.... if they don't have a good enough rating they won't recommend it. This is why a great car like the Saab 9-3 is not recommended while a fat ugly turd which no one in their right mind would make eye contact with like the ES330 is recommended.

[omicron]

You forget the all-important reliability ratings, old boy. If they don't have a prerequisite number of... whatever the hell colour 'good' is on their moronic little bubble chart.... if they don't have a good enough rating they won't recommend it. This is why a great car like the Saab 9-3 is not recommended while a fat ugly turd which no one in their right mind would make eye contact with like the ES330 is recommended.

You forget that fat ugly turds last for ages, are not disturbed by repeated attempts to dispose of them or when attacked by new models, and are cheaper to buy because they all come in the one colour. Also, children with a new fat ugly turd are the envy of all their friends - they crowd around and point and smile.

Yes, Consumer Reports is right to recommend such a reliable, friendly contraption. Lexus knows what's what.

[93JC]

Fat ugly turds are enviable?

Why the hell doens't anyone envy ME then?!

[JYODER240]

Because it's heavier and has more rotating mass and in the dry traction shouldn't be much of an issue?

I'm thinking its probably because they'er too easy on the car when launching. It's amazing how much quicker you can get off the line with AWD. A EVO can hit 60mph in under 5sec when launched properly but from a highway roll it and a 350Z are dead even.

[omicron]

Fat ugly turds are enviable?

Why the hell doens't anyone envy ME then?!

Because, dear, the impressively large and expensive diamond ring on your finger turns off all the single, lithe turds.

[93JC]

The single, lithe turds should envy me for the ring (which is quite beautiful, thank you ), should they not?

[omicron]

The single, lithe turds should envy me for the ring (which is quite beautiful, thank you ), should they not?

Perhaps single lithe turds are less inclined to have scandalous affairs with taken turds. We must convince them otherwise. Why, this bowl is easily big enough for additional turds.

Your thanks is most appreciated

[93JC]

This bowl is big enough for additional turds?

Kinky.

[MexicoCityM3]

What?! The Merc isn't recommended? Wimmer will throw a tantrum.

[ro51092]

The 9-5 is recommended, but the 9-3 is not? 

[omicron]

This bowl is big enough for additional turds?

Kinky.

Austrian bowls are bringing sexyback.

[TBR]

Very surprised to see the Maxima and MKZ ranked so highly.

[SVT_Power]

I noticed everyone is having a normal discussion, save for Mark and Omi

[omicron]

I noticed everyone is having a normal discussion, save for Mark and Omi

You shush now.

[SVT_Power]

You shush now.

You hand over your sister now.

[omicron]

You hand over your sister now.

You come here so I can slap you, and not in the way I slap Mark.

[SVT_Power]

You come here so I can slap you, and not in the way I slap Mark.

Either I get the same treatment as Mark, or nothing

[cawimmer430]

I love how the TL is excellent, but the 3er and the A4 are very good.

Let me do an impression of Raghavan here:

"What!? That FWD POS is better than the RWD BMW 3er!?"

[cawimmer430]

What?! The Merc isn't recommended? Wimmer will throw a tantrum.

F*CK Consumer Reports.