Cars by price -- sedans

Four-door sedans under $15,000
This is a tough part of the market. Buyers are very price-conscious, yet they want the most value for their dollars.

Honda Civic
It's the class of the field in terms of features, handling, interior appointments and Honda's reputation for quality.

Honda Civic Hybrid Click image for larger view

For those who want to be on the cutting edge of technology, there's a gas-electric super economy hybrid Civic -- but it will cost closer to $20,000. Getting a regular Civic for less than $15,000 will require careful bargaining, but it can be done.

Price: $13,500-$21,140
Engines: 1.7-liter inline four; 2-liter inline four; 1.3-liter inline four with eight-horsepower electric motor (Hybrid)
Horsepower: 115-160, depending on model (93 horsepower on Hybrid)
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, continuously variable automatic (HX)
Fuel consumption: 26-39 mpg, 47-51 mpg, Hybrid.
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Mazda 3
This all-new sedan replaces the Protégé and is a joy to drive. Its styling is a cut above the competitors and it has more power. It's a good alternative to the traditional Honda and Toyota models.

Price: $14,200-$16,925
Engines: 2-liter inline four; 2.3-liter inline four
Horsepower: 148, 2-liter; 160, 2.3-liter
Transmissions: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 24-32 mpg
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Hyundai Elantra
Here's a good choice for those who want the most for their money. It's aggressively priced and its long list of standard features can't be beat in this category. It has also been mildly restyled for 2004. The only lingering questions are about reliability and resale value. But Hyundai's longer-than-standard warranty may overcome some buyers' concerns.

Price: $13,839-$16,189
Engine: 2-liter inline four (only choice)
Horsepower: 132 to 138
Transmissions: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
Fuel estimate: 24-33 mpg
Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles

Four-door sedans $15,000-$25,000
When it comes to the traditional definition of the family vehicle -- before the advent of the minivan and the SUV -- this category is the heart of the market. Buyers want room, reliability and a long list of features. If there's some performance under the hood, then that's a plus.

Honda Accord
Honda again is the top choice here. The recently restyled Accord breaks the standard box-on-wheels theme that has afflicted others in this category. It's a handsome sedan that's roomy beyond what its exterior dimensions would suggest. With the availability of a 240-horsepower V6, the Accord is a complete package.

Price: $16,390-$28,890
Engines: 2.4-liter inline four; 3-liter V6
Horsepower: 160; 240 (V6)
Transmissions: 5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 22-34 mpg (4-cylinder); 21-28 (V6)
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Nissan Altima
Running a close second is the Nissan Altima. It's an attractive sedan that emphasizes performance. It lags behind the Accord only in terms of absolute fit and finish.

Price: $17,390-$23,790
Engines: 2.5-liter inline four; 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 180 (four-cylinder); 240 (V6)
Transmissions: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 23-29 mpg (4 cylinder); 23-29 mpg (V6)
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Chevrolet Malibu
Bargain shoppers should consider the all-new Chevrolet Malibu. Its styling is bland and the interior materials aren't as rich-feeling as they should be, but the overall vehicle is a solid performer when it comes to transporting the family.

Price: $18,995-$23,495
Engines: 2.2-liter inline four; 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 145 (inline four); 200 (V6)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 21-29 mpg (inline four); 23-33 (V6)
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Four-door sedans $25,000-$40,000
If you're looking for a sedan that provides an image boost, along with sophisticated styling, performance and value, this is your price range. Called the near-luxury market, these sedans are for the upwardly mobile.

Infinity G35
The G35 is an excellent luxury performance sedan. It has cutting-edge styling, a suspension that gives the driver an exciting experience, and a comfortable cockpit. Dollar-for-dollar, it's a great buy.

Price: $28,495-$32,445
Engine: 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 260 horsepower
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 19-26 mpg
Warranty: 4 year/60,000 miles

BMW 3 Series
No. 2 on our list is a legend in this category. For those who want ultimate sport sedan performance, there's no other choice. The drawbacks are a slightly cramped cockpit and a premium price for the 3-liter model.

Price: $28,495-$37,245
Engines: 2.5-liter inline 6; 3-liter inline 6
Horsepower: 184 (2.5-liter); 225 (3-liter)
Transmissions: 5-speed manual; 6-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic; 6-speed sequential automatic/manual
Fuel consumption: 20-29 mpg (2.5-liter); 16-24 mpg (3-liter);
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Volkswagen Passat
Our bargain choice, the Passat, which has the most room of our three choices, styling that is pleasing and a wide range of engine choices, including a turbodiesel.

Volkswagen Passat Click image for larger view

Avoid the W8 model - the engine is a variation on a V8 -- because it's too pricey for what it delivers.

Price: $22,355-$40,735
Engines: 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder; 2-liter turbodiesel inline four-cylinder; 2.8-liter V6; 4-liter W8
Horsepower: 134 (diesel); 170 (turbo four); 190 (V6); 270 (W8)
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Fuel consumption: 17-24 (W8); 22-31 (1.8-liter four)
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Four-door sedans more than $40,000
When you've arrived financially and feel the need for a vehicle that will announce it to the world, these are the cars you should be shopping.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class
This all-new Mercedes is one of the most well-rounded sedans ever made. It offers outstanding performance, a luxury cockpit and Mercedes panache. For those who want to drive on the wild side, there's the incomparable 469-horsepower E55.

Price: $48,170-$80,070
Engines: 3.2-liter V6; 5-liter V8; 5.5-liter V8
Horsepower: 221 (V6); 302 (5-liter V8); 469 (5.5-liter V8)
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 19-27 mpg (V6); 14-19 (5.5-liter V8)
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Jaguar XJ
For those who want something a little different, there's the all-new, all-aluminum XJ sedan. It retains the classic Jaguar styling but has been thoroughly updated to provide extra interior room, a useable trunk and nimble handling. The top-of-the-line 390-horsepower XJR is awesome.

Price: $59,995-$74,995
Engines: 4.2-liter V8; supercharged 4.2-liter V8
Horsepower: 294; 390 (supercharged V8)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel consumption:18-28 mpg; 17-20 mpg (supercharged)
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Audi RS6
And for the discerning buyer who wants something few others will have, check out the all-wheel-drive, turbocharged Audi RS6. If none of these appeal, then go with the Lexus LS 430. It's faultless, though not inspiring.

Price: $84,660
Engine: 4.2-liter turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 450
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 14-21 mpg
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Back to main page

Cars by price -- coupes and hatchbacks

Cars by price -- convertibles

Cars by price -- station wagons

Cars by price -- SUVs

Cars by price -- pickup trucks

Cars by price -- minivans

Cars by price -- when money's no object