Consumer Reports sure likes it. I'll have to check it out myself. Been looking to upgrade my daily driver (Civic).
Redesigned for 2004, the Acura TL is a significant improvement over the previous version. Overall, it scored well enough in our tests not only to top this month’s group, but to edge out the BMW 330i as the best upscale sedan that we’ve tested (see the Ratings chart). The 330i had held the top ranking for nearly three years.
The TL is based on the Honda Accord V6, which has also received excellent scores in our tests. It’s more fun to drive than its predecessor and feels more like a sports sedan. The TL also has a comfortable, impeccably detailed interior and a refined 3.2-liter, V6 engine that achieved both the quickest acceleration and best fuel economy of this group.
Most of the top models in the upscale-sedan category use rear-wheel drive, which typically helps a car‘s handling and steering. While the front-wheel-drive TL didn’t quite match the BMW 330i in at-the-limit handling performance, its agility and power make it invigorating to drive. At $33,150, it also costs about $7,000 less than a comparably equipped 330i.
The Lexus ES330 scored well in our tests and now ranks fourth in this category. The ES330 is basically the same as last year’s version except for a new 3.3-liter V6, which boosts horsepower from 210 to 225 and slightly improves acceleration and fuel economy. In contrast to the higher-rated sedans, the ES330 makes no pretenses about being a sports sedan. It is designed to provide a comfortable, quiet, relaxing driving experience, not one that’s exciting and fun.
The Saab 9-5 has not changed significantly since it was introduced in 1998. Although it is rated very good overall, this six-year-old model has been surpassed by more recently designed cars. The Arc version that we tested has a quick 220-hp, 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a spacious cabin and trunk. But the ride, refinement, and fit-and-finish aren’t up to competitive standards.
The Volvo S60, introduced for 2001, has received some engine and steering tweaks since then. We chose the midline 2.5T version, which comes with a turbocharged 208-hp five-cylinder engine. Like the other cars we tested in this group, our S60 was front-wheel drive, although an all-wheel drive version is available for about $1,800 more. The S60 performed well enough overall to get a good Rating. However, its stiff ride, tight rear seat, compromised visibility, and uninspired handling caused it to finish last in the category.
As a sign of how strong competition is in this class, all four of the cars we tested performed well enough to be recommended, even though two are ranked at the bottom of the category Ratings list. The as-tested prices of this group range from $33,150 for the Acura to $36,955 for the Saab.
The category we classify as upscale sedans consists of models that range from about $30,000 to $40,000. In the industry, they are often called “near-luxury” or “entry-luxury.” Compared with family sedans, which are usually priced in the mid-to-high $20,000 range for V6 versions, these vehicles typically have more features, a plusher interior, and newer technology.
Are upscale sedans worth the extra money? Not always. As an overall package, our highest-rated V6 family sedans, such as the Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord, scored higher in our tests than most of the vehicles in this category, and they cost about $3,000 to $9,000 less.
. Maybe I should just sit back and wait a couple of months before making a rash decision. Would be nice to get a trade in.
