Comparison review: Ten 2013 midsize sedans -- the best and the worst

The first impression of the 2013 Subaru Legacy is that its body totally eschews the svelte shapes that are now in vogue in this class. This pretty much carries over to the car's steadfast focus on utility over fanciness, even in a well-optioned top-trim model – and is emphasized even more strongly in the car's standard all-wheel-drive.The high roofline that gives the Legacy its economy-car proportions generates outstanding visibility and a spacious cabin. The interior, though not flashily styled, is well-finished.These are significant merits, to be sure. But the Legacy loses ground to the competition quickly when it's moving, with so-so ride comfort, utterly unengaging handling, and a lethargically droning engine. It's perfectly adequate by most standards, even for its driving dynamics, but if all-wheel-drive isn't a priority, you can do better.Subaru has done a lot to minimize the impact of having all-wheel-drive. Price and fuel economy are within range of the competition – Subaru improved the latter as part of a 2013 update – if not exactly standouts. If you are sold on the car's promise of all-weather capability, the Legacy has all the basics in the class except style. But if you want more than the basics, shop the competition more closely.A 2013 Legacy with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $28,158; an estimated transaction price of $25,417; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 24 miles per gallon in the city; 32 mpg on the highway; and 27 mpg overall.  The tested vehicle was provided by Herb Gordon Subaru of Silver Spring, Md.Overall grade: B-Legacy rating report cardLegacy ranking report cardNext: 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring (6th Place)Previous: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT (8th Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i PremiumReview: 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i LimitedReview: 2010 Subaru Forester 2.0XAll Cars Examiner reviewsSubaru shows new 2013s at New York Auto ShowMany General Motors cars are heavier and less roomy than their competitors, and the newly redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is no exception. The relatively pricey Malibu impresses for the solid feel of its ride and handling – it feels comfortable and capable. But its relative lack of practicality and value – and a mediocre IIHS small-overlap crash test score – hurt it as a family sedan.More than most of its competitors, the Malibu is a car that could be a fine choice for some buyers' tastes and a perfectly lousy one for others.If you'll mostly be driving yourself and one passenger, and are shopping in this class because you want a higher dose of luxury rather than a more expansive interior, the Malibu might well be worth the higher purchase price and fuel costs over less polished competitors. (These buyers, though, might want a peppier engine and more carefully finished interior.)But as a family car, the Malibu falls flat by the class's high standards. Its rear seat is the most cramped in this comparison – it wouldn't even be outstanding in a compact car – and the crash test rating trails only the Toyota Camry's. Couple that with a price that's above the class norm and fuel economy that's below it, and many buyers can comfortably keep the Malibu off their radar.A 2013 Malibu with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $29,175; an estimated transaction price of $26,486; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 22 miles per gallon in the city; 34 mpg on the highway; and 26 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by Sport Chevrolet of Silver Spring, Md.Overall grade: CMalibu rating report cardMalibu ranking report cardNext: 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited (7th Place)Previous: 2013 Dodge Avenger SXT (9th Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu EcoReview: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LTReview: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 2LTReview: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 1LTReview: 2011 Chevrolet Equinox LTZAll Cars Examiner reviewsThe adage of “you get what you pay for” is one that's applied to many automobiles, and although it's not always true, it applies pretty cleanly to the 2013 Dodge Avenger and the mechanically identical 2013 Chrysler 200. The cars were heavily upgraded for 2011 (and the Chrysler renamed 200, from Sebring), but date to 2007.It should come as no shock that a well-equipped Avenger, priced nearly $4,000 less than the next-cheapest comparably equipped competitor, isn't going to be a class leader. Quite the opposite. It's not without merits – a decently smooth ride, decently roomy interior, and a user-friendly dashboard layout – but its driving dynamics and fuel economy meaningfully lag nearly every other midsize sedan. But if you're comfortable with getting less to pay less, you'll find the basic qualities of a midsize sedan in the Avenger, at a price below many compact cars. It's not expansively roomy, but it has decent space; it doesn't feel small or tinny; and although the interior isn't dressy, it has few glaring quality issues.Especially once higher fuel costs and steeper depreciation have cut into the Avenger's purchase price savings, it's a tough sell over more mechanically sophisticated competitors. But if you're looking merely for transportation at this price point, the Avenger offers it at a healthy discount. Note, too, that you can get a powerful V6 with similar fuel economy to this four-cylinder for about $800 more – which does give the car a unique leg up over competition in this price range.A 2013 Avenger with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $25,125; an estimated transaction price of $20,565; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 20 miles per gallon in the city; 31 mpg on the highway; and 23 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by Darcars Dodge of Rockville, Md.Overall grade: CAvenger rating report cardAvenger ranking report cardNext: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT (8th Place)Previous: 2013 Toyota Camry XLE (10th Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2011 Chrysler 200 Touring V6Review: 2011 Dodge Journey LuxReview: 2011 Dodge Durango CitadelReview: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring-LReview: 2009 Chrysler Sebring LXAll Cars Examiner reviewsView the list »
Though the 2013 Toyota Camry is the best-selling car in the country, the competition has convincingly overtaken it. Though it's perfectly pleasant transportation, today's standard is higher than that.The Camry was redesigned for the 2012 model year, and the changes replaced its particularly cushy demeanor with driving dynamics more like its competitors – the ride became less smooth and quiet, but handling more responsive. The interior was redesigned to be dressier, but although today's Camry avoids the widespread assembly flaws that plagued the previous model, it doesn't really look or feel luxury grade.More than a growing number of midsize sedans, the Camry retains a high roof for plenty of interior space, easy entry/exit, and relatively unimpeded visibility; many others have instead aimed for sleeker styling. But this practicality advantage – which still trails a few competitors – is the car's only positive standout point. On the negative side, it attracts attention for its Poor rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small-overlap offset crash test. It's the only family sedan to have failed this test.Overall, the class standards are high enough that few buyers would be disappointed in the Camry – until they experienced the superior competition, at least. This reviewer's first impressions of the car were that it was just good enough for 2012, and whether it would continue to be competitive would depend on the caliber of redesigned 2013s. That caliber turned out to be higher than the Camry's. A 2013 Camry XLE with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $28,745; an estimated transaction price of $25,817; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 25 miles per gallon in the city; 35 mpg on the highway; and 28 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by Darcars Toyota of Silver Spring, Md.Overall grade: C-Camry rating report cardCamry ranking report cardNext: 2013 Dodge Avenger SXT (9th place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2012 Toyota Camry XLE Review: 2012 Toyota Prius v ThreeReview: 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-InReview: 2010 Toyota RAV4 LimitedReview: 2011 Toyota Corolla SReview: 2011 Toyota Sienna XLEReview: 2010 Toyota Highlander LimitedReview: 2012 Toyota Yaris SEAll Cars Examiner reviews

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Read quick-hit reviews of the 10 midsize family sedans

The midsize family sedan is many automakers' best-seller, and not without good reason. These family-friendly four-doors by and large are fairly spacious, affordable and fuel-efficient – striking what many find to be the ideal balance between a compact car that's too small or cheap-feeling and a pricier full-size or luxury sedan.

Just within the last few months, quantum leaps in several redesigned models have thrown off expectations for what's reasonable to expect from a big four-door priced from the low $20,000s. Economy-car fuel economy and luxury-car style are newly accessible along with more traditional virtues. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also recently ran midsize sedans through its demanding new small-overlap offset crash test – highlighting true safety winners and losers in a marketplace where top scores are expected.

With the bar as high as it is in the midsize family sedan class, it's hard to find a car that looks like a true loser – or the true winner. That said, the different models were each designed with particular tradeoffs that will fit some buyers better than others – style versus utility, ride versus handling, luxury versus value, and others. Some of these cars, too, have flaws that keep them clearly short of that high bar.

This comparison relies on test drives and analyses of price, safety and fuel economy of 10 midsize sedans at the heart of the market to pick winners and losers for different types of customers, and to rank them from top to bottom overall.

Read see the ranking order and quick-take summary reviews of the 10 cars here, or pick an individual car to read about:
2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
2013 Dodge Avenger SXT
2013 Ford Fusion SE
2013 Honda Accord EX-L
2013 Kia Optima EX
2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL
2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited
2013 Toyota Camry XLE
2013 Volkswagen Passat

More from this comparison:
Introduction
Quick take: Short summary reviews of the 10 cars.
Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?
Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers, such as those who prefer sportiness or who prefer value?
Coming soon: Full reviews and photo galleries of each of the 10 cars.

See also:
Comparison review: Eight 2010 midsize sedans
Comparison review: Ten 2011 compact sedans
Comparison review: Eight 2011 large crossovers
Comparison review: Five 2011 minivans
Comparison review: Ten 2012 subcompact hatchbacks
Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima
Review: 2012 Toyota Prius v Three
All Cars Examiner reviews

View the list
  • Though the 2013 Toyota Camry is the best-selling car in the country, the competition has convincingly overtaken it. Though it's perfectly pleasant transportation, today's standard is higher than that.The Camry was redesigned for the 2012 model year, and the changes replaced its particularly cushy demeanor with driving dynamics more like its competitors – the ride became less smooth and quiet, but handling more responsive. The interior was redesigned to be dressier, but although today's Camry avoids the widespread assembly flaws that plagued the previous model, it doesn't really look or feel luxury grade.More than a growing number of midsize sedans, the Camry retains a high roof for plenty of interior space, easy entry/exit, and relatively unimpeded visibility; many others have instead aimed for sleeker styling. But this practicality advantage – which still trails a few competitors – is the car's only positive standout point. On the negative side, it attracts attention for its Poor rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small-overlap offset crash test. It's the only family sedan to have failed this test.Overall, the class standards are high enough that few buyers would be disappointed in the Camry – until they experienced the superior competition, at least. This reviewer's first impressions of the car were that it was just good enough for 2012, and whether it would continue to be competitive would depend on the caliber of redesigned 2013s. That caliber turned out to be higher than the Camry's. A 2013 Camry XLE with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $28,745; an estimated transaction price of $25,817; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 25 miles per gallon in the city; 35 mpg on the highway; and 28 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by Darcars Toyota of Silver Spring, Md.Overall grade: C-Camry rating report cardCamry ranking report cardNext: 2013 Dodge Avenger SXT (9th place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2012 Toyota Camry XLE Review: 2012 Toyota Prius v ThreeReview: 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-InReview: 2010 Toyota RAV4 LimitedReview: 2011 Toyota Corolla SReview: 2011 Toyota Sienna XLEReview: 2010 Toyota Highlander LimitedReview: 2012 Toyota Yaris SEAll Cars Examiner reviews
  • The adage of “you get what you pay for” is one that's applied to many automobiles, and although it's not always true, it applies pretty cleanly to the 2013 Dodge Avenger and the mechanically identical 2013 Chrysler 200. The cars were heavily upgraded for 2011 (and the Chrysler renamed 200, from Sebring), but date to 2007.It should come as no shock that a well-equipped Avenger, priced nearly $4,000 less than the next-cheapest comparably equipped competitor, isn't going to be a class leader. Quite the opposite. It's not without merits – a decently smooth ride, decently roomy interior, and a user-friendly dashboard layout – but its driving dynamics and fuel economy meaningfully lag nearly every other midsize sedan. But if you're comfortable with getting less to pay less, you'll find the basic qualities of a midsize sedan in the Avenger, at a price below many compact cars. It's not expansively roomy, but it has decent space; it doesn't feel small or tinny; and although the interior isn't dressy, it has few glaring quality issues.Especially once higher fuel costs and steeper depreciation have cut into the Avenger's purchase price savings, it's a tough sell over more mechanically sophisticated competitors. But if you're looking merely for transportation at this price point, the Avenger offers it at a healthy discount. Note, too, that you can get a powerful V6 with similar fuel economy to this four-cylinder for about $800 more – which does give the car a unique leg up over competition in this price range.A 2013 Avenger with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $25,125; an estimated transaction price of $20,565; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 20 miles per gallon in the city; 31 mpg on the highway; and 23 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by Darcars Dodge of Rockville, Md.Overall grade: CAvenger rating report cardAvenger ranking report cardNext: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT (8th Place)Previous: 2013 Toyota Camry XLE (10th Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2011 Chrysler 200 Touring V6Review: 2011 Dodge Journey LuxReview: 2011 Dodge Durango CitadelReview: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country Touring-LReview: 2009 Chrysler Sebring LXAll Cars Examiner reviews
  • Many General Motors cars are heavier and less roomy than their competitors, and the newly redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is no exception. The relatively pricey Malibu impresses for the solid feel of its ride and handling – it feels comfortable and capable. But its relative lack of practicality and value – and a mediocre IIHS small-overlap crash test score – hurt it as a family sedan.More than most of its competitors, the Malibu is a car that could be a fine choice for some buyers' tastes and a perfectly lousy one for others.If you'll mostly be driving yourself and one passenger, and are shopping in this class because you want a higher dose of luxury rather than a more expansive interior, the Malibu might well be worth the higher purchase price and fuel costs over less polished competitors. (These buyers, though, might want a peppier engine and more carefully finished interior.)But as a family car, the Malibu falls flat by the class's high standards. Its rear seat is the most cramped in this comparison – it wouldn't even be outstanding in a compact car – and the crash test rating trails only the Toyota Camry's. Couple that with a price that's above the class norm and fuel economy that's below it, and many buyers can comfortably keep the Malibu off their radar.A 2013 Malibu with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $29,175; an estimated transaction price of $26,486; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 22 miles per gallon in the city; 34 mpg on the highway; and 26 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by Sport Chevrolet of Silver Spring, Md.Overall grade: CMalibu rating report cardMalibu ranking report cardNext: 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited (7th Place)Previous: 2013 Dodge Avenger SXT (9th Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu EcoReview: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LTReview: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 2LTReview: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 1LTReview: 2011 Chevrolet Equinox LTZAll Cars Examiner reviews
  • The first impression of the 2013 Subaru Legacy is that its body totally eschews the svelte shapes that are now in vogue in this class. This pretty much carries over to the car's steadfast focus on utility over fanciness, even in a well-optioned top-trim model – and is emphasized even more strongly in the car's standard all-wheel-drive.The high roofline that gives the Legacy its economy-car proportions generates outstanding visibility and a spacious cabin. The interior, though not flashily styled, is well-finished.These are significant merits, to be sure. But the Legacy loses ground to the competition quickly when it's moving, with so-so ride comfort, utterly unengaging handling, and a lethargically droning engine. It's perfectly adequate by most standards, even for its driving dynamics, but if all-wheel-drive isn't a priority, you can do better.Subaru has done a lot to minimize the impact of having all-wheel-drive. Price and fuel economy are within range of the competition – Subaru improved the latter as part of a 2013 update – if not exactly standouts. If you are sold on the car's promise of all-weather capability, the Legacy has all the basics in the class except style. But if you want more than the basics, shop the competition more closely.A 2013 Legacy with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $28,158; an estimated transaction price of $25,417; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 24 miles per gallon in the city; 32 mpg on the highway; and 27 mpg overall.  The tested vehicle was provided by Herb Gordon Subaru of Silver Spring, Md.Overall grade: B-Legacy rating report cardLegacy ranking report cardNext: 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring (6th Place)Previous: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT (8th Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i PremiumReview: 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i LimitedReview: 2010 Subaru Forester 2.0XAll Cars Examiner reviewsSubaru shows new 2013s at New York Auto Show
  • With dynamic styling, excellent fuel economy ratings, and a promise of sporty driving dynamics, the newly redesigned 2014 Mazda6 is attracting significant attention from the fun-focused automotive press.Alas, the car doesn't entirely live up to its significant hype. It does offer the promised blend of sporty handling and a decently roomy interior, but the Mazda6 is just one of several excellent midsize sedans doing so – and it's by far the priciest of them.Furthermore, the Mazda6's handling lacks the brilliant on-center sharpness that makes a car enjoyable to drive even when it's not being pushed hard, which is valuable in a family car. Its comfortable, well-finished interior also lacks pizazz for the price.Buyers who love the look of the Mazda6 should keep it on their lists, as should anyone who wants more driving fun than the average midsize sedan. But most should wait for prices to come down, or pay closer attention to competitors that are a stronger value.A 2014 Mazda6 with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $30,290; an estimated transaction price of $29,139; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 26 miles per gallon in the city; 38 mpg on the highway; and 30 mpg overall.  The tested vehicle was provided by Brown's Mazda of Chantilly, Va.Overall grade: B-Mazda6 rating report cardMazda6 ranking report cardNext: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL (5th Place)Previous: 2013 Subaru Legacy Limited (7th Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2012 Mazda3 i TouringReview: 2013 Mazda CX-5 SportReview: 2010 Mazda6 i Grand TouringReview: 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand TouringReview: 2012 Mazda5 TouringReview: 2012 Mazda2 SportReview: 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special EditionAll Cars Examiner reviews
  • The newly redesigned 2013 Nissan Altima doesn't look exactly newly redesigned. The exterior is a blend of the previous generation Altima, which dates to 2007, and the larger Nissan Maxima, which dates to 2009. The interior isn't much more adventurous, and ho-hum driving dynamics break no new ground.But the Altima's redesign was a success in that Nissan was able to extract compact-car fuel economy out of its midsize sedan without making obvious sacrifices to achieve it. The redesign also largely addresses a rear seat in the previous generation that was less adult-friendly than most competitors'.It's unexciting to look at and to drive, it's still not the roomiest car in its class, and the purchase price isn't exactly a steal. But the unassuming Altima delivers on core family-car values of practicality and efficiency.On the other hand, some competitors come close to the Altima's gas mileage while overtaking it in other areas, such as driving dynamics or interior space. Shop those carefully, too.A 2013 Nissan Altima with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $29,375; an estimated transaction price of $25,544; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 27 miles per gallon in the city; 38 mpg on the highway; and 31 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by Nissan of Chantilly, of Chantilly, Va.Overall grade: BAltima rating report cardAltima ranking report cardNext: 2013 Kia Optima EX (4th Place)Previous: 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring (6th Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2012 Nissan Versa SLReview: 2010 Nissan Maxima SV SportReview: 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SReview: 2011 Nissan Quest SLReview: 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 SAll Cars Examiner reviews
  • It's one of the older cars in the class these days, but the 2013 Kia Optima (and the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, its mechanical twin) is still quite competitive in its third year on the market.Kia has held true to its bargain roots in stuffing the car with features rare in this class – including a heated steering wheel and rear seats, and cooled front seats – for less money than most competitors. But it also includes a healthy dose of style, a powerful but fuel-efficient engine, and a nicely finished interior.The Optima isn't perfect. The car's suspension gives it neither a plush ride nor agile handling, and although the steering does feel nicely weighted in gentle driving, it demonstrates a numb, unnatural feel when you're trying to push the car. And its sleekly raked roofline leaves it with the least rear-seat head space in the class.But the Optima is nonetheless a solidly competitive midsize sedan that looks and feels more expensive than it is.A 2013 Kia Optima with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $27,375; an estimated transaction price of $24,457; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 24 miles per gallon in the city; 35 mpg on the highway; and 28 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by Ourisman Kia of Chantilly, Va.Overall grade: BOptima rating report cardOptima ranking report cardNext: 2013 Volkswagen Passat SE (3rd Place)Previous: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL (5th Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata and Kia OptimaReview: 2012 Kia Optima HybridReview: 2010 Kia Optima SXReview: 2011 Kia Forte EXReview: 2011 Kia Sportage SXReview: 2011 Kia Sedona EXReview: 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-SpecAll Cars Examiner reviews
  • After years of irrelevance in the market, Volkswagen redesigned the Passat for 2012 to prioritize the interior space and value that have long characterized the best-selling midsize sedans here.The 2013 Passat stands out particularly for the former – the cabin is simply cavernous by the standard of any passenger car short of a limousine. The car's everyday comfort, practicality and overall ease of use are all among the best in the highly competitive class.On the value front, though, the Passat takes a hit for its newly outclassed fuel economy ratings, which trail all but the Dodge Avenger in this comparison. Blame an old five-cylinder engine that's pressed into service here in place of the company's pricier but more sophisticated turbocharged four-cylinders. Furthermore, the car's handling and interior quality, while serviceable, are unlikely to attract automobile connoisseurs.The Passat may not have the sophisticated feel of a luxury sports sedan, but if that's not a priority, see if its impressive levels of space and comfort make it worth the fuel economy penalty.A 2013 Volkswagen Passat with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated (imitation) leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $26,875; an estimated transaction price of $25,092; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 22 miles per gallon in the city; 31 mpg on the highway; and 25 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by Rosenthal Volkswagen, of Fairfax, Va.Overall grade: BPassat rating report cardPassat ranking report cardNext: 2013 Honda Accord EX-L (2nd Place)Previous: 2013 Kia Optima EX (4th Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEReview: 2010 Volkswagen GolfReview: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SEAll Cars Examiner reviews
  • Like the Nissan Altima, the 2013 Honda Accord's new redesign is visually undramatic. But Honda did more than just achieve great gas mileage. The new Accord impresses for its interior space, its handling, its visibility, its crash-test results and its interior quality – as well as its fuel economy, which is within reach of the best-in-class Nissan Altima's, trailing the Nissan by just 1 mile per gallon.That said, some will want something sportier, something more luxurious, something more stylish, or something more affordable than the Accord. A somewhat bumpy ride and imperfectly shaped trunk, too, are areas where it trails a number of important competitors.Overall, though, Accord successfully blends the utility of a family sedan with enough handling zest and enough polish to comfortably justify its relatively high price. (The previous generation Accord had the roominess and the high price, but less of the 2013's refinement and driving enjoyment.) It's one of the clear leaders in the class.A 2013 Honda Accord with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $28,785; an estimated transaction price of $26,521; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 27 miles per gallon in the city; 36 mpg on the highway; and 30 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by American Honda.Overall grade: AAccord rating report cardAccord ranking report cardNext: 2013 Ford Fusion SE (1st Place)Previous: 2013 Volkswagen Passat SE (3rd Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2010 Honda Accord EXReview: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-LReview: 2012 Honda Civic EXReview: 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring EliteReview: 2012 Honda CR-V EX-LReview: 2012 Honda Fit SportReview: 2013 Acura ILXAll Cars Examiner reviews
  • The newly redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion makes a dramatic first impression with its sleek styling, and the car has high levels of substance to back it up.The 2013 Fusion is quite a different car from the 2010 model that won this reviewer's previous comparison of midsize sedans. But it largely retains the key elements that made that car successful – a comfortable ride, roomy interior and reasonable pricing – while adding entirely new levels of sophistication and driving enjoyment. It's the most fun car to drive in the class, it has excellent seats, and it's the second-cheapest car in the comparison despite its newness and style.All the flashiness does have its compromises in utility. While decently spacious, the Fusion isn't stretch-out roomy, especially in the rear, nor as easy to get in and out of as the most family-friendly competitors. Visibility is also significantly compromised. And higher-end models have touch-sensitive controls that are irritating even when they're working correctly, and often are not -- avoid them if you can. Also, Ford's fuel-saving technique – using a tiny 1.6-liter engine with a turbocharger – is a complicated solution that yields acceleration and gas mileage that's only in line with the class's newly elevated standards. Aggressive drivers will also likely find that the Fusion's fuel economy drops more quickly than a naturally-aspirated competitor's.But overall, the Fusion does nearly everything at least pretty well, and quite a few things extremely well – its driving dynamics, seat comfort, and value, to name three particularly important attributes. It's a deserving winner.A 2013 Ford Fusion with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, heated leather seats and a sunroof has a sticker price of $27,765; an estimated transaction price of $24,252; and EPA fuel economy estimates of 23 miles per gallon in the city; 36 mpg on the highway; and 28 mpg overall. The tested vehicle was provided by Koons Ford of Silver Spring, Md.Overall grade: AFusion rating report cardFusion ranking report cardPrevious: 2013 Honda Accord EX-L (2nd Place)More from this comparison:Rating the midsize sedans: How do the cars compare in different ways, such as comfort, safety and fuel economy?Ranking the midsize sedans: How do the cars stack up for different types of buyers?Introduction to this comparisonSee also:Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SEReview: 2012 Ford Focus SReview: 2011 Ford Explorer XLTReview: 2012 Ford Fiesta SEAll Cars Examiner reviews
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, Cars Examiner

Brady Holt, a Washington D.C. newspaper reporter, has had a lifelong fascination with cars and helping people choose one to buy. He'd like nothing more than to take your auto advice questions. You can reach him at: cars.examiner@gmail.com.

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