Sedans occupy a special place in the market. Traditionally, they were often seen as a bit stodgy. Manufacturers tried to improve the image, but powerful engines and go-fast stripes did little to hide the family truckster roots of the sedan.
Today, that sensible and sedate image still clings to the four-door, which is great news for buyers. Sedans often cost significantly less than their two-door counterparts, without sacrificing one whit of driving pleasure. They have the same power and performance characteristics as coupes, but with increased versatility.
Here's a list of the best used sedans on the market today.
The Mazda3 is a ubiquitous fixture in parking lots across North America, which creates a fantastic opportunity for the used car buyer. With so many on the market, prices are held low. The 3 was a popular rental vehicle due to its high reliability and low cost of ownership, making fleet sales an excellent place to save even more.
The interior of the car is well laid out, with supportive front seats and ample leg room in the rear. That front seat support comes in handy, because the 3 is by far the most fun car to drive in this segment. Powerful, grippy and responsive, the car enjoys being pushed hard, but is compliant enough to use every day.
Lincoln's entry-level luxury offering debuted as more of a conundrum than a smash hit. Not quite luxurious enough to take on the Germans, and not quite dynamic enough to be a sporting driver's car, people couldn't quite figure out where it was supposed to sit in the echelon, especially since it cost thousands more than the Fusion on which it is based.
In the used market, however, the MKZ makes a lot more sense. It a well-built and reliable car with enough leather and gadgets to make the owner feel pampered. The chassis is solid and responsive, and mates well with the available V6 and all-wheel drive option. It's even handsome, to boot. Once the initial depreciation kicks in, the MKZ become a coveted luxury car bargain.
When the Hyundai Excel launched in the U.S. in 1986, Fortune Magazine named it a "Best Product." Sales of the Sonata began in 1988 and helped cement the Korean automaker's place on the North American playing field. Over 25 years later, the Sonata is still selling strong.
While Hyundai created the brand on budget cars, the offerings today are solidly built, reliable, and backed by some of the best warranties in the business. The Sonata is one of the best looking cars in the segment and, if it won't light any fires on track days, it will drive well: predictably, competently, and without drama. Overall, the Sonata delivers exceptional value for money.
Subaru owners are a unique breed and loyal to the brand almost to the point of fanaticism. It's easy to see why with the Legacy sedan. After only a few hundred feet, the feeling of solidity the car imparts from the famous all-wheel drive is tangible, a feeling absent in several marques costing thousands more.
The sedan is as sure-footed as a goat in all weather and has a capacious interior and trunk. The design may be a touch bland, but Legacy will trundle over hill and over dale in comfort for years to come.
The Cadillac CTS is a powerful sports sedan designed to compete with Mercedes, Lexus, and other luxury marques. It is certainly the most distinctive of the bunch, with crisp lines, an aggressive stance, and sweeping panels. The fit and finish of the car is superb, with an elegant interior befitting a Cadillac.
Power is available in two units: the base 3-liter 270-horsepower V6 and the more desirable direct-injected 3.6-liter, good for 306 horsepower. Handling is surprisingly crisp with a ride that is firm without being jarring.
The CTS is truly a global player, and is also available as a wagon or coupe.
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