Personal Picks: Family sedans, part 1

Now that the dust is settling on the New York Auto Show and 2007 Annual April Autos issue, we're catching up on sharing our personal perspectives on the magazine road test group from the March issue: family sedans. This test group included both new models (Saturn Aura) and redesigned ones (Chrysler Sebring, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima).

Midsized, mid-priced family sedans are the bread-and-butter for many auto makers, with the most-popular models selling over 400,000 units a year. There are many choices in this segment, which can make it a challenge for consumers to find the model that best suits their needs and budget. Having evaluated these particular models, and many other sedans in the segment, we present our own family sedan personal picks:

Gene Petersen: There's a lot to choose from in this category, with many models and often a choice of engines, too. It seems to me that the best four-cylinder models are as lively to drive, have practical fuel economy, and have refined road manners. In turn, some of the better V6 models here are very competitive with upscale sedans that cost thousands of dollars more.

Feeling the pressure of escalating energy costs on my wallet, I could be very satisfied with the four-cylinder versions of the venerable Honda Accord and the new Nissan Altima. Both are nicely equipped for around $23,000, fun to drive with nimble handling and a comfortable ride, and have refined powertrains. I especially like the strong 2.5-liter engine in the Altima coupled to one of the most satisfying CVTs around to provide a respectable 25 mpg overall, which beats the fuel-sipping Accord by one mpg. I give the Accord kudos for it quieter and smoother four-cylinder engine, however.  Also, the Accord has nearly bullet-proof reliability and strong resale. The Altima is too new to predict its reliability. One other consideration: I truly like the keyless start system in the Altima and the interior seems more contemporary than the Accord's.  If I'm forced to select one here for myself, I'll be adventuresome and take the Altima.

Rick Small: My favorite family sedans are the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. Being the tallest auto test engineer, they fit me the best. The Altima has one of the best driving positions for tall people, because of the generous head and leg room. Also, both of these cars are sportier than most family sedans. The four-cylinder Altima with the CVT delivers better performance than many V6 family sedans and its fuel economy is among the best. The V6 versions of both sedan are quick and responsive and deliver respectable fuel economy. I also like the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan; they also have a sporty feel and good performance, but they are not quite as comfortable for me as the Accord and Altima.