Family sedans – Road tests and videos

Our January test group was family sedans. These sedans offer room for four or five passengers and their luggage, plus reasonable fuel economy.

The full road tests from the magazine have been posted at ConsumerReports.org, along with videos hosted by our automotive experts. These videos highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each model, bringing the road tests to life.

Family sedans tested include the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, and Saturn Aura. We also did a head-to-head comparison of the new Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

In the February issue, we’ll report on upscale sedans.

—Desiree Calamari

Comments

[D. Boston]

I have been in a brand new V-6 Malibu. The intereior was tack, things were falling apart, and according to my friend it was expensive.
Also, if you think your bying American, check where the Malibu's are built: Mexico.

[J. Caruana]

Not to disagree with D. Boston, but according to Wikipedia the Malibu is assembled in Kansas City, Kansas or Lake Orion, Michigan. I have a 2008 model with about 11,000 miles and have not had a single problem. The car is amazingly quiet.

[James]

last time i checked,kansas was in the United States-not mexico and has the best initial quality of any mid-size sedan