Personal Picks: Upscale sedans, part 2

Continuing our staff's personal insights into the February-issue upscale sedan test group. (Read: “Personal Picks: Upscale sedans, part 1.”)

Gene Petersen: For me, the timing is just right. I’m experiencing a mid-life crisis, gas prices seem to be back to near record lows when adjusting for inflation, and the car that grabbed my attention is the Pontiac G8. But I wouldn’t just go for the GT version we tested -- I’d get the GXP model with a six-speed manual transmission and a whopping 402-hp, 6.2 liter V8 engine. No telling how long low gas prices will hold, but I think now is the time to own a refined car like GXP. I’ve always wanted a true muscle car to check off on my “bucket list” and this car fills the bill. Not only can it dust off most muscle cars of the past in shear acceleration, it rides and handles better than some well respected foreign brands today. Plus, with good ergonomics and reasonable room, it passes as being a “practical” family car.

Rick Small: In this upscale sedan group, I prefer some of the less expensive models. Their comfort, performance and fuel economy are equal to or greater than much more expensive cars. The new Acura TL is larger and quicker than the previous model but retains the same overall fuel economy of 23 mpg. I personally like the old body style over the new one. The Nissan Maxima is also improved, and, like the TL, delivers strong performance and good fuel economy. Here I like the new Maxima body style over the previous bulbous model. Both of these cars have a roomy and comfortable driving position for taller people. The new Hyundai Genesis is fully competitive; it’s roomy, quick and comfortable but with a less sporty feel. The interior is impressively finished even compared to the more expensive cars around. The V8-powered Pontiac G8 is fun to drive, very quick and comfortable in both the front and back seats. But some controls are awkward and economy is on the low side. Still, it’s a lot of bang for the buck.

Mike Quincy: Like most people I work with, I’m constantly asked by friends and neighbors for car recommendations. My next-door neighbor, Jim, was due for a new car a couple of years ago. After consulting with me and doing a fair amount of research, he chose an Infiniti M35x. Our sons are about the same age and we often carpool to Cub Scouts. Earlier this week, Jim drove us all to a meeting and I was reminded of how nice the M35 is – from the smooth ride, quiet interior and cranking-hot heated seats. The M35 deserves every accolade we’ve thrown at it, but I’m not sure I’d pick it over the Nissan Maxima.

Heresy?  Just hear me out.

I confess to liking the Maxima’s style – it’s slick and modern without looking too showy. The shared 3.5-liter V6 is a gem. Most of the time, I don’t need all-wheel drive (doing without AWD helps explain part of the Maxima’s 500+ pound lighter weight advantage). And compared to the mighty M35x, the Maxima is faster to 60 mph (6.2 seconds vs. 7.0 for the Infiniti), has the same standard safety features, and just about equals it for trunk space and interior quietness. But what puts the Maxima over the top is it gets better fuel economy (22 mpg overall vs. 18 for the M) and it’s $15,000 cheaper. I know the Maxima isn’t perfect (the low-beam headlights stink and it requires premium fuel), and I appreciate my colleagues’ affection for the G8. But the Maxima does many things well and it doesn’t cost a ton. It’s a good car…Scout’s honor.

Comments

[david]

We got a pick for used M35. Two for new G8 sedans. One for Maxima. How about a used E350 or 335i?

[Tom Mutchler]

David, I gave the E350 honorable mention in my pick. Even with improving reliability, it's not the equal to the M35. The 335i is fun, but it's also a class smaller than the cars we're discussing.