Personal Picks: Sporty cars, part 2

Continuing our staff's personal insights into the October-issue sporty car test group. (Read: “Personal Picks: Sporty cars, part 1.”)

Rick Small: I was a bit disappointed in the new Subaru WRX/STi. The cars have more power but lost some of the sporty feel in acceleration and handling, thus losing some appeal. The Evo is much sportier with better low-end power and crisper handling. It is an enthusiast’s car with a stiff ride, limited driving position, and plenty of noise that may be too much for everyday use for some people. Definitely a “try before you buy.” And the Volkswagen R32 is nice. Still, I like the 135i best. It fits my tall body better than most competing models, and it’s quick, refined and sporty (but expensive). For a lot less money, the Cobalt SS is also quick, sporty and more fun to drive than you’d think.

Mike Quincy: I had the pleasure of buying the BMW 135i for the test program. When I drove it off the lot, I immediately knew this car was special. Didn’t take more than a few miles to realize that maybe (just maybe) this is the car that will help get BMW back on track. The 135i is a thrill to drive – it’s light, quick, has sensitive steering and fits me perfectly. But what turns the corner for this car is that its controls are WAY easier than any BMW we’ve tested for the last four or five years. There’s no iDrive, no confusing navigation system (although this stuff is optional…I wouldn’t bother). I wrote in the car’s logbook that the 135i is “magical.” I’ll also add that the 135i is a car that I’d drive for the rest of my life. Yes, it’s that good.

Gabe Shenhar: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo really gets my adrenaline going and puts a big grin on my face every time I drive it. This road rocket is a true driving machine with terrific handling; it’s essentially a go-kart with four doors. But you’ve got to be the most die-hard type to endure this car with its stiff ride and frenetic highway behavior.

That’s why my pick is the BMW 135i. It’s agile and fun yet smooth in every move, whether it’s the clutch action, shifter, steering, or the punchy, linear power delivery of the twin-turbo six-cylinder engine. It rides compliantly and lets you hear only the noises you want to hear. The seat, driving position, and interior quality are first class, as in every BMW. The car is perceived as small and expensive. But since it provides such a spectacular driving experience, close to, say, a Porsche Boxster, it’s a relative bargain in my opinion.

Tom Mutchler: For me, this group of sports sedans brought a bunch of surprises:

·    It’s amazing how enjoyable the BMW 135i is to drive, even beyond the high standards set by the various automatic-equipped 3 Series models we’ve tested. As I wrote before in “From the logbook,” it’s not perfect, but it’s a whole lot of fun.

·    What isn’t a whole lot of fun is driving the Subaru WRX and STi. Going beyond the turbocharged powertrain, I enjoyed driving our base Legacy 2.5i sedan more; it had better steering and body control. Tellingly, Subaru is making major revisions to the WRX just one year after introduction. Too bad they didn’t get it right the first time.

·    The Cobalt SS is the prime automotive example of making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. I liked the supercharged version we tested in 2005, but this turbocharged model is even more fun and refined. It’s truly a welcome surprise.

·    One of the few automotive regrets I have is not buying a first-generation (1991-1994) Nissan Sentra SE-R. The new car, while likely empirically better in every way, just isn’t fun to drive.

Since we combined two price classes here, I have two picks this month. (Let’s assume I need a back seat, so a Miata is out of the running.) For $24K, I’d buy a VW GTI four-door – it’s practical, fun, and well-equipped. At $37K, I would find it very hard to resist an Infiniti G37 coupe. This gentleman’s coupe looks awesome (without all of the boy-racer flippery of the Evo or STi), has a great powertrain, and is roomier than the tight 135i.

One last surprise might be on the horizon: Could the Hyundai Genesis coupe be a contender? The specs and tentative pricing look very promising, but Hyundai isn’t known for building sports cars. We’ll see…

From the logbook: Infiniti EX35

Sometimes the question of how do you make a good car better can be answered with “just add some utility.” For example, the folks at Infiniti infused their already great G35 sedan with a hatchback cargo area and created, basically, a wagon. Or is it an SUV? Infiniti calls it a "personal luxury crossover." (Reminds  me of the pitch for the "personal luxury cars" of the ‘70s…like the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Oldsmobile Toronado. But I digress...)

Our EX35 Journey AWD model came equipped with the Premium Package, plus a few odds and ends, and it stickered at $39,425. So did the EX make the G more of a good thing? Here’s a look at the first impressions from the testers’ logbook:

"Small and nimble—very much like the G but quieter and rides better."

"Very good steering and responsive handling."

"Great power, responsive transmission."

"20 mpg is not impressive."

"Rear visibility is really hindered to the corners by huge pillars and the restraints."

"Cannot tip the driver’s seat for thigh comfort, and the seatback is too narrow."

"Beautiful fit and finish."

"Sloping roof and tight back seat limit cargo and passenger room."

"I like how the mirrors light up when you approach the vehicle."

"Hard to pigeonhole the car…hatchback? Wagon? Has a lot of appeal, though."

"Why doesn’t $40K get you a nav system or back-up camera?"

"The car’s size is tough to justify for a family, as rear seat room is quite tight."

"What’s not to like about an all-weather G35 with a bigger trunk?"

There are times when things get lost in the translation, but, overall, many of the driving virtues we so strongly praise in the G35 are alive and well in the EX35. But the jury’s still out as to whether or not the extra utility (and price: our EX is about $1,900 more than a similarly equipped G35 AWD) are worth it. Then again, none of us here fit the yuppie-couple-with-a-dog-in-the-city profile at which the marketers are aiming the EX. We’ll have a full comparison test with this and several competing models—including the Land Rover LR2 and Volkswagen Tiguan—in the pages of Consumer Reports in the coming months.

—Mike Quincy

Midsized sedan crash tests - front, side looking good

In the latest crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), all seven midsized sedans provide good frontal crash protection and six provide good side-impact protection. However, results for the rear tests were mixed, with only the Kia Optima earning a good rating. With its latest report, the Institute notes that there has been a marked improvement in side-crash performance for midsized sedans, but it appears more can be done to protect passengers from possible whiplash injuries from rear-end collisions.

As we wrote in "Many cars don't protect against whiplash injuries": "A rear-end crash occurs every 17 seconds in the U.S. But a surprising number of vehicles offer inadequate protection from the whiplash injuries that can result, according to crash-test data and our own analysis."

This is again proven true with the latest test results from the IIHS, in which five of the seven vehicles tested earned marginal or poor ratings for rear-crash protection. Because rear crashes are rarely fatal, and the IIHS rear tests relatively new, Consumer Reports does not currently use them as a prerequisite for recommending a vehicle.

The good news with this test group is that vehicles are indeed improving, with better designs and increased safety equipment enabling them to more effectively protect occupants in the high-risk front and side collisions. As always, do check safety ratings before making a vehicle purchase. 

Midsized sedans
The April crash-test group from IIHS is listed below in rank order, with the specific air bag configuration tested and applicable model years listed. See how these vehicles perform in the crash test videos.

Dodge Avenger / Chrysler Sebring
Front - Good; Side - Good; Rear - Acceptable
With front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2008 Avenger, 2007-2008 Sebring

Infiniti G35
Front - Good; Side - Good; Rear - Marginal
With front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models

Nissan Altima
Front - Good; Side - Good; Rear - Marginal
With front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models

Chevrolet Malibu
Front - Good; Side - Good; Rear - Marginal
With front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags.
Front and rear: 2008 models. Side: 2008 models built after February 2008.

Saturn Aura
Front - Good; Side - Good; Rear - Marginal
With front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2007-2008 models

Mitsubishi Galant
Front - Good; Side - Good; Rear - Poor
With front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags.
Front and rear: 2004-2008 models. Side: 2007-2008 models.

Kia Optima
Front - Good; Side - Acceptable; Rear - Good
With front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags.
Front and rear: 2006-2008 models. Built after September 2005.
Side: 2006-2008 models. Built after June 2006.

See how these sedans and more than 200 other models perform in the crash test videos.

—Jeff Bartlett

Consumer Reports' Top Picks 2008

This year's Top Picks in 10 categories include four new models. For the first time since 2005, a U.S. model, the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado, made the list as our choice in pickup trucks. And for the first time ever, a South Korean automaker is represented: The Hyundai Elantra SE and Santa Fe are our top small sedan and midsized SUV, respectively. The fourth new entry is the Lexus LS 460L, the highest-scoring vehicle we've tested and best among luxury sedans.

Choosing the Top Picks
Our Top Picks are the most well-rounded models in their categories. Each must meet these stringent requirements:

• Road tests: Each Top Pick scores at or near the top of its category among more than 260 vehicles we've recently tested at our Auto Test Center.
• Reliability: Each has an average or better predicted-reliability Rating, based on the problems subscribers reported on almost 1.3 million vehicles in our Annual Car Reliability Survey.
• Safety: Top Picks have performed adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or the insurance industry. Starting this year, they also must provide a critical safety feature, electronic stability control (ESC), either as standard equipment or as a readily available option. That's why the Honda Accord, for example, is the Top Pick in family sedans over the Nissan Altima. The Altima scored slightly higher in CR's testing, but offers ESC only as a pricey option on the V6 and standard on the hybrid model.

"All the vehicles in Consumer Reports' Top Picks list are standouts for performance, versatility, reliability, and safety," says David Champion, senior director of automotive testing, Consumer Reports. "CR's Top Picks list is a great place for consumers to start when they're looking for a new car."

Consumer Reports' testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or Web site. More than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of braking, handling, comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Around 6,000 miles of general driving and evaluations are racked up on each test car during the testing process.

Here, by category, are the Top Picks:

Green car - Toyota Prius
Small sedan - Hyundai Elantra SE
Family sedan - Honda Accord
Upscale sedan - Infiniti G35
Luxury sedan - Lexus LS 460L
Fun to drive - Mazda MX-5 Miata
Small SUV - Toyota RAV4
Midsized SUV - Hyundai Santa Fe
Minivan - Toyota Sienna
Pickup truck - Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

Read the full story and watch the Top Picks videos.

Consumer Reports' Annual April Auto Issue is on sale from March 4 through June 4, and it is available wherever magazines are sold. Visit the April Auto Issue special section.

Personal picks: sports sedans, part 1

This month's selections come from an entertaining group. Sports sedans have been favorites of ours for a long time. Most are fun to drive, deliver decent driver comfort, and just enough luxury touches to remind you that you're in something special. There were miles of smiles during the testing, with all of these cars having fairly distinct personalities.

Which ones rose to the top? Take a look.

Tom Mutchler: This group of sports sedans raises a basic question: Is it more important to look good or to feel good? And is either enough?

Two cars in this group appeal to me: the Cadillac CTS and BMW 328i. The CTS simply looks awesome, inside and out. It blends a uniquely American audacity without going over the top. This great-driving car requires very few excuses, something that couldn't be said for the last CTS (and I was a fan of that one, too).

But, the BMW 328i drives better. There is no getting around that. We drive our one-day trip test convoy over some very enjoyable, twisty roads. When driving the BMW, I wanted to run over the car ahead of me, like the one I was following was holding me back. Cliches fall easily to hand, like "The BMW is a back-road scalpel."

Does that alone make it my pick? After our sports sedan report was published, I read some enthusiast forum comments from BMW owners sniffing about where the 3 Series placed. Sure the car drives great. But in this class that isn't enough. It's small inside; it costs a ton of money for not much power; the standard 16-inch rolling stock looks lame in this class; and even without iDrive, some controls are stupid for stupid's sake.

So, while some online BMW owners deride it as the "blue light special" in this class, my vote winds up with the Infiniti G35. The combination of big power and exuberant handling goads you to have fun with the car. It's attractive inside and out--something I can't say for any current BMW. And unlike the 3 Series, you don't have to pay a big premium for decent tires and big power.

Gabe Shenhar: Out of this group, as well as this whole category, there's no question that I'm going with the BMW 3 Series. It's such a terrific driver's car that's thoroughly enjoyable, yet totally livable. In terms of what makes a sports sedan a sports sedan, in my opinion, no one has yet surpassed it, even though several competitors come close.

What makes the 3 Series special? It's that extra measure of steering feedback and response, tied-down ride control, and good compliance that speak to driving connoisseurs.

Unfortunately, BMW chose to equip the non-sports package cars with underachieving Bridgestone Turanza run-flat tires, which cost the car points in our testing in terms of empirical stopping distance and avoidance maneuver speed. To make this car really spectacular, I'd buy the optional sports package, bringing sharper steering response and more grip, yet a negligible loss of ride comfort. I realize I'd have to switch to winter tires, as the performance tires are not all-season, but I do that anyway.

What I also love about this car is the pull of the straight six-cylinder engine, which sings a perfect soundtrack, be it the 230 hp in the 328i or the 300 hp in the 335i. Thankfully, our 328i also delivers decent fuel economy, so I won't feel guilty. That awesome powertrain (even with the automatic) and sporty handling, augmented by supportive seats and the innate quality of the interior can really start my day on a good note. Yes, the car has a few flaws, such as some unnecessarily complicated controls and a cramped rear seat. But ultimately, when it comes to sports sedans, what matters is which car puts a bigger smile on your face.  And, for me, my smile is never broader than when I'm driving a 3 Series.

For more on this sports sedan group, read the road tests and watch our review videos.

Getting in and out of a tight spot

Struggling to squeeze into a tight parking space ranks right up there with holiday mall traffic on the driver irritation list. The beeping front and rear proximity sensors on many cars’ backup sensors can help, but they still leave you feeling like you’re parking with blinders on. Lexus, of course, addressed the situation with its self-parking LS. But we found that to be a limited success; it’s not ideal for tight spots, it can be hit or miss in the best of situations, and often by the time you’ve lined everything up enough for the system to be happy, you could have already parked manually and been done with it.

At the LA Auto Show, I got my first close-up look at Infiniti’s new Around View Monitor (AVM) system, which is optional on the new EX35, and could make the task of tight parking a lot more manageable.

The AVM system is a 360-degree exterior camera that allows a driver to see all sides of the vehicle at one time. It uses four cameras: one under each side mirror and one each on the front and rear. The images are arranged on the in-dash display so that the driver gets a top-down view of the car. This allows you to see the area around both bumpers and both sides of the vehicle. In other words, you can visually monitor how close you are to other cars and miscellaneous dent-inducing objects, while also making sure that your passenger doesn’t have to step into a puddle on the way out.

Unlike conventional rear backup camera systems, the AVM can be used in any gear and stays on up to a vehicle speed of 6 mph.

I can also see security uses for this system. For instance, the EX35 just wouldn’t work well in a horror movie, because occupants could too easily watch every move as Jason or whatever creature tried to creep up to the car from the dark woods nearby. So much for suspense.

The AVM system is coupled with a standard rear backup camera that provides an extended view rearward. And, according to an Infiniti representative, it comes on instantly when a driver shifts into reverse rather than first flashing logos and assorted graphics, as some competitors’ systems do, that make the driver wait to see what’s behind.

—Rik Paul

Scratches, heal thyself!

It’s inevitable that a car’s finish will pick up minor scratches and swirl marks. This can be caused by such things as using a drive-through car wash that hasn't been well maintained, running fingernails across the paint around door handles, or simply sliding a grocery bag across the hood.

On the new Infiniti EX35, however, such scratches can be merely a temporary annoyance. That’s because Infiniti is introducing a new clearcoat paint technology on the EX, called Scratch Shield, which the company describes as self-healing. That is, the clearcoat automatically smoothes out such scratches and swirl marks, and is said to maintain its gloss for the life of the vehicle.

According to an Infiniti representative, the paint has a gel-like layer that softens under higher temperatures, allowing it to blend together and fill in small scratches. This will happen, for instance, on a warm summer day where temperatures reach into the 80- or 90-degree F range. The process can also be speeded up by pouring hot water on the paint.

To illustrate this at the LA Auto Show, the Infiniti rep used a wire brush to lightly scratch a small panel that had been coated with the finish. Then he got a cup of hot water from the Infiniti display’s handy cappuccino machine and poured it on half of the panel. Sure enough, the lighter scratches smoothed over within seconds, regaining its smooth, scratch-free look. This could be especially handy for optimum curb appeal come trade-in or resale time.

Scratch Shield, however, can’t help you if the scratches are too deep, such as those that go through the clearcoat or pigment layer. For those, it’s off to the detailer or paint shop. While the feature is appearing first on the EX35, it will be standard on all 2009 Infiniti models except the QX SUV.

—Rik Paul

Personal Picks: Luxury sedans

This month's test groups allow us to visit the rarified field of luxury sedans. The prices--ranging from $45,700 (Infiniti M35) to $90,200 (Mercedes-Benz S550)--are so far out of reach for "normal" people that a few of wondered if these cars could possibly live up to expectations. Is $50,000 too much to spend on a car? Sales figures show there are thousands of consumers with the cash (or a fairly substantial credit rating) to buy or lease them. We measured, tested, and rated collection of such cars, reporting in the November issue and online.

Now, it is time again for our intrepid engineers and editors to answer the daunting question: Which one would you want in your garage? Our initial answers are below, with more to follow in a future post. We look forward to reading your thoughts in the Comments and in the Cars forum.

Rick Small: In this class, I like the Infiniti M35 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. I was never a diesel fan, but the new E320 BlueTec is a very nice car--it has no diesel smell, plenty of performance, and none of the usual diesel clatter that you're used to hearing. In fact, both the E320 and E350 are a pleasure to drive, with a fine combination of sporty ride and handling, good isolation, and quiet interiors. The M35 is even sportier and delivers more road feel for the enthusiast. All of these now are more of a driver's car than the BMW 5 Series, which seems to be losing its niche. The big Mercedes-Benz S550 is a wonderful car that does every thing well, but is just too cost prohibitive for most. Plus, Mercedes' reliability leaves much to be desired. The M35 will save you money and is more reliable. For even less money, the Infiniti G35 delivers fun, agile performance. I also would be very happy with the sporty Acura TL, which is very reliable, a good value, and has a better driving position for taller people than most of the more expensive models here.

Gabe Shenhar: I may be a minority opinion here, but our top-rated midsized luxury car, the Infiniti M35, doesn't feel special enough to me despite its many virtues. My gripes stem from the M's ride and noise isolation, which aren't on par with the comparable Mercedes and BMW models.

I think the E-Class is truly an impressive car, whether you choose the E320 diesel or E350 gas model. It also looks good and is really worth more than the sum of its parts. But, alas, I personally don't perceive of myself as a Mercedes-Benz owner. And I don't see myself in one of the two super-luxury cruisers we tested, the Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes S550. Both are impressive in their own right, but neither appeal to me at this phase of my life. They are just too large and ostentatious for my humble needs.

That leaves the BMW 5 Series. [Now there's a car for "humble needs" - Ed.]. Not that the car is flawless, but the 535i would be my choice. The 300-hp, twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder makes for a peach of an engine; the turbo is so well-integrated that you never know it's there. The agility and the feedback of the handling, ride control, interior quality, and seat comfort are all BMW. This car cooperates no matter your mood: It can be a docile cruiser with its quiet interior and supple ride, or, when the shifter is slapped into manual mode and the stability control turned off, the car is game for being sporty and involving. (See our BMW video for a demonstration.) Unfortunately, I'd have to deal with iDrive.

Luxury and ultra-luxury sedan tests and videos

Last month we looked at affordable small and sporty small cars. This month we drove vehicles on other end of the price spectrum by testing luxury and ultra-luxury sedans for the November 2007 issue. These vehicles offer a high level of comfort, roominess, and luxury features at a premium price.

The full road tests from the magazine have been posted at ConsumerReports.org, along with videos from our auto staff experts. These videos highlight our tests of each vehicle, plus our experts demonstrate some of the latest technologies.

"The Money Class" features the BMW 535i (ahem, drifting), Infiniti M35, Mercedes-Benz E-Class (which includes the E320 diesel engine as well as the E350), Lexus GS 450h, and the Volvo S80. Watch the videos.

"Ultra-lux face-off" features a one-on-one showdown of the Lexus LS 460L and Mercedes-Benz S550. These cars were covered in a comparison article in print, though we will soon have full road tests posted in the model overview pages (available to online subscribers). Watch the videos.

--Liza Barth

Personal picks: Upscale sedans, part 3

Here are more staff perspectives on the upscale sedans test group:

Jon Linkov: I'm a member of the demographic that is perfect for these smaller, sporty sedans (dual income, no kids...DINK), but I'm having a real hard time picking any of them as a favorite. Yes, the new Infiniti G is a head-and-shoulders improvement over the previous generation. The interior is significantly better and the engine is even more powerful, but the lack of a sixth gear for the automatic is painful, both at highway speeds and in the wallet when you have to fill up with premium. The mileage for the G and what I find as a smallish trunk and rear seat rule it out. (Hey, DINKs have other DINKs as friends!)

I'm personally partial to Audis (own two, have leased a third), but they've gotten too heavy for my tastes. Where is “Sporty” and “Light” in German cars? Now we have “Heavy (though powerful)” and “Complicated.”

No, if I was spending cash right now and only had these models to choose from, I'd probably buy the Altima 2.5 S. Mileage is good at 25 mpg overall, performance is more than needed one these congested Tri-State (NY/NJ/CT) roads, and it's a pretty roomy car. The V6 is a sweet car, but the $9,000 price difference would make the four-cylinder model even more appealing.

I'm also looking forward to spending time in an Altima Hybrid, when CR tests it. I spent some time driving a press model in California (along with an Altima coupe) and really liked it. Sporty-ish and great mileage? There’s a lot to like.

Eric Evarts: My editor, and faithful readers, will confirm that I’m known for rooting for the underdog in these exercises. Not this time. As far as I’m concerned, the Infiniti G35 has little competition in this category. I confess that I even felt the same way about the old G35, despite its plasticky interior and slightly goofy ergonomics. For me, this one eliminates those flaws and wipes the competition off the map. Let’s see, the competition: Almost any BMW newer than about 15 years old makes me feel like a yuppie poseur behind the wheel. (OK, I loved the old M-coupe despite its flaws and especially the Z8, which had few.) I used to love the Audi A4, but the new turbo engine sounds like a tractor and the car has become a bit too upscale. The Mercedes C-Class is nice, but it is cramped and has frustrating controls. The reliability of all three ranges from dubious to downright poor.

 

The G35 has razor-sharp handling; a silky rocket of a power plant; a decent back seat; and every whiz-bang electronic gizmo you could want. Plus, the old model had excellent reliability in its last years. All I’m left wishing for is to be able to order one with all-wheel-drive and a manual transmission.

Personal Picks: Upscale sedans, part 2

Here are more staff perspectives on the upscale sedans test group:

Jake Fisher: This month’s pick is easy! The Infiniti G35 is amazing. The car drives like 300-hp Miata with room for four. With its quick reflexes and progressive breakaway, the rear-drive model is one of the most rewarding cars to drive on our track. My boss might take the cost of a set of tires out of my pay, but it was worth it!!

Tom Mutchler: As a champion of the creed “driving a slow car fast is more fun than driving a fast car slow,” I have a crisis of confidence here. That mantra would have me picking an Acura TSX with the six-speed manual. It feels light and nimble on its feet, four-cylinders are certainly enough, and a sub-$30,000 price tag is pleasing.

But. My colleague Jake Fisher calls the stunningly-fast Infiniti G35 a “four-door Miata.” (And we know how much Tom loves the Miata: ED.) That’s good enough for me; I’m sold. The G packs 306 horsepower and great handling, but it still cossets with a beautiful and comfortable interior with optional state-of-the-art electronics. More telling, along with the Infiniti M35, the G35 has squelched my long-held desires to own a BMW sedan. Sure, the 3 Series has a bit better steering feel and ride, but the difference is nuanced and the G is no slouch in those regards. (Never mind the G35’s much cheaper price, or its huge base power advantage, or that Infiniti, thankfully, didn’t go and redesign/overcomplicate simple controls like BMW did to the 3’s turn signal lever or the panel dimmer control….)

Mike Quincy: I know my colleagues are going to bust a gut laughing at this one, but my pick for this month is the Saab 9-5. I realize that it’s one of the bottom-rated models within this category (and it came in dead-last in this test group), but for some reason the old 9-5 still speaks to me. Maybe it’s the steering feedback or the thrust of the turbocharged engine… I don’t know exactly why I like it. Or, perhaps when I was in college, a Saab was THE car to own – and I never came close. I like the way the 9-5 looks, and I fit well in the seats. Most of the other cars are faster, handle better and a few get better fuel economy. But I find that the Lexus ES350 has no soul, the Nissan Maxima is boring, the Lincoln MKZ does nothing for me that the cheaper Fusion doesn’t do, and I’m MUCH too young to fall in love with the Buick Lucerne (but its V8 engine is a gem). I really like the G35. It’s so clearly an engineering marvel-–I spent a great deal of time driving our RWD model back from North Carolina–-but when it came time to pluck a set of keys off of our car board, I kept reaching for the 9-5. Personality goes a long way with me, and what the 9-5 gives up in performance to the G, it more than makes up for it with character.

Personal Picks: Upscale sedans

Upscale sedans is one of my favorite groups of cars. While these models are not as expensive as the top-of-the-line hardware from the best and brightest car companies, they represent a balance of performance, style, and luxury at a not quite bank-breaking price. Who am I kidding: I can't justify my buying one of these, but they're closer to my budget realities than the premium Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, or Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans. The so-called "affordable luxury" class (sounds like car PR-speak to me) is priced starting at the upper end of the family sedan market, meaning these models may not be as out of reach as you'd think. This month's magazine test category ranges roughly from $27,000 to $41,000. There are several stand-outs here, but let's go beyond the Ratings (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers) to get down to the models that really appeal to us.

Here is the first installment of the staff's "Personal Picks" from the June issue. --Mike Quincy.

Rick Small: In this group, the Infiniti G35 really stands out as a sporty and fun car to drive. It has great road feel and a firm but sporty ride that isn't punishing. The powerful V6 delivers strong performance, sounds great, and is quicker than many V8s. Fuel economy is decent considering the high level of performance. The AWD model is a little less sporty to drive and uses a bit more fuel. I would go with the RWD model and get a set of good snow tires for the winter. The Lexus ES350 is refined and quiet but doesn't even try to be sporty. I also like the Acura TL; it has a good combination of luxury and sport.  For my tall frame (I'm 6' 4"), the TL has more room and a better driving position than the G35. The Nissan Maxima is very roomy but I would go with the Altima and save some money. Likewise, a Honda Accord EX V6 comes close enough to the Acura TL for less money.

David Champion: The RWD Infiniti G35 is just like a luxury roadster, with great handling and steering, reasonable amount of room, comfortable interior, good fit and finish, awesome power, and good mpg.

Gabe Shenhar: Out of this group, there isn't much of a question that I'm going with our Top Pick, the Infiniti G35. I won't elaborate on it anymore since enough ink and paper (as well as fuel and rubber) has been spent on its merits. But, somehow, I 'm missing something when driving the G35.

What is it? Perhaps it's that extra measure of steering feel and ride control and compliance that may speak to driving connoisseurs. That's why out of the larger set of cars in this category, my personal pick is the BMW 3 Series -- most likely the 328i. It's such a terrific driver's car that's enjoyable, yet docile. I'd probably go for the optional Sports Package for the sharper steering response and negligible loss of ride comfort. When you're in the mood, the straight-six engine pulls strongly and provides a perfect soundtrack. The agile handling, communicative steering, unfazed body motions on fast bumpy corners, and awesome powertrain (even with the automatic) can really start my day on a good note.

I realize I'll be giving up the head snapping 5.4 seconds 0-60 mph sprint of the more powerful G35, but let's be honest here: I'm WAY past the age of drag racing. I'd rather live with the more gradual throttle response of the BMW. Plus, it has a more comfortable ride and better fuel economy. But I'm justifying and there is no need to. Ultimately, when it comes to sports sedans, it's often a choice you make with your heart rather than your head.

Buying Experience: Infiniti G35, part 3

As we return to Connecticut, this is the final chapter in our quest for an Infiniti G35 without AWD, though we will continue to report on our findings online, and in Consumer Reports magazine.

Day 2, 8:25 AM - I cruise out of Maryland and head toward that ultra-boring strip of highway known as Interstate 95. But I'm on a mission to bring this car back to our track this day, and the G35's luxurious interior and fine-sounding stereo make the miles of dull highway bearable. Plus, there are signs for Starbucks located at the rest areas. 

10:30 AM - Found a great college radio station out of Philadelphia, WXPN. Cruising north in New Jersey, I'm amazed at the responsiveness of the G35's 3.5-liter V6 engine. It feels so powerful that it's almost like Nissan put a turbocharger in it and didn't tell anybody. You could build an entire car company around this powerplant. Come to think of it, they basically did. 

As I enter the final stretch of asphalt leading toward the George Washington Bridge, I pull in to the Vince Lombardi rest area for a break. This football coach was known for wise, inspiring messages to his players -- you best be a convincing leader if you're trying to get men to play ball in the numbing Wisconsin winter -- but the one that stands out in my mind and seems to represent my trip to deliver the G35 is summed up here: 

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious." 

1:30 PM - After about 12 hours and 777 miles, the G35 arrives in Connecticut. If the trip computer is accurate, I averaged about 23.9 mpg on mostly highway driving. (We recorded 20 mpg overall in the last G35 we tested, and this one isn't broken in yet.) I didn't stagger in and lie "exhausted on the field of battle," but I certainly felt victorious in bringing this test car home. Stay tuned for the full test of this sedan and several upscale peers.--Mike Quincy

Buying Experience: Infiniti G35, part 2

How far can you push yourself or a machine in order to accomplish the impossible? Well, in this case, it was really fairly easy. Still, to get a rear-wheel drive Infiniti G35 from the "down south" to our test track in Connecticut took some doing. Here's the follow-up piece to our first installment of "Buying Experience: Infiniti G35" in which I undertook a journey to buy and deliver our latest test car.

Day 1, 4:45 AM - The livery service arrives in a black Lincoln Town Car in the pre-dawn hours to take me to the airport. My flight leaves at 6:30 AM, but check-in takes forever. I carry a travel mug filled with high-test Starbucks coffee.

6:45 AM - The pilot announces that the airport to which we are traveling is socked in with fog; we'll be delayed about 30 minutes.

9:30 AM - We finally touch down at the airport, an hour behind schedule. There's a message on my cell phone from my salesman, who's picking me up at the airport. Wants to know if I'm lost.

10:15 AM - Arrive at the dealer to sign the papers, get the keys, and get going. I notice that a rubber gasket surrounding the sunroof is askew. Car goes to the service department to be fixed.

11:00 AM - I zero-out the trip odometer and hit the road. My goal is to reach my sister's house by dinner time. MapQuest estimates that it's about seven hours away. But while the car's tank is full, mine's empty, so I stop by a Sonic Drive-In for something called a "Denver Omelet Burrito" (ham, eggs, shredded cheese, green peppers, and diced onions wrapped in a flour tortilla) and more of that Starbucks rocket fuel. Yes, I am a coffeeholic. 

I can't resist taking a picture outside the Lowe's Motor Speedway while passing through Concord, NC. This arena is huge. And while our G35's 306-hp six-cylinder doesn't quite qualify it to run with the 750-hp V8 big dogs of the NASCAR, fans of this most popular race series better get used to seeing a Japanese nameplate circling the race circuits; Toyota plans on entering its Camry in next year's Nextel Cup and Busch Series.

1:00 PM - As I'm driving through NASCAR nation, I fully expect to find a plethora of the two most popular radio formats on the dial: country and western. But, I came across almost as many hip-hop and R&B stations as country. Sadly, our G35 isn't equipped with the optional satellite radio.

6:40 PM - After about seven hours on the road and 428 miles, I make it to my sister's house in Silver Spring, MD, for a hot meal and comfortable bed. (I would have beaten MapQuest's estimate if it wasn't for the hideous Beltway traffic around Washington, D.C.)--Mike Quincy

Buying Experience: Infiniti G35

What we won’t do for you, our faithful blog readers…

Buying CR test cars isn’t always easy. Car magazines, online publications, or newspaper reviewers simply call the manufacturer and get a press car delivered. But it’s quite another thing to have to buy (and sell) over 80 cars a year like Consumer Reports does. Since we’re often buying the first so-and-so to hit the showroom floor, it becomes a balancing act between getting the car quickly so that we can report on it and trying to get the right mix of options appropriate for our tests. After all, we don’t have time to special order cars from the factory. 

Sometimes acquiring the right car can be a real hassle, as experienced by the travails of buying our latest 2007 Infiniti G35. As mentioned in our earlier “Just In” blog entry, we bought an all-wheel-drive G35x because many readers wanted to know how the previous-generation G35x performed. But to better compare the new Infiniti with the predominantly two-wheel-drive sedans in our Ratings (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers), and to better serve our subscribers/readers who don’t live where it snows, we also wanted to test the regular rear-wheel-drive G35.

This proved to be something of a problem. Both our online inventory queries and the search attempts of various dealerships revealed that the few RWD G35s available in the Northeast were loaded G35 Sport models. As a rule of thumb, unless we’re putting together a very targeted test group of sports cars, CR tends not to buy cars equipped with “sports packages.” Such packages often include bigger summer performance tires, larger brakes, and sometimes different-tuned suspension and steering. While car magazines often test cars so-equipped, most buyers don’t opt for these packages. Because of that, CR only buys sports package-equipped sedans when it’s the only way to buy them (like the Mercedes-Benz C230) or when it’s the only way to get a certain important option (like to get stability control on a Cadillac CTS 2.8.) 

So, we had to take some out-of-the-ordinary steps to buy our RWD G35 Journey. I’ll be getting on an airplane traveling South to pick up this model and will be driving back to CT over the next few days to put miles on it. I’ll let you know how the buying experience went and how the trip back to the Northeast is going, so check back soon. --Mike Quincy (with reporting by Tom Mutchler)

Just In: Infiniti G35x

We just bought a redesigned 2007 G35x luxury sports sedan for our test fleet. Over the last few years, we've received several forum inquiries from readers in inclement climes asking how the all-wheel-drive G35x performed. (We tested a rear-drive G35 back in 2003.) Given that the previous-generation, rear-wheel-drive G35 was something of a sled, traction-wise, in the winter, it isn't a big surprise that quite a few buyers consider the AWD model. Not surprisingly, with winter just around the corner, the vast majority of G35's for sale at dealers here in the Northeast appear to be AWD G35x models. 

First impressions?

• In what seems like an incredibly obvious and redundant statement, this 3.5-liter, 306-horsepower V6 sports sedan feels fast. Compare that impressive output to our Mercedes-Benz CLS500 (road tests are available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only), whose 5.0-liter V8 yielded 302 horsepower. 
• We were impressed by the electronics in the Infiniti M35x we tested last year, but the G35's optional navigation system goes a step further. The G's nav and audio system can now be controlled from either the touch screen or the dashboard's multidirectional controller--a nice touch.
• Hard keys remain for quick access to all common audio and climate control functions. The voice-control feature works well, too. Even without reading the instructions, I was able to program in a navigation destination while driving home from the distant dealer (while stuck in slow-moving traffic in a rainstorm).
• For someone whose parents ordered new cars from the factory without cassette players, I found that the G35 has a staggering variety of audio media. Of course, you can play CDs - but the nifty Gracenote technology can display song and album titles. Beyond that, you could play MP3 files stored on a compact flash card. Or, you can record CDs onto the navigation system's hard drive and play them back later. Given all of these options, I guess it's not a big deal that the six-disc changer is located back in the on-the-small-side trunk instead of more conveniently fitted within the dash.

The G35 is definitely on the sporty side of our upcoming mid-level luxury sedan group, which will include the redesigned Lexus ES350, the freshened Saab 9-5 and updated Nissan Maxima.

--Tom Mutchler