Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large, inside and out, they also include the only 6-passenger cars. Large Cars offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego.

LeSabre is reincarnated as the 2006 Lucerne. Buick unwrapped it at the February 2005 Chicago Auto Show and confirmed a few specifics. Basically, Lucerne is a restyled LeSabre with upscale trim, equipment, and prices. Models comprise an entry-level 3.8-liter V6 version and a V8 flagship with a 275-hp Cadillac-sourced V8--Buick's first V8 car in over a decade. The latter effectively takes over for the departing Park Avenue, but there's a chance the LeSabre may hang on into model-year 2006 as hedge against buyer sticker shock. No word from Buick on Lucerne pricing, but we hear the V6 will start no lower than $30,000. The Lexus ES 330 is said to be one of the targets in Lucerne's sights. Buick says curtain side airbags will be standard for both models. Due to be available, perhaps standard on the V8 version, is GM's Magnetic Ride Control shock absorbers, which use a special fluid to change firmness to match road surface and driving style. Keep checking back with us for further details.