The Consumer Guide to 2009 Large Cars
by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
2009 Large Car Lineup
Base Price Range: $29,265-$40,205 EPA MPG Range: 13-26 Body Style: 4-door sedan The 2009 Buick Lucerne gets a new V6 engine and more standard features. CX and CXL have a new 227-horsepower 3.9-liter V6 engine, which replaces a 197-horsepower 3.8 V6. The new V6 is capable of running on ethanol-blended E85 fuel. Lucerne occupies a middle ground between the flamboyant Chrysler 300 and the conservative Toyota Avalon, with the well-appointed CXL offering the most value for the money. The costlier but still reasonably priced Super is tempting for its better ride control and added power from its V8 engine. | ||||
Base Price Range: $26,915-$44,160 EPA MPG Range: 13-26 Body Style: 4-door sedan The 2009 Chrysler 300 gets a more-powerful base V8 engine. The 300C uses a 5.7-liter version of Chrysler's Hemi V8 with 359 horsepower, an increase of 19 horsepower over last year. Acceleration with the 2.7-liter V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is otherwise a Recommended blend of performance, roominess, and value. The startling SRT8 out powers cars costing twice as much with little compromise of the 300's other virtues. | ||||
Base Price Range: $24,835-$38,970 EPA MPG Range: 13-26 Body Style: 4-door sedan The 2009 Dodge Charger gets more available V8 power and a few new features. R/T models get a new version of Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, an increase of 30 horsepower over 2008 models. Passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction make Charger a Recommended pick. The 2.7-liter V6 can't move this big car with much verve, but the 3.5-liter V6 provides more-than-adequate power, as does the R/T versions' Hemi V8. SRT8 models are true modern muscle cars. | ||||
Base Price Range: $25,170-$32,520 EPA MPG Range: 17-28 Body Style: 4-door sedan The 2009 Ford Taurus adds a new model to its lineup. SE is new for 2009. The Taurus offers strong acceleration, good fuel economy, and plenty of passenger space. It might still trail the Chrysler 300 for eye appeal and the Toyota Avalon for refinement, but this Ford is a solid Recommended pick for all it has to offer. | ||||
| ||||
Base Price: $26,045 EPA MPG Range: 17-24 Body Style: 4-door sedan The 2009 Kia Amanti gains a few new features, such as satellite radio and MP3 capability. This often-overlooked large sedan combines luxury-level passenger accommodations with attractive pricing. Handling is sloppy, however, and the overly soft ride will be a deterrent to many shoppers. But for those who fondly recall the large American cars of the 1970s, this may be your car, even if it happens to come from South Korea. | ||||
Base Price: $29,270 EPA MPG Range: 12-24 Body Style: 4-door sedan The 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis gains additional standard equipment. Grand Marquis is a nice enough big sedan, but it suffers from a basic design that dates back to the 1980s. We prefer the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger, and Mercury's own Sable as more-modern, more-satisfying choices in this class. | ||||
Base Price Range: $25,120-$31,230 EPA MPG Range: 17-28 Body Style: 4-door sedan The 2009 Mercury Sable is largely unchanged. This large sedan shares its basic design with the Ford Taurus and premium-large Lincoln MKS. It offers base and uplevel Premier models, each with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain teams a 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Sable offers good dynamic performance and a roomy cabin. Add in the jumbo-sized trunk and you have a Recommended family sedan that deserves a place on your shopping list. | ||||
 Base Price Range: $28,250-$37,610 EPA MPG Range: 15-25 Body Style: 4-door sedan The 2009 Pontiac G8 lineup gains a new model, the high-performance GXP. The GXP has a 6.2-liter V8 that makes an estimated 402 horsepower and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. GXP has a performance suspension, 19-inch wheels, and unique exterior styling. Any G8 is on the sporty end of the large-car class. Potent engines, balanced handling, and a roomy interior make G8 a Best Buy. The GT is the best value though, hitting the sweet spot between the more-sedate base car and the higher-performance GXP when it comes to price, performance, and fuel economy. | ||||
Base Price Range: $27,845-$35,185 EPA MPG Range: 19-28 Body Style: 4-door sedan The 2009 Toyota Avalon loses its Touring trim level, and traction control and antiskid systems now come standard. Even if Avalon's not miles ahead in this class for refinement, room, or interior ambiance, no apologies are necessary for its showing in those areas. A fine V6 powertrain, solid feel, cushy ride, and Toyota's strong track record for resale value make this a Best Buy in its class. |
Inside This Article
