This year, sales of midsize cars will exceed 2.5 million--solidifying their position atop the North American car market. Maligned for years as plain, basic transportation, they're a staple of American families and a favorite of rental fleets.

Browse our Midsize Car reviews here.

Today, some midsize cars have been reborn with flashy styling, gee-wiz electronics, and modern comfort and convenience features. Others remain true to the original mantra of simple, affordable, and reliable transportation. Sure, these bland, bare-bones, rental-ready sedans exist, but that doesn't mean the midsize-car buyer can't find a common ground between sensibility and sportiness.

What to look for in a Midsize Car
Obviously, the biggest draw to midsize cars is their practicality. Potential buyers should make sure the front and rear seats are roomy enough and the trunk is large enough for their needs. Most are, but a few fall short in rear-seat leg room, while others have scant cargo space.

Most midsize cars offer a choice between 4-cylinder and V6 engines, a few even offer V8s. It's important for the consumer to understand that more cylinders usually means lower fuel economy. Take your driving needs into account before you opt for the more powerful engine. Compare annual fuel costs--they're found right on the window sticker--and consider how much that extra power will affect your budget.

Nifty Midsize Car Features

Chevrolet Mailbu Maxx is available with a rear-seat entertainment system. Honda Accord offers a gas-electric hybrid version. Nissan Maxima comes standard with a glass roof panel over both the front and rear seats. Pontiac G6 is available with a "panoramic" sunroof with a tilt-up front section and three rear-sliding panels. Volkswagen Passat has an umbrella pouch inside the driver's door and a cooled glove box.

Honda offers a hybrid model of the Accord that has the power of the V6 with the economy of a 4-cylinder. Consumers might also want to note the type of fuel required. Some automakers recommend or require premium-grade fuel, while other engines run fine on less-expensive regular-grade fuel.

Perhaps the biggest demand on midsize cars by owners is reliability. Oftentimes, they are the primary means of transportation in the household and are depended upon to get the kids to school. Each day the car doesn't start or requires a trip to the dealership for service translates into a huge inconvenience for owners.

That's why buyers of midsize cars must consider reliability and proximity to the dealership when buying. The Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Toyota Camry are consistently at the top of reliability surveys. Though these aren't the most exciting cars, for consumers placing a premium on reliability they have to be at the top of their shopping list.

Price is another hot-button issue with midsize buyers. But before buyers jump at the least-expensive models, they should consider resale value. Accord and Camry have the highest resale value in the class, potentially offsetting the additional initial cost. Still, for many buyers it is a matter of where they save money, up front or at trade-in time. For those financing or on a tight budget, saving money up front is often the best option.

Some midsize cars offer wagon or hatchback body styles. This obviously makes them more useful for cargo hauling. Still others come as coupes or convertibles, lending a sporty flair. Regardless of which body style you choose, make sure it meets all of your needs.

The Fusion is Ford Motor Company's latest Accord and Camry fighter.

Safety is Important!
Regardless of which midsize car you're considering, be sure it has antilock brakes and curtain side airbags. They are two very important safety features that might save your life. Usually, these two features cost significantly less than $1000 total.

Another important safety feature available on many midsize cars is stability control. Sometimes called skid control, this system will help the driver maintain the intended path on slippery roads. Though not a necessary feature, it is a comfort on snowy nights.

A few midsize cars offer available all-wheel drive. While not normally considered a safety feature, those who live in northern climates or frequently drive on muddy, gravel roads consider it a must-have. The Subaru Outback and Legacy and Volkswagen Passat are the only cars in the midsize class that offer available all-wheel drive.

Shop Smart, Not With Your Heart!
Face it, buying a midsize car isn't all that exciting. One advantage shoppers have is intense competition. Nearly every automaker has one offering in the class and several have more than one. Use that to your advantage when negotiating.

Get only the options you need. Many comfort and convenience features--such as heated seats, in--vehicle navigation, and sunroof--aren't necessary. Pick only the options you need and don't trade convenience for safety. If you have to decide between a CD player or antilock brakes, do the right thing for your family and get ABS.

Take a long test drive in the exact car you are considering. Many models ride and handle completely differently with optional tire or suspension packages. Seats can also vary from trim to trim. It's important for the shopper to drive the exact car they are considering to ensure years of happiness behind the wheel.

Bottom line: shop smart. There are many midsize cars to choose from. Carefully select between them and settle on two or three models. Then negotiate for the best price.

Buick LaCrosse Base Price Range $22,935 - $28,435 EPA MPG Range 19 city - 30 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan LaCrosse generates more division among our testers than most cars. All agree that no model matches Honda Accord or Toyota Camry for overall value. Some testers say the CX and CXL models suffer outdated engineering, poor road manners, and steep prices, and that the CXS falls short of its sporty promise. Conversely, other testers like the CX and CXL for their traditional Buick room and comfort, and the CXS for its engine and handling. Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo Base Price Range $21,330 - $27,130 EPA MPG Range 19 city - 31 highway Body Styles 2-door coupe 4-door sedan Impala, Chevrolet's top-selling car is affordable, relatively roomy, and has competent road manners. It gains curtain side airbags and improved powertrains for 2006, but continues to trail top import rivals in overall refinement. Monte Carlo is a throwback to the era of the midsize domestic coupe. Chevrolet Malibu Base Price Range $17,365 - $24,755 EPA MPG Range 19 city - 32 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan 4-door wagon This Recommended pick targets Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Malibu sedan is a bit smaller than those rivals, but the versatile Maxx hatchback offers more rear-seat room than either. The 4-cyl engine disappoints, but V6 models offer good pep, competent road manners, and an impressive list of standard features. Chrysler Sebring Base Price Range $19,805 - $31,475 EPA MPG Range 21 city - 30 highway Body Styles 2-door convertible 4-door sedan Sebrings lack the polish of some import-brand rivals and are getting long in the tooth, but prices are competitive. The standout here is the roomy, stylish convertible. The sedan is roomy and economical, but doesn't have the refinement or reliability of class-leading Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Dodge Stratus Base Price Range $20,465 - $23,445 EPA MPG Range 21 city - 30 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Stratus fulfills its mission, and in V6 guise, does credible duty as a sporty-feeling family car. What it lacks is the power, mechanical refinement, and design polish of the Midsize Car class leaders. Ford Fusion Base Price Range $17,145 - $21,710 EPA MPG Range 21 city - 32 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Fusion targets Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and matches those perennial Best Buys in many respects. Its road manners leave little to be desired, though engine refinement doesn't match that of the class leaders. Pricing is a strong suit, too, even after adding antilock brakes and head-protecting curtain side airbags, safety options we highly recommend. Ford Taurus Base Price Range $21,315 - $23,245 EPA MPG Range 20 city - 27 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Though slated to be replaced by the new Ford Fusion, Taurus delivers capable road manners, comfortable accommodations, commendable cargo room, and plenty of safety features at a competitive price. But ride comfort is a sore point, and build quality and refinement trail standards set by midsize sales leaders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Honda Accord Base Price Range $18,225 - $29,400 EPA MPG Range 21 city - 37 highway Body Styles 2-door coupe 4-door sedan Spacious flat-floor trunks have low liftover but not much height under rear parcel shelf, and sickle-shaped trunklid hinges intrude. Note that Hybrid has 2.8 cu ft less cargo space than other sedans and no folding rear seat, which is otherwise standard but has a less-versatile one-piece backrest. Ample small-item cabin storage, plus bottle-holding door map pockets. Hyundai Azera Base Price Range No prices available EPA MPG Range 18 city - 27 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Azera delivers an eye-opening aray of standard safety features and warranty coverage while offering impressive room, refinement, ride comfort, luxury features, and build quality. It thus stacks up well against target rivals Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Buick LaCrosse, and Ford Five Hundred, especially as Hyundai says it will cost less on a comparably equipped basis. In all, Azera is a winner. Hyundai Sonata Base Price Range $17,895 - $22,895 EPA MPG Range 20 city - 33 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Dynamically, Sonata can't match the class-leading Honda Accord. But its power, refinement, safety features, and value pricing make it a Recommended midsize pick. Kudos to Hyundai for making curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, and stability control standard on every Sonata, not just more-expensive top-line models. Kia Optima Base Price Range $16,400 - $20,400 EPA MPG Range 20 city - 30 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan In terms of equipment and comfort, Optima offers good value for the money. But it lacks some modern safety features, and Kia's impressive warranty is partially offset by traditionally low resale values. Mazda 6 Base Price Range $19,110 - $29,925 EPA MPG Range 19 city - 31 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan 4-door hatchback 4-door wagon Mazda 6 slightly trails the class-leading Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for overall refinement and interior materials. Despite that, plus tepid 4-cyl acceleration with automatic transmission, it's a match for any rival and sportier than most. The wagon, hatchbacks, and MazdaSpeed models are unusual for this class, but have their appeals. Any Mazda 6 is a solid Recommended choice. Mercury Milan Base Price Range $18,345 - $22,845 EPA MPG Range 21 city - 32 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Mercury justifies Milan's $1100-$1200 price premium over its Ford Fusion cousin with more standard equipment and higher-grade interior appointments. It's a highly capable car in its own right, and with relatively low projected sales volume this new Mercury is an intriguing alternative to such class mainstays as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Mitsubishi Galant Base Price Range $19,399 - $26,999 EPA MPG Range 18 city - 30 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Galant matches class-favorites Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for roominess, and holds its own in acceleration and handling. But it lags in refinement, ride comfort, and workmanship. And the Mitsubishi brand's record of weak resale value offsets typically lower transaction prices. Still, Galant is worth a look, especially if you're on a budget. Nissan Altima Base Price Range $17,650 - $29,550 EPA MPG Range 20 city - 31 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Altima trails the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord for interior-materials quality and overall refinement. But it earns Recommended status for its strong features-per-dollar showing and a spunky demeanor--though torque steer makes V6 versions a bit too spunky at times. The 4-cyl models easily satisfy most needs. Nissan Maxima Base Price Range $27,750 - $30,000 EPA MPG Range 20 city - 28 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Maxima stands apart from its corporate sibling Altima in styling, size, and features. It also feels more substantial and looks more upscale. But it costs more, too--close to some premium midsize sedans, in fact. It has the performance to compete in that class, but not the polish. A V6 Altima costs less than a Maxima, and satisfies just as much. Pontiac G6 Base Price Range $17,365 - $24,210 EPA MPG Range 18 city - 34 highway Body Styles 2-door coupe 2-door convertible 4-door sedan G6 lacks the well-toned feel of a Honda Accord, the isolating comfort of a Toyota Camry, or the ready-to-rock energy of a Nissan Altima. But it undercuts them all on price, especially with a V6 engine. Frequent discounts and a wide selection of safety and convenience features add to its appeal. The G6 coupe is too large for the interior space it provides, making a sedan the wiser choice here. Pontiac Grand Prix Base Price Range $22,435 - $28,735 EPA MPG Range 18 city - 30 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan It trails our top-rated Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for interior quality, and rear-seat comfort is subpar. Still, Grand Prix appeals for its good performance, comfortable ride, cargo versatility, and plenty of features at competitive prices. The potent GXP is worth a look for shoppers who value power and expressive styling above all else. Subaru Outback and Legacy Base Price Range $21,695 - $35,695 EPA MPG Range 19 city - 30 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan 4-door wagon Though pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors, Legacys appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability and numerous standard safety features. Those same qualities apply to the Outback wagons, which offer the flavor of "real" SUVs but with carlike ride, handling, and fuel economy. The Outbacks are our Recommended picks. Suzuki Verona Base Price Range $18,299 - $20,299 EPA MPG Range 20 city - 27 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Verona is nicely equipped for its price and boasts a strong warranty, but it's plug-ordinary in performance, where its 6-cyl acts more like the 4-cyl engines of many rivals. Also, this Suzuki is likely to suffer lower resale values vs. more-established competitors. Toyota Camry Base Price Range $18,445 - $25,805 EPA MPG Range 20 city - 33 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan Few rivals match Camry's blend of family sedan pace, space, and refinement, plus laudable safety features and Toyota's strong record for reliability and resale value. Competitive pricing and available incentives clinch the case for this perennial Best Buy. Look for discounts once dealers start clearing space for the early arriving redesigned '07 models. Toyota Solara Base Price Range $19,530 - $30,210 EPA MPG Range 21 city - 33 highway Body Styles 2-door coupe 2-door convertible Solara inherits many virtues from its Camry parent, but trades 4-dr practicality for 2-dr style and is no more entertaining to drive. Accord coupes have more spirit, but Solara matches the Honda's reputation for reliability and high resale value, and offers a convertible body style that Accord does not. Volkswagen Passat Base Price Range $22,950 - $31,900 EPA MPG Range 18 city - 32 highway Body Styles 4-door sedan VW says 4-cyl models will account for 80 percent of Passat sales, and a sparsely optioned Value Edition or 2.0 T is indeed the smart choice in this lineup, given how prices escalate for lavishly equipped versions. For example, the 2.0 Ts tested listed for about $31,000, the 3.6 for $37,000. Both prices are in premium midsize car territory. Passat was once a match for cars in that class, but, with undistinguished interior materials and a 4-cyl as its base engine, the 2006 edition struggles to justify such a comparison. Prices accurate as of 12.05.2005.

Midsize Car Specification Comparison

Vehicle	Wheel-base, in.	Length, in.	Curb Weight, lb.	Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	Fuel Capacity, gal.	Front Head Room, in.	Front Leg Room, in.	Rear Head Room, in.	Rear Leg Room, in.
Buick LaCrosse	110.5	198.1	3495	16.0	17.5	39.4	42.3	37.2	37.6
Chevrolet Impala	110.5	200.4	3553	18.5	17.5	39.4	42.3	37.8	37.6
Chevrolet Monte Carlo	110.5	196.7	NA	15.8	17.5	38.1	42.4	36.5	35.8
Chevrolet Malibu	101.4	169.3	3508	77.1	15.9	43.3	41.0	39.4	39.1
Chrysler Sebring sdn	108.0	190.7	3135	16.0	16.0	37.6	42.3	35.8	38.1
Chrysler Sebring conv	106.0	193.7	3301	11.3	16.0	38.7	42.4	37.0	35.2
Dodge Stratus	108.0	191.2	3135	16.0	16.0	37.6	42.3	35.8	38.1
Ford Fusion	107.4	190.2	3101	15.8	18.0	38.7	42.3	37.8	37.0
Ford Taurus	108.5	197.7	3322	16.9	18.0	40.0	42.2	38.1	38.3
Honda Accord sdn	107.9	191.1	3128	14.0	17.1	40.4	42.6	38.5	36.8
Honda Accord cpe	105.1	187.8	3056	12.8	17.1	39.8	43.1	36.1	31.9
Hyundai Azera	109.4	192.7	3629	16.6	19.8	40.2	43.7	38.2	38.2
Hyundai Sonata	107.4	188.9	3253	16.3	17.7	40.1	43.7	38.2	37.4
Kia Optima	106.3	185.8	3281	13.6	17.2	39.0	43.3	37.6	36.2
Mazda 6 sdn	105.3	186.8	3091	15.2	18.0	38.7	42.3	37.1	36.5
Mazda 6 hatch	103.5	186.8	3172	58.7	18.0	38.7	42.3	36.7	36.5
Mazda 6 wgn	105.3	187.8	3404	60.4	18.0	38.7	42.3	38.6	36.5
Mercury Milan	107.4	191.4	3117	15.80	18.9	38.7	42.3	37.8	37.0
Mitsubishi Galant	108.3	190.4	3351	13.3	17.7	39.6	42.6	37.0	37.0
Nissan Altima	110.2	192.3	3001	15.6	20.0	40.8	42.9	37.6	36.4
Nissan Maxima	111.2	193.5	3447	15.5	20.0	40.1	43.9	37.3	36.5
Pontiac G6 sdn	112.3	189.0	NA	14.0	16.4	39.5	42.2	36.3	37.6
Pontiac G6 cpe	112.3	189.0	NA	11.0	16.4	38.9	42.2	36.3	35.8
Pontiac G6 conv	112.3	189.0	NA	5.8	16.4	38.4	42.2	36.1	34.2
Pontiac Grand Prix	110.5	198.3	3477	16.0	17.0	38.5	42.4	36.5	36.5
Subaru Legacy sdn	105.1	186.2	3250	11.4	16.9	39.5	41.1	36.5	33.9
Subaru Outback wgn	105.1	188.7	3320	66.2	16.9	40.5	44.1	39.1	33.9
Suzuki Verona	106.3	187.8	3380	13.4	17.2	39.1	42.2	37.3	37.8
Toyota Camry	107.1	189.2	3108	16.7	18.5	39.2	41.5	38.3	37.8
Toyota Solara cpe	107.1	192.5	3175	13.8	18.5	38.0	42.0	36.4	35.4
Toyota Solara conv	107.1	192.5	3417	12.0	18.5	38.5	42.0	38.4	35.0
Volkswagen Passat	106.7	188.2	3305	14.2	18.5	38.4	41.4	37.8	37.7