Consumer Reports reviews the TL, Genesis, MKS, Maxima, and G8

[ifcar]

For its February issue, CR reviewed a selection of new midsize/large sedans priced in the $30ks: the Acura TL, Hyundai Genesis, Lincoln MKS, Nissan Maxima, and Pontiac G8.

Rankings of all current "upscale sedans" tested by CR: (models tested this month in italics and recommended models (models that tested well and have reliability predicted at average or above) in bold)

EXCELLENT:
1. Infiniti G35 Journey: 92 points ($35,140)
2. Hyundai Genesis 3.8: 92 points ($36,000)
3. Lexus ES350: 91 points ($41,289)
4. Infiniti G35X: 87 points ($39,400)
5. Acura TL base: 85 points ($35,715)
6. Cadillac CTS 3.6: 84 points ($40,835)
7. Lexus IS250: 84 points ($33,784)
8. Nissan Maxima SV: 83 points ($33,700)

VERY GOOD:
9. BMW 328i: 77 points ($39,175)
10. Mercedes-Benz C300: 77 points ($37,325)
11. Lincoln MKZ: 77 points ($32,675)
12. Pontiac G8 GT: 75 points ($33,660)
13. Lincoln MKS: 73 points ($40,880)
14. Buick Lucerne CXS: 73 points ($38,935)
15. Saab 9-5 Base: 71 points ($38,310)
16. Saab 9-3 2.0T: 69 points ($31,615)
17. Chrysler 300C: 64 points ($37,480)

GOOD:
18. Volvo S60 2.5T: 58 points ($33,890)


Specific details and ratings of the cars in this month's report:

Genesis:
"The Hyundai Genesis rivals high-end luxury sedans but costs considerably less. Its luxurious and spacious interior and quietness far transcend its relatively modest price. We were also impressed with its smooth, punchy powertrain and excellent brakes. Handling is sound, but this is no sports sedan. The only real drawback is its ride, which can be unsettled at times and doesn't live up to the standards set by other luxury cars."

Acceleration: 5/5 (6.3 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5 (rpm at 60 mph: 1770)
Routine Handling: 4/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 51.5 mph)
Braking: 5/5 (125 feet from 60 dry, 137 feet from 60 wet)
Headlights: 4/5
Ride: 4/5
Noise: 5/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Front Seat Comfort: 4/5
Front Access: 4/5
Rear Seat Comfort: 5/5
Rear Access: 4/5
Controls and Displays: 5/5
Interior fit and finish: 5/5
Cargo area: 3/5
Climate system: 5/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (21 mpg)

TL:
"The redesigned Acura TL is a nice car, with responsive handling, a slick powertrain, and commendable fuel economy. But when compared with the previous TL, which was our Top Pick in this segment for years, the new TL is not as impressive. Vague steering saps the fun out of its handling, the trunk opening is small, and other competitors have roomier rear seats."

Acceleration: 5/5 (6.8 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5 (rpm at 60 mph: 1640)
Routine Handling: 4/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 52.5 mph)
Braking: 5/5 (128 feet from 60 dry, 140 feet from 60 wet)
Headlights: 4/5
Ride: 4/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Front Seat Comfort: 5/5
Front Access: 4/5
Rear Seat Comfort: 3/5
Rear Access: 3/5
Controls and Displays: 4/5
Interior fit and finish: 5/5
Cargo area: 2/5
Climate system: 5/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (23 mpg)

Maxima:
"The Maxima is a quick car, but it doesn't add much over the less costly Nissan Altima overall. While it's pleasant, it falls short in some ways. Handling is responsive, but at low speeds the steering is overly light. The car is quiet, and the ride is decent. But the new coupelike silhouette has compromised visibility, trunk room, and rear-seat comfort."

Acceleration: 5/5 (6.2 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5 (rpm at 60 mph: 2000)
Routine Handling: 4/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 52.5 mph)
Braking: 4/5 (128 feet from 60 dry, 143 feet from 60 wet)
Headlights: 1/5
Ride: 4/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Front Seat Comfort: 5/5
Front Access: 4/5
Rear Seat Comfort: 3/5
Rear Access: 3/5
Controls and Displays: 4/5
Interior fit and finish: 4/5
Cargo area: 3/5
Climate system: 5/5
Fuel Economy: 3/5 (22 mpg)

G8:
"As a bargain sports sedan that can challenge the performance of models from BMW and Mercedes, the Pontiac G8 is a success. Based on General Motors' Holden Commodore from Australia, the G8 handles and rides as well as the best cars in its class. [They're comparing it to specifically sport-focused sedans with that comment.] Interior quality is good but not luxurious, and some controls are peculiar. The G8 GT's acceleration is very impressive, but the downside of that is poor fuel economy.."

Acceleration: 5/5 (5.7 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 5/5 (rpm at 60 mph: 1510)
Routine Handling: 5/5
Emergency Handling: 4/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 51.5 mph)
Braking: 4/5 (129 feet from 60 dry, 146 feet from 60 wet)
Headlights: 2/5
Ride: 4/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 4/5
Front Seat Comfort: 4/5
Front Access: 4/5
Rear Seat Comfort: 4/5
Rear Access: 3/5
Controls and Displays: 3/5
Interior fit and finish: 4/5
Cargo area: 2/5
Climate system: 5/5
Fuel Economy: 1/5 (17 mpg)

MKS:
"In the tradition of large domestic luxury cars, the Lincoln MKS is built for pampering, not for spirited driving. Handling lacks agility, and the engine is too noisy for a car in this class. The interior amenities and finishes are pleasant, but the MKS feels too much like the Ford Taurus, on which it is based, to justify its luxury price tag."

Acceleration: 4/5 (7.4 seconds to 60)
Transmission: 4/5 (rpm at 60 mph: 1720)
Routine Handling: 3/5
Emergency Handling: 3/5 (avoidance maneuver max speed: 50.0 mph)
Braking: 4/5 (137 feet from 60 dry, 144 feet from 60 wet)
Headlights: 1/5
Ride: 4/5
Noise: 4/5
Driving Position: 3/5
Front Seat Comfort: 4/5
Front Access: 4/5
Rear Seat Comfort: 4/5
Rear Access: 4/5
Controls and Displays: 4/5
Interior fit and finish: 4/5
Cargo area: 3/5
Climate system: 5/5
Fuel Economy: 2/5 (20 mpg)

[Htay7500]

Like I've said before, the commodore line-up is amazing when I checked out the site. When I saw the G8 up close, there was something Australian about it .

[Bravada]

the Pontiac G8 is a success

You've heard it from Consumer Reports!

[ne_one]

So the CTS and G8 were rated excellent and very good but not predicted to be reliable?

[ChevyRules]

Originally Posted by ne_one

So the CTS and G8 were rated excellent and very good but not predicted to be reliable?

The 2008 CTS has had some quality problems and is reflected by both CR and TrueDelta research.

[ifcar]

Originally Posted by ne_one

So the CTS and G8 were rated excellent and very good but not predicted to be reliable?

The CTS had reliability issues. They don't have data on the G8.

[Hitman1970]

I noticed in that issue that Buick LaCrosse is no longer a recommended vehicle. That is different from the previous three years or so.

[Ach]

but the MKS feels too much like the Ford Taurus, on which it is based, to justify its luxury price tag.

I agree. But take a look at your 3rd place overall ES350. Besides nice wood, please tell me again what justifies a five-figure premium over a V6 Camry?

[ifcar]

Originally Posted by Hitman1970

I noticed in that issue that Buick LaCrosse is no longer a recommended vehicle. That is different from the previous three years or so.

They've increased the minimum score to be recommended; it seems to be up to 65. That's why the 300C and S60 aren't recommended either.

[logansowner]

Originally Posted by Ach

I agree. But take a look at your 3rd place overall ES350. Besides nice wood, please tell me again what justifies a five-figure premium over a V6 Camry?

Exactly, as far as I'm concerned, the MKS is no closer to a Taurus than the ES is to the Camry. Nobody ever accused CR of making sense though.

[ifcar]

Originally Posted by Ach

I agree. But take a look at your 3rd place overall ES350. Besides nice wood, please tell me again what justifies a five-figure premium over a V6 Camry?

The MKS feels more like a Taurus than the ES feels like a Camry. It's not just the extra interior trim -- the ES has a more comfortable and quieter ride, too.

But even if that weren't the case, with a numerical ranking system, it's hard for numbers to support the obvious conclusion. That's also why the Lincoln MKZ ranked as high as the Mercedes C300 and BMW 328i: it's not that they thought the Lincoln was as much like a luxury car, but that it drives like a Fusion and they also like the Fusion.

[logansowner]

That may be true, but even if you stick with a numbering system, 1-5 just doesn't cut it. Not for a magazine which proclaims to be the epitome of comparative information.

Also, is their economy done driving all vehicles similarly, or how they were designed? They mention the G8's power, and then that economy suffers because of it, but are they driving it the same as they do the Camry? Doesn't sound like it. I am willing to bet the G8 is capable of MUCH better than 17 MPG. Remember on TopGear flogging the Prius and then keeping up with a BMW? Obviously if you drive vehicles completely differently, you are going to get unfair comparisons.


Maybe they should stick to toasters and lawnmowers.

[MaxLegroom]

Originally Posted by Ach

I agree. But take a look at your 3rd place overall ES350. Besides nice wood, please tell me again what justifies a five-figure premium over a V6 Camry?

I'm sorry, but that would have to be nice wood, wouldn't it?

Even thought Consumer Reports did have nice things to say about the G8, I've never taken much stock in what they say about cars, and have never considered what they've had to say when I buy one.

[ifcar]

Originally Posted by logansowner

That may be true, but even if you stick with a numbering system, 1-5 just doesn't cut it. Not for a magazine which proclaims to be the epitome of comparative information.

Also, is their economy done driving all vehicles similarly, or how they were designed? They mention the G8's power, and then that economy suffers because of it, but are they driving it the same as they do the Camry? Doesn't sound like it. I am willing to bet the G8 is capable of MUCH better than 17 MPG. Remember on TopGear flogging the Prius and then keeping up with a BMW? Obviously if you drive vehicles completely differently, you are going to get unfair comparisons.


Maybe they should stick to toasters and lawnmowers.

They have a more detailed numerical system than they publish.

And yes, the drive the cars the same way for their mileage testing, like the EPA. It's why their hybrid fuel economy numbers are lower than everyone else's; they don't drive them to maximize electric propulsion for their testing the way an owner would/should.

[BrickTamland]

Originally Posted by Ach

I agree. But take a look at your 3rd place overall ES350. Besides nice wood, please tell me again what justifies a five-figure premium over a V6 Camry?

Well, honestly, what justifies any luxury car? People want luxury and a different brand name is needed to carry it.