Nine Near-Luxury Sedans Compared in 1997 Evaluation

Corporate buyers hitting the sixth-digit salary mark face a specific automobile choice in the 1997 near-luxury segment, aiming to spend more than basic family cars capping at 28,000 dollars while avoiding the luxury-tax threshold of 34,000 dollars. Out of 17 sedans in that price bracket, Car and Driver editors evaluated nine models during a comparison test in the Hocking Hills of southeast Ohio, after eliminating cars like the BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-class, and Audi A4 for subcompact dimensions or four-cylinder limits.

The Contenders

The final lineup consists of seven 24-valve V-6 engines, one turbocharged five-cylinder, and a 32-valve V-8, with seven of the nine cars performing within 0.3 second of the average 0-to-60-mph and quarter-mile times. New additions to the segment since August 1994 include the Acura 3.2TL, Cadillac Catera, and Infiniti I30, alongside updated models like the Ford Taurus SHO, Lexus ES300, Mitsubishi Diamante, Volvo 850GLT, Mazda Millenia L, and Saab 900SE V-6.

Individual Performers

The Saab 900SE stands out with a hatchback design, top-tier skidpad grip of 0.81 g tied with Mazda, and braking performance of 168 feet from 70 mph, though it suffers from a cramped back seat and lack of low-end punch. The Acura 3.2TL offers a smooth freeway ride and rich interior appointments, but features a coarse engine, an awkward driving position, and low grip at 0.76 g. The Ford Taurus SHO brings the group's only V-8 engine and largest dimensions, delivering 18 mpg alongside a harsh ride and interior squeaks.

Context

Near-luxury sedans bridge the gap between mass-market family vehicles and high-end luxury cars, targeting mid-level professionals. Automakers frequently update these models with specific engine configurations and comfort features to capture corporate buyers.