In purely rational terms, there is little need to look any further than a modern compact ormidsize sedan to get everything you need in a car these days. Fierce competition, formidable advances in technology and the influence ofconsumer watchdogs provide us with relatively affordable yet amazingly safe, reliable and well-equipped cars that offer levels of comfort, performance and style that until recently were available only in the luxury price range. In fact, spending more than $40,000 is, quite frankly, pure indulgence. Here are 10 slick rides that will have you driving in the lap of luxury without having to spend above your means to do it.
Bing: What are the most popular cars under 35K?
Acura TSX V6 5-Spd AT
Price: $34,850
The TSX certainly grew up with its second generation, launched in 2009. Although larger and roomier, it had lost none of the spirit, refinement and balance that made the original a gem. All of this remained true when the V6 engine option was offered a year later. With the optional 5-speed automatic transmission and 280 horsepower on tap, the TSX V6 jumps to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Though the TSX lacks its sister TL's optional all-wheel-drive system, it is just as lavishly equipped for around the same price.
Ford Taurus Limited AWD
Price: $33,620
The introduction of an all-new and thoroughly modern Taurus in 2010 returned this great name to its rightful place in the American automotive landscape. The new Taurus has a classic look, inside and out. Its interior is quiet and spacious, with comfortable seats and no-nonsense ergonomics for most controls. The SHO version is quicker, with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter 365-horsepower EcoBoost engine. But there is something innately right about the Limited and the 263 horsepower channeled from its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 to all wheels by a smooth, 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Hyundai Genesis 3.8
Price: $33,000
No car offers more luxury for the money than the Hyundai Genesis. The carmaker's first attempt at creating a luxury sedan made a spectacular entrance in 2009, scooping up the coveted North American Car of the Year award. Spacious, stately, serene and superbly built, the Genesis combines balanced handling with Lexus-like quietness. No need to opt for the 4.6-liter V8 version, since the Genesis 3.8, with its 290-horsepower V6 engine, gets to 60 mph in a scant 6.2 seconds — compared with 5.6 seconds for the 375-horsepower V8 — and is a bit more agile.
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Infiniti G37 Journey
Price: $34,450
Infiniti's original G-Series sedan was created to go head-to-head with the top European sport sedans in handling and performance while providing exceptional equipment and technology for the price. The second-generation G is roomier, more refined and hotter still, with its new 3.7-liter 328-horsepower V6 engine coupled to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Comprehensive standard equipment and leading-edge technology are great strengths. While the G37 is quick, its engine is a bit rough under effort, and handling doesn't quite match the European rivals. It's still an amazing value, though.
Lexus ES 350
Price: $35,525
The ES 350 is the best-selling Lexus and the quiet overachiever in the automaker's stable of cars. Lexus has somehow found a way to distill the much-celebrated quality and refinement of its flagship LS sedan and blend them into the mix that produces the ES 350 — and at little more than half the price. With plush leather seats, this front-wheel-drive sedan is commendably roomy and comfortable. For its quiet demeanor, it's more than reasonably quick, courtesy of its 3.4-liter 268-horsepower V6 engine and 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Lincoln MKZ
Price: $34,300
The littlest Lincoln has all the goodness of theFord Fusion, its platform-mate, but with more flair. It also offers the option of all-wheel drive, a significant edge in the near-luxury category, and the eco-conscious can now get a hybrid-powered model, too. The MKZ was refreshed and enhanced for 2010 with exterior styling that now features Lincoln's giant grin of a twin grille. It treats its front passengers best and will please its driver the most. It's a safe, tight-handling and quick sedan that gets to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, even with all-wheel drive. Of course, it could use a roomier rear seat.
View Pictures: 2010 Lincoln MKZ
Nissan Maxima SV
Price: $33,530
There is something bold and bodacious about the Maxima's styling, a pleasing touch of excess that carries to its equipment and performance. Nissanis a leader in electronic systems, and the top-line SV has many. Its instrument panel is superbly laid out, clear and uncluttered, with crisp gauges and a meaty sport wheel. There's also a set of well-cut leather seats, front and rear. The 290 horses from its 3.5-liter V6 engine are channeled to the front wheels through an impeccably effective continuously variable transmission.
Review: 2010 Nissan Maxima — Flash Drive
Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited
Price: $28,295
The Legacy could be seen as the thinking person's luxury car. What it gives up in flashy trim it more than compensates for with superb engineering, build quality, practicality and reliability. Redesigned for 2010, the Legacy is larger and more comfortable in the rear. We picked the fully loaded 3.6R Limited trim, powered by a 3.6-liter 256-horsepower V6 engine. But the smartest of the smart won't resist the amazing fuel economy of the Legacy 2.5i Limited trim (31 mpg highway), with its 2.5-liter 170-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission.
Compare: Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited vs. Infiniti G37x vs. Nissan Maxima SV
Toyota Avalon Limited
Price: $35,685
The Avalon is no jazzy, radical fashion leader, inside or out. It does, however, offer maximum space, comfort, equipment and quality at a reasonable price. In a word, the Avalon is all about substance, and it gets a good makeover for 2011 that includes a wider, statelier front grille and a bit more chrome. The interior was also redone, with a new instrument panel, a full array of integrated systems and reclining rear seats. It's the second-largest car of this group and yet the second-stingiest with fuel economy, with estimates of 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway — all this from a feisty 3.5-liter 268-horsepower V6 engine.
Bing Images: Toyota Avalon Limited
Volkswagen CC 2.0L
Price: $33,080
To some, luxury is all about style, and theVolkswagen CC simply oozes it. Sharing a platform with the Passat sedan, the CC was first to make the sexy and chic profile of a "coupe-sedan" accessible and affordable. Almost three inches lower and slightly wider than a Passat, the CC is also more agile, stable and fun to drive. You must watch your head while getting in and out, though, with that arching roofline. The Luxury PZEV version is powered by VW's excellent 2.0-liter 200-horsepower turbocharged engine; it zooms to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and gets 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway.
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