Best Sedan 2012

A majority of prospective automobile buyers tend to consider sedans as their primary choice. This is because sedans are the most comfortable cars around and give a decent mileage as well. You need to note that every year, new variants of previously launched models are released. The latest variants may have some advanced technological or ergonomic upgrades absent in the original version of the car. This is why it is important to stay updated with the new arrivals.

List of Best Sedans (2012)
Under $25,000
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is undoubtedly one of the best-selling cars of all time. The price of this excellent Honda starts at an affordable $21,180. Moreover, the mileage of the base model is an impressive 23 MPG in city and 34 MPG on highways. The base model of the Accord has a 2.4-liter I4 engine that produces 177 horsepower. You can also have a tuned version of the same engine, which produces 190 hp, or a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 271 hp.

Toyota Camry
Like the Accord, the Toyota Camry is one of the industry bigwigs. All the 2012 models of the Camry now come equipped with automatic transmission. The lower models have a 2.4-liter I4 engine which produces 178 hp, while the top-of-the-range models come with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 268 hp. The range starts out at about $22,000. The mileage is an admirable 22/33 mpg on city and highway roads, respectively. Many reviewers have reported it to be the best sedan for the money, with the perfect balance between cost, comfort, engine, power, roomy interiors and advanced technology. The Camry is also available with a 2.4-liter gas/electric hybrid engine, which produces 200 hp. Prices for the hybrid start at $24,000.

Ford Fusion
The excellent Ford, the "2012 U.S. News Best Affordable Midsize car for Families", easily combines passenger comfort and driving pleasure. The base model, having a 2.5-liter I4 engine providing 175 hp to the front wheels, starts out at $21,000. You also have a choice of a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 240-hp 3.0-liter gas/ethanol V6. The I4 engines give a mileage of 22/29 on city/highways, whereas the V6 models give about 17/26.

Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a major competitor for the Accord and the Camry. The 2012 GLS manual transmission variant is available for just $20,000, an attractive price for a car with a 2.4-liter engine dishing out 198 hp. The fuel economy of this car is claimed to be a class-leading 24 MPG in city and 35 MPG on highways. Other engine configurations include a 190 hp 2.4 liter I4 and a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4, which churns out 274 hp.
Under $40,000
Volkswagen CC
Many agree that the Volkswagen CC is one of the best-looking cars in its class. With four seats, it may not be the ideal family car, but it is a car for people who desire style more than practicality. All but two models are equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4, producing 200 hp. The top end 'Executive 4Motion' models have a 3.6-liter V6 producing 280 hp. The I4 gives a respectable mileage of 22 mpg in the city and 31 on the highways, whereas the V6, an obvious compromise on mileage in the pursuit of more power, gives 17 mpg in city and 25 on highways. Prices are between $28,000 to $39,500.

Volvo S60
Volvo is renowned for its attention to safety. However, it seems that the Volvo S60 T6 has a bit of a racing touch to it. It boasts of a turbocharged 3.0-liter I6 engine, which generates 300 hp. You may have to pay a slightly steep starting price of $37,500 for this AWD car, but with Volvo combining their traditional obsession for safety with a radical sporting feel, many test drivers report it to be worth it. The mileage, though, lags behind its main competitors at 18/26 in city/highway. The interior has been praised by reviewers and it very comfortably seats five passengers. Lower models, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter I5 engine, produce 250 hp and cost about $30,500.

Acura TL
The TL can be termed as the most underrated car of 2011. An excellent engine, roomy interiors, smooth ride and good build quality were ignored majorly due to the aggressive, sharp exteriors. However, with a toned-down 2012 body, the Acura should catch up with the rest within no time. The base engine of the Acura is a 3.5-liter V6 developing 280 hp, whereas the 3.7-liter V6 churns out 305. The 3.5-liter V6 gives a mileage of 20/29 on city/highways, the 3.7-liter, 18/26, whereas the manual transmission 3.7-liter V6 model gives 17/25 on city/highways.
Premium Segment
BMW 5 Series
BMW cars are believed to be the best for luxury, safety, and quality and the 5 series has always kept the BMW flag flying high. The new 5 series sedans come with either rear or all wheel drive. Lower models, costing between $45,000 to $53,000, have a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 or a turbocharged 3.0-liter I6, producing 240 hp and 300 hp respectively. Mileage ranges between 20-23 mpg in city and 30-34 mpg on highways. Top-end models, costing about $62,000, come with a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, which produces 400 hp. The mileage, though, is considerably reduced to 15 mpg in city and 20 on highways.

Mercedes E-class
Mercedes and BMW are the prime contenders in the premium segment. The new E-class starts at $48,500. The engine can either be a base model 302-hp 3.5-liter V6, a 210-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 or a top-of-the-range 402-hp turbocharged 4.6-liter V8, which is only available in the E550 4MATIC sport sedan. Mileage figures range between 19-21 mpg in city and 28-32 mpg on highways. The V8, however, gives 16/26 in city/highway. The E-class interiors have been duly praised for their excellent build quality and the standard COMAND voice-navigation system, but prices of the E-class can rise dramatically on adding a few extras. However, it still remains the best choice in its price bracket for many reviewers, including Edmunds.

Audi A6
Audi is the direct rival of BMW and Mercedes in the premium segment. The FrontTrak models of the 2012 A6 have a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 engine providing 211 hp to the front wheels, whereas the Quattro models have a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 providing 310 hp to all four. While the A6 lags behind its main rivals in terms of engine power, it makes up for it with a much better fuel efficiency and cozier interiors, along with the excellent Quattro AWD system. The base models give a mileage of 25/33 mpg on city/highways, whereas the V6 gives 19/28 on city/highways.
Quite a few electric and hybrid sedans, such as Honda Civic Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf have made their way into the market and can be considered if you want to do your bit in the efforts to assuage global warming. If money is no concern for you, you can bypass the premium segment listed in the article and check out the more expensive Mercedes S-class, BMW 7 series, BMW M5, Audi S8, Fisker Karma or Maserati Quattroporte. For those planning to buy a sedan this year, I hope this article will help you choose the best one. Drive safe!