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Sedans
Critics pick on the Acura RL because it’s billed as a midsize luxury sedan, yet falls short among heavy-hitting competitors. Agreed. The RL has difficulty emulating similar models produced by Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. But for about around $10,000 less, the 2009 value-conscious Acura RL still stands tall. So, maybe it’s more accurately billed as a near-luxury sedan.
Six years after it was introduced, the Acura TSX remains an unheralded sedan that teeters the fine line between premium compact car and premium sports/performance vehicle. I drove the 2004 model and thought highly of it as a near-luxury car with superior handling. I recently drove the 2009 model for a week and felt the same way. It’s a sedan designated by the odd term “four-door coupe.” 
The 2009 Pontiac G8 GT is an affordable full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan with American muscle. It has standard XM satellite radio across, and the high-performance G8 GXP makes its debut, featuring a detuned version of the Corvette's V8 with a sportier suspension and an optional manual transmission.
The 2009 Saturn
Aura XR is a spacious sedan with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a
six-speed automatic transmission and a substantial list of standard
equipment that makes it an attractive alternative to industry
best-sellers. And although I had a prejudice against Saturn as cheap, the Aura grew on me as a
respectable family vehicle during my week's test drive.
Introduced nearly 40 years ago, original models can still be located at car
shows and exhibits. And if the opportunity arises, step back in time and
view the Chevrolet Malibu, one of the original “muscle cars” of the
1960s.
The
Mercury Sable was missing in 2006-07? Who would have known? Sales
dropped so much, the Sable became anonymous and its dismissal from the
Mercury lineup was uneventful. Even with a two-year absence to retool
the outdated sedan, the revised version did not impress.
I have a routine when I drive/review cars each week. One step is to ask my friend, Leo Blume, a car lover, what he thinks. We took a drive in the 2008 Buick Lucerne and stopped by his house. He showed me his 1963 Buick. And, boy did he have some things to say. He contributes this review: "Though I hate to resort to such a hackneyed statement, the 2008 Buick Lucerne CXS isn't my father's Buick," said Blume. "I should know because I'm still driving my father's hand-me-down Buick — a 1963 LeSabre." 
As one of the country's most successful vehicles, Honda needs little
help with the Accord.
The G8 is the first full-size, rear-wheel drive sedan from Pontiac since the 1986 Bonneville. The G8 replaces the Bonneville, which ended production with its 2005 model and the Grand Prix, which will cease its tenure with the 2008 model. Pontiac also has a hopeful third market share responsibility for the G8, since it also replaces the V8-powered GTO coupe, which was discontinued in 2006.
First driving impressions mean a lot — at least to me. Whether it’s a rental vehicle, a friend’s car or a new weekly test drive, I can usually tell if I’ll like the vehicle within a few minutes.
Copyright 2009 The Weekly Driver. All rights reserved.
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