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Consumer Reports' best sedans over the past 20 years

  • <b>2013: Chevrolet Impala.</b> Compared to the 2013 model, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala saw a dramatic improvement in its ranking; the previous model year scored a 63, and was scored too low to be recommended.
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    Chevrolet Impala

    2013: Chevrolet Impala. Compared to the 2013 model, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala saw a dramatic improvement in its ranking; the previous model year scored a 63, and was scored too low to be recommended.
  • <b>2008 - 2012: Lexus LS 460L.</b> The <span>Lexus LS</span> has been a Consumer Reports favorite for the sedan segment, getting top marks for eight of the 20 years. The 460L won five consecutive years, the longest of any sedan.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> <span>Cadillac CTS</span>, <span>Ford Fusion</span> Hybrid (2010 - 2012); Cadillac CTS (2008 - 2009)
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    2012 Lexus LS

    2008 - 2012: Lexus LS 460L. The Lexus LS has been a Consumer Reports favorite for the sedan segment, getting top marks for eight of the 20 years. The 460L won five consecutive years, the longest of any sedan.

    Top domestic sedan: Cadillac CTS, Ford Fusion Hybrid (2010 - 2012); Cadillac CTS (2008 - 2009)
  • <b>2006 - 2007: Infiniti M35x.</b> Distinguishing <a href="autos.yahoo.com/infiniti/" data-ylk="slk:Infiniti;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Infiniti</a>'s midsize luxury sedan as "well-rounded, nimble cars," Consumer Reports gave the Infiniti M the top spot for two consecutive years.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> Cadillac STS V-6
    3/11

    Infiniti M35x

    2006 - 2007: Infiniti M35x. Distinguishing Infiniti's midsize luxury sedan as "well-rounded, nimble cars," Consumer Reports gave the Infiniti M the top spot for two consecutive years.

    Top domestic sedan: Cadillac STS V-6
  • <b>2004 - 2005: Lexus LS 430.</b> Visually the <span>Lexus</span> flagship changed little from the previous model, but the LS 430 was 90 percent all-new. While lacking in driver engagement, it was as quiet as a bank vault and upheld its reputation of bulletproof reliability.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> Cadillac DeVille DHS
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    Lexus LS 430

    2004 - 2005: Lexus LS 430. Visually the Lexus flagship changed little from the previous model, but the LS 430 was 90 percent all-new. While lacking in driver engagement, it was as quiet as a bank vault and upheld its reputation of bulletproof reliability.

    Top domestic sedan: Cadillac DeVille DHS
  • <b>2002 - 2003: BMW 530i.</b> Following a mid-cycle refresh, the <a href="autos.yahoo.com/bmw/5-series/" data-ylk="slk:5 Series;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">5 Series</a> earned top marks from Consumer Reports, citing its comfortable yet sporty dynamics and smooth engine.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> Cadillac DeVille DHS
    5/11

    BMW 5 Series E39

    2002 - 2003: BMW 530i. Following a mid-cycle refresh, the 5 Series earned top marks from Consumer Reports, citing its comfortable yet sporty dynamics and smooth engine.

    Top domestic sedan: Cadillac DeVille DHS
  • <b>2001: Volkswagen Passat GLS.</b> Sharing the same platform as the <a href="autos.yahoo.com/audi/a4/" data-ylk="slk:Audi A4;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Audi A4</a>, the fifth generation <a href="autos.yahoo.com/volkswagen/passat-sedan/" data-ylk="slk:Passat;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Passat</a> offered 4motion all-wheel drive and the W8 engine, which preceded the W16 powerplant in the Bugatti Veyron.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> Lincoln LS V-6
    6/11

    Volkswagen Passat 2001

    2001: Volkswagen Passat GLS. Sharing the same platform as the Audi A4, the fifth generation Passat offered 4motion all-wheel drive and the W8 engine, which preceded the W16 powerplant in the Bugatti Veyron.

    Top domestic sedan: Lincoln LS V-6
  • <b>2000: Audi A6 Quattro V-6.</b> Also landing on Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list, the handsome <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/overview?distance=50&location=&bodystyle=&modelyearlb=&modelyearub=&make=audi&model=a6&askpricelb=&askpriceub=&deliverymileagelb=&deliverymileageub=&listingtype=used&keywords=" data-ylk="slk:A6;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">A6</a> moved upmarket from the previous generation. The 2.8-liter V-6 made 190 horsepower, and was good for a 0-60 time of around eight seconds.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/overview;_ylt=AnhwqG5Vz1mB3Zn_JHpjmVpXc78F;_ylv=3?listingtype=used&make=lincoln&model=ls&modelyearlb=any&modelyearub=any&askpricelb=any&askpriceub=any&deliverymileagelb=any&deliverymileageub=any&location=" data-ylk="slk:Lincoln LS;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lincoln LS</a> V-6
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    Audi A6 2000

    2000: Audi A6 Quattro V-6. Also landing on Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list, the handsome A6 moved upmarket from the previous generation. The 2.8-liter V-6 made 190 horsepower, and was good for a 0-60 time of around eight seconds.

    Top domestic sedan: Lincoln LS V-6
  • <b>1996 - 1999: Mercedes-Benz E320.</b> From 1996 the <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/" data-ylk="slk:E-Class;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">E-Class</a> saw a dramatic make-over, which moved away from the squared-off designs that long defined the company. Consumer Reports didn't recommend its first model year, citing reliability issues.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/overview?distance=50&location=&bodystyle=&modelyearlb=&modelyearub=&make=cadillac&model=catera&askpricelb=&askpriceub=&deliverymileagelb=&deliverymileageub=&listingtype=used&keywords=" data-ylk="slk:Cadillac Catera;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cadillac Catera</a>
    8/11

    Mercedes-Benz E-Class

    1996 - 1999: Mercedes-Benz E320. From 1996 the E-Class saw a dramatic make-over, which moved away from the squared-off designs that long defined the company. Consumer Reports didn't recommend its first model year, citing reliability issues.

    Top domestic sedan: Cadillac Catera
  • <b>1996: BMW 530i.</b> The last year of the E34 5 Series, which was succeeded by the larger E39.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/overview?distance=50&location=&bodystyle=&modelyearlb=&modelyearub=&make=chrysler&model=new_yorker&askpricelb=&askpriceub=&deliverymileagelb=&deliverymileageub=&listingtype=used&keywords=" data-ylk="slk:Chrysler LHS New Yorker;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chrysler LHS New Yorker</a>
    9/11

    BMW 5 Series E34

    1996: BMW 530i. The last year of the E34 5 Series, which was succeeded by the larger E39.

    Top domestic sedan: Chrysler LHS New Yorker
  • <b><a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/overview?distance=50&location=&bodystyle=&modelyearlb=1992&modelyearub=1994&make=mercedes_benz&model=e&askpricelb=&askpriceub=&deliverymileagelb=&deliverymileageub=&listingtype=used&keywords=" data-ylk="slk:1992-1994 Mercedes-Benz 500E/E500;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">1992-1994 Mercedes-Benz 500E/E500</a></b><br>Cost: $15,000-$30,000-plus<br>Why: In the early 1990s as BMW's M5 established itself as the performance sedan of choice, Mercedes-Benz needed a competitor. W124 E-Class chassis (upgraded with big brakes and the 5.0-liter V8 from the high-end 500SL) were shipped to Porsche's Zuffenhausen plant for assembly.<br><br>Only 1,500 were brought to the U.S. during a three-year production run (for its last year in 1994 it was re-designated the E500) so it's becoming harder to find well-maintained low-mileage examples. Diligent searching will pay off with a "sleeper" classic, featuring the grunt of the 5.0-liter V8's 322 hp, a fascinating history and the quirky charm that comes with being "the other guy." Overlooked even by many Mercedes fans, the 500E is a cool divergent footnote in automotive history that also happens to go really fast.
    10/11

    Mercedes-Benz 500E

    1992-1994 Mercedes-Benz 500E/E500
    Cost: $15,000-$30,000-plus
    Why: In the early 1990s as BMW's M5 established itself as the performance sedan of choice, Mercedes-Benz needed a competitor. W124 E-Class chassis (upgraded with big brakes and the 5.0-liter V8 from the high-end 500SL) were shipped to Porsche's Zuffenhausen plant for assembly.

    Only 1,500 were brought to the U.S. during a three-year production run (for its last year in 1994 it was re-designated the E500) so it's becoming harder to find well-maintained low-mileage examples. Diligent searching will pay off with a "sleeper" classic, featuring the grunt of the 5.0-liter V8's 322 hp, a fascinating history and the quirky charm that comes with being "the other guy." Overlooked even by many Mercedes fans, the 500E is a cool divergent footnote in automotive history that also happens to go really fast.
  • <b>1994: Lexus LS 400.</b> In its time, the hulky <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/lexus/ls/" data-ylk="slk:Lexus LS;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lexus LS</a> 400 was a sales juggernaut, outselling BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz models in its segment. The first-generation model also received distinction by Consumer Reports in 2007 as one of the most reliable used cars.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision
    11/11

    Lexus LS400

    1994: Lexus LS 400. In its time, the hulky Lexus LS 400 was a sales juggernaut, outselling BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz models in its segment. The first-generation model also received distinction by Consumer Reports in 2007 as one of the most reliable used cars.

    Top domestic sedan: Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision
    loefflerw | Flickr
<b>2013: Chevrolet Impala.</b> Compared to the 2013 model, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala saw a dramatic improvement in its ranking; the previous model year scored a 63, and was scored too low to be recommended.
<b>2008 - 2012: Lexus LS 460L.</b> The <span>Lexus LS</span> has been a Consumer Reports favorite for the sedan segment, getting top marks for eight of the 20 years. The 460L won five consecutive years, the longest of any sedan.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> <span>Cadillac CTS</span>, <span>Ford Fusion</span> Hybrid (2010 - 2012); Cadillac CTS (2008 - 2009)
<b>2006 - 2007: Infiniti M35x.</b> Distinguishing <a href="autos.yahoo.com/infiniti/" data-ylk="slk:Infiniti;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Infiniti</a>'s midsize luxury sedan as "well-rounded, nimble cars," Consumer Reports gave the Infiniti M the top spot for two consecutive years.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> Cadillac STS V-6
<b>2004 - 2005: Lexus LS 430.</b> Visually the <span>Lexus</span> flagship changed little from the previous model, but the LS 430 was 90 percent all-new. While lacking in driver engagement, it was as quiet as a bank vault and upheld its reputation of bulletproof reliability.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> Cadillac DeVille DHS
<b>2002 - 2003: BMW 530i.</b> Following a mid-cycle refresh, the <a href="autos.yahoo.com/bmw/5-series/" data-ylk="slk:5 Series;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">5 Series</a> earned top marks from Consumer Reports, citing its comfortable yet sporty dynamics and smooth engine.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> Cadillac DeVille DHS
<b>2001: Volkswagen Passat GLS.</b> Sharing the same platform as the <a href="autos.yahoo.com/audi/a4/" data-ylk="slk:Audi A4;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Audi A4</a>, the fifth generation <a href="autos.yahoo.com/volkswagen/passat-sedan/" data-ylk="slk:Passat;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Passat</a> offered 4motion all-wheel drive and the W8 engine, which preceded the W16 powerplant in the Bugatti Veyron.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> Lincoln LS V-6
<b>2000: Audi A6 Quattro V-6.</b> Also landing on Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list, the handsome <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/overview?distance=50&location=&bodystyle=&modelyearlb=&modelyearub=&make=audi&model=a6&askpricelb=&askpriceub=&deliverymileagelb=&deliverymileageub=&listingtype=used&keywords=" data-ylk="slk:A6;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">A6</a> moved upmarket from the previous generation. The 2.8-liter V-6 made 190 horsepower, and was good for a 0-60 time of around eight seconds.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/overview;_ylt=AnhwqG5Vz1mB3Zn_JHpjmVpXc78F;_ylv=3?listingtype=used&make=lincoln&model=ls&modelyearlb=any&modelyearub=any&askpricelb=any&askpriceub=any&deliverymileagelb=any&deliverymileageub=any&location=" data-ylk="slk:Lincoln LS;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lincoln LS</a> V-6
<b>1996 - 1999: Mercedes-Benz E320.</b> From 1996 the <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/" data-ylk="slk:E-Class;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">E-Class</a> saw a dramatic make-over, which moved away from the squared-off designs that long defined the company. Consumer Reports didn't recommend its first model year, citing reliability issues.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/overview?distance=50&location=&bodystyle=&modelyearlb=&modelyearub=&make=cadillac&model=catera&askpricelb=&askpriceub=&deliverymileagelb=&deliverymileageub=&listingtype=used&keywords=" data-ylk="slk:Cadillac Catera;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cadillac Catera</a>
<b>1996: BMW 530i.</b> The last year of the E34 5 Series, which was succeeded by the larger E39.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/overview?distance=50&location=&bodystyle=&modelyearlb=&modelyearub=&make=chrysler&model=new_yorker&askpricelb=&askpriceub=&deliverymileagelb=&deliverymileageub=&listingtype=used&keywords=" data-ylk="slk:Chrysler LHS New Yorker;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chrysler LHS New Yorker</a>
<b><a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/overview?distance=50&location=&bodystyle=&modelyearlb=1992&modelyearub=1994&make=mercedes_benz&model=e&askpricelb=&askpriceub=&deliverymileagelb=&deliverymileageub=&listingtype=used&keywords=" data-ylk="slk:1992-1994 Mercedes-Benz 500E/E500;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">1992-1994 Mercedes-Benz 500E/E500</a></b><br>Cost: $15,000-$30,000-plus<br>Why: In the early 1990s as BMW's M5 established itself as the performance sedan of choice, Mercedes-Benz needed a competitor. W124 E-Class chassis (upgraded with big brakes and the 5.0-liter V8 from the high-end 500SL) were shipped to Porsche's Zuffenhausen plant for assembly.<br><br>Only 1,500 were brought to the U.S. during a three-year production run (for its last year in 1994 it was re-designated the E500) so it's becoming harder to find well-maintained low-mileage examples. Diligent searching will pay off with a "sleeper" classic, featuring the grunt of the 5.0-liter V8's 322 hp, a fascinating history and the quirky charm that comes with being "the other guy." Overlooked even by many Mercedes fans, the 500E is a cool divergent footnote in automotive history that also happens to go really fast.
<b>1994: Lexus LS 400.</b> In its time, the hulky <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/lexus/ls/" data-ylk="slk:Lexus LS;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lexus LS</a> 400 was a sales juggernaut, outselling BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz models in its segment. The first-generation model also received distinction by Consumer Reports in 2007 as one of the most reliable used cars.<br><br><b>Top domestic sedan:</b> Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision

Since 1992, Consumer Reports has published car ratings in its annual auto issue. Here are the cars that claimed the title as top sedan, as well as the top domestic sedan that year.