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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