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Is Your List Better Than These Top 10 Luxury Car Impersonators?

Agent009 submitted on 04/14/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 2:11 PM
from: www.autoremarketing.com

[48] user comments | category: Misc News

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Is Your List Better Than These Top 10 Luxury Car Impersonators?

According to a recent review luxurious doesn't necessarily have to mean expensive. Cars.com released its list of "Top 10 Luxury Impersonators," which are vehicles that dealers and automakers can market as having plush features without the daunting prices.

"Most automakers have upgraded the interiors in their cars so even the bottom trim levels in most cars have a more upscale look and feel," stated Cars.com editor-in-chief Patrick Olsen.

"When you start getting into higher trim levels, consumers might be surprised by the type of luxury features they can find for less than $30,000," Olsen continued.

The following are Cars.com's top "impersonators," listed by price in ascending order, with editorial commentary included:

1. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
2. 2008 Mazda3
3. 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
4. 2008 Honda Accord
5. 2008 Honda CR-V
6. 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
7. 2008 Saturn Vue
8. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
9. 2008 Buick Lucerne
10. 2008 Ford Edge

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993Turbo - 4/14/2008 2:15:06 PM

+16 Boost

Passat maybe, not the Jetta.

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zorbeeze - 4/15/2008 8:52:17 AM

+1 Boost

Completely agree.
What the hell is the Jetta doing on that list.
And the MAzda 3. It's a fun little car to drive but not luxurious by any means.

utahnkid - 4/14/2008 2:34:21 PM

+5 Boost

Thats sorta funny the Camry didn't make it

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daytonaviolet - 4/14/2008 3:00:56 PM

0 Boost

I agree, I just drove one and was surprised at how solid it was. Plus it looks way better than the accord.

lexusis350 - 4/14/2008 4:02:36 PM

+8 Boost

Honda is definitely not for those who are cheap and tasteless. Honda's aren't that cheap, first of all, and their styling is really tasteful. The Civic Si is proof of both of those.

lexusis350 - 4/14/2008 4:12:07 PM

+9 Boost

If you're talking about those people who think it's cool to destroy Hondas by adding stupid exhaust pipes, ugly body kits, racing stripes, and ugly spoilers, then yes, Hondas are crappy. But stock version Hondas are very attractive.

Obliv - 4/14/2008 4:31:49 PM

-8 Boost

You mean the stock Honda Civic SI that comes stock with ricer decals on the sides? Tasteful is definitley not a word that comes to mind...

VTEC YO!

lexusis350 - 4/14/2008 4:33:23 PM

+8 Boost

Those aren't ricer decals. A ricer decal doesn't have anything to do with the car. A ricer decal is the logo for their huge bass speaker or the logo for their crappy after market junk or their gang symbol.

henbmw - 4/14/2008 7:57:24 PM

+9 Boost

Ya, I guess the Porsche GT3 RS is ricer too with its decals...

ChicaneShooter - 4/15/2008 1:39:39 AM

-3 Boost

OF COURSE the camry isn't listed.

simply because it IS NOT an IMPERSONATOR.

one of the attributes of TRUE LUXURY, is TOTAL RELIABILITY. what good is a leather couch that's sitting at the dealer, waiting for parts? on this basis, toyotas are TRUE 'luxury vehicles' so not a single one is on this list of "IMPERSONATORS."

now if you get an optioned up Avalon or Camry or Corolla, RAV4, Matrix, etc..... then you do have a TRUE luxury car. which will STILL be faithfully cosseting you YEARS AFTER many a euro or detroit car has been traded or scrapped for too frequent repair needs.

farabira1 - 4/15/2008 2:10:39 AM

+2 Boost

I'll take the new Honda Accord anyday over the bloated and squat toyota camry(really and old family man's car).

zorbeeze - 4/15/2008 8:55:25 AM

+1 Boost

What looks good varies from person to person, but i have to say that the Camry is not that good looking. At least Toyota made some sort of effort not to make it look as a box with 4 wheels.

Htay7500 - 4/15/2008 5:42:04 PM

+1 Boost

"now if you get an optioned up Avalon or Camry or Corolla, RAV4, Matrix, etc..... then you do have a TRUE luxury car. which will STILL be faithfully cosseting you YEARS AFTER many a euro or detroit car has been traded or scrapped for too frequent repair needs."

if theres an avalon, whats the point of a fully-loaded V6 camry or ES?

ChicaneShooter - 4/16/2008 2:41:15 AM

0 Boost

some prefer the longer wheelbase and bigger cabin of the Avalon, some do not.

some also prefer the higher fuel efficiency of a Camry 4, while also appreciative of the lux features.

0to60 - 4/14/2008 3:31:06 PM

+1 Boost

LOL

reply to this comment

finishline - 4/14/2008 2:47:30 PM

+1 Boost

I agree that the new Accord has NEAR luxury quality. I know that Acura is not perceived as a luxury nameplate by many around this site, but I think they should reintroduce the CL coupe (basing it on the new Accord coupe) with minimal effort.

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Agent001 - 4/14/2008 2:58:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+11 Boost

Interesting, no Hyundai Genesis or Kia Amanti on the list...Or Toyota Avalon

001

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lexusis350 - 4/14/2008 4:03:11 PM

+9 Boost

Or Nissan Maxima.

ChicaneShooter - 4/15/2008 1:42:57 AM

+3 Boost

simple reason. as i said above, those ARE NOT lux impersonators. they are the real deal.

ChicaneShooter - 4/15/2008 1:44:48 AM

+1 Boost

the Avalon anyway. Maxima too, if it can stay out of service bays like toyotas can.

zorbeeze - 4/15/2008 8:57:01 AM

0 Boost

Have you heard of all the recalls Toyota had the last 2 years. I know several Camry owners and they have had several problems with the new Camrys.

ChicaneShooter - 4/15/2008 10:11:36 AM

0 Boost

recalls are NOT A FACTOR in long term reliability. they usually reflect just a batch of bad parts from a supplier. and they are ALL fixed at the maker's expense.

with regard to costs coming out of owners' pockets, no one can match toyotas for long term lowest costs of ownership. on average, of course.

w209w114 - 4/14/2008 3:24:05 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Dont agree with the Mazda3. Jetta should be replaced with the Passat, or CC

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gooch - 4/14/2008 3:49:14 PM

0 Boost

I'm with you on the Mazda 3, but the Jetta absolutely should be here. Some iterations of the Passat can be had for $40k -- that's 3-series and C-class territory. The CC will also be that way.
The Ford Edge? That vehicle has wayyyyyy too much hard plastic to be considered a pretender.

M35MT - 4/15/2008 7:42:34 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Clearly you dont understand the point of the article. The Mazda3 has virtually no competition at its price point when you consider the interior design, fit and finish, content available and overall driving feel. It has a refined level closer to that of an Acura TSX (minus, of course, costly sound proofing).

I would agree with the Jetta but it can get very expensive when you load it up (close to 30k)

gooch - 4/15/2008 8:25:52 AM

-1 Boost

Uhhh... clearly YOU don't understand. Your opinion is noted, but I've extensive experience in Mazda 3s, and while it is a nice car, it is nowhere near "luxury." It has good fit and finish, I will grant it that, but the hard plastics and the lack of polish in its engine-clutch-shifter dynamics -- for me -- means it falls short of "luxury." And well short of the TSX, to name a vehicle you mentioned.

0to60 - 4/14/2008 3:33:17 PM

+2 Boost

Is the Honda CR-V suppose to impersonate the RX? Yea the Jetta, Vue, Santa Fe and Mazda 3 probably shouldnt be on here. I agree with the CC (Passat), maybe the outlook or whatever the big saturn suv is.

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lexusis350 - 4/14/2008 4:06:07 PM

+1 Boost

The Jetta, MAZDA3, Malibu, and Santa Fe shouldn't be on the list. First of all, the Jetta isn't that nice. Like others have said, it should be the Passat. The MAZDA3 isn't that great either because you can get a Nissan Versa with the same luxury features. And the only reason I said the Malibu is because the interior is kind of tacky. Personally, I don't like how they wrapped the shifter in leather. I think that the only automatic transmission shifters that have the leather wrapped around the base are those that don't have the side button on top. And I just plain don't think Hyundais are nice and that includes the Santa Fe.

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M35MT - 4/15/2008 7:45:00 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Really buddy? I didnt know you could get leather, auto xenon lights, auto wipers, heated seats, auto climate control, navigation, BOSE sound...oh wait, you cant get ANY of those features on a Nissan Versa! Not to mention, you cant get the Versa with a turbocharged engine that goes 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. That's a few tenths away from your IS350. Care to comment?

M35er - 4/14/2008 4:16:00 PM

+3 Boost

I generally don't post negative comments here but I think that is a dumb list. It just seems random. Off the top of my head...

VW Passat
Hyunda Genesis
Kia Amanti
Volvo S40 (not sure if they make that any more)
Nissan Maxima
Honda Accord
Chevy Malibu
Toyota Avalon
Ford Edge
Acura TSX (Europea Accord)

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lexusis350 - 4/14/2008 4:34:27 PM

+2 Boost

The Volvo S40 is expensive, though. This list is for cars under $30k.

lexusis350 - 4/14/2008 5:52:58 PM

+1 Boost

Oh, just kidding. I was thinking of the S80.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2008 12:13:08 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Yeah, they still make the S40, but it doesn't quite belong on this list because Volvo is considered more of a luxury brand. It, the Saab 9-3 and the Acura TSX are stuck in between cars like the ones on this list and cars like the 3 Series, A4, IS, G, C-Class, etc.

rand0m - 4/14/2008 8:44:52 PM

+5 Boost

what the heck....is it just me or would my #1 be the chrysler 300!!!!!! looks like a total ripoff of bentleys/rolls....worst imitator of them all

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Audiphile - 4/14/2008 11:20:55 PM

+3 Boost

You're right about the big Chrysler 'sexterior styling, especially when they have those Bentley-ish mesh grilles on them. However, the interior styling strikes me as a bit industrial.

lexusrox123 - 4/15/2008 8:54:03 AM

+1 Boost

heck, they even have bentley kits for 300's!! ever seen 'em?

ChicaneShooter - 4/18/2008 4:46:23 AM

+1 Boost

best bang for your buck EVER, was the RR grill to affix to your VW bug!

if it's not a neat bodyshop professional installation but one like in the Cheech and Chong flick (held in place with baling wire?) ALL THE BETTER!!

M35er - 4/15/2008 9:27:24 AM

+1 Boost

agreed, Bentley should be on this list. Also agree with interior assessment. Seems like they use that same interior on many of the Chrysler/Dodge sedans.

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corelink - 4/15/2008 9:43:42 AM

0 Boost

Glad to see the Accord on there. It's rip off from the 5 series with its latest exterior design.

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MadibaP - 4/15/2008 11:37:20 AM

+5 Boost

Where is BMW? They pretend to be 'Luxury' with every model!

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MadibaP - 4/15/2008 12:23:14 PM

+2 Boost

Oh wait! They charge like they ARE 'Luxury'! Ha ha suckers!

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Whelan - 4/15/2008 12:44:23 PM

+1 Boost

1. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
the Jetta is so far out of it's marketplace, it is a joke. It was originally a nice entry level 4 door sedan version of the Golf and GTI in my opinion. Compared to Civic and Corolla and has since moved up to compete with...well I dunno what since the Passat goes against the Accord, Altima, Camry, etc. So this car needs a major turn around in every aspect, especially price.

2. 2008 Mazda3
more sport than lux to me. Compared with a Civic, Corolla, etc. it does seem to be tighter, have better fit/finish and the fun to drive and accessories like bi-xenon lamps and LED tail lights give it a lux appeal. So maybe it could be considered in here afterall.

3. 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Have yet to sit in one in person, but from the outside with the tasteful chrome and accents done it does look like it belongs a step above a Buick even. It is much more stylish than Camry or Accord and for the money in the LTZ version you get more bang for the buck than in either of the others.

4. 2008 Honda Accord
Spare me, it's an ugly Acura TL, which as a cousin car is not even considered luxury. So if the Acura nameplate is near luxury, how can a Honda be near luxury when it offers less. Not to mention Honda's designers have gone very lax and have been uninspiring as of late, even the new Si makes me yawn now.

5. 2008 Honda CR-V
Once again please spare me. The Acura RDX's little brother with less power, a very girlie look, and no fun factor. The Toyota Rav 4 Limited 4WD V6 with 276hp would have been a better choice.

6. 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
I can agree with this because for the money compared to a G37 coupe, the Altima coupe is a total bargain and quite a looker even in 2.5s trim.

7. 2008 Saturn Vue
Love the new VUE, it is def. on par with being a near luxury car. The design, the accents, the interior aesthetics are all pleasing and for the price with a V6 and the Redline coming out soon, you really can't beat what it offers in the compact SUV market. Unless you want hard off-roadability, then you get a Liberty.

8. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
Umm, I would say no. I have driven in one, it was cheap looking, the V6 had no power to speak of, and the appointments were very ho-hum.

9. 2008 Buick Lucerne
The Lucerne is the Regal of the decade, nothing inspiring on looks, nothing that stands out about it. Buick is still your grandfathers car and they are going through hell to try and banish that look. Should have kept Oldsmobile alive and ditched the Bu.

10. 2008 Ford Edge
Why not just call it the Lincoln MKZ. It's a nice car, but not near lux at all. It's a Ford and Ford still needs to work on other images than just putting all there bread in this and the upcoming Flex. How about the real deal Focus from Europe and a Fusion that looks more like the European Mondeo!

The Jetta is so far out of it's market it's ridiculous

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BocaBMWs - 4/15/2008 11:03:39 PM

+1 Boost

so stupid to pay $25-30K for these cheap wannabees, come on people wake up--the best value is an awesome CPO, from Audi, BMW, Lexus etc, you can get a 2-3 yo amazing vehicle (with a long warranty) for 30-40% off new car prices, and for basically what these "near luxury" pos's go for,,,...

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