The more recently developed New Yorker has opted for a firmer, more import-oriented suspension feel. Road imperfections aren't snuffed out as easily as in the Buick and the Mercury, but the New Yorker doesn't suffer from floaty characteristics, either. The steering effort produced by the variable-assist system strikes a nice balance between light, easy feel at slow speeds and a heavier, more substantial feel at highway speeds. Rougher road surfaces are the New Yorker's weak point. The suspension simply lacks the refinement and control of the Toyota.
Thankfully, the Avalon arrives with all of its Camry goodness intact. Like the Chrysler, it's tuned firmer than the Buick and Mercury, and as a result transmits more road input to the driver, but in a controlled, livable manner. The payoff comes on broken pavement surfaces or over larger bumps, where the Toyota's suspension takes it all in stride without any jolting, undulating, or other similar dynamic byproducts. One tester summed up the suspension performance as "near Lexus quality." Plus, when it comes to corners and twisty backroads, the Toyota responds like a sports sedan compared to the other three. The steering and chassis feel light and responsive to input, with confidence-inspiring stability. In instrumented handling tests, it wasn't surprising that the Avalon posted the best results in the slalom's transient, accident-avoidance-type maneuvers, with a quick 63.7-mph sprint.
The Right PickIt's impossible to choose a single car from this eclectic group that would satisfy everyone. Many people who like the wide-body roominess, ultrasoft ride, and traditional accoutrement of a big American luxo-car will be attracted to the Roadmaster. We found its torquey, powerful V-8 to be its most appealing feature, as will buyers who place a priority on towing. But this is offset by the car's inefficient interior layout, loads of body roll, ocean-going suspension action, and uninspiring fit and finish. Nevertheless, it's still a lot of car for the money.
The Grand Marquis and New Yorker are both roomy, comfortable sedans, as well, with the Chrysler's design offering the best interior in terms of overall passenger comfort. The Mercury retains traditional American large-car values, while the New Yorker opts for more contemporary appeal. Both deliver acceptable power for all but the most serious accelerative situations. For many people, the New Yorker's overall package will make it the car of choice from this group. If it were only a bit more powerful, and a tad more refined, it'd also be our favorite.
Our staff's number one pick, though, is the Toyota Avalon. If you need to carry six adults on a regular basis, the Avalon's narrower width may prove too much of a squeeze. But in every other way, it represents a formidable challenge to the domestic establishment. Its refinement and attention to detail is clearly the best of this group, it offers competitive leg- and headroom, and its 3.0-liter V-6 delivers the second-best acceleration, along with the most miserly fuel economy. Dynamically, the Avalon offers the most responsive handling and shortest braking distance. Plus, it draws on a well-established Camry track record of quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction awards that would have other automakers drooling. With this car, Toyota has once again proven it can compete in its rival's own backyard.
No, six-passenger sedans aren't what they used to be. They're a darn sight better.
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