Entry-Level Luxury Cars

A few luxury cars are noted for their low prices

We found several good reviews for the Volvo S80 (*Est. $38,705 to $49,210), which is recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a Top Safety Pick for its ratings in front- and side-impact crash tests. Kiplinger's also gives it a "First in Safety" title for sedans costing more than $45,000. Reviews say it plays well on the attributes generally associated with Volvos: it's big and roomy, with lots of safety features. The base 235-hp 6-cylinder model is front-wheel drive, and the 281-hp S80 T6 and 311-hp S80 V8 models each come with standard all-wheel drive. Some of the neat safety options include a blind-spot monitoring system, which according to reviews works really well, alerting drivers with a blinking light when another vehicle is in their blind spot. Another innovative option is adaptive cruise control -- when using cruise control, the car will automatically slow down if it catches up to another car. A collision warning system also comes with this option.

Although reviewers are impressed with all the safety options, they say the S80's personality is more functional and conservative – some say boring – compared to more exciting competitors. Performance isn't judged as that impressive, except with the V8 model. Handling is called "tepid" by Edmunds.com, which adds, "The S80 feels competent and balanced through the corners, but it doesn't involve its driver as intimately as most competitors in this class do." They conclude: "Still, with its relatively low price tag, the 2008 Volvo S80 remains a very sensible luxury sedan purchase."

The Cadillac STS (*Est. $43,775 to $78,775) represents a more modern, better-handling alternative to the dated Cadillac DTS (*Est. $43,175 to $50,675). Revised for 2008, the STS is a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive sedan with the choice of a 302-hp V6, a 320-hp V8 or a hand-built 469-hp, supercharged V8 in the limited production STS-V. While the restyling and more powerful base engine make the STS a stronger competitor, many reviews remain lukewarm on many of its attributes. Consumer Guide says, "Inside, STS disappoints with subpar rear-seat space and materials that are not in step with class pacesetters – or other Cadillac models." They add that the "STS impresses dynamically," and "a judiciously optioned V6 model is the best value in this line."

Acura's largest and most luxurious car is the Acura RL (*Est. $46,280 to $53,700), a solid contender with standard all-wheel drive and a 280-hp V6. With plenty of advanced technology, a comfortable interior and a good track record where safety/reliability is concerned, the Acura RL may appeal to those looking for a more compact luxury car. For the many reviewers and consumers who say the nondescript RL is a good "everyday" luxury car that doesn't excel in any particular area, the redesigned 2009 model may be more appealing.

The near-luxury Lincoln MKZ (*Est. $30,980 to $32,850) is priced in the same class as the Lexus ES 350 (*Est. $34,120) and many sports sedans, but it can't compete with them on performance. Instead, its emphasis is on comfort, quietness and luxury features, reviews say. Previously named the Zephyr, the MKZ is a mid-sized, front-drive sedan that shares some of its chassis components with the Ford Fusion, including optional all-wheel drive. However, the MKZ is powered exclusively by a 263-hp V6. While the MKZ beats the ES 350 on price, reviews say it can't match the Lexus' refinement, and does not offer as many features, such as a stability control system – an odd oversight in this segment. Nevertheless, the MKZ earns recommendations from Cars.com and Consumers Digest.