This comparison looks at fully-loaded family sedans. Specifically, those from the 2006 or 2007 model years that have a CarsDirect Target Price of below $28,000 while equipped with an engine that has at least 180 horsepower while mated to an automatic transmission, and that come with heated power leather seats. The version of a car with the most common powertrain to meet the requirements is included here, not multiple versions of the same car.

This price range brings in mostly well-optioned mainstream family sedans, but a few premium-branded or larger cars also meet the criteria. On the higher end of the family sedan market, comfort, safety, refinement, and interior quality are important. While rock-bottom pricing is still rewarded and cars whose price tags reach this group's price ceiling do suffer in the rankings, features for the money is not as crucial in this price bracket as in lower ones.

The twenty-one vehicles in this group have the following equipment, except where otherwise noted: power windows, locks, and mirrors, antilock brakes with traction and stability control, dual heated power front seats, leather seating, a sunroof, satellite radio, a 6-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, and front-seat torso and front and rear seat head-protecting side airbags.

These twenty-one make up a varied group. A number of them are little more than typical mainstream sedans with more features. Others are much more luxurious, others are sportier.

Most cars in this group can seem competitive. Read on to see which ones really aren't, which are the best values and which are overpriced, and which one delivers the best blend of family sedan virtues.