Not to mention that S4 has a few expensive options that the 335xi does not offer, thus the 60K price tag. For example, the Audi Drive Select/Rear Differential option, something that is not available on the 3-series is 5K. Without its pretty comparable to a 335xi (56K vs. 55K).


IMO both the 335i and S4 are overpriced. No fully loaded entry level luxury car should be over 45-47K.

 

As for the C&D ten best, I hold little stock in it as most of the cars listed been there for over a decade despite tougher and better competition.

 

I'm also confused how they included ONLY the S4 but included the entire 3 series and M3?

 

Because the S4 is new this year, the A4 etc is not, thus not eligible for the test. However, the 3-series is always a top 10, so it gets invited back every year.

Was the A4 a 10 best last year?

 

^^^^ahhh you are right....

 

Have to agree with you there. The Genesis (sedan) and the Z are def. good picks. And what happened to Godzilla?

I'm not sure about the M45, but the S4 is completely overpriced for what it is, and I'm not sure what Audi is thinking when they overprice their vehicles. Maybe they want to differentiate from VW? And if value is not a factor on this list, then why not put the Veyron on there?

 

I think the S4 is pretty expensive, but I don't see it performance wise compared to a IS350 or 335i. I see the S4 in its own class stuck between the IS350/335i to the IS-F/M3. I don't see why it's necessary for Audi to create a more expensive entry level sedan instead of just putting more horsepower into the A4 V6 model. They should just completely take the S out and just leave it with the A4 and RS4. I guess even with the price so high if you were to build it up fully loaded, it's probably worth it for the interior and technology, but not for the performance.

 

I agree that whether they are "Best" or not is objective and questionable, but having driven or reviewed all of them myself, I can say with some confidence that they are indeed Ten good machines overall. I don't particularly like the Honda Fit's interior quality or materials (it was cheaped over the last-generation model, and is clearly not up to the fit/finish of other Hondas), but it drives/handles well and is quite versatile.

 

The S4 is extremely well-built, with superlative fit/finish. (I just reviewed one recently)....though the reliability of the electronics is iffy. Its steering is not quite as quick or precise as the BMW 3-series, but it is an excellent Drivers' car.

The current-generation Accord, IMO, clearly beats the current-generation Camry in several areas, and, though I agree with you that the new Ford Fusion (which I also recently reviewed) gives the Accord a real run for its money. And the Fusion, unlike the Accord, also has an excellent hybrid version........Honda had an Accord Hybrid and ended up dropping it because was more expensive yet little different, in both power and MPG, than conventional versions. The Malibu is also another excellent contender, but its hybrid version, unlike the Fusion's, is not well-developed enough.