Each year, Consumer Guide Automotive editors test drive and evaluate nearly every vehicle sold in the United States. Together, the editors rate each vehicle 1–10 in the following categories: Acceleration, Fuel Economy, Ride Quality, Steering/Handling/Braking, Quietness, Controls, Details, Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front), Room/Comfort (rear), Cargo Room, and Value Within Class.
The editors add those numbers to produce a total rating score for each vehicle. Below are the total rating scores for 2012 midsize cars. Click the name of the car for a detailed review of that vehicle. Or simply check out The Consumer Guide to 2012 Midsize Cars.
Check out our current midsize Best Buys
Best Midsize Cars
1. Mazda 5
Base MSRP: $19,195; Consumer Guide Rating: 74
2. Hyundai Sonata
Base MSRP: $19,795; Consumer Guide Rating: 73
2. Subaru Outback
Base MSRP: $23,295; Consumer Guide Rating: 73
4. Kia Optima
Base MSRP: $19,500; Consumer Guide Rating: 72
5. Nissan Altima Base MSRP: $20,410; Consumer Guide Rating: 71
5. Toyota Camry Base MSRP: $21,955; Consumer Guide Rating: 71
5. Toyota Prius v Base MSRP: $26,400; Consumer Guide Rating: 71
5. Volkswagen Passat Base MSRP: $19,99; Consumer Guide Rating: 71
9. Honda Accord Sedan Base MSRP: $21,380; Consumer Guide Rating: 70
9. Subaru Legacy Base MSRP: $19,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 70
11. Toyota Prius Base MSRP: $23,050; Consumer Guide Rating: 69
12. Chevrolet Malibu Base MSRP: $21,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 68
12. Ford Fusion Base MSRP: $19,850; Consumer Guide Rating: 68
12. Honda Accord Crosstour Base MSRP: $27,655; Consumer Guide Rating: 68
12. Suzuki Kizashi Base MSRP: $18,999; Consumer Guide Rating: 68
15. Mazda 6 Base MSRP: $20,240; Consumer Guide Rating: 66
16. Honda Accord Coupe Base MSRP: $22,980; Consumer Guide Rating: 64
16. Nissan Maxima Base MSRP: $31,750; Consumer Guide Rating: 64
18. Dodge Avenger Base MSRP: $18,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 63
19. Chevrolet Impala Base MSRP: $25,645; Consumer Guide Rating: 61 (2011)
19. Chrysler 200 Base MSRP: $18,995; Consumer Guide Rating: 61
21. Mitsubishi Galant Base MSRP: $21,899; Consumer Guide Rating: 53
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