$35,000 Full-Size Sedans

Put four full-sized adults plus their luggage in a midsize sedan for a weekend getaway, and you'll understand the purpose of the 11 cars on these pages. These sedans aren't canyon carvers or backroad burners, but when you need a comfortable four-door with space to spare, they're ready to serve.

Oh, and we're not talking about Mercedes-Benz S550 or BMW 750i sedans. Even with a strict price cap of $35,000, we've found 11 mainstream and semi-premium cars that fit the bill-some expected, and maybe a couple you forgot existed.

Our focus for this collection of full-size vehicles is comfort, interior space, and rear seat legroom. After all, isn't the point of getting a large sedan that rear seat passengers don't hit the back of the front seats? While we respect the government's organization of the U.S. automotive market, don't look to the ratings on FuelEconomy.gov as the only source for vehicles that qualify. The Nissan Versa and Buick LaCrosse, for example, are both classified as midsize vehicles.

So relax, spread out, and click through to read about 11 reasonably equipped sedans that are bigger than your average midsized four-door.

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2011 Buick LaCrosseCXS

Buick's Lexus-beater, the LaCrosse, moves into the 2011 model year with two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V-6. Only 25 percent of LaCrosse buyers are expected to jump for the four-cylinder, but, with $35,000 to spend, the top-line CXS trim is within reach.

Aside from attractive 18-inch wheels to complement the eye-catching styling, the CXS trim gives LaCrosse owners a long list of standard features including heated and ventilated seats, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, and a heated wood and leather steering wheel. If you sacrifice the pricey sunroof, HID headlights are within reach.

The car is a looker and it still has a decent amount of interior room. Rear seat legroom is a sizable 40.5 inches, more than most cars in this article. Trunk space, unfortunately, is a different matter. Many midsize cars provide more trunk space than the 12.8 cu.-ft. on the LaCrosse CXS. (Other trims offer 13.3 cu.-ft.)

Selected features in a $35,000 LaCrosse CXS: 18-inch chrome wheels, HID headlights, Rear Park Assist, heated front seats, heated leather and wood steering wheel.

Selected dimensions: Length: 196.9 in. - Rear seat legroom: 40.5 in. - Cargo volume: 12.8 cu.-ft. - Turning Circle: 38.8 ft.

Bottom Line: The most stylish in this bunch.

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2010 Buick LucerneCXL

For those rolling their eyes, wondering why anyone would still consider a Lucerne with the LaCrosse sharing Buick showrooms, we have two words for you: "space" and "incentives."

First, space. The 203.2-inch-long Lucerne is generous in interior dimensions with a large 41.4 inches of legroom for rear seat passengers. As an added bonus, the Lucerne can be equipped with a front row bench seat -- for a total seating capacity of six-for just $295. As for incentives, Buick is currently offering up to $4000 cash back on Lucernes, meaning the large car can be had at a great price.

Those interested in a Lucerne better not be in a hurry to get where they're going, though (but you'll need to hurry to the dealer if you really want one, as it's going away soon). If you can't afford the 292-horsepower V-8, the alternative is a 227-horsepower 3.9-liter V-6 mated to an ancient four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated 17/27 mpg city/highway with the V-6.

Selected features in a $35,000 Lucerne CXL: Front row bench seat, leather seats, heated and cooled seats, Lane Departure Warning system, 17-inch chrome wheels.

Selected dimensions: Length: 203.2 in. - Rear seat legroom: 41.4 in. - Cargo volume: 17.0 cu.-ft. - Turning Circle: 42.2 ft.

Bottom Line: Big and comfortable, but not refined.

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2010 Chevrolet ImpalaLTZ

The Impala may be one of the oldest full-size four-doors here, but it still sells in big numbers. For the first six months of 2010, Chevrolet sold 89,491 of them -not bad for a car that debuted in the 2006 model year. Value is the best reason to consider the Impala, which is outclassed dynamically by other large non-premium sedans. Current incentives are huge. In our area, Chevrolet is offering 0 percent financing for 72 months or $4000 cash back, and that's before you start negotiating your best price.

Styling on the Impala is more conservative than many of its competitors, even with the 18-inch wheels standard on the high-end models. A 3.5-liter V-6 producing 211 horsepower is standard and a 3.9-liter V-6 making 230 horsepower is optional. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy with the larger engine is 17/27 mpg city/highway, but then, with power ratings so low, we'd hope mpg ratings were high.

The interior appears cheap in comparison to almost every midsize and full-size sedan available today, which brings us, inevitably, back to The Deal. It is impossible to order a $35,000 Impala unless you outfit it with diamond-encrusted dubs. With a $25,000 budget, the Impala is a good choice for full-size sedan buyers on a budget. But, for more than 30 grand, we think some of the following choices might be a smarter purchase.

Selected features in a $35,000 Impala LTZ: 18-inch alloy wheels, Bose eight-speaker sound system, leather seats, front heated seats.

Selected dimensions: Length: 200.4 in. - Rear seat legroom: 37.6 in. - Cargo volume: 18.6 cu.-ft. - Turning circle: 40.0 ft.

Bottom Line: A decent choice for the full-size sedan buyer on a very strict budget.

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2010 Chrysler 300Touring Signature Series Value Package

The Chrysler 300 line is even older than the Chevrolet Impala, yet the 300 still remains reasonably attractive. Sure, a refreshed model is on the way, but if you must buy a full-size sedan right now, the 300 is one of the bolder entries.

With $35,000, Chrysler offers a loaded V-6 model called the Touring Signature Series Value Package. Add options up to our budget and you're traveling in style, with 18-inch chrome wheels, a navigation system displayed in a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and one year of the Sirius Traffic Service.

This trim level of the rear-wheel drive 300 is powered by a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is just 17/25 mpg. If you have the money for the 5.7-liter V-8, buy it, as you only lose 1 mpg in the city.

Selected features in a $35,000 300 Touring Signature Series Value Package: 18-inch chrome wheels, navigation system on 6.5-inch screen, leather seats, one year of Sirius Traffic Service.

Selected dimensions: Length: 196.8 in. - Rear seat legroom: 40.2 in. - Cargo volume: 17.2 cu.-ft. - Turning radius: 38.9 ft.

Bottom Line: The Chrysler 300 still has style, but buyers of the 2010 model will have buyers' remorse as soon as the redesigned 2011s hit showrooms.

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2010 Dodge ChargerR/T Chrome & Sound Package

The Dodge Charger shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Chrysler 300 but lacks the upscale appeal of that sedan. Maybe that's why we found a moderately equipped V-8 Charger was in our budget after incentives, whereas a V-8 300 with a few options was not.

We could tell you about the leather seats in the Charger R/T Chrome & Sound Package, or the sound system's 30 GB hard drive, but all you need to know is powertrain details: a 5.7-liter V-8 produces 368 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is just 16/25 mpg city/highway, but with a strict $35,000 price cap, this is the most entertaining engine you can buy in this group.

Available since 2005, the Charger is due for an update in the 2011 model year. This, of course, means great deals on 2010 models for those who are OK with skipping the improvements of the impending car.

Selected features in a $35,000 Charger R/T Chrome & Sound Package: 5.7-liter V-8, sound system with 6.5-inch touchscreen and 30 GB hard drive, 18-inch chrome wheels, leather seats.

Selected dimensions: Length: 200.1 in. - Rear seat legroom: 40.2 in. - Cargo volume: 16.2 cu.-ft. - Turning Circle: 38.9 ft.

Bottom Line: Imposing looks and an affordable V-8 make the Dodge Charger enticing.

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2011 Ford TaurusLimited

The Ford Taurus is an ambitious entry in this group. The car may have a base price in the mid-$20,000s but by the time you're finished adding high-end options usually found on premium luxury cars, you might crest $40,000. Within our $35,000 price range, a Taurus still offers advanced technology like a Blind Spot Information System and, if you want, seats that will give you a massage as you roll down the highway.

Powered by a 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, the Taurus achieves 18/28 mpg city/highway. Those in a hurry - and with more money - can opt for the Taurus SHO, which gets a 365-horsepower EcoBoost V-6 engine. Regardless of which powertrain you can afford, the Ford sedan has a pleasing interior and exterior styling that's far bolder than the last two vehicles to wear the Taurus nameplate.

If those aren't good enough reasons to get the Taurus, know that the Ford has an incredible 20.1 cu.-ft. of trunk space. That's nearly as much space as the Mercury Grand Marquis and more than most buyers will ever need.

Selected features in a $35,000 Taurus Limited: Blind Spot Information System, 19-inch chrome wheels, leather seats, 10-way power driver's seat, SYNC.

Selected dimensions: Length: 202.9 in. - Rear seat legroom: 38.1 in. - Cargo volume: 20.1 cu-ft - Turning Circle: 39.7 ft.

Bottom Line: The best Taurus ever?

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2010 Honda AccordEX-L V-6

"What business does the Honda Accord have in the company of large $35,000 sedans?" some of you are saying. Well, a loaded V-6 Accord retails for just under $33,000 with all sorts of goodies, and the EPA classifies certain versions of the car as "large," not "midsize."

Unlike the Hyundai Sonata, which is also called a large car by the government, the Accord can compete with some of these others when it comes to space in the back seat. Even still, the Accord straddles the midsize and large categories. You can tell by the Accord's 14 cu.-ft. trunk -- not shabby, but it's no Mercury Grand Marquis or Ford Taurus.

One of the benefits of choosing a slightly smaller "large car" like the Accord or the Sonata is that you can pile on the options and still not reach our price maximum. With this budget, an Accord has an upgraded sound system, heated leather seats, a navigation system, back-up sensors, and much more. At this price point, the Accord mates a 271-horsepower V-6 to a five-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is 19/29 mpg city/highway; incoming 2011 models are expected to get 30 mpg on the highway.

Selected features in a $35,000 Accord EX-L V-6: Navigation system, back-up sensors, rear view camera, leather seats, heated front seats.

Selected dimensions: Length: 194.1 in. - Rear seat legroom: 37.2 in. - Cargo volume: 14.0 cu.-ft. - Turning Circle: 37.7 ft.

Bottom Line: Capable of competing with midsize and large sedans.

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2011 Hyundai AzeraLimited

Hyundai calls the Azera full-size sedan "one of the automotive industry's best-kept secrets." The company isn't kidding. For the first six months of 2010, only 1581 Azera sedans were sold in the U.S. So at the very least, going with the Azera means you'll be driving a car few others ever will.

Two engines are available for the 2011 Azera: a 3.3-liter V-6 and a 283-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 in the Limited trim, well under our $35,000 price cap. Fuel economy on the bigger engine is 19/27 mpg city/highway. For the 2011 model year, Hyundai tweaked the steering and suspension, and the styling has been refreshed, too. Even still, styling isn't the best reason to get an Azera unless you're looking to blend in.

One of the best reasons to consider a loaded Azera over, say, a base Genesis sedan is the affordability of the touchscreen navigation system. Add all the accessories you want, including the navigation system, and you probably still won't break a $35,000 budget.

Selected features in a $35,000 Azera Limited: Touchscreen navigation system, 605-watt 12-speaker sound system, power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators, power rear sunshade.

Selected dimensions: Length: 193.3 in. - Rear seat legroom: 38.2 in. - Cargo volume: 16.6 cu.-ft. - Turning Circle: 37.4 ft

Bottom Line: For the Hyundai buyer who can't afford the payments on a Genesis sedan.

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2010 Hyundai Genesis3.8

A Hyundai Genesis sedan under $35,000 - before negotiating - means a base model, passing on one of the two high-end sound systems, and going without a sunroof. With a strict $35,000 price ceiling, HID headlights and a rearview camera are also out of the question.

What you do get with the Genesis instead of an Azera is a rear-wheel drive sedan powered by a 290-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6. It's still difficult to warm up to the Genesis' polarizing grille, but the styling is a bit more refined than the Azera.

Fuel economy on both cars is nearly the same, which shouldn't be a surprise as they use the same basic engine. The Genesis 3.8 gets 18/27 mpg city/highway, down just 1 mpg in the city from the Azera.

Selected features in a $35,000 Genesis 3.8: Proximity Key Entry, heated front seats, leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear view mirror with Homelink and compass.

Selected dimensions: Length: 195.9 in. - Rear seat legroom: 38.6 in. - Cargo volume: 15.9 cu.-ft. - Turning Circle: 36.0 ft.

Bottom Line: A quality sedan, but without any options, others might serve better.

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2010 Mercury Grand Marquis

If all you care about is interior space, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the Mercury Grand Marquis. Yes the car is going out of production before the end of this year, but find a new one you like at the dealership and you can probably leave with a loaded Grand Marquis for under 30 grand.

Even before considering the $4000 on the hood of Grand Marquis sedans, the Mercury cars aren't that expensive. The standard engine on this car, unchanged for years, is a 224-horsepower 4.6-liter V-8, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy isn't the best, at 16/24 mpg city/highway.

On the upside, the Grand Marquis seats six comfortably inside, and offers a gigantic 20.6 cu.-ft. trunk.

Selected features in a $35,000 Grand Marquis: 17-inch chrome wheels with white wall tires, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, leather and wood steering wheel, AM/FM/cassette/CD-player sound system.

Selected dimensions: Length: 212.0 in. - Rear seat legroom: 38.0 in. - Cargo volume: 20.6 cu.-ft. - Turning Circle: 40.3 ft.

Bottom Line: A traditional six-passenger V-8 large sedan and one of the least expensive in its class.

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2011 Toyota Avalon

The Avalon is Toyota's take on what a classic-style Buick sedan should be. Huge inside, the Avalon even has adjustable rear seats that recline for added comfort. For the 2011 model year, the Toyota Avalon received a refresh that completely changed the front and rear styling, not to mention the interior. The result is a car that still doesn't disguise its nearly 200-inch length, but is better equipped to fight some of the better competitors featured in this article.

As before, the Avalon is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 268 horsepower. Fuel economy for this class is good: Its 20/29 mpg city/highway rating is 1 mpg higher in both categories than the 2010 car. The turning radius of 36.9 feet might make the Avalon feel like a smaller car and, in fact, the 14.4 cu.-ft. of trunk space is about half a cubic-foot smaller than the cargo capacity of the Camry.

If you need the added interior space of the Avalon, the Camry won't be on your shopping list. For under $35,000, Toyota offers an Avalon with a backup camera to help with parking, leather seats, and an optional 660-watt 12-speaker sound system. HID headlights and a Smart Key System, however, are only available on the more expensive Limited trim.

Selected features in a $35,000 Avalon: Rearview mirror with integrated backup camera, heated front seats, leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a 660-watt 12-speaker sound system.

Selected dimensions: Length: 197.6 in. - Rear seat legroom: 40.9 in. - Cargo volume: 14.4 cu.-ft. - Turning Circle: 36.9 ft.

Bottom Line: A strong contender in the full-size sedan class.