Subcompact Sedan

Examples of Subcompact Sedans: Nissan Versa, Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Pros: These are the smallest sedans on the market and in many cases, they represent the least expensive vehicle an automaker offers. Minimal weight and compact dimensions make these cars exceptionally efficient and easy to maneuver in tight spots. Cons: Such small cars can feel cheap with minimal sound insulation and short wheelbases that frequently result in choppy ride quality. They also tend to look a little frumpy. Plus, if you plan on bringing along cargo or rear seat passengers, space will be tight. Only two vehicles are left in this endangered segment with the Kia Rio's discontinuation.

Compact Sedan

Examples of Compact Sedans: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Jetta Pros: These cars represent affordable basic transportation. They retain most of the efficiency and drivability of a subcompact but offer an additional level of refinement and a bit more space. Most cars in this segment will offer the automakers' best safety and tech features, at least on the highest trim. Cons: Although there's more space than a subcompact, you still won't want to subject full-size friends to the rear seat for more than a short trip. You also probably won't be making any big trips to IKEA.

Midsize Sedan

Examples of Midsize Sedans: Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima Pros: The midsize segment represents the largest and most luxurious sedans for most non-luxury automakers, so you'll see some impressive comfort and tech features, especially on higher trim levels. They'll be more comfortable on long journeys and can still achieve decent fuel economy from their four-cylinder engines. Hybrid models boast impressive efficiency. Cons: A midsize sedan is heavier and longer/wider than smaller peers, so it won't be as eager to change direction or as easy to drive in tight spots. They can also start to approach the limit of what people are willing to pay for a non-luxury badge.

Full-Size Sedan

Examples of Full-Size Sedans: Nissan Maxima, Dodge Charger, Toyota Crown Pros: These sedans usually offer spacious rear seat legroom and tons of trunk space. Their long wheelbases smooth out ride quality, and at this price point, non-luxury automakers can flex their near-luxury muscles with generous feature content. These more expensive sedans sometimes offer more expressive designs, too. Cons: All the extra weight and luxury feature content can make these cars pretty pricey, especially at higher trim levels. Full-size sedans also require more powerful, thirstier engines, so you'll be spending more on gas. Oh, and with all that length, parking can become a little tricky. With the discontinuation of the Nissan Maxima and Dodge Charger, the high-riding Toyota Crown is the last-remaining full-size sedan.

Subcompact Luxury Sedan

Examples of Subcompact Luxury Sedans: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, Audi A3, Acura Integra Pros: These little luxo-sedans are the most accessible way to dip your toes in the world of luxury cars. They feature more powerful engines than non-luxury compact options and still offer good fuel economy and fun chuckability. Cons: Cost-cutting measures, classic design language grafted to economy car dimensions, and compromised small-car ride quality might have you asking, "Is this really a luxury car?"

Compact Luxury Sedan

Examples of Compact Luxury Sedans: BMW 3 Series, Tesla Model 3, Genesis G70 Pros: Whether it's a looker of a sport sedan, a shrunken luxo-barge, or an electric pocket rocket, compact luxury sedans seem to be the sweet spot for building something special. Most will offer more than one powertrain and an interior that'll convince your parents you've made it. Plus, these usually serve as the platform on which an automaker will build its best-driving sport sedan. Cons: To get the equivalent feature content of a loaded non-luxury compact, you'll be spending lots of cash. Popular RWD or AWD configurations paired with more powerful engines also means compromised efficiency. Oh, and the back seat will still be pretty tight.

Midsize Luxury Sedan

Examples of Midsize Luxury Sedans: Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pros: Nearly every top tech, comfort, and safety feature in an automaker's fleet will make an appearance in its midsize luxury sedan. They'll offer supreme comfort, plenty of power, and ample space for people and cargo. Cons: Midsize luxury sedans won't drive as responsively as the compacts and they'll cost more cash doing so.

Full-Size Luxury Sedan

Examples of Full-Size Luxury Sedans: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 Pros: Full-size luxury sedans represent the highest level of comfort, quality, and technology in the sedan world. They serve as the flagship offerings for their respective automakers and feature the best safety, convenience, luxury, and technology features a company has to offer. Limousine-like rear legroom and opulent executive rear seat packages make them popular among those who prefer to hire a driver and enjoy their car from the back. Cons: Full-size sedans can feel ponderous to drive, and their flagship status means pricing that often exceeds the six-figure mark. Parking and other tight maneuvers will be a challenge.