2009 Full Size

Sedan

​    With an ever-increasing demand for smaller cars and better fuel mileage, you would expect to see a lot less entries into the full size segment.  But as usual, the full size segment seems to keep on going at a smooth and reasonable pace.  With many models having either a coupe or wagon partner, the full size range has 

always been the place where the big auto companies make their presence felt.  Since the introduction of the Charger, this segment has not seen many major leaps in design, until this year.  With the introduction of the coupe-like sedan from Mercedes-Benz, the full size market has not seen much change since the full size hatches of the 90’s.  

            This year is no exception to the rule that big and bad is what makes the full size market.  And this years AutoLooks A+ winner is no exception to that rule.  For this year AutoLooks felt that the top award would go to a car, which finally brings the best aggressive styling to the North American scene.  This years award goes to the 2009 Pontiac G8, since it finally shows that someone was listening when North Americans said “Australia gets the best GM designs, so why can’t we”.  And since then GM was listening.  Considering that most of GM’s winners, of the A+ awards, come from across the pond.  The G8 is the winner due to its large stance, and vicious front end.  This car 

​means business, and it means to take the market to the next level.  Although its sibling the G8 SUT will not follow due to a poor market, as well as the G8 Wagon, the G8 is still #1 when it comes to redefining the look of the full size sedan.

            When it comes down to what really is trying to be something its not, this years Rusty car is one of the worst attempts at luxury, from a car company that is not even perceived as luxurious.  Although many said this about Hyundai’s back in the late 90’s, this company is well know for being Volkswagens bottom of the barrel brand.  And for this year the Rusty will have to go the 2009 Skoda Superb.  Although the Superb does look luxurious to average consumer, the company name still says cheap.  The car seems to be imitating its much large sibling the Bentley Continental, considering that the bodylines are almost identical.  From far away you almost think that a Bentley is coming towards you, until you see those completely awkward headlights, which sit too low on the front end.

​Everett J.

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Full-Size Contenders:
 
A+           2009 Pontiac            G8
2nd         2009 Volkswagen    Passat CC
3rd          2009 Nissan             Maxima
4th          2009 Hyundai          Genesis
5th          2009 Honda             Accord
6th          2009 Citroen            C5
Rusty     2009 Skoda               Superb