A car with a European feel

Hi all,

I am finally in a place in my life where I can buy a car I really like.
The only cars that I've ever driven that are kinesthetically pleasing to
me are European--BMWs, Mercedes, even a Volvo wagon and a Peugeot. I
just much prefer the suspension, the feel of the steering, etc. I've
never liked any American car as well, even high end ones.

I don't have much experience with the Asian imports. Do any of them have
the "feel" of a European car? I'm just going to get out there and start
test driving, but I'm interested in any hints. I want a good sized sedan
with a low center of gravity--nothing resembling an SUV.

Thanks in advance,

Amanda

 

Suggest visiting your local Infinity or Lexus dealers.. You wont find
many Honda's or Mazda's that feel or drive like a European vehicle.....
Good Luck!

 

the acura TSX is the european version of the accord. might be worth a look.

 

Honda will be as close as you can get. The Acura RSX S w/ 210 hp 2 ltr and
a 6 spd is outstanding.

 

Infiniti started out that way, but when Lexus beat their butts in the
beginning with softer Buick-style cars, they went away from the European
feel to try to compete.

Honda has always had much more of a driver's car; try the Acura line.

 

These days, almost all the automakers have decent handling cars that are
quiet and refined on the highway. The 'European' stigma may have meant
something several years ago, but it's no biggie these days. I'd go for the
best all round deal (which includes the cost of owning over the long term).

Pars

 

lexus is an interesting line of vehicles. when the ls400 first came
out, with it's pneumatic suspension, it had 3 different rides
programmed, and then selected depending on the market it was to be sold
in. euro, asian & "buick". it also had 3 different scents for the
leather upholstry too, each based on what each group "expects" leather
to smell like. apparently there's slight differences in the tanning
processes used for leathers depending on continent, hence subtly
different smells.

 

(no particular order)

Cadillac CTS-V
(not sure if this is worthy) Chrysler 300 Hemi
VW Phaeton
(outside chance, but smaller than the rest listed here) Subaru Legacy GT
Infiniti Q45/M45
Nissan Maxima (granted probably outclassed in comparison)
Acura RL
Lexus LS 430/GS 430

 

Why not test drive a Porsche Boxster? It certainly has a low COG,
although I don't know if you're interested in a 2-seater.

 

Subaru