Chevrolet Lumina LS VS. Saab 900 S VS.Toyota Camry LE

Many people were amazed by how quickly the Japanese automotive manufacturers moved in on the domestic market over 20 years ago. At about the same time, the Europeans recognized that the U.S. automakers were losing their stronghold and stepped up shipments of their own vehicles. But one area in which the Big Three retained some dominance was the family-sedan segment. With the advent of the Accord/Camry/Maxima triple threat, however, the imports began to erode the domestics' monopoly in this segment by surpassing consumers' expectations for performance, safety, quality, and reliability. Not until the Ford Taurus emerged in 1986 did the Americans begin their long, hard comeback. But have they done enough to regain their once-undisputed dominance?

For our family-sedan comparison, we took into consideration that price is a major concern of buyers in this category and selected cars that base around $20,000. We picked an automatic-transmissioned sample from America, Asia, and Europe. In the domestic corner is the '95 Chevrolet Lumina LS, perenially one of GM's best selling four-doors. On the Asian bench sits a Toyota Camry LE, respected by many for its high quality and excellent resale value. Standing up for the Europeans is the Saab 900 S, totally redesigned for '94 and offering good performance with a classic European flair.

Perhaps because it was a long wait in between models, or maybe it's just our penchant for European styling, but we like the new Saab's looks a lot. The designers did a good job of updating traditional Saab cues while still maintaining its distinctive shape. The Lumina and Camry, although cleanly styled and certainly aerodynamic, lack some of the 900's character and individuality. For those who put more weight on performance than appearances, the Lumina is the only one of the three that gives you a standard V-6 powerplant even in the base version. The 3.1-liter OHV six comes in the entry-level sedan, while the LS can be optioned up to the 3.4-liter DOHC (for $970), good for 210 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque. The Camry and Saab's four-cylinder powerplants offer 90 and 60 fewer horsepower, respectively, and 70 and 60 fewer pound-feet of torque.

At the test track, the 3.4-liter Lumina beat the Camry 0-60 by over 3 seconds and the Saab by 1.2 seconds. The Lumina and the Saab are more closely matched when it's time to play on the highway. It's readily apparent that the domestics have learned their lessons; many staffers felt the Lumina exhibited handling characteristics and chassis dynamics usually only found on more expensive European sedans.

Unlike performance, comfort and ergonomics are subjective. We like the Saab's supportive front seats, up-high and centrally located climate/stereo controls, and good rear headroom. Although the Lumina's front seats aren't as supportive, you do get a standard front bench that will accommodate three across for six-passenger capacity. And seating three adults in the back won't lose you any friends, either. Interior buttons, stalks, and trim pieces still reflect some cost-cutting at GM, though. The Camry's best features are its interior fit and finish and the quality of its materials. Space is more at a premium in this car, but the seats are comfortable for hours-long commutes on the freeway. The Camry also shines when it comes to noise/vibration/harshness control. The Lumina, though greatly improved over previous models, still has a ways to go to reach Camry standards.

You can't compare family-sedans without discussing safety. Anti-lock brakes are standard on the both the Saab and the Chevy; on the Camry, they're an $1100 option. Three-point belts (even for the center rear passenger in the Saab) with adjustable-height shoulder-belt anchors up front, dual standard airbags, rear child door locks, and side-impact protection that meets the '97 standards are found on each vehicle in this three-way. No matter which you choose, all three will do their best to protect you in an emergency situation.

Which of these three contenders represents the best value? It's a question that has sparked many heated conversations among MT editors. Do you consider up-front costs only, or expenses spread out over the lifetime of the vehicle? This depends on how much you have to spend now and how much you'll have to spend later. For those who want all the goodies they can get but aren't willing to dig into their IRA accounts, the Lumina would be the first choice. With the standard V-6, it bases at just under $17,000. Even richly loaded, it still stickers under $20,000. But while service costs are lower overall on domestic products, the frequency of repair is often higher. The four-cylinder Saab starts at $23,375, definitely more expensive but with many standard features. The only two options, an automatic transmission and a sunroof, brought the as-tested price to $25,835. If you want the V-6 or the turbo, expect to pay another $6000. The four-cylinder Camry came in at a reasonable price, starting at $19,558 and with assorted options, totaled only $21,929. The Camry also has the best fuel mileage (marginally), as well as the highest resale value. To move up to a bigger engine will set you back a much bigger chunk, but the performance gap narrows dramatically between the Lumina and Camry V-6s.

All three sedans approach the segment with a slightly different bent, so you need to decide for yourself which qualities are most important to you. If you want to spend a little now to get a lot-including roominess, performance, and safety-the Chevrolet showroom should be the first stop on your quest. If a high standard of quality, refinement, and long-lasting value come before performance, the Camry should be first in line. But if you love the feel of European sportiness, like the convenience of a hatchback, and opt for a bit more style and distinctiveness, there could be a Saab 900 in your future.

Chevrolet Lumina LSFront engine/front drive3.4-liter V-6, DOHC4-speed automatic210 hp @ 5200 rpm215 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm107.5-in. wheelbase3372-lb curb weight17/26 city/hwy.EPA fuel economy$16,970 base price$19,995 price as testedOptions/ancillary charges: 3.4-liter V-6 engine, $960;Rear-window defogger, $164; alloy wheels, $251; 225/60HR16 tires, $150; AM/FM/cassette stereo, $72; cellular-telephone provisions, $43; six-way power driver's seat, $260; Preferred Equipment Group 1, $500; California emissions, $100; destination, $525

SAAB 900 SFront engine/front drive2.3-liter I-4, DOHC4-speed automatic150 hp @ 5700 rpm155 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm102.4-in. wheelbase3030-lb curb weight20/28 city/hwy.EPA fuel economy$23,375 base price$25,835 price as testedOptions/ancillary charges:Automatic transmission, $995; sunroof, $995; destination, $470

{{{Toyota Camry}}} LEFront engine/front drive2.2-liter I-4, DOHC4-speed automatic125 hp @ 5400 rpm145 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm103.1-in. wheelbase3086-lb curb weight21/28 city/hwy.EPA fuel economy$19,558 base price$21,929 price as testedOptions/ancillary charges:ABS, $1100; alloy wheels, $400; premium AM/FM/cassette with six speakers, $240; carpeted floormats, $81; California emissions, $153; destination, $397