American Family Values

Welcome to the heartland. In this virtual center of the U.S. car industry, comfort, convenience, safety, and reliability rule. It's also a place where total value is often measured by more than just purchase price alone. For this square-off, we've gathered three prime examples of the domestic-family-sedan state of the art. We put them through their paces at the track, as well as drove thousands of miles in the real world to see how each measures up in terms of both practicality and driving pleasure. The cars were equipped as identically as possible, given the non-scientific selection of press pool vehicles, and each delivers at least 200 horsepower from its V-6, transfers that power to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic, and bottom-line tallies within a stone's throw of $25,000. Add or subtract a couple of minor options, and they're essentially all the same price. So, which one is best for you? That's what we're here to discover.

After a brief hiatus, the Chevrolet Impala nameplate is back. But instead of again being affixed to a potent V-8 muscle sedan, it now aims to make its mark as a value leader within the V-6 family-sedan segment. Although the price of entry starts at $18,705 for a base Impala that comes impressively well appointed, stepping up to the $22,365 highline LS nets a 3.8-liter OHV V-6 in place of the 3.4-liter engine, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded wheel/tire package, anti-lock feature on its four-wheel disc brakes, a driver-side airbag, plus cruise and traction controls to hit but a few of the highlights. Our car carried the LS Preferred Equipment Group (auto-dimming mirror, driver info center, keyless remote), leather seat trim, upgraded stereo system with CD, and power passenger seat along with heaters for both front perches. Even this loaded specimen still only commanded $24,715 out the door, including freight.

Ford intends to take an equally stout run at regaining its one-time sales leadership in the family sedan segment with the massively overhauled Taurus. Although it retains nearly all of its predecessor's key dimensions, the new sheetmetal and taller roofline bring 3.7 cubic feet more interior volume and a 1.2-cubic-foot larger trunk. Couple that with significant advances on the safety and convenience front and a starting price of just $17,695, and it could be in line to mount one of the all-time market comebacks. By the time you've reached the ultimate SE grade, in the form of a $20,895 SE Comfort variant we chose for this test, the goodies roster expands to include Ford's 3.0-liter DOHC Duratec V-6 engine and a massive array of power-assisted amenities. Our car also arrived with the primo Mach sound system and six-disc CD changer, full leather, side airbags, a class-exclusive power-adjustable gas and brake pedals set, and a power passenger seat. Even with all that on board, its bottom line rose to just $24,100.

The last generational changeover for Dodge's Intrepid was in '98, when the line got the look and the powertrains it has today. At $20,390, even the base car enjoys flowing sheetmetal that wraps an equally formidable selection of desirable comfort and convenience features. Along with a more potent 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 engine, key extras gained by springing for the $1795 hit that elevates one from base to ES trim include keyless remote entry, foglamps, alloy wheels, power driver seat, split-folding rear bench, and an additional 500 pounds of tow capacity. Our tester was further enhanced by a comprehensive option package that added automatic air conditioning, high-end stereo with CD changer, leather upholstery, trip computer, anti-theft system, and numerous lesser touches. The associated $2560/one-price-gets-all tariff for that prepackaged gaggle of goodies boosted our car's sticker to a heady $26,480.