May Sales Analysis: "Premium" and Large Family Sedans

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Ah, segment analysis. Each automaker has its own product strategy, and none of them are designed to make apples-to-apples comparisons easy. So we’ve lumped large family sedans from automakers with a mass-market sedan positioned above their mainline D-segment sedan (Impala, Azera, Avalon, Taurus) in with entry-premium FWD cars like the ES350 and Buick LaCrosse. Since we’re comparing a nebulous segment anyway, we threw in the entire sales performances from entry-premium brands like Volvo, Saab and Acura. Not a perfect comparison in many ways (Impala would be better compared to the D-segment sedans below, for starters), but then we’re not charging you a damn consulting fee, are we?

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Mtymsi Mtymsi on Jun 04, 2010

    Besides fleet the Impala is a far less expensive alternative to many of the models listed in this segment. I'm sure that goes a long way in accounting for the numbers on the retail side. In my area (metro Detroit) which has a much higher % of domestic cars than the national average besides police Chargers I see a lot more privately owned ones to the point that they are noticable because of the numbers.

  • Chiburb Chiburb on Jun 04, 2010

    On which chart does the Hyundai Genesis belong? I'd say with the Avalon and ES 350, but you've got the Azera here. 2,400 or so sold in May, which I think is a record month.

  • John Horner John Horner on Jun 04, 2010

    The Milan has no business being in this chart. Soon, however, it will be a moot point.

  • Ponchoman49 Ponchoman49 on Jun 04, 2010

    Though I don't have the ratio of fleet vs retail, I can tell you that all of the Chevy dealers in Upstate, NY area sell far more Impalas retail compared to fleet. There are literally shitloads of them driving around and typically two to three a week seem to be moving off the lots vs 1-2 Malibus. Quote:John HornerJune 4th, 2010 at 10:52 am The Impala is one of the last vehicles sold which still drives like a 1970s ‘merican car. Alas, the Impala back seat is horribly uncomfortable. I beg to differ. I don't know which 1970's car you liken the Impala to but my 2008 Impala drive 2000 percent better than any loose sloppy, jiggly, noisy, air leaking 1970's car than I have every driven(and I have driven tons of them). The 3900 idles as smooth as silk, the 4 speed shifts like butter and very responsive, the suspension is 10 times firmer and better controlled, the interior is considerably better made, tighter and better fitting and the reliability doesn't even compare. Name one 1970's car that could go 65K miles without needing carb work, tuneup or in the earlier 70's points, interior pieces falling apart, engines going bad etc. Regarding the back seat, I agree it is a little short on toe space and legroom if the seats are set all the way back. I'm 5'10" and so far no one has complained about the back seat in my Impala so far so calling it horribly uncomfortable is again inaccurate.

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