2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Comparing something with a luxury item usually denotes an equally high level of quality: "It's like the Rolex of calculators" or "It's the caviar of cream puffs." You get the idea.
But when you compare a car to a yacht, that's something altogether different. For a long while, North American-made luxury cars were just that: coddling and cavernous and full of plastic leather and plastic wood, but also floating, seasick-inducing rides with vague steering and the inabilities to turn without listing to the opposite direction – earning them the nickname "land yachts." And while well-to-do pensioners and grey-haired executives might have appreciated moseying about in them, those who yearned for an exciting drive looked across the shores to the sharp luxury cars coming from Germany.
But times have changed. Domestic auto makers have realized that you can have comfort and control, even at high speed and in the corners. There's been a resurgence at Lincoln, Cadillac and even Buick, which are all producing cars that, while they may not be better than the German juggernauts, are nipping at their heels.
So, there's no need to feel bad about wanting a domestic luxury car any more. And there's no need to feel bad about not wanting to pay more than $12,000, either.
Sensible
What better way to instantly make a brand more exciting than by bringing in a German car? The latest Buick Regal is based on architecture used by Opel, General Motors' German outfit, and first appeared in this iteration in 2011, the same year you may find them for sale at this price, if you're patient. While it still isn't exactly considered exciting, especially with its base 2.4-litre, 182-horsepower engine, it's worlds away from the last Buick to use the Regal name. In sporting fashion, they were even offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. Plus, there was only one recall for this model, for a seat adjuster, and it's had a decent history of reliability.
Again, not exactly a barn-burner, but the MKZ has kicked away the "land yacht" status for Lincoln. Available in front-drive or all-wheel drive, you can find these anywhere from 2008-2011. You'll enjoy a distinctive look, and the well-appointed cabin has high-quality materials, including real wood. The handling may not be as crisp as you might like, especially with its overboosted, vague steering, and it may not be the quickest pony in the stable, but it does have a firm yet forgiving ride and a quiet cabin. The MKZ also has just one recall – this one for floor mats – and it is considered a "good bet" by Consumer Reports.
Indispensable
This car returned the name Cadillac to an adjective: the CTS is the Cadillac of domestic luxury cars, and it's also a perennial addition to Car and Driver's Top 10 lists and has twice won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award. It really turned Cadillac around when it was introduced in 2002, but you can find it from its first redesign in 2008 up to around 2010 for our prices. Its sharp, aggressive exterior is like nothing else in its class, while the interior rivals the best of its generation for style, fit and finish. And the handling? Honed on the famed Nuerburgring, no less, which has delivered knife-edge steering, little understeer and overall predictable control. A series of powerful V-6 engines are available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Again, even a manual transmission was available. While relatively reliable, it does fall under that GM recall for ignition switches, as well as another for a heated windshield washer module. But get those sorted and you have a world-class luxury sport sedan. And in the unlikely event you find the CTS-V models in this price range – the ones with a 556 hp V-8 under the hood – then don't hesitate.
Questionable
The Buick Lucerne is not so much the big brother of the Regal as it is its Geritol-popping grandfather, one who might rant on about the good old days of Detroit from a cushioned rocking chair. If you need a mushy ride, sloth-like acceleration and room for your walker, then this land yacht is for you.
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