Features and options
All six cars are also very similar when it comes to standard features. The Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion all offer power windows, power door locks, power steering, and air conditioning as standard equipment. Second-row folding seats, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and steering wheel-mounted controls are also standard fitment.

The Chevrolet may be optioned with GM's OnStar telematics (navigation, vehicle diagnostics, remote door unlock, etc.), while the Ford can be optioned with the automaker's Sync infotainment equipment. Navigation and upgraded audio systems are also available on the Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and Honda.

Mechanically speaking, each of the sedans is fitted with independent front and rear suspension, variable-assist power steering, and disc brakes on all corners. The standard wheels on the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry are 16 inches in diameter, while the Chevrolet Malibu offers 17-inch wheels as standard equipment. As expected, all six manufacturers offer optional wheel/tire packages with upgrades.

Powerplant and fuel economy
These family-oriented sedans are also similar under the hood when it comes to the standard fuel-efficient 4-cylinder models (optional on all but the Sonata are larger, and less fuel-efficient, 6-cylinder engines).

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata offers the most power with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that is rated at 198 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2010 Honda Accord follows closely behind with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that is rated at 177 horsepower and 161 lb.-ft. of torque. This is followed by the Nissan Altima with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder rated at 175 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ford Fusion is fitted with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 175 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Malibu offer nearly identical horsepower, but the Camry's slightly greater engine displacement gives it an edge in torque. The Camry is fitted with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder rated at 169 horsepower and 167 lb.-ft. of torque while the Malibu's 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is rated at 169 horsepower and 160 lb.-ft. of torque.

Interestingly enough, the Chevrolet, Hyundai, Toyota and Ford are all fitted with 6-speed automatic transmissions-but the Honda utilizes a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The Nissan Altima features a fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission.

In EPA fuel-economy testing, the Hyundai Sonata is rated at 22 mpg city and 35 mpg highway-the most efficient on the highway. The Chevrolet Malibu is rated 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The most efficient in the city cycle is the Nissan Altima, EPA rated at 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The Toyota Camry follows with 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, while the Honda Accord earns 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The Ford Fusion earns 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.