2004 Mitsubishi Galant
2003 Nissan Altima
2003 Mazda 6
2004 Honda Accord
2004 Volkswagen Passat
2004 Toyota Camry
2004 Suzuki Verona
2003 Hyundai Sonata
2004 Chevrolet Malibu
2004 Chrysler Sebring


2004 Mitsubishi Galant

System Score: 10.0

Ranking in Test: First

Components: Aware of the new standard set in the family sedan class by the excellent Bose sound system in the Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi took pains to upgrade the Galant's premium stereo offering in the 2004 model. The result of the company's efforts is more than a match for the strong bass attack of the Altima's Bose, and we now consider it the stereo to beat in the family sedan segment.

This Infinity-branded setup came standard in our GTS test car, and it's optional on lower-line ES and LS models. A 270-watt amplifier feeds power to eight speakers, among them a pair of 6-by-9 full-range speakers in the rear deck, 6.3-inch full-range speakers in all four doors and 2.6-inch tweeters mounted at each corner of the dash firing upward into the glass. You'll find a six-disc CD changer in the dash, 12 FM radio presets and six AM presets, but no cassette player.

The head unit features large, easy-to-reach controls, including oversize volume and tuning knobs and a double-sided seek button. Additionally, thanks to Mitsubishi's relationship with Chrysler, you'll find the industry's best satellite audio controls mounted on the back of the steering wheel — you can't see them, but they sure are easy to use. Alongside the simple control layout, drivers must acclimate to a small display mounted at the top of the dash. The display is at least at eye level, and drivers can choose from four screens to organize the information (the display covers audio, climate, compass and clock functions). Still, we think a larger display would work better here.

Performance: This system is extremely well suited to this midsize sedan's cabin. Try as we might, we couldn't find a type of music that wasn't enjoyable to listen to on this stereo. The system plays loud, and bass tones are strong and crisp with no distortion. Highs are clean and refreshingly devoid of the trumped-up artificial sound present in some of today's systems. Even with the system's reliance on do-it-all full-range speakers, the separation is excellent — strings are distinct and warm whether you're listening to an orchestral score or hard rock.

Best Feature: Rich, crisp sound.

Worst Feature: Small all-in-one display at the top of the dash.

Conclusion: An excellent stereo that prioritizes refined sound quality over bludgeoning the occupants with bass.

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2003 Nissan Altima

System Score: 9.0

Ranking in Test: Second

Components: Ever since the Altima's epic redesign for the 2002 model year, we've regarded its Bose stereo as the standard for sound quality in the family sedan segment. Optional on 2.5 S and 3.5 SE models (like our test vehicle) and standard in 2.5 SL trim, the system is known for its ability to deliver loud, almost overpowering bass response while putting out a balanced overall sound. But the competition has been studying up, and in this test, it was obvious to us that Mitsubishi's team at Infinity has come up with a system for the '04 Galant that surpasses the Altima's Bose by virtue of its superb separation and clarity. The fact that the Altima didn't take the crown in the stereo competition needn't dampen your enthusiasm — this is still a very enjoyable sound system, especially if you're a bass junkie.

The well-designed head unit features large controls and a user-friendly layout. Drawbacks include a display with yellow-orange illumination that washes out in sunlight and the absence of a tuning knob. Auxiliary controls on the steering wheel offer volume, seek and mode adjustment; while easy to use during the day, their similar shapes and sizes and lack of illumination make them tough to navigate in the dark. Bose-equipped Altimas come with an in-dash six-disc CD changer but no cassette player. Listeners have 18 radio presets at their disposal and can select any combination of AM and FM stations. Extras include speed-sensitive volume control and the Radio Data System (RDS).

Speakers include a pair of 6-by-9s in the rear deck that operate in the bass mode only (and essentially function as dual subwoofers), a pair of 6.5-inch full-range drivers in the rear doors, a pair of 6.5-inch midbass drivers in the front doors and 1-inch tweeters mounted on each A-pillar.

Performance: There's no question that the Altima has the most powerful bass response in the family sedan segment — something that anyone who listens to hip hop, metal or techno will immediately appreciate. While overall sound quality and separation still rank near the top in this class, this Bose must step aside for the Galant's Infinity, which transmits all types of music with greater accuracy and warmth. If symphonies or classic jazz are regularly on your playlist, we'll wager that you'll prefer the Mitsubishi's mastery of all frequencies. That said, the Altima's cockpit remains one of the most enjoyable places in this segment to load up a few CDs and kick back. If you like the rest of the car, the stereo will not disappoint.

Best Feature: Powerful bass attack.

Worst Feature: Display washes out in sunlight.

Conclusion: The Altima's Bose is still one of the top two stereos in the family sedan segment. Bass lovers will not want to miss this one.

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2003 Mazda 6

System Score: 8.0

Ranking in Test: Tied for third

Components: Thanks largely to the Altima, the Bose name now carries plenty of weight with consumers shopping for a high-quality factory audio system, so it's no surprise that Mazda decided to offer its own version in the 6. This Bose system is an option for both four-cylinder and V6 models.

The trendy-looking head unit offers a widely spaced collection of oversized dials and buttons that are easy to get your fingers on while driving. The one drawback to the arrangement is that climate control dials of similar size and shape occupy this space as well, which can lead to confusion the first few times you drive the car. Moreover, the audio and climate control systems share a single display. Fortunately, Mazda also provides a nifty set of audio controls on the steering wheel, with subtle use of texturing to help the driver distinguish between the volume and seek buttons on the basis of touch alone. An in-dash six-disc CD changer is included with the Bose audio package. Alternatively, buyers can opt for an MP3 player as a dealer-installed accessory in this slot. In addition, the blank slot in the center of our test car's center stack (covered by a plastic trim piece) can house either a cassette deck or a MiniDisc player, both of which are available as accessories. For radio listeners, there are the usual 12 FM presets and six AM presets. Speed-sensitive volume and Radio Data System (RDS) features are included.

Speakers include a 10-inch subwoofer on the back deck, plus 5-by-7 full-range drivers in all four doors. Separate tweeters occupy their own enclosures beside the A-pillars. The amplifier feeds these speakers a total of 200 watts.

Performance: Even with a subwoofer in residence on the rear deck, this Bose doesn't have the overwhelming bass response of the Altima's Bose, nor does it have the overall vigor of the Galant's Infinity. Nevertheless, crisp highs and lows, along with excellent separation, make for an enjoyable listening experience overall. This stereo will appeal to those looking for quality sound with moderate levels of bass.

Best Feature: Balanced sound quality, availability of MP3 and MiniDisc players.

Worst Feature: Similar audio and climate controls can be confusing.

Conclusion: While audiophiles will prefer the more powerful systems available in the Galant and Altima, the Mazda's Bose is an enjoyable system in its own right — and only heightens the entertainment value of the fun-loving 6.

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2004 Honda Accord

System Score: 8.0

Ranking in Test: Tied for third

Components: Honda has never been known for putting high-quality stereos in its cars, but that changed when the current Accord arrived on the scene last year. Save for the stripped-down DX model, all Accords come with the same six-speaker stereo. Even though it's rated at only 120 watts, sound quality rivals that of the Mazda's Bose and the Passat's Monsoon (both of which are rated at 200 watts).

As in the Mazda 6, stereo controls are placed within close proximity of the climate controls; however, Honda's designers had more success in differentiating the two. The result is that the Accord's audio controls are familiar and easy to use the first time you drive the car. A large volume knob occupies the center of the stack, and not only is it attractive with it faux aluminum trim, it's perfectly sized for fingertip control. The rest of the controls are medium-size buttons logically arranged around a large clear display. Additionally, Honda has taken the extra step of designing the perfect set of steering wheel controls. Although they're not illuminated at night as the Passat's are, designers paid attention to their texture and shape, making them easy to use by touch. An in-dash six-disc CD changer is standard on all six-cylinder Accords and the four-cylinder EX. A cassette player is not available. XM Satellite Radio is a new feature this year; it's standard on EX V6 models and all leather-equipped four-cylinder EX models. For traditional radio stations, there are 12 FM presets and 6 AM presets.

The speaker array includes a pair of 6-by-9s in the rear deck and a pair of 6.5-inch full-range drivers in the front doors. The tweeters are mounted in the corners of the dash, an advantageous location that allows them to fire upward into the windshield glass and reflect sound into the cabin. If Honda had seen fit to include a pair of rear-door speakers as well, this system would likely be a match for the stereos in the Altima and Galant. Oh well.

Performance: Although unable to produce the powerful, full-bodied sound of the Galant's Infinity or the Altima's Bose, the Honda's stereo comes through with strong, crisp bass output, along with warm, natural-sounding strings and vocals. You're unlikely to have a cathartic listening experience in the Accord, but just about any type of music sounds great.

Best Feature: Excellent ergonomics, pleasant sound quality.

Worst Feature: No speakers in rear doors.

Conclusion: A surprisingly enjoyable stereo where you least expect to find one — a sensible family sedan.

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2004 Volkswagen Passat

System Score: 8.0

Ranking in Test: Tied for third

Components: Volkswagen was one of the first manufacturers to put a high-quality sound system in its family car, and this Monsoon stereo has served the Passat well. Even in the days of thundering bass in family sedans, it remains one of the better stereos in this class.

Volkswagen has tinkered with the ergonomics over the years, finally settling on our test car's double-DIN head unit. The various buttons and knobs still aren't very large, and there could certainly be more spacing between some of them. Yet, editors found them easy to use due to their straightforward layout. An in-dash CD changer has yet to find its way into the Passat, so owners must make do with a single-disc player and then decide whether they want to pay for the trunk-mounted changer installed by VW dealers. A cassette player is standard in every Passat. For radio listeners, there are 18 FM presets and 6 AM presets.

The speaker offerings are a little different than what you'll find in the other cars. Instead of the usual 6-by-9s in the rear deck, Volkswagen installs 6.5-inch midbass drivers in all four doors. Additionally, mounted in the upper part of each of the doors is a tweeter. That's it — eight speakers in all. A 200-watt amplifier feeds sound to the speakers.

Performance: Due to the lack of rear-deck speakers, this system can't match the deep bass response of cars like the Accord, Altima and Galant. In trade, the VW's small speakers produce some of the warmest, most accurate sound you'll find in this price range. In this regard, only the Galant matches the Passat's lifelike reproduction. Unless you're hungry for serious bass, you'll love the way this Monsoon makes your music sound.

Best Feature: Refined sound quality.

Worst Feature: Lack of in-dash CD changer.

Conclusion: Although more bass would be nice in a $31K car, most people will be perfectly satisfied with the highly refined stereo in this family sedan.

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2004 Toyota Camry

System Score: 7.0

Ranking in Test: Sixth

Components: A six-speaker JBL sound system comes standard on all LE and SE models in the Camry line. An additional pair of speakers comes standard on XLE models; they're optional on other trims. As our SE V6 test vehicle had the Premium Package, it had the full set of speakers, as well as an in-dash six-disc CD changer.

Accordingly, there were 6.5-inch speakers installed in each of the doors, a pair of 6-by-9s in the rear bulkhead, and at each corner of the dash, a midtweeter that fires upward into the windshield glass — a quick recipe for a good soundstage. A 200-watt amplifier routes power to the speakers.

The head unit is Toyota's corporate design, and that means a well-organized array of large buttons and knobs. The tuning knob doubles as tonal adjustment, and with a large, legible display, it's relatively easy to tweak the bass and treble levels from the driver seat. We say relatively because the head unit is positioned very high in the dash and is not canted toward the driver — in the past, editors have commented that this makes it hard to use, as the typical driver must stretch to reach it. Few editors complained this time around, but there's no doubt the Accord's stereo controls fall closer to hand. Besides that, Toyota still hasn't gotten around to putting secondary volume, seek and mode controls on the steering wheel — the Sonata was the only other car in the group that didn't offer them. A cassette player is included in this setup, along with the usual 18 presets. Radio Data System (RDS) technology is also included.

Performance: With so many excellent stereos in this group, the Camry's JBL got lost in the crowd, even with the extra pair of speakers. There's nothing displeasing about it: It plays loud, and offers crisp bass and decent separation. Compared to the higher-ranking systems, though, it wasn't remarkable for its warmth or depth, nor could it match the low-end kick of the Altima's Bose. Certainly, it's a fine stereo for the average driver; it's just not the sort that will stir the emotions of an audiophile.

Best Feature: Dash-mounted tweeters that set up a pleasant soundstage.

Worst Feature: No auxiliary stereo controls on the steering wheel.

Conclusion: Not the greatest stereo of the family sedan segment in terms of sound or ergonomics, but most Camry buyers will have few, if any, complaints.

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2004 Suzuki Verona

System Score: 6.0

Ranking in test: Tied for seventh

Components: Like the Sonata, the Verona offers a decent listening experience given its low price of admission and limited speaker array. The speaker placement is a bit unusual in a car with just six of them. For starters, there's a tweeter tucked into each corner of the dash. This is a desirable arrangement that allows the diminutive speaker to fire sound up into the windshield glass, which then reflects it into the cabin — usually creating a nice soundstage. The other four speakers are 6.5-inch drivers mounted in each of the four doors. There are no speakers in the back deck.

The head unit is positioned in the middle of the center stack, underneath the climate controls — this isn't usually an advantageous setup, but it presents no real problems in the Verona. The unit itself is a little overloaded with features, but decent-size buttons, relatively wide spacing and a logical layout make it easy to figure out the basics. Secondary controls for volume and seek are mounted on the steering wheel. In addition to the expected bass, treble, balance and fade adjustments, the Verona offers a handful of auto equalizer settings ("jazz," "rock," "voice," "classic" and "pop"), as well as a "bass +" button that can either trump up the bass or kill it completely. We could take or leave this stuff, as neither the equalizer presets nor the "bass +" substantially improve the listening experience. Both a single CD player and a cassette deck are included as standard items, but there is no option to add a CD changer.

Performance: Despite the absence of rear deck speakers, this system turns in an acceptable performance. It plays surprisingly loud, and bass is well defined. Separation is decent, too, and most types of music sound fine in the Verona. Listen to it back-to-back with the top finishers in this test, and the Suzuki's sound reproduction is sure to seem a bit flat. But considering the car's budget status, it's not bad.

Best Feature: Tweeters mounted on dash.

Worst Feature: No speakers in rear deck.

Conclusion: A respectable system in a car that's all about value. Just keep in mind that these days even an everyman's car like the Honda Accord LX offers great sound.

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2003 Hyundai Sonata

System Score: 6.0

Ranking in Test: Tied for seventh

Components: Much like the Malibu, the Sonata offers a basic system that performs acceptably and should not disappoint the typical buyer — all the more true in this car, which is priced less than $19,000.

The head unit isn't much to look at, and although it's placed high in the dash, an excessive number of buttons makes it harder to use than necessary. The addition of a tuning knob and double-sided seek button (rather than two separate buttons) would be a big improvement, and it would free up space for a larger display. Besides bass and treble adjustments, the head unit has preset equalizer curves for "jazz," "classic" and "rock."

Both a single-disc CD player and a cassette deck are included here as standard equipment. A CD changer is not on the factory options list, but the head unit is obviously set up to accommodate a trunk-mounted changer that your dealer would install. Radio listeners get the usual 18 presets.

Speakers consist of a pair of 6-by-9s in the rear deck, a pair 6.5-inch drivers mounted in the front doors and a tweeter tucked behind each A-pillar.

Performance: Considering the price of the car, performance is quite satisfactory. The system plays loud and bass is strong if a bit sludgy at higher volumes. Separation is surprisingly good, as instrumental and vocal components are transmitted as distinct elements. Vocals and strings sound nice enough, but they seem a bit hollow when compared to the output of the elite stereos in this test.

Best Feature: Balanced sound quality for the price paid.

Worst Feature: Excess buttons on head unit.

Conclusion: The Sonata's stereo was no match for the more powerful sound systems in this test, but given the car's comparatively low price, we think most buyers will be satisfied with its performance in their everyday travels. That said, serious audiophiles should look elsewhere.

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2004 Chevrolet Malibu

System Score: 6.0

Ranking in Test: Tied for seventh

Components: Considering that it's fully redesigned for 2004, the Malibu has a pretty basic sound system. LS and LT models come standard with a six-speaker stereo with no option to add more speakers or a more powerful amplifier. That being the case, this is still an acceptable stereo for this class, and value-minded buyers should be happy with it.

The head unit is well-organized, but it's cluttered with numerous small buttons that are somewhat off-putting alongside the large, simple controls in cars like the Accord and Galant. The display employs a basic blue, dot-matrix-type font that isn't particularly modern or legible in appearance. Steering wheel controls are provided for volume and seek functions, and they're simple to use.

Our LT test vehicle was equipped with the optional in-dash six-disc CD changer as well as XM Satellite Radio. Loading CDs into the changer was no more difficult than in other cars, but this one made an inordinate amount of noise when loading or unloading CDs. We've never experienced anything like this in other GM vehicles with CD changers, so we're not sure what the problem was. In any case, this changer gave us the impression that durability would not be its strong suit. A cassette player is not available on any Malibu. Eighteen presets are provided for radio listeners. Auto sound leveling and Radio Data System (RDS) technology are also included.

The speaker array includes a pair of 6-by-9s in the rear deck, 6.5-inch drivers in the front doors and a 1-inch tweeter mounted just behind each A-pillar.

Performance: There's nothing thrilling about this system compared to the higher-finishing stereos in this test, but it gets the job done. Bass response is strong, though it gets a bit sludgy at higher volumes. Separation is decent, too, as highs, lows and mids are distinct. Just don't expect the warmth and accuracy of a Bose, Infinity or Monsoon system.

Best Feature: Strong bass.

Worst Feature: Busy head unit, unrefined CD changer operation.

Conclusion: GM loves to play up the fact that its full-size pickups and SUVs were the first in their segments to offer Bose stereos. Given that the Malibu is supposed to be the car that changes the company's fortunes in the family sedan segment, it's puzzling that GM isn't offering an optional Bose system that would allow it to go toe-to-toe with the imports.

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2004 Chrysler Sebring

System Score: 5.0

Ranking in test: Tenth

Components: Our LXi sedan would ordinarily have come with just four speakers and a single CD player, but adding the Luxury Group supplied two additional speakers, a 120-watt amplifier, an in-dash six-disc CD changer and a cassette deck. The "in-dash" aspect of the changer is debatable, as it's recessed underneath the center stack and is not within easy reach from the driver seat. Also, said one editor, "Every time the stereo turns on, the CD changer makes an annoying clicking noise — even if the stereo's in FM mode."

The head unit is the standard Chrysler-issue variety, and that means small buttons, simple slide controls for bass and treble adjustment and a two-step presetting procedure for radio stations that never fails to irritate the radio diehards on staff. We have found, though, that these controls become familiar over time. We were fortunate in that our Sebring had Chrysler's industry-leading satellite stereo controls: Adjustments for volume, seek and mode are on the back of the steering wheel, which might not seem like the best place for them. However, they're ultimately very easy to navigate by memory and touch, and the best part is that you don't have to remove your hands from the wheel to use them.

The speaker array includes a pair of tweeters mounted on the dash (allowing their sonic output to reflect off the glass), a pair of 6.5-inch drivers in the front doors and a pair of 6-by-9s in the rear deck. Incidentally, the rearmost speakers weren't covered in the usual speaker cloth and instead had been carpeted over with the rest of the bulkhead — this can't be good for sound quality.

Performance: The listening experience is mediocre at best. Although bass response and separation are respectable at lower volumes, the system quickly loses its composure as the volume increases and distortion sets in. Beyond that, this stereo lacks the overall crispness and warmth of the higher-finishing stereos in this test.

Best Feature: Auxiliary stereo controls mounted on back of steering wheel spokes.

Worst Feature: Mediocre sound quality.

Conclusion: Other Chrysler vehicles give buyers the option of getting an Infinity audio system on the higher trims. Too bad the company hasn't seen fit to offer such a system for the Sebring sedan. As it is, we know plenty of Dodge Grand Caravans that rock harder than this family sedan.

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