2005 Buick Allure Road Test

I know which base car I'd rather drive on a daily basis, the Allure. It scoots along at an enjoyable rate, charges past

Buick's new Allure competes very strongly, and in my opinion, advances the front-drive midsize class. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

long highway trucks with room to spare before oncoming traffic begins to close in, and is hardly taxed when the car is fully laden. I can't say the same for the 4-cylinder Camry, especially when matched to the automatic transmission.

Now this article isn't supposed to be a knock on Toyota's Camry, after all it's a multi-award-winning family hauler that deserves the astounding sales it achieves year after year. It's just interesting to point out how well Buick's new Allure competes, and in my opinion, advances the front-drive midsize class.

But to be fair to the Japanese class sales-leader, a 210 horsepower V6 with 220 lb-ft of torque can be purchased for $27,375.

Four-wheel disc brakes are not standard equipment on the base Allure. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

While more than $2,000 than a similarly powered Allure, it features the benefit of a 5-speed automatic transmission, making it a little more spirited in a straight line than the Allure.

But going back to the base model let me ask you this? Would you rather have 4-wheel disc brakes or swap out the rear discs for a nice set of antiquated drums? Ha, I already know your answer. I'd take the standard 4-wheel discs too, as will Allure CX buyers without a penny over its base price. I've got to hand it to Toyota, however, for offering the Camry with antilock brakes in base trim, mind you, an important safety feature that should be standard on the Allure.