Sedans are the everyman of the car world. Four-door cars often fill a need rather than a want. While there are a few truly exciting and lust worthy cars in the segment, most are designed to sensibly move up to four or five adults and a few of their things from one point to another in relative comfort.

Yes, it's sort of a generic mission, but sedans represent a large percentage of the marketplace and given a future almost assuredly with high gas prices, we expect more and more SUV and truck buyers to make the switch to sedans and other, more sensible cars. And that's what sedans really come down to for most buyers -- a sensible choice.

Sedans come in many sizes, although the terms compact, midsize and large are often thrown out there to make them sound like they all come in uniform sizes like French fries. But that size designation doesn't really determine the price as there are small luxury sedans that can cost as much as $60,000 and large family cars that you can purchase for well under $30,000.

Sedans also offer a variety of engines, from very small, fuel-sipping four-cylinder motors in compact economy cars to outrageous, turbocharged 12-cylinder behemoths in flagship luxury cars and exotic sedans costing well over $100,000.

In other words, with over 125 sedans to choose from on the market (and most of those available in multiple trim levels, each with many options), you have many decisions to make as you shop for a sedan. With this guide in hand, you should be able to walk away with a better understanding of not only what cars fit your budget, but also your lifestyle and your needs.