# What exactly is a Sedan? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 25, 2003, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-sedan/171162 "2003-04-25T18:13:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Tsiyeria](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Tsiyeria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tsiyeria)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2003, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-sedan/171162/1 "2003-04-25T18:13:37Z")
Okay, first off, I’m car-illiterate. I know nothing about them. At all. Here’s my question: Is a Sedan a model or type of car? What distinguishes a Sedan from other cars, say a Chevy Cavalier? Okay, so that was two questions. Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2003, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-sedan/171162/2 "2003-04-25T18:22:03Z")
A sedan is a 4 door. A coupe is a 2 door. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2003, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-sedan/171162/3 "2003-04-25T18:23:57Z")
Sedan is another name for the Devil. ---
**Author:** ![Sofa\_King](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/58956e/32.png) [@Sofa\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sofa_King)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2003, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-sedan/171162/4 "2003-04-25T18:26:47Z")
Here’s a [sedan](http://www.museum-london.org.uk/MOLsite/exhibits/changing_faces/trans/trans6.htm). Note the presence of two early designated drivers. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2003, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-sedan/171162/5 "2003-04-25T18:42:42Z")
What distinguishes a “sedan” from other body styles differs somewhat according to various sources. Some people will claim that the absence of a mid-body pillar is key to make a car a “coupe” as opposed to a two door “sedan”. Others think it corresponds strictly to 4 vs. 2 doors. However, you will find “two door sedans” referred to various places. From “Car and Driver”'s glossary: > [@](#): > > As used by Car and Driver, the term “sedan” refers to a fixed-roof car with at least four doors or any fixed-roof two-door car with at least 33 cubic feet of rear interior volume, according to measurements based on SAE standard J1100. Their definition of “coupe” references the same standard, and says “fixed roof” with \< 33 cu. ft. So, if you want to believe the SAE, it is partially a measurement of interior size. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2003, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-sedan/171162/6 "2003-04-25T19:10:37Z")
(old fart hat on) To hell with the SAE. Back in my day, a sedan was defined as a car with a B-pillar (the mid-body pillar.) Without a B-pillar, the coupe could have a lower-slung roof line, thereby giving it a more sporty look. It was possible to have a 2-door sedan, as well as a 4-door coupe. (old fart hat off) ---
**Author:** ![NYR407](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbe5ce/32.png) [@NYR407](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NYR407)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2003, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-a-sedan/171162/7 "2003-04-25T19:23:31Z")
As a side note: I read an article in the NY Daily News yesterday (so it must be true) that the term **station wagon** originated when hotels would convert the rear of cars to carry luggage when they picked up guests at the train station. The auto industry eventually caught on to the idea and designed their own version.