Oxygen Sensor prices - why the large difference in cost?

Josebaum7

I am looking to replace my rear oxygen sensor and notice online that sensors range from $35-350. Why such a large difference in cost? The cheap ones are rated decently on auto retailer websites so why are there ones for +$350? I want to make sure I'm not missing something before I buy.

thecardoc3

With a few more details (model, year, engine) I could look up specific parts and see just what your options are. There are some manufacturers that I absolutely won't use because of a history of failures. The Bosch sensors for example have proven to be unreliable at best and have caused a lot of grief for people who have tried to use them. Nippon-Denso (or just Denso), NTK, are often the actual O.E. provider and have the fewest concerns with accuracy and quality for replacement usage.

Another reason for a large price gap is the upstream sensors which are often shown on the same page when you just search O2 Sensors are Wideband Air/Fuel sensors, not oxygen sensors. Those show up in the $360+ range. The downstream sensors are in the $150 range.