Runner-Up Sedans

Cadillac CTS is a new challenger

The top-reviewed American sports sedan is the Cadillac CTS (*Est. $33,675 to $35,975) , which underwent a major redesign for the 2008 model year. Serving as Cadillac's entry-level vehicle in the U.S., the CTS is a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan made to compete with the BMW 3-Series and the Infiniti G35, among others. Two 3.6-liter V-6 engines are offered: a base motor with 263 hp and a high-output 304-hp version with Direct Injection.

The new CTS has been very well received by critics, and has accumulated a host of awards including Motor Trend's Car of the Year, Car and Driver's 10 Best, MotorWeek's Best Sport Sedan and Automobile magazine's All Stars. ConsumerGuide.com says, "Cadillac's smallest sedan is finally a legitimate alternative to cars from Audi, BMW, and Infiniti. Competitive pricing is icing on the cake for this Best Buy premium midsize sedan." In comparison tests, the Cadillac CTS shows respectable performance and handling, scoring better than such cars as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus IS. In a five-car comparison, Edmunds.com praises the CTS's "on-the-road poise," plus its roomy, comfortable interior. Comments include: "From the leather-swathed details to the brilliantly capable and easy-to-use navigation and audio system, this is simply a nice car to be inside." But the CTS doesn't beat the BMW 3-Series or the Infiniti G35 in comparison tests.

Design is one of the most common compliments for the Cadillac CTS, from virtually every review. The exterior styling is distinctive and attractive, with an appropriate amount of aggressiveness in the design. Motor Trend says, "This baby will turn heads like the elites from Europe, but it's unmistakably American, uniquely Cadillac." Both engines can be ordered with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, although reviews say that the manual is not a good match with the powertrain. Car and Driver says the clutch is stiff, and the high-effort shifter is clunky. Like the BMW and Infiniti, the CTS can also be ordered with a sophisticated AWD system, although only with the base engine.

While many sports sedans place a high priority on luxury, there are some that focus mostly on performance. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (*Est. $32,990 to $38,290) is one of these cars. Its heritage is in rally racing, and while it is based on the rather unremarkable Lancer economy sedan, the Evolution -- or Evo, as enthusiasts call it -- is a unique model with its own ready-to-race personality. For 2008, the latest iteration debuted as the Evo X, the tenth generation. Two models are offered: the base model GSR with five-speed manual transmission,and the better equipped MR with a six-speed automated manual transmission. Both Mitsubishi Evo models feature a 291-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and an advanced AWD system. Edmunds.com calls the Evo "one of the best-performing cars for under $40,000."

The Mitsubishi Evo's arch enemy and most direct competitor is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI , another rally-bred, AWD compact with a 305-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder motor. Over the years, car magazines have loved to pit the Evo and the WRX STI against each other. This year is no exception, as head-to-head comparison tests in Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road & Track, and Edmunds.com all attempt to find out which automaker has the better car in 2008. The unanimous winner is the Mitsubishi Evo. Surprisingly, the Impreza STI is faster from 0 to 60 mph, covering the ground in 4.5 seconds, vs. 4.9 seconds for the Evo GSR, according to Edmunds.com. But the Evo is the better handler, recording faster lap times around a race track. Motor Trend sums it up best: "By virtue of its sharper handling and superior fun factor, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution takes the title of all-wheel-drive, turbo 4-cylinder champion."

But can the Evo aim higher and beat the acclaimed BMW 3-Series? No, according to Automobile magazine. In a comparison test between the Evo GSR, Subaru WRX STI and all-wheel-drive BMW 335xi , the Evo's cornering agility beats the STI. But the Evo can't match the faster acceleration, superb driving dynamics and refinement of the more expensive BMW with its turbocharged 6-cylinder. In choosing the BMW, Automobile's writer Jason Cammisa explains "as these Japanese rally cars creep up in price, more and more boy racers will understandably stretch their budgets and look toward Germany." As aggressive and fun to drive as the Mitsubishi Evo is, reviews point out its downside: a raucously noisy engine, a stiff ride better suited for the rally trail than the boulevard, and a cheap-looking interior that seems too closely related to its economy-car roots.