USED CARS - Sports Sedans

BMW 3-series: The undisputed champion among sports sedans

If a car takes top honors in three respected reviews, it is accepted that it's a good car. If it wins five top honors, it's a great car. If a vehicle comes away with seven top ranks, however, it has to be a class leader. The BMW 3-series (*est. $30,900 to $38,500) , which has been redesigned for the 2006 model year, sets a new high-bar, according to nearly every major car review source. MotorWeek calls the BMW 3-series "the last word in affordable sporting sedans," while Automobile Magazine says that "BMW has produced a car that is the gold standard for its class, something that all other automakers feel they have to measure up to." A number of reviews ranked the BMW 3-series the best car of the year including Car and Driver, Forbes, AutoWeek, Automobile Magazine, MotorWeek and Money Magazine.

The BMW 3-series consists of two vehicles -- the BMW 325i and it's more powerful sibling the BMW 330i. The 325i sports sedan comes equipped with a 215-hp, 3.0-liter I6, while the 330i comes with a 255-hp, 3.0-liter I6. In terms of safety features, the 3-series does fairly well with ABS, front side-airbags, front and rear head-curtain airbags and stability control that also helps the brakes work as effectively as possible. In terms of mileage, the EPA estimates for the BMW 325i are 21 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway. The BMW 330i sports sedan gets around 19 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway, according to the EPA -- not bad for a sports sedan, and on par with a lot of family cars.

Perhaps the most praised aspect of the BMW 3-series is the handling. Add to that a fairly comfortable ride and everyone is impressed. The one feature that garners no positive reviews is the iDrive, a system invented to decrease the number of knobs the driver needed to engage. Unfortunately, the system is regarded as one of the worst on the market. Fortunately, the iDrive system is optional, and seems to be the only issue with the 2006 BMW 3-series.

A very close race for the Lexus IS

On paper, it doesn't look like much of a competition. The first-place BMW 3-series received seven top honors, while the second-place Lexus IS (*est. $29,990 to $35,440) receives three. Reading between the lines, however, there is a much different story. For every review praising the 3-series there is an honorable mention for the Lexus. In addition, there are those reviews that simply place the Lexus in second due to one vital flaw. When everything is taken into account, it was a very close match-up, with the Lexus only coming in second by a hair compared with the BMW 3-series.

Like the 3-series, the Lexus IS series is comprised of two models: the IS 250 and the Lexus IS 350. The IS 250 sports sedan comes with a 204-hp, 2.5-liter V6, and the IS 350 is equipped with a 306-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Lexus IS sports sedans also have a paddle-shifter on the steering wheel for a true performance feel. In terms of safety, the Lexus IS sedans are equipped with front-seat side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags and a system known as "VDIM" (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management). This controls traction and stability system, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and BrakeAssist all at the same time. Unfortunately, many reviews were quite harsh on Lexus for not having a way to turn off VDIM, stating that it made the car less of a sports sedan by causing it to downshift and slow far too early, not taking advantage of the engine potential in the Lexus IS.

According to the staff of Autobytel, "In terms of comfort, refinement, and more than a pinch of thrill, nothing beats the 2006 Lexus IS, our pick for Best New Entry Luxury Car of 2006." In addition, the only thing that stopped the Lexus IS from overtaking the champion BMW 3-series in a head-to-head comparison was the inability to turn off the VDIM system. Rumors are churning that there will be a way to turn the system off in the 2007 Lexus IS, and perhaps that will be all that the Lexus IS needs to become the number one sports sedan for 2007. In terms of mileage, the Lexus IS 250 approximates 24 mpg/city and 32 mpg/highway, while the IS 350 gets an estimated 21 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway. Both are very competitive in their class.

Acura TL delivers a luxurious yet sporty ride

Although not much has been changed in the Acura TL (*est. $33,325 to $35,000) for 2006, critics are still impressed with the way that the vehicle handles itself. Of particular interest are the luxury touches packed into the car for the price. Heated leather seats, a DVD-quality sound system, hands-free phone capabilities and a power sunroof are all standard on the Acura TL sports sedan. The 2006 Acura is one of the vehicles that blur the line between a luxury vehicle and traditional sports sedans.

The Acura TL has a 258-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 under the hood, which translates in terms of mileage to 20 mpg/city and 29/mpg highway. In terms of safety, the TL has things covered with front side-airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, ABS with BrakeAssist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. The vehicle also come equipped with stability control. Also notable is the fact that the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) awarded the Acura TL "best pick" status, meaning that it scored very well, if not perfectly, in all aspects of the Institutes extensive safety tests, which includes offset front crash testing -- a more stringent test than the straight frontal and straight side tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Kiplinger's Personal Finance elected the Acura TL sports sedan one of the best cars of the year. The editors are impressed with the engine of the TL. When choosing which cars will make the cut, Kiplinger's looks at the performance, safety and value of the vehicle. Other reviews like the Acura's safety features, and are impressed with the luxurious aspects of the vehicle. One issue, according to reviews, is that the Acura TL puts luxury ahead of performance. So for the money, the Acura includes more luxury features than the more performance oriented BMW and Lexus sedans, which generally do better in handling and timed performance tests.

When it comes to sports sedans, Acura is also the leader in value with the Acura TSX (*est. $27,890 to $33,000) , which offers a comfortable, sporty ride for just over $27,000. While the TSX sports sedan has only received minor adjustments for 2006, it was still chosen as the best sports sedan of 2006 by Car and Driver, which said, "The TSX—now a 10 Best winner three years in a row—is one of those rare cars that make their owner happy to buckle up every time, every day." In the end, this is perhaps the best compliment that any car can receive.

In terms of engines, the Acura TSX is powered by a 205-hp, 2.4-liter I4. The vehicle gets 22 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway according to the EPA, which is impressive mileage for a sports sedan. Just like the TL, the TSX received a "best pick" from the IIHS, which is one of the highest honors a vehicle may receive in terms of safety. The Acura TSX sports sedan has a number of standard safety features, such as ABS with BrakeAssist, traction and stability control, front side-impact airbags, as well as front and rear side-curtain airbags.

If there is one consistent complaint with the Acura TSX, it is the fact that the car simply doesn't have the acceleration power of the other sports sedans. But if pure power isn't your priority, reviews say the interior is roomy, everything is quality-made, and the TSX shares many of the luxury options that are in the TL, including heated seats and hands-free phone capabilities. Reviews say the Acura TSX offers a truly enjoyable sports sedan experience for the most reasonable price on the market.

Mitsubishi offers an alternative with attitude

Sports sedans are all about compromise, and choosing one option over another. On one side of the coin there is the Acura TSX, which offers a great amount of luxury for a low starting price, but comparatively lacking in the performance department. On the other side of this coin there is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (*est. $28,179 to $35,189) , which offers a lot of performance for a comparable price, but forgoes the luxury amenities. While the Lancer Evolution hasn't won any best-of awards for 2006, the performance-to-price ratio was great enough for this vehicle to be recommended by critics nonetheless.

Under the hood of the Lancer Evolution hides a 286-hp, 2.0-liter I4 engine. According to Edmunds.com, "Every part of the Mitsubishi car is specifically designed to achieve optimum performance -- ultimately the Lancer Evo is nothing less than a street-legal racecar." In order to get this power for under $30,000, however, some tradeoffs are made. In the case of the Lancer Evolution, these absences come in the form of safety equipment. The only standard safety feature for the Lancer Evolution is ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and dual front airbags. Front side-airbags aren't even optional. If your sports sedan will also be used to haul a family, this may not be your first choice.

In the end, the lack of safety features may be the aspect that is keeping the Lancer Evolution from the top of reviewers' picks. It has the power, it has a sleek, intimidating attitude similar to the Dodge Charger and other winning vehicles, and it has comparable gas mileage with 22 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway. Unfortunately, the absence of safety features and a fair ride quality make the Lancer Evolution an alternative choice instead of a top pick.

Other well-received sports sedans

The Audi A6 (*est. $40,820 to $53,770) was chosen as "best mid-size luxury sedan" by Money Magazine for 2006. Reviewer Lawrence Ulrich wrote favorably about the power of the A6 sedan, as well as the interior design and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Ulrich also finds that the Audi A6 manages to juggle a variety of tasks, such as performance and design, while still offering an entertaining ride for the average car consumer.

The 2006 Audi A6 is available with either a 255-hp, 3.1-liter V6 or a 335-hp, 4.2-liter V8. In terms of safety, the A6 includes front-side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, anti-whiplash front head restraints, stability control and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and BrakeAssist. As far as mileage is concerned, the Audi A6 receives 19 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway with the V6; 17 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway with the V8, according to EPA estimates.

In a 2005 article at Autoweb, it was predicted from showings at Auto shows that the 2006 Infiniti M (*est. $43,340 to $47,150) would be one of the standout vehicles in 2006 and beyond. According to the review, "with the launch of the production version of the M35/M45 at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, Infiniti officials let it be known that the theme of this M is inspire, illuminate, and engage. That attitude, coupled with the new M's bigger-G35 looks will surely open some eyes."

The Infiniti M series consists of the M35 and M45, as well as a sports edition of the M35 known as the M35X. The Infiniti M35 models include a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V6, while the M45 houses a 335-hp, 4.5-liter V8. For safety, the M series sports sedans have front-seat side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, active head restraints and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Stability and BrakeAssist. The Infiniti M35 receives 18 mpg/city and 25 mpg/highway, while the Infiniti M45 receives 17 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway according to estimates from the EPA.

Getting an approving nod from Motor Trend for 2006 is the Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG (*est. $86,600) as both a luxury sedan and a sports sedan. When compared to the Cadillac CTS-V, Motor Trend reviewers had this to say of the CLS55 AMG: "Which is king of the autobahn? The CLS55's outstanding performance, superb high-speed stability, and impressive cabin make the difference, even for a few dollars more."

The CLS55 AMG contains a 469-hp, 5.5-liter V8 under the hood; this translates to approximately 14 mpg/city and 20 mpg/highway. In terms of safety, the CLS55 AMG is equipped with ABS with BrakeAssist and stability control, as well as every type of airbag available in a 2006 vehicle.

The Audi A4 2.0T (*est. $28,240 to $36,590) is one of three cars that offer a sports sedan experience for a lower price. The 2.0T comes equipped with a 200-hp, 2.0-liter I4 engine, which gets around 24 mpg/city and 32 mpg/highway according to EPA estimates. The 2.0T does have ABS with stability control, as well as front-side airbags and side-curtain airbags. Reviews like the comfort of the vehicle, yet aren't impressed with the power or the spaciousness of the 2006 Audi A4 2.0T.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STi (*est. $32,995 to $35,000) is a direct competitor to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and both cars share the same type of styling and power. The STi engine is a 300-hp, 2.5-liter H-4, which gets around 18 mpg/city and 24 mpg/highway. The STi comes equipped with front-side airbags, as well as ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. In reviews, the Impreza WRX STi is said to be a nice car, but not as fine-tuned as the Lancer Evolution.

Big, bad sports sedans

As companies attempt to attract more people into the sports sedan market, there are some vehicles entering the competition that would give any vehicle on the streets a run for power and attitude. The first of these is the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (*est. $39,920 to $45,000), which Cars.com refers to as "almost a brute, but a truly refined one." The Chrysler sedan is powered by a 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V8, which translates to 14 mpg/city and 20 mpg/highway in terms of fuel-efficiency. This model comes standard with ABS, as well as traction and stability control. In reviews, most critics like the look of the vehicle, as well as the amount of interior space. Negatives are that it is not a good car for short people and that is has low fuel economy.

The next vehicle on the list is the Dodge Charger SRT-8 (*est. $35,320 to $42,000), which is a direct challenger to the Chrysler 300C. Many reviews point out that the Charger looks masculine and very angular. As far as engines are concerned, the Charger SRT-8 is identical to the 300C with a 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V8. In the safety department, the SRT-8 has ABS with stability control and side-curtain airbags as optional equipment. For fuel efficiency, the Charger SRT-8 is estimated to get around 14 mpg/city and 20 mpg/highway. The main pros of the Charger, according to reviews, are the spaciousness of the vehicle and the raw power of the SRT-8, while weak points are its poor fuel efficiency and the small back windows for rear passengers.

The 2006 Jaguar S-Type (*est. $45,330 to $63,330) is different than the other two vehicles in the category in that the styling for the vehicle is derived more from a sports coupe, where the Charger and the 300C are based off of muscle cars. The S-Type has three available engines: A 235-hp, 3.0-liter V6, 300-hp, 4.2-liter V8 or 400-hp, 4.2-liter V8. The 235-hp engine receives 19 mpg/city and 28 mpg/highway, the 300-hp option estimates 18 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway, while the 400-hp gets 17 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway. In terms of safety, the S-Type has front-side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags as well as stability and traction control. The consensus in reviews is that the Jaguar S-Type is a luxurious ride that also delivers on the power end of the spectrum. The negative points of the vehicle are the fact that the ride may be slightly uncomfortable at times, and that some of the interior is of a slightly lesser quality than one would expect from Jaguar.

Mid-range sports sedans

While not entry-level in price, these sports sedans are also far from the high end of the sports sedan market. The first of these vehicles is the Saab 9-5 (*est. $34,100 to $36,495) , which attempts to bring the class associated with the Saab brand to the sport sedan market. The engine powering the Saab 9-5 is a 260-hp, 2.3-liter I-4, and is the only available engine for the vehicle. In terms of mileage, the 9-5 receives approximately 20 mpg/city and 29/mpg highway. Many changes have been made to the Saab 9-5 for 2006, and while the reviews are pleased with the changes, many say that it is past time for the Saab 9-5 to be completely redesigned.

While it failed to beat the Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG in a head-to-head test by Motor Trend, there is still a lot to be said for the Cadillac STS-V (*est. $74,270 to $80,000). After all, the vehicle is powered by a 469-hp, 4.4-liter V8. Like most of the other large-engine sports sedans on the market, the STS-V gets around 14 mpg/city and 20/mpg highway; with gas prices on the rise, interest in these vehicles may be waning. Safety-wise, the STS-V comes standard with front side-airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, ABS, stability control and traction control. Motor Trend had this to say about the Cadillac STS-V: "That Cadillac's entry is a credible large luxury/performance sport sedan makes it a winner in its own right."

Luxury sports sedans

Next are the cars that that are the most expensive in the 2006 sports sedan market. If you're shopping in this price range, you might also read our report on luxury cars. The first of these vehicles is the Maserati Quattroporte (*est. $103,700 to $115,900), which is also the least expensive of the three. Under the hood of the Quattroporte purrs a 396-hp, 4.2-liter V8, which gives the Quattroporte an estimated mileage of 12 mpg/city and 15 mpg/highway -- which that's low, if you're shopping in this price range, fuel economy probably isn't your biggest concern. In terms of safety, the Maserati Quattroporte comes equipped with front side-airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, ABS, traction control and stability control. While reviewers definitely appreciate the quality and performance of the vehicle, some reviews say that the ride is slightly stiff; also, every review of the Quattroporte chastises the fuel-economy of the vehicle.

The next sedan in this range is the Bentley Continental Flying Spur (*est. $164,990 to $175,000), which comes with one of the largest engines ever in a sports sedan: A 552-hp, 6.0-liter V12. While the price may seem high at first, the Flying Spur is actually one of the least expensive Bentleys available, and comes as a mate to the Bentley Continental GT Coupe. Mileage-wise, the Flying Spur gets an estimated 11 mpg/city and 18 mpg/highway, according to the EPA. In terms of safety, the Flying Spur has every type of airbag possible in a 2006 vehicle, as well as ABS, stability control and safety control. The car gets rave reviews, except for the fact that it can sometimes feel detached from the driver.

The final vehicle is luxury in every sense of the word, with superb ride quality and the sheer essence of excellence: The Maybach 57 (*est. $332,500 to $367,000). The 57 has two available engines: A 550-hp, 5.5-liter V12 or a 612-hp, 6.0-liter V12. If one opts for the 550-hp engine, the mileage is approximately 12 mpg/city and 17 mpg/highway. With the 612-hp engine, the mileage moves to 11 mpg/city and 16 mpg/highway. All possible air bag options for a 2006 vehicle are included in the Maybach, as well as stability control. The pros to the Maybach 57 are numerous: It performs well, it is one of the most comfortable vehicles available and is an obvious status symbol. On the other hand, there are comparable vehicles, some of which outperform the 57, for lower prices, and the vehicle has very poor fuel-economy. However, in the Maybach market, fuel economy is not expected to be an issue.

Important features: Sports sedan

The following is what the experts say about choosing a sports sedan.

• Sports sedans are all about performance. Take a look at the details when it comes to a sports sedan. Acceleration, handling and ride quality set the best sports sedans apart from the pack, and apart from family sedans.

• Manual gearboxes are preferable to regular automatics. They give you more control over the transmission, which generally improves the vehicle's acceleration and give drivers the feeling of being connected to the vehicle. However, a new breed of transmission, sometimes called manumatics or paddle-shifters, provides the convenience of an automatic with the ability to shift gears (without using a clutch pedal).

• Sports sedans often double as family cars. Therefore, any model you buy should be able to accommodate at least four adults and their luggage.

• The options can make all the difference. If you are going to be taking advantage of a sports sedan's powerful engine, having a complete safety-option package is important. If the vehicle is also going to be used for family transport, look into options for rear passengers.

• Check out the tires. Some sports sedans are equipped with high-performance tires, while others only offer them as an option. To get the best performance, you'll want high-performance tires.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with Retailer Links)	Prices from Edmunds.com
7	BMW 3-series	(*est. $30,900 to $38,500)
3	Lexus IS	(*est. $29,990 to $35,440)
2	Acura TL	(*est. $33,325 to $35,000)
1 each	Acura TSX , Mercedes CLS55 AMG , Audi A6 , Infiniti M

There is no doubt this year that the BMW 3-series is the best sports sedan. Coming in second place is the Lexus IS with three top honors and many runner-up picks, followed by the Acura TL, which won two top marks. The Acura TSX, Mercedes CLS55 AMG, Audi A6 and Infiniti M were each honored one time.

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