Personal picks: sports sedans, part 2

Continuing our staff's personal insights into the March-issue upscale sedans test group.

Rick Small: I like most of the cars in this group. The new Cadillac CTS handles well and is now very competitive with the European sedans. The BMW 328i feels sporty, but I feel it’s not as sporty as the last generation. Plus, the 3 Series controls are needlessly awkward. My tall frame is still cramped in the front, and the back seat if for small kids only. For me, the Infiniti G35 really stands out as a sporty and fun car to drive – it’s also a good value. It has great road feel and a firm but sporty ride that isn’t punishing. The powerful V6 delivers strong performance, sounds great, and is quicker than many V8s. Fuel economy is decent considering the high level of performance. The AWD version is a little less sporty and uses a bit more fuel; I’d go with the rear-wheel drive model and get a set of good snow tires for the winter. I still also like the Acura TL, it has a good combination of luxury and sport and a better driving position than most in this class. Other good choices are the roomy Nissan Maxima, and less expensive Altima. Likewise, a Honda Accord V6 comes close to the Acura for less money.

Mike Leung: I felt the last generation Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport that we tested was better in every regard than the newer one we just tested. The old one had better controls and a superior driving experience. Plus, it was more comfortable and better looking.

That being said, in this category, the Infiniti G35 still reigns supreme when you take cost into account.  Even if you don’t take cost into account, the G’s performance is easily as good as the competition and it’s generally more reliable.

Mike Quincy: I agree with Mike Leung—the last C-Class was better than the new one, which seems to have lost an edge not only in performance but also in styling. And while I’m an admitted fan of Saabs, the V6-powered 9-3 Aero’s $37,000 price is simply too dear, with its cramped backseat and mediocre fuel economy (only 20 mpg, overall).

I think the star of this category is the rear-wheel-drive Infiniti G35. It combines excellent steering, a fabulous engine and transmission, and simple controls. It’s a sports sedan when you want it to be, as well as a (mostly) quiet and comfortable luxury car when you’re in the mood for a relaxing cruise. I also like the Lexus IS 350 (deceivingly fast, nice interior, great reliability) but at $44,000 fully optioned, it’s way over the price of all of the models in this group. And hat’s off to GM for actually producing a car that I’d consider buying: the new CTS is the only Cadillac in my lifetime that I wouldn’t be embarrassed to own. I’m WAY too young to be of the generation when Cadillac was considered “the world’s standard.” The brand was never an aspiration of mine (nor for any of my friends, family and neighbors). But the CTS has more than style: it’s quite substantive and a pleasure to drive.

There’s a lot to like about all the cars in this category. (Really, there wasn’t a “dog” in the test group). Consider yourself lucky if this is a car category in which you can shop.

For more on this sports sedan group, read the road tests and Personal picks: sports sedans, part 2, and also watch our car review videos.

Comments

[david]

I agree with Mike Leung. The 2005 C240AWD version with round headlights (looks like a small E-class) feels better and looks way way way better than the current C-class. The current steering wheel looks ... I am out of words..., anyway, I prefer the previous one.

Did you see the spy pics of the SL-class? Oh no, it's moving towards the current C-class design. I think the current SL car looks really cool, like a smaller version of the McLaren SLR.

The G35 tops in this class. Interior looks second only to Lexus IS. I don't know if this is a function of the different road conditions, but I feel the G35S is a lot sportier than the G35 Journey RWD. That said, the transmission on the G35S needs some work. While I sometimes disagree with CR such as the take on the M35 (I think the E-class is a much better car), I am 100% with CR on the G35.

[Cale Johnson]

Cheer up Mike, 9-3's aren't selling well and if you really wanted to buy one, which GM REALLY hopes you do, you could probably buy one for closer to $32k. Would you bite?

[Tom Mutchler]

Cale, interesting point. Maybe the better question is: what about a base 9-3 2.0T, considering that they get discounted to around $23k with end-of-year blow-em-out incentives? Plenty of power from that four-cylinder, better fuel economy too. To me, the car makes more sense at that price-point than as a loaded Aero.

And David, that last-gen C230 we tested was a peach of a car (although I find the new radio easier to use). I also really liked our SLK - don't see the need for the new beak.

[Mike Quincy]

Cale:
A 9-3 Aero with a couple of options for $32K? Sounds like a great deal. So, to answer your question, "yes" I would bite. As I've said in the past, Saabs have flaws (I can't disagree with my colleague’s criticisms of our tested 9-5 and 9-3), but they also have tons of personality that I find lacking in some of our top-rated models.

[PJ McCombs]

If I may add to that train of thought, if you're considering a 9-3 for its potential to squeak under $30,000, you may also want to check out the Acura TSX.

It isn't as quick or as quirky as the Saab, but it's more agile and lighter on its feet, has a much richer-feeling interior, and is more of a sure thing in terms of reliability and resale value. It also has one of the slickest manual transmissions extant, if that's your preference.

It starts at $28,190, and that includes just about everything you'd want in a premium sedan except navigation (which is the only option).

I can't resist plugging this car, as my wife almost bought one (she got a Prius instead); we found its its overall balance and lack of excess (in size, price, gadgetry, and fuel use) a refreshing change from many competitors.