6. Cadillac CTS
Cadillac CTS
The CTS has almost single-handedly brought new life to the Cadillac brand since its arrival in 2003. The 2008 CTS has been heavily updated, with development done at the famed Nurburgring circuit in Germany. According to MSN Autos writer Mike Meredith, who drove the new Caddy at Laguna Seca, "the CTS proved to be tight and responsive in corners and very well balanced overall. This is one American car that import carmakers should not overlook."
Read: First Drive: 2008 Cadillac CTS
Discuss: Can the Cadillac CTS really compete with the import luxury car segment?
7. Lexus IS
Lexus got its act together a few years ago and updated the IS 300 to go head-to-head with the likes of the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4.
Aimed squarely at BMW's 3-Series, the Lexus sport sedan is available as the IS 250, IS 250 AWD and IS 350. The IS 350 sports a 3.5-liter direct-injected 306-horsepower V6. At the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Lexus showed a hot-rod version of the sedan called the IS F. Powered by a 416-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, this car screams performance with forged 19-inch BBS wheels and massive Brembo brakes.
8. Lexus ES 350
The Lexus ES 350 is no sports sedan but it doesn't need to be. It has grown up enough where it's not just a fully equipped Camry anymore.
As one of the top-selling cars in the Lexus lineup over the years, the ES has come to be known as the full-luxury version of the Toyota Camry. The 272-horsepower V6 packs plenty of punch, airbags can be found all over and there's an optional panorama roof. The wheelbase and wheel size have also increased, and a fully independent suspension provides good handling. But, says MSN Autos reviewer Dan Jedlicka, "the ES 350 is no sports sedan."
9. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E320 BLUETEC diesel sedan can get about 23/32 mpg on city/hwy and it costs just slightly more than the gas-powered version.
Redesigned for 2007 with more aggressive styling and an updated interior, the big E-Class news is the introduction of the E320 BLUETEC diesel. This low-emissions machine has nothing in common with the clattering, black-cloud diesels of the 1980s. In fact the only way neighbors will notice it's a diesel is from the BLUETEC badge on the trunk lid. The 3.0-liter 210-horsepower E320 BLUETEC manages a 23/32 mpg city/hwy rating — impressive for a car that weighs nearly 4,000 pounds.
10. Audi A4
Audi A4
The near-luxury segment is highly competitive, and the A4 has consistently held its ground among the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Available in sedan, wagon (Avant) or convertible (cabriolet), the A4 is the most popular model in the Audi lineup. For 2008 the sporty S-line package includes revised front and rear bumpers, a new front grille, and an integrated trunk lid spoiler.
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