2004 Sports Sedans 

Four doors, big tires and a lip spoiler aren’t enough to make it as a member of the top-six sport sedan GOODS list. The inherent versatility of these chosen half-dozen means you get day-in and day-out performance driving pleasure, carry a few of your friends and/or family and their stuff—all without drawing an inordinate amount of attention in the process. Needless to day, these are a few of our favourite cars

BMW 320i/325i/325xi/330i/300xi/330I M $34,950 - $53,850 Cdn. Despite being on the market for over 5 years, BMW has fine-tuned this E46 3 Series enough each year to keep it at the top of our list. These last of the "pre-Bungled" Bimmers reward real drivers with a balanced rear-wheel drive chassis, sweet straight-six engines and driver-focused interiors. The Canadian-exclusive 320i gets you into the straight-six club for loaded Camry money. Forget the 325Xi and buy yourself a good set of snows and a winter driving course	New for 2004: : Paddle-shifting autotranny available on all 3s S-S.com choice: Our own 4-door M3: The 330I M Performance Edition Cudda hadda: High mileage 2000 M5 Why Buy?: Why settle for "it’s just like a 3 Series"?
Mazda RX-8 $36,795 – $39,595 Cdn. Here's a company with heart. Committed to the Rotary and the concept of fun-to-drive cars, after seven years Mazda has overcome the emission problems from the last turbocharged RX-7 and have creatively packaged up four adults in a rear-drive, dynamically balanced, sexily clad lightweight sedan. Despite what Mazda's PR gang is saying we figure that by placing the RX-8 in our "sports sedan" category it's an easier sell to the significant other	New for 2004: The Rotary is back! S-S.com choice: The stick allows access to the 247-hp model. So?... Cudda hadda: A Peter Farrell 1993 RX-7 Why Buy?: Make a statement and reward Mazda for having big balls
BMW 530i/545i $66,500 - $77,700 Cdn. Car zealots have had their shorts in a knot wondering if BMW was going to screw up their beloved 5 Series. Despite the new car’s simplified iDrive, "active front steering", and ballooned size, this puppy still drives like a Bimmer should—in fact better than the outgoing model. From the firewall forward all bodywork is of aluminum, resulting in a lighter car with weight distribution an ideal 50/50 front to rear. Tried and true engines with the sweet 225-hp 3.0-liter straight-six, or the rock ‘em, sock ‘em 325-hp 4.5-liter vee-eight from the 7 Series	New for 2004: A new paradigm for the "best" car in the world S-S.com choice: 545I with the Sport package that includes the Active Front Steering, Active Roll Stabilization, stiffer springs and shock absorbers, and Bridgestone run-flat tires Cudda hadda: There are a few previously lusted late model M5s out there Why Buy?: The Bruce Jenner of sports sedans
Infiniti G35/x $39,600 - $42,300 Cdn Now in its second year, the Gee sedan is the four-door sedan of Nissan's front-midship (FM) rear-wheel drive platform that's includes the elegant 2 + 2 Gee coupe, the FX wagons and Nissan's resurrected 350Z 2-seater. All share the 3.5-liter vee-six engine—here in 260-hp spec. The Gee's ride and handling strikes the right balance between sport and luxury and the interior doesn't suffer the decontented feel that lesser Nissan products bear.	New for 2004: All-wheel-drive rears its ugly head and you can get a tire-pressure monitor too S-S.com choice: Base car with the stick Cudda hadda: 2001 BMW 530i Why Buy?: For members of the Anti-Teutonic League
Lexus IS300 $37,775 Cdn. Powerful, silky smooth 215-hp straight-six engine driving the rear wheels underlined with a high strung chassis and an available manual transmission. Nope, not a 3 Series, but you're forgiven for thinking that, and Lexus should be rewarded for coming so damn close. Interior is no match for Audi or BMW in style or quality, but the overall experience is edgier. What the 3 Series once was	New for 2004: Optional 11-spoke wheels and some interior power upgrades S-S.com choice: Expect next-gen IS430 vee-eight M3 chaser in 2005 Cudda hadda: 2001 BMW 330i Why Buy?: If you miss the E36 3 series. Lexus reliability and dealership experience
Cadillac CTS/Deluxe/Sport $39,200 - $54,035 Cdn. We're impressed enough that The General can spell "Nuerburgring", let alone develop a car there. With rear-wheel drive, dramatic styling and an available stick, GM's commitment is certainly there	New for 2004: 255-hp, 3.6-liter vee-six (auto only), 17-inch wheels, StabiliTrak S-S.com choice: We still like the smaller engine with the stick Cudda hadda: 1999 540I with a manual Why Buy?: Styling. Flipping the bird to the Germans

Close, but no cigar…

Acura TSX $34,800 Cdn.
Nice:Outstanding drivetrain and interior. Lot’s of standard goodies Naughty: Acura keeps putting the power through the wrong set of wheels

Acura TL $40,800 - $44,000 Cdn.
Nice:Beautiful drivetrain and interior accoutrements. New, aggressive styling Naughty: If only the power was pumping though the rear wheels

Audi A6 quattro 3.0/2.7T/4.2 $51,950 - $69,370 Cdn.
Nice:Ageless, Bauhaus styling, both inside and out Naughty: Lighter, more dynamic generation coming for '05

Audi A8L $97,750 Cdn.
Nice: Subtle styling inside and out. Audi’s MMI easier to use than BMW’s iDrive Naughty:The world’s second most expensive VW Phaeton (number one? The Bentley Continental…)

BMW 745i/745Li $96,800 - $103,200 Cdn.
Nice: The best handling of the jumbo luxo-barges Naughty: : Germans fight for years against cup holders because they are distracting when you drive. So what’s with the iDrive, huh? Oh, and we still don’t like the styling

Jaguar S-Type 3.0/4.2 $61,950 - $72,950 Cdn.
Nice: You can still get a 5-speed stick with the 3.0-liter vee-six Naughty: : Overdone styling, very un-Jaguar-like interiors

Jaguar XJ8/Vanden Plas $87,500 - $96,000 Cdn.
Nice: New athleticism due to all-aluminum chassis Naughty: : The ghost of Sir William Lyons is alive and well in the Jag design studio

Lexus GS 300/430 $61,700 - $69,500 Cdn.
Nice: Rear-drive chassis and that velvety Lexus vee-eight Naughty: : Old school styling and no stick

Lexus LS 430 $83,200 Cdn.
Nice: Near automotive build quality perfection Naughty: : Looks like a decade-old S Class
Lincoln LS $43,750 – $51,710 Cdn.
Nice: A cheaper Jag S-Type Naughty: : Unadventurous interior. Ubiquitous styling (Is it a BMW?, a Mitsubishi? ) No stick.

Mazda 6 GS-I4/GT-I4/GS-V6/GT-V6 $24,295 - $31,995 Cdn.
Nice: Athletic chassis and vee-six with available sticks across the board. New 5-door hatch for old Saab-aholics Naughty: : Build quality reminds you this is not a Honda

Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor/C240/C320 $36,950 - $50,450 Cdn.
Nice: From a distance your neighbours will think it’s an S Class Naughty: : Pricier than comparable 3 Series, and not as athletic
Mercedes-Benz E320/500 $71,350 – 82,600 Cdn.
Nice: Very safe, and very fast Naughty: : Like driving with HAL from 2001: Space Odyssey onboard

Nissan Altima 2.5/2.5 S Extra/2.5 SL/3.5 SE $23,798 - $29,098 Cdn.
Nice: The 3.5 liter, 245-hp vee-six WITH the stick Naughty: : UTorque steer and cheap interior materials

Nissan Maxima SE 5-Seat/SE 4-Seat/SL 5 Seat $34,500 - $39,300 Cdn.
Nice: Available stick. Stand out from the crowd styling. Great back seat Naughty: : Steer wrestling torque steer. Low rent interior materials

Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Linear/Arc/Aero $34,900 - $43,900 Cdn.
Nice: Athletic chassis. Unique interior styling Naughty: : UWhere’s the hatch?

Saab 9-5 Arc/Aero $43,000 - $53,000 Cdn.
Nice: Big and roomy on the inside. Lots of equipment. Very safe Naughty: : Torque steer and typical Saab depreciation

Subaru Legacy L/L Premuim/2.5 GT $27,795 - $30,595 Cdn.
Nice: AWD and Subaru reliability Naughty: : Japan Inc. interior. Rubbery shifters. Wait for the more refined, sportier, more powerful ’05 models

Volkswagen Passat GLS/GLX/W8 $29,550 - $54,350 Cdn.
Nice: Have-it-your-way drivetrain selections. The Smart Guy’s Audi A6 Naughty: : Can’t get 4Motion with sticks. What’s with all the plastichrome?

Fuhgeddaboutit…

Acura 3.5RL $55,800 Cdn.
Old school Jap luxobarge. New all-drive model coming in 2005

Chevrolet Epica LS/LT $24,595 - $26,760 Cdn.
Despite the 2.5 liter straight-six, this Daewoo is no Bimmer

Chevrolet Malibu LS/LT $22,160 - $29,220 Cdn.
Opel-sourced chassis muted by beaten-with-an-ugly-stick styling, cheap interiors and hoary old engines. Try again, GM

Buick Century $26,200 Cdn.
Rental agency fave

Buick Regal LS/GS $30,450 - $34,540 Cdn.
LaCrosse. er. Allure Century/Regal replacement coming late ‘04

Buick LeSabre Custom/Limited $33,510 - $39,785 Cdn.
THE choice for the Cocoon crowd

Buick Park Avenue/Ultra $47,00 - $52,605 Cdn.
Man, do you know how many golf bags you can get in the back of the trunk in this thing?
Cadillac DeVille DHS/DTS $55,685 - $67,330 Cdn.
When you go to the Detroit show in chilly January, this is your ride!

Cadillac Seville $63,400 - $70,625 Cdn.
Rear-drive, German-chasing replacement coming in 2005
Chevrolet Impala LS/SS $26,675 - $36,365 Cdn.
Rear-drive replacement can’t come soon enough, maybe ’06. Until then, you’re on your own with this 4-door Monte Carlo

Chrysler Sebring Touring/Limited $24,115 - $28,415 Cdn.
Old school Chrysler. Mitsu Galant based replacement coming next year. Wait for it.

Ford Taurus LX/SE/SEL $24,995 - $28,440 Cdn.
The Taurus will only be available at your local rental agency next year as the new Volvo based Ford Five Hundred comes on board in ‘05

Honda Accord DX/LX-G/EX-L/LX V6/EX V6 $23,900 - $32,700 Cdn.
If only the vee-six was available with a stick , as with the Accord coupe, and Honda would have a car for us zealots

Hyundai Sonata GL/GL V6/GLX $22,395 - $27,395 Cdn.
Cheap, and it feels it

Hyundai XG 350 $32,995 Cdn.
So you can fool your neighbours that this is a Lexus, Hyundai leaves there badge off the grille

Infiniti I35 Luxury/Sport $41,200 - $42,700 Cdn.
The "asshole’s" pre-2004 Maxima

Jaguar X-Type 2.5/3.0 $41,195 - $44,995 Cdn.
Despite the price reductions, this chromed over Ford Mondeo is still for Jag wannabes. Buy an A4, fer chrissakes…

Kia Magentis LX/LX-V6/EX-V6 $22,250 - $28,750 Cdn.
If you think a Sonata costs too much
Kia Amanti $34,995 Cdn.
A heavier, more expensive, and garish Hyundai XG350

Lexus ES 330 $43,800 Cdn.
The ‘asshole’s" Camry is the weak link in the Lexus chain

Lincoln Towncar Ultimate/Ultimate L $57,345 - $64,895 Cdn.
Uh, it has rear-wheel drive, and, er, that’s about it…

Mercedes-Benz S430/S430L/S500 $97,850 - $120,000 Cdn.
Too big. Too much tech. Too expensive. Too-doo-loo!!

Mitsubishi Galant DE/ES/LS-V6/GTS-V6 $23,485 - $33,098 Cdn.
Bigger and faster than an Accord, but ne pas de sticks

Mitsubishi Diamante ES/LS/VR-X $32,000 - $35,000 Cdn.
New to Canada, this front-drive near-luxury car has no obvious qualities for you to part with your cash

Oldsmobile Alero GX/GL $22,230 - $24,185 Cdn.
The General promises this is it for Olds…

Pontiac Bonneville SE/SLE/GXP $33,920 - $45,995 Cdn.
Despite the cleaned-up styling, and the available GXP vee-eight, the Bonny still isn’t our cup of tea

Pontiac Grand Am SE/SE1/GT $21,770 - $27,685 Cdn.
NThe new Opel based G6 is coming in ‘05

Pontiac Grand Prix GT1/GT2/GTP $27,995 Cdn.
To get the coupe looks, the backseat room has been severely compromised

Saturn L300 $22,790 Cdn.
If you want a bigger Saturn that won’t melt in the sun.

Suzuki Verona GL/GLX $22,995 - $25,695 Cdn.
Actually, a Daewoo also known as a Chevy Epica. Whatever…

Toyota Camry LE/XLE/SE/LE V6/XLE V6/SE V6 $24,800 - $34,980 Cdn.
Very reliable. Very well made. Very boring

Toyota Avalon XLS $45,830 Cdn.
A stretched Camry for Buick lovers

Volkswagen Jetta GLS/GLS TDI/GLS 1.8T/GLI $24,520 - $31,240 Cdn.
The Golf-With-A-Trunk returns with more plastichrome for ’04. VW has been busy making $100,000 luxo-barges and SUVs, so don’t expect a Jetta replacement for a few years yet

Volkswagen Phaeton $96,500 - $119,500 Cdn.
NThe same cufflink who will sell you a diesel Golf will also gladly show you this $100K uber sedan

Volvo S40 $31,495 Cdn.
NWith little turbo-four, FWD, and no stick, wadda you think? New Ford C Platform replacement coming late in 2004. Wait!!

Volvo S60 2.4/2,5T/2,5T AWD/T5 $36,495 - $47,495 Cdn.
NBig, cushy, but it ain’t no sports sedan

Volvo S80 2.9/AWD/T6 $54,895 - $62,895 Cdn.
Needs rear-wheel drive to play with the big boys