This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $34,000 Saab 9-5 to the $130,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.

XK calendar-year sales rose by 9.3 percent in 2000. Even so, the total was only 6729, so these remain strictly low-volume niche products, though quite important to Jaguar's image.

Redesigned 2004 XKs are on tap for a late-2003 U.S. debut. Architecture and key underskin components are shared with Jaguar's new-design 2003 XJ sedans, which implies an inner structure made largely of aluminum and a weight reduction of several hundred pounds over today's all-steel XKs. The '04s should aso borrow the new sedans' computer-controlled air-spring suspension, Jaguar's first, and latest traction/antiskid system. Engines should again comprise regular and supercharged V8s, but with respective horsepower boosted to 300 and 400. Coupe and convertible body styles continue too, but with dimensions slightly expanded to provide roomier, more comfortable rear seating. Styling will be evolved but recognizably XK. The ragtop's fabric roof will reportedly power beneath a metal cover instead of riding on the body.

Due at about the same time at the next XKs is the eagerly awaited two-seat F-Type, Jaguar's first true sports car since the classic E-Type ended its 14-year run in 1975. A favorite rumor-mill subject for the past five years, F-Type was an on-again/off-again project before Jaguar publicly gave it the green light last winter. Few specifics are available, as design and engineering work are just in early stages, but F-Type will definitely be a full convertible with rear drive, Jaguar V8 power, and a fabric roof folding beneath a metal cover. Styling will have some visual links to the slinky E-Type, judging by the concept sketch released with the "it's a go" announcement. Intriguingly, an accompanying press release says F-Type will be a "more affordable" compliment to the XK line, which bolsters insider talk of $40,000-$50,000 base price. Keep checking back with us for all the latest news on these and other future Jaguars.