This hotly contested segment has two clear benchmarks; the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300. Both succeed in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 offers a little more luxury and TL, with it's Type-S, a bit more sport.

We Recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.

After scoring a 7-percent sales gain in calendar 2000, Audi's volume leader rose another 3.7 percent in 2001 and ran 19.3 percent ahead of that pace for the first half of 2002. Assuming the stock market steadies along with buyers' nerves, A4 sales should get a further boost from the redesigned Avant wagons launched in early 2002 and the 2003 A4 Cabriolet.

The new ragtop rides the same wheelbase as other A4s, but is slightly longer and wider. Two versions will be offered: a 220-hp 3.0-liter V6 model and, a bit later, a less costly turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cyl edition with 170 hp. Both are front-drivers with Audi's Multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), plus the usual electronic brake and suspension assists, front side airbags, an insulated power top with glass rear window. Options should include a Sport Package with firm suspension, 17-inch wheels (vs 16s) and high-performance tires. The V6 Cabriolet is available with navigation system, Bose audio, and parking-assist warning system, among other extras. It goes on sale this fall; the 1.8T version follows in spring '03. Audi hopes its new convertibles will generate 7000-10,000 U.S. sales per year.

Expected later in '03 are a new-design high-performance S4 sedan and Avant, which may be launched as early '04 entries. They'll continue with twin turbochargers, but on the latest 3.0-liter V6, resulting in a gain of 50 hp to around 300 total.