This diverse segment offers the widest price range and obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $44,000 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. The refined Lexus LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at just under $55,000. 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 roomy Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.

CLK sales rose 6.5 percent in calendar 2000, then dropped a nominal 4 percent--fewer than 600 units--through the third quarter of 2001. Still, that's only the first year-to-year loss for these sportier C-Class-based 2-drs.

Redesigned CLKs are on the way for a probable U.S. debut by mid-2002 as early '03 models. Styling is new but evolutionary on a longer, lower and wider package. Wheelbase lengthens to provide more room for four than today's somewhat cramped 2+2 models. Coupes and convertibles will continue, as will existing V6 and V8 engines, but the hot CLK55 coupe steps aside for a supercharged V6 CLK32 AMG being prepped by Mercedes' performance division as a more focused challenger to BMW's racy M3. Rumored horsepower is 354, which is on par with the CLK55's V8 and promises 0-60 mph in just over 5 sec. Besides a coupe, Mercedes may add a CLK32 convertible to counter BMW's drop-top M3. Incidentally, all the new CLK convertibles will retain a folding fabric top, rather than adopting a hide-away hard top like the small SLK and its just-redesigned SL500 big sister. All-wheel drive will reportedly be optional on some and maybe all the new CLKs, though likely a year or two down the line. The only transmission should be a 5-speed automatic similar to today's unit, but Mercedes is said to be developing a 6-speed automatic as an eventual replacement.