2005 Cadillac STS V6

5. Cadillac STS V6
Six inches longer and two inches wider than its squarish CTS stablemate, the STS carries off what is perhaps the crispest-looking exterior. GM's high-content 3.6-liter V-6 develops good power and flexible torque, and the five-speed transmission snaps off quick, painless shifts. Thanks to a stiff body structure and Nuerburgring-tuned suspension, the STS's chassis is well behaved with sharp steering and brakes, but suffers more-than-average body roll and brake dive.

Quiet Steel in the front bulkhead, laminated side glass, and triple door seals do their best to keep rude engine and road noise from the driver and passengers. This is largely successful, although the engine sounds thrashy when revved into the tach's upper reaches.

Despite the promising chassis and good structure, substandard materials inside this base model scream Cavalier cheap, not a luxury car north of $40K. Tap the dash, run your fingers along the edge of the console or door armrests, push on the floppy plastic covers inside the engine compartment or the cardboard-like trim inside the trunk, and the car shouts lowest-cost supplier, not standard of the world. Where the CTS instrument panel was perhaps a bit too Salvador Dali for Peorians to drive to church on Sunday, the base Seville's starkness is stoic, almost Calvinistic. Though the use of real aluminum on the center stack is a nice touch, the optional wood trim and upgrade leather trim are a must and add substantial cost.

Unlike the Acura TL, just about every new system or interesting infotainment feature is optional. Checking off Bose Surround Sound, DVD Video, Adaptive cruise control, HID headlamps, Intellibeam headlamp-beam dimming, head-up display, DVD-based navigation system, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, OnStar, magnetic ride control, and adaptive cruise control will make the STS experience more enjoyable, but puts the price in BMW territory.