all-wheel drive Sedan

The Bottom Line: We enjoyed spending time behind the wheel of the 2007 Audi A6, whether driving winding mountain roads or cruising the freeway. The car does a good job of justifying its high price with a luxurious interior, good cabin gadgets, and excellent handling.

Specs: sedan, 4.2 quattro, Gas

The Bottom Line: We found quite a bit to like about the 2007 Lincoln MKZ, and only a few real problems. But the stereo is really what this car is all about. You will enjoy driving anywhere in it as long as you have some good CDs.

Specs: sedan, Base, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Legacy spec.B includes standard interior tech options to match its sophisticated chassis, making it a more well-rounded contender than Subaru's cheaper 2.5 GT Limited. The spec.B makes a solid case for the four-cylinder performance sedan, even though it's priced similarly to its mostly six-cylinder competition.

Specs: sedan, 2.5 GT spec.B, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2007 Audi A4 handles great and is a joy to drive. Audi offers a full range of optional cabin technology, such as navigation and Bluetooth, although some of it falls a little short.

Specs: sedan, 2.0T quattro, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited offers more performance than most cars in its class, but this comes at the expense of cabin gadgetry.

Specs: sedan, 2.5i Limited, Gas

The Bottom Line: Mercedes-Benz is exploring new ground with the R-Class Grand Sports Tourer. With 4,800 pounds of heft, sport doesn't really apply to the 2006 R350, but with excellent passenger space and comfort, it's great for touring in grand style.

Specs: wagon, R350, Gas

The Bottom Line: Our criticisms of the 2006 Acura RL are minor compared to all it has to offer. It's marketed as a high-tech car and delivers on all fronts, from live traffic on its navigation screen to cutting-edge driving technology.

Specs: sedan, 3.5, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX is a fantastically fun car to drive spiritedly and show off to friends, but the lack of in-cabin technology and sudden engine power can make it a bit tiresome in everyday driving.

Specs: sedan, FQ-300, Gas

The Bottom Line: The 2006 Audi S4 commands a hefty premium over the standard A4, and although the cabin gadgets are similar, the performance gain is worth it. We had some minor issues, but overall, this is a top tech car.

Specs: sedan, quattro, Gas

The Bottom Line: A high-tech chassis and transmission keep the 2006 Volvo S60 R firmly on the road, but its interior tech is stuck in the last millennium.

Specs: sedan, Base, Gas