Get sporty: two untraditional American cars top this group of upscale sedans. (Sports Sedans).(Product/Service Evaluation)

American luxury cars have long been synonymous with plush comfort and a cushy ride. In the past few years, however, two most prominent luxury brands-Cadillac and Lincoln--have introduced cars intended to go head to head with some of the best European sports sedans.

In contrast to their predecessors, models such as the Lincoln LS and the angular, attention-getting Cadillac CTS (shown above) are now emphasizing nimble handling and quick acceleration rather than comfort and convenience. And based on their top ranking in this issue's five-car comparison, they are both strong competitors in their class.

Sports sedans are typically more sure-footed when cornering and more responsive to the driver. This makes them fun to drive and can provide a safety advantage in accident avoidance. The trade-off is often a firmer ride that can be uncomfortable. The best models provide both good performance and a reasonably comfortable driving experience.

When introduced for 2000, the Lincoln LS's taut ride and sporty feel were a radical departure for a marque known for large, soft-riding cars. Changes for 2003 have made the LS quicker and quieter.

The new American-built Cadillac CTS replaces the German-built Catera, and is one of the most talked-about new cars. The Infiniti G35 is also new for 2003 and offers a very spirited powertrain. The Saab 9-3 was redesigned for 2003 and is now sportier and better handling.

The Nissan Maxima, which we usually classify as a family sedan, has been redesigned for 2004 and is now comparable in performance and price to the other upscale sedans here.

The as-tested prices range from $32,230 for the Maxima to $38,790 for the LS. Sedans in this price range are often the low-priced entries for luxury brands. They typically provide more features and newer technology than family sedans. According to our annual subscriber survey luxury brands also tend to provide a better buying experience. But the cars aren't necessarily that much better. In fact, the