if you can go a little smaller in size, the IS350 looks very promising.....but honestly i don't think you can ever go wrong with a Honda/Acura product IMO.

 

I'm looking IS 350 as being a contender, it has a lot going for it.

 

I'm also in the market for a sports sedan. I've come down to the TL and the G35. G35 definitely pulls on the driving performance side with its RWD and now 298HP. The TL might seem more comfortable day to day, and definitely has a nicer interior look to it. Although the improved 2005 interior of the G35 is pretty nice.

It's a hard decision to make as new entrants to the segment make it tougher and tougher.

 

why not pick a used is300 + turbo kit = very nice sports sedan...

cant go wrong w/ lexus...

hence without turbo kit, the car is pushing maybe around 180 to the wheels? or less?

everything stock is good w/ the car...

 

How my wallet and knuckles wish that was true.

Drive all of the cars. Include the class leading 3 series for reference even if it is not on your list.

 

sorry if my comment sounded stupid

but i really enjoy my is300....altho its a bit small...but its a 4 door ...and smooth drive..

 

Took a drive of the new 330i today, with Sport package, manual transmission. I was very impressed. Drove it back to back with the TL and the G35. BMW is a much more refined machine, definitely a stabler car on the road. It's my own new personal front runner in the next car decision.

 

In this class of cars I don't think you can go wrong. My money would go to the Germans. An 05 TL comes very well equipped for $33K. It's fatal flaw, IMHO however, is the FWD. I am a RWD man through-and-through. Maybe you live where it snows and you want the "safety" of front-wheel-drive. Audi offers a Quattro equipped A4 w/3.0 6 cyl for $33.5K. BMW (my choice) offers the 330 with AWD for a little more at $37.5K. Worth it in my opinion. Of course, the thing to keep in mind when shopping the Germans is that you rarely find one on the lot for base price. They're always loaded up with options and higher stickers.

Good luck. Like said, I don't think you can wrong in this segment.