In February 2002, Car and Driver assembled a team of road-test professionals for a no-holds-barred comparison of seven mid-price sports sedans. The mission: drive them hard in West Virginia’s challenging terrain and deliver an unvarnished verdict, knowing full well that readers would react with outrage or adoration. The result was a raw, brutally honest assessment of performance, handling, and value. This report revisits the key findings, offering context and analysis for today’s automotive landscape.
The Challenge: Appalachian Roads and Reader Backlash
The test team, known internally by nicknames like “Chuck Pachetti” and “Spanky,” faced not only winding mountain roads but also the inevitable backlash from brand loyalists. West Virginia’s smooth, paved highways provided an ideal proving ground, but the cultural contrast between the testers and the local population—pickup trucks, firearms, and suspicion of outsiders—added an unexpected layer to the experience. This was not a typical road test; it was a cultural collision with high-performance vehicles at the center.
The Contenders: A Diverse Lineup
The seven sedans represented a range of manufacturers and philosophies, all priced between $33,896 and $40,235. The lineup included the new Cadillac CTS, fresh from its debut; the proven BMW 330i and Audi A4 3.0 Quattro (both 10Best winners); the Jaguar X-type 3.0; the Lexus IS300 manual; the Lincoln LS; and the Saab 9-3 Viggen, the sole front-wheel-drive, turbocharged entry. The common thread was a five- or six-speed manual transmission—a nod to enthusiast drivers.
Bottom of the Pack: The 2002 Lincoln LS
The Lincoln LS earned last place due to its underpowered engine. Despite a surprisingly stable suspension and a good Getrag gearbox, its 210-hp V-6 struggled to move the 3,690-pound sedan with any enthusiasm. The LS was 1.5 seconds slower to 60 mph than the BMW 330i, a fatal handicap in this competitive class. While it handled well (achieving 0.84 g on the skidpad), the engine’s inadequacy overshadowed its strengths. The verdict: a decent sedan in the wrong league.
Key Takeaway: The LS highlighted a common automotive flaw: prioritizing features (like a high-quality gearbox) over fundamental performance. This underscored the importance of matching engine output to vehicle weight, a lesson still relevant today.
Quirky Contender: The 2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen
The Saab 9-3 Viggen secured sixth place with its unconventional charm. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 230 horsepower, making it surprisingly quick (6.9 seconds to 60 mph). However, its front-wheel-drive layout and quirky design—including an ignition switch hidden in the cup holder—divided opinion. The Viggen represented Saab’s refusal to conform, a trait that appealed to loyalists but alienated mainstream buyers.
Why It Matters: The Viggen serves as a reminder of the value of niche automotive brands that embrace eccentricity. While Saab eventually faded, its unique identity remains a cult favorite among enthusiasts.
The Jaguar X-type 3.0: A Mixed Bag
The Jaguar X-type 3.0 occupied fifth place despite its 231-hp V-6 and all-wheel drive. While well-appointed and styled in the British tradition, it lacked the performance expected from a Jaguar. The interior felt cramped, and the ride was stiff. The X-type represented Jaguar’s attempt to downmarket without fully sacrificing prestige.
The Challenge of Luxury Downsizing: The X-type illustrates the risks of diluting a luxury brand. While it attracted price-sensitive buyers, it failed to deliver the driving experience expected from a Jaguar.
The Cadillac CTS: A Bold Gamble
The Cadillac CTS took fourth place with its aggressive styling and impressive handling. Its stiff chassis and rear-wheel drive delivered 0.83 g on the skidpad, making it a serious contender. However, the polarizing design and heavy steering divided testers. The CTS was a bold move for Cadillac, signaling a commitment to performance over comfort.
The Importance of Design Risk: The CTS demonstrates that automotive brands must sometimes take risks to stand out. While polarizing, its radical design attracted attention and laid the groundwork for Cadillac’s later success.
Conclusion: A Snapshot of 2002 Automotive Trends
The 2002 Car and Driver comparison exposed key trends: the rise of performance sedans, the clash between luxury and affordability, and the importance of brand identity. The test results underscored that raw power and handling matter most to enthusiasts, while comfort and style appeal to broader audiences. The cars tested—the Lincoln LS, Saab 9-3 Viggen, Jaguar X-type, and Cadillac CTS—all represented different approaches to the same market segment, showcasing the diversity of automotive engineering and design at the time.
