I had an opportunity to take a drive in a couple of sedans recently that put my 2K Maxima SE 5-speed to shame. The first was a 2K Jaguar XJR and the second was a 2K BMW M5. The Jaguar was impressive, but the M5 was simply unbelievable. The damn thing seemed to pull as hard in 3rd gear at WOT as my Maxima does in 1st gear. What a machine!

On the other hand, it would be unfair of me not to note that I could purchase three Maximas for the price of either the Jag or the M5. So I'll stick with my notion that the Maxima still represents the best bang-for-the-buck sedan available in the United States today. But if you happen to run across either the XJR or the M5, I'd suggest you leave them alone . . . that is, of course, unless you're in the mood to eat humble pie.