Pros
Superbly refined in every respect, dizzying array of high-tech features, classic styling, impressive performance.

Cons
Complex navigation and audio systems, cramped rear seat.

What's New for 2006
The AMG Sport package, with AMG-designed bumpers, side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels, is now standard. The CL600 loses its integrated cell phone but picks up some former options as standard equipment, among these Keyless Go, an electronic trunk closer and a heated steering wheel.

Pros
Tire-shredding torque available at any speed, crisp and predictable handling, still comfortable despite its sporting intentions.

Cons
No manual transmission available, tight backseat, not as involving a drive as Audi's S4.

What's New for 2006
The high-performance C55 receives no significant changes this year.

Pros
More fun to drive than most family cars, slick-shifting manual transmission, smooth power delivery, nicely appointed interior, multiple body styles.

Cons
Tight rear-seat accommodations, engines lack the vigor of the competition's, interior materials aren't always top quality.

What's New for 2006
For 2006, all vehicles in the Mazda 6 lineup have revised front and rear fascias, while sport package-equipped models get a new grille and side sill design. The optional automatic transmission on four-cylinder models is upgraded from a four-speed unit to a five-speed. Additionally, the V6 has been modified to improve exhaust emissions, resulting in 5 less horsepower (now 215). ABS and traction control are now standard on all i models, while all s models now come with an eight-way power driver seat, an alarm system and a standard side and side curtain airbags.

Pros
Low price, generous features list, precise steering, stellar fuel economy for a minivan.

Cons
Can seem underpowered when fully loaded with people and gear, extremely cramped third row.

What's New for 2006
The Mazda 5 is a new, affordably priced compact minivan that seats six

Pros
Ultralightweight chassis, uninhibited steering, racetrack-oriented design, low volume ensures rarity.

Cons
Spartan interior, difficult entry and exit, poor outward visibility, peaky power delivery, ride quality more Formula One than grand touring, limited dealer network.

What's New for 2006
The Lotus Exige is a fixed-roof version of the Lotus Elise; it's being imported into the North American market for the first time in 2006.

Pros
Ultralightweight chassis, uninhibited steering, supercar performance without the supercar price, low volume ensures rarity.

Cons
Spartan interior, difficult entry and exit, peaky power delivery, ride quality more Formula One than grand touring, limited dealer network.

What's New for 2006
Changes for 2006 include an available traction control system, an optional limited-slip differential, lightweight forged alloy wheels, a matte black appearance package and an air conditioning-delete option. Daytime running lights are now standard, along with LED taillights with integrated reflectors. The ProBax seat padding from NuBax has been upgraded for increased comfort and last year's aluminum pedal set has been replaced by a lighter (though now steel) pedal set.

Pros
Unbelievably luxurious cabin, smooth ride, handles and accelerates well for a 6,000-pound vehicle.

Cons
Too many controls pulled from Mercedes' parts bin, feels cumbersome in heavy traffic.

What's New for 2006
For 2006, a new Maybach 57 S style debuts. The S has a more powerful engine, larger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and special interior and exterior appointments. All 2006 Maybach models come standard with the Parking Assist System, which had previously been an extra-cost option. There's also a newly available Business Package, which can essentially turn a Maybach into an executive office on wheels.

Pros
Unbelievably luxurious cabin, smooth ride, handles and accelerates well for a 6,000-pound vehicle.

Cons
Too many controls pulled from Mercedes' parts bin, cumbersome in heavy traffic.

What's New for 2006
All 2006 Maybach models come standard with the Parking Assist System, which had previously been an extra-cost option. There's also a newly available Business Package, which can essentially turn a Maybach into an executive office on wheels.

Pros
Roomy interior, quiet cabin, huge trunk, good crash test scores, availability of a long-wheelbase model.

Cons
Interior looks ancient compared to European and Japanese sedans in this price range, missing the latest luxury features, poor resale value.

What's New for 2006
Changes for 2006 are limited to new wheel designs.

Pros
Lots of room for passengers and cargo, handles well for its size, stylish interior, smooth drivetrain, extensive list of luxury features.

Cons
A few low-grade interior materials, can't match the Escalade's power, some confusing controls.

What's New for 2006
Only minor package revisions are in store for the 2006 Lincoln Navigator.

Pros
Looks upscale, roomy interior, smooth power delivery and ride quality.

Cons
Too similar to a comparably equipped Ford F-150, missing important luxury and safety features, V8 lacks low-end grunt.

What's New for 2006
The Mark LT is a new luxury truck from Lincoln. It's based on the Ford F-150 but adds small, mostly cosmetic, upgrades like a chrome Lincoln grille, rear taillight reflectors and Lincoln badging.

Pros
Confidence-inspiring steering and handling, standard V8 delivers plenty of smooth and quiet power, comfortable and roomy interior, optional THX-certified sound system.

Cons
Lack of a manual transmission keeps it from true sport sedan status, build quality lags behind German and Japanese competitors, not as nimble as other sport sedans in its class.

What's New for 2006
Lincoln has discontinued the V6 engine for 2006 and trimmed the car's remaining styles down to a single V8 Sport model, which includes a chrome grille with body-color surround, round foglamps and body-color rear license plate trim. Updated wheel designs and two new option packages round out the changes for '06.

Pros
Silky-smooth engine, rich interior, commendable blend of luxury and handling, optional all-wheel-drive.

Cons
Grabby brakes, overly aggressive stability control system.

What's New for 2006
An all-new GS 300 debuts for 2006.

Pros
Comprehensive array of luxury and convenience features, superb ride quality, silent cabin, advanced safety technology, excellent reputation for reliability.

Cons
Bland driving characteristics, many of the most desirable options are expensive, no split-folding rear seat.

What's New for 2006
Other than new availability of satellite radio, there are no changes to the Lexus ES 330. Stated horsepower for the car's V6 engine is slightly lower than last year, however, due to Lexus' adoption of new SAE engine testing procedures.

Pros
Solid road manners, off-road ability worthy of the Land Rover name, usable interior space, powerful V8 engines.

Cons
Standard model still not very sporty, less interior room than the standard Range Rover.

What's New for 2006
Land Rover takes a jab at performance SUVs from BMW and Porsche with its all-new Range Rover Sport.