Available As: Entry-Lux Hatchback

Base Price Range (MSRP): $25,930-$34,915

Pros: Interior quality, handling, acceleration, versatility, fuel economy, safety ratings.

Cons: Turbo lage (4-cylinder), mainstream feel.

Overall: The A3 may seem like a steal, but it only is if you refuse to consider anything without a premium badge.

Rating: 6/10

Recommended: YES

The A3 is a premium compact hatchback, a type of car rare in North America but rather common in Europe. The practicality of a hatchback is generally accepted only in economy cars here (and even then only grudgingly), and is unwelcome in anything else. But even entry-lux shoppers should be able to appreciate the versatility offered by a hatchback configuration, and further be able to enjoy the A3's interior quality, its comfortable front seats, and its good ride/handling compromise. But the A3 is not so alone in blending premium qualities with a hatchback's practicality that consumers seeking such a configuration should limit themselves to it. Its price seems low, and it is for a car from a premium brand. But similar qualities can be had for less.

First of all, the A3 is mechanically identical to the Volkswagen Rabbit and GTI, which cost thousands less. (The Rabbit has a different engine, and the GTI shares the A3's 4-cylinder but has firmer suspension tuning.) And the Mazda3 hatchback also offers driving enjoyment, a high-quality interior, has more cargo space, and costs even less. The A3 has a particularly high-quality interior, the Audi badge, an available V6 (not recommended because of its exorbitant cost), and a few more luxury features than the others mentioned, but for the most part they share the A3's benefits for less money.

See all Entry-Lux Cars

Available As: Entry-Lux Sedan, Entry-Lux Wagon, Soft-Top Convertible, Luxury Sporty Car

Base Price Range (MSRP): $28,900-$81,900

Pros: Handling, interior quality, safety ratings, wide range of models.

Cons: Interior space.

Overall: A fun-to-drive, high-quality car for those who don't need a roomy rear seat.

Rating: 7/10

Recommended: YES

The A4 is a rather small but competent car in all its forms. With excellent interior quality and a well-sorted suspension, it provides an unflappable feeling of competence, making it easy to overlook its flaws, such as the tiny rear seat on the convertible that doesn't get much bigger in the sedan and wagon versions. The S4 and RS4 versions offer practical alternatives to sporty coupes and convertibles (though the S4 is also available as a convertible), particularly the S4 wagon, without sacrificing their excellent driving dynamics.

All versions of the A4 are enjoyable to drive, but the BMW 3-Series offers even sharper handling and more power, and the Infiniti G35 costs less, is also fun to drive, and has a usable rear seat. Neither, however, have the A4's interior quality. If you have no interest in owning a sports sedan, consider the Lexus ES350 and the related Toyota Avalon, which are luxurious, comfortable, and quiet, but not designed for taking fast curves. The Avalon is the roomier and the less expensive of the two, but the Lexus has a nicer interior and the all-important premium badge. Consumers focusing on the S4 and RS4 should also consider the BMW 335i (a member of the 3-Series lineup).

See all Entry-Lux Cars

See all Sporty Cars between $35,000 and $50,000

See all Sporty Cars between $50,000 and $100,000

Available As: Luxury Sedan, Luxury Wagon, Luxury Sporty Car

Base Price Range (MSRP): $42,950-$72,350

Pros: Interior quality, interior comfort, safety ratings.

Cons: Ride comfort, instrument layout.

Overall: A mostly well-rounded luxury car that should have a more comfortable ride.

Rating: 7/10

Recommended: YES

The A6 feels like an excellent luxury car in most circumstances. It has a splendidly detailed interior with very comfortable seats, powerful and quiet engines, a steady ride, and reasonably agile handling. But the A6 doesn't handle bumps as well as it should, particularly with the available sport suspension; it recovers quickly after passing over them, but the initial impact is not isolated from the occupants as well as most other luxury cars. But if you can handle a few jolts, and if you are willing to learn Audi's complicated Multi-Media Interface for working the controls, the A6 is an excellent luxury car at a reasonable price.

If you want a sportier luxury car, consider something from the BMW 5-Series lineup, but be prepared to pay quite a bit more than for the A6. For all-around excellence, consider paying even more for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For all-around near-excellence at prices similar to the A6s', look at the Infiniti M. Note that the A6 has the nicest interior of the four, however, and has a more comfortable rear seat than the BMW. And if sporty handling does not matter at all to you, look at the Lexus ES350 for exceptional comfort, refinement, and luxury, at a relatively low price, though the A6 has a much roomier rear seat.

See all Luxury Cars

Available As: Ultra-Luxury sedan

Base Price Range (MSRP): $70,960-$120,100

Pros: Interior quality, interior comfort, handling, AWD.

Cons: Ride comfort, instrument layout, fuel economy.

Overall: Roomy and high quality, but a bit too stiff.

Rating: 7/10

Recommended: YES

The A8's strengths and flaws are very similar to the Audi A6's (above). Both have roomy, comfortable, and superbly finished interiors, and handle well. And both ride more firmly than the leaders of their class (the difference between the A8 and other ultra-luxury sedans is even more obvious than that between the A6 and other less-expensive luxury cars) and have the instruments controlled by a knob that scrolls through menus rather than conventional buttons. The A8 is often overlooked in its class and less expensive than some more popular models, so it's a good choice if you can master the Audi MMI system and don't mind a firmer-than-usual ride.

The best all-around ultra-luxury sedan is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but it is also by far the most expensive of the A8's direct competition. The sportiest are the BMW 7-Series and the Jaguar XJ8, but the former is rather pricey and the latter isn't as roomy or refined as the A8 or most of the other competition. And consumers considering only issues related to comfort, refinement, and luxury rather than handling should consider the reasonably-priced Lexus LS460.

See all Ultra-Lux Sedans