The Definitive Guide to the Greatest Sports Sedans of All Time

Sports sedans have long been the holy grail for driving enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of performance, practicality, and style. From the iconic BMW M5 to the legendary Subaru WRX, these high-performance four-doors have captured the hearts and imaginations of car lovers worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the crème de la crème of sports sedans, as curated by the passionate Jalopnik community.

Unleashing the Thrill: A Captivating Journey Through the Best Sports Sedans Ever Built

The Timeless Allure of the Nissan Maxima

The Nissan Maxima of the past was a true sports sedan, a four-door that could hold its own against the best of them. With its sleek styling, potent engine, and available manual transmission, the third-generation Maxima embodied the "4DSC" (4-Door Sports Car) moniker. It combined performance, practicality, and a touch of luxury, making it a beloved choice among enthusiasts. Sadly, the Maxima has since lost its way, but this bygone era serves as a testament to Nissan's ability to craft a truly captivating sports sedan.

The Legendary Ford Taurus SHO

When it comes to unexpected sports sedans, the first-generation Ford Taurus SHO stands out as a true gem. Beneath its unassuming family car exterior lurked a high-performance powerhouse, complete with a Yamaha-engineered V6 engine and a manual transmission. This sleeper sedan could catch many unsuspecting drivers off guard, delivering thrilling acceleration and handling that belied its practical roots. The Taurus SHO was a testament to Ford's engineering prowess, proving that a sports sedan could come in unexpected packages.

The Supercharged Thrill of the Cadillac CTS-V

In the modern era of sports sedans, the Cadillac CTS-V stands out as a true heavyweight contender. Equipped with a supercharged V8 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and a chassis tuned by Corvette engineers, the CTS-V was a force to be reckoned with. Its raw power, precise handling, and distinctive styling made it a favorite among enthusiasts who craved a high-performance sedan that could hold its own against the best from Europe. The CTS-V's blend of American muscle and European refinement cemented its status as one of the greatest sports sedans of the 21st century.

The Jaguar XJ: A Timeless Icon

When it comes to sports sedans with a rich heritage, the Jaguar XJ is a true icon. Tracing its roots back to the 1960s, the XJ has long been the benchmark for luxury, performance, and style in the four-door segment. With its elegant design, powerful engines, and impeccable road manners, the XJ has captivated generations of driving enthusiasts. Whether in its classic or modern iterations, the Jaguar XJ remains a testament to the brand's commitment to crafting some of the world's finest sports sedans.

The Maserati Quattroporte V: A Seductive Siren's Call

For those seeking a sports sedan with a touch of Italian flair, the Maserati Quattroporte V is a true standout. Powered by a sonorous V8 engine and boasting a chassis tuned for spirited driving, the Quattroporte V delivers a driving experience that is as exhilarating as it is seductive. Its alluring design and intoxicating exhaust note have been scientifically proven to be an aphrodisiac, making the Quattroporte V a true object of desire for driving enthusiasts with a penchant for the finer things in life.

The Mercedes-Benz E500/500E: Overbuilt and Overengineered Perfection

When it comes to sports sedans that epitomize German engineering prowess, the Mercedes-Benz E500/500E stands tall. Developed in collaboration with Porsche, this high-performance variant of the E-Class was built to exacting standards, with a chassis and powertrain that were overengineered to the point of obsession. The result was a sedan that could deliver blistering performance, exceptional handling, and a level of refinement that was unmatched in its era. The E500/500E was a true wolf in sheep's clothing, a luxury sedan that could outpace many dedicated sports cars.

The BMW E90 M3: A Naturally Aspirated Masterpiece

While BMW may not have produced an M3 sedan in the beloved E46 generation, the E90 M3 more than made up for it. Powered by a high-revving naturally aspirated V8 engine, the E90 M3 was a true driver's car, offering a level of engagement and responsiveness that set it apart from its turbocharged successors. Its balanced chassis, precise steering, and intoxicating soundtrack made it a favorite among enthusiasts who craved a pure, unfiltered driving experience. The E90 M3 stands as a testament to BMW's commitment to crafting some of the world's most engaging sports sedans.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: A Rally-Bred Titan

When it comes to sports sedans with a rich motorsport heritage, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a true titan. Developed for the rigors of rally competition, the Evo was a force to be reckoned with, both on the road and on the track. With its turbocharged engine, all-wheel-drive system, and a chassis tuned for maximum performance, the Evo could hang with the best sports cars of its era. From the iconic first-generation models to the special-edition variants like the TME and Zero, the Lancer Evolution embodied the spirit of high-performance driving, delivering an unparalleled driving experience that left a lasting impression on enthusiasts worldwide.

The Subaru WRX STI: A Rally-Inspired Icon

For those seeking a sports sedan with a distinct rally pedigree, the Subaru WRX STI is a true icon. Inspired by the brand's success in the World Rally Championship, the WRX STI combined turbocharged power, all-wheel-drive traction, and a chassis tuned for maximum performance. Whether in its early, iconic GC chassis or the more modern iterations, the WRX STI has always been a favorite among driving enthusiasts who crave a raw, engaging driving experience. With its distinctive exhaust note and uncompromising performance, the WRX STI has cemented its status as one of the greatest sports sedans of all time.

The Volvo S60R: A Sleeper with Surprising Prowess

In the world of sports sedans, the Volvo S60R stands out as a true sleeper. Beneath its unassuming Scandinavian styling, this high-performance variant of the S60 packed a punch, with a potent turbocharged engine, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and a chassis tuned for spirited driving. While it may not have had the same level of brand cachet as its German rivals, the S60R more than made up for it with its engaging driving dynamics and surprising performance. For those in the know, the S60R was a hidden gem, a sports sedan that could deliver thrills while still maintaining the practicality and comfort that Volvo is known for.

The Holden Commodore/Chevrolet SS: A Muscle Car in Sedan Form

For those seeking a sports sedan with a healthy dose of American muscle, the Holden Commodore/Chevrolet SS is a standout choice. Developed by the same team that engineered the legendary BMW E39 M5, this rear-wheel-drive sedan packed a potent LS3 V8 engine, a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, and a chassis tuned for exceptional performance. With its impressive power output, balanced handling, and distinctive styling, the Commodore/SS offered a unique blend of performance and practicality that appealed to enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic. While availability may be limited, this muscle-bound sports sedan remains a tantalizing option for those seeking a high-performance four-door with a distinctly American flair.

The Lotus Carlton: A Banned Supercar in Sedan Form

In the realm of sports sedans, the Lotus Carlton stands out as a true unicorn. Developed by Lotus, this high-performance variant of the Opel Carlton was so fast that it was actively campaigned to be banned from production, such was its ability to outpace many dedicated supercars of its era. With a turbocharged straight-six engine, a reinforced chassis, and a top speed that exceeded 175 mph, the Lotus Carlton was a true wolf in sheep's clothing, a sports sedan that could leave even the most exotic machines in its wake. Its blistering performance and limited production numbers have cemented its status as one of the most legendary sports sedans ever built.

The Audi RS4: A Potent Blend of German Engineering

While the BMW M5 may be the obvious choice for the ultimate sports sedan, the Audi RS4 deserves serious consideration. Powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine that revved to a dizzying 7,800 rpm, the RS4 delivered a driving experience that was both exhilarating and refined. With its precise handling, powerful brakes, and quattro all-wheel-drive system, the RS4 was a true driver's car that could hold its own against the best from Bavaria. For those seeking a sports sedan that combined German engineering prowess with a unique character, the Audi RS4 is a standout choice.

The Saab 900: A Quirky Swede with Personality

In the world of sports sedans, the Saab 900 holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. While it may not have been the most potent or the most refined, the 900 possessed a unique charm and personality that set it apart from the competition. Beloved by the late father of the author, the Saab 900 was a car that could inspire a deep emotional connection, with its turbocharged engines, distinctive styling, and a driving experience that was both engaging and approachable. For those seeking a sports sedan with a touch of Scandinavian flair and a healthy dose of character, the Saab 900 remains a cherished and underappreciated icon.

The Hudson Hornet: A Forgotten Gem from the Golden Age

In the annals of sports sedan history, the Hudson Hornet stands out as a true forgotten gem. Dominating NASCAR in the early 1950s, the Hornet's four-door variant was not significantly different from the race cars, offering a high-output straight-six engine and a chassis tuned for spirited driving. While it may not have the same level of brand recognition as some of its more modern counterparts, the Hudson Hornet serves as a testament to the rich heritage of sports sedans, a time when performance and practicality were seamlessly blended in a package that could hold its own on the track and the open road.

The Subaru Legacy GT: A Sleeper with Symmetrical Prowess

For those seeking a sports sedan with a unique twist, the Subaru Legacy GT is a standout choice. Powered by the same turbocharged powertrain as the iconic WRX, the Legacy GT offered a more refined and sophisticated driving experience, with a chassis that was tuned for exceptional handling and a cabin that was more luxurious than its rally-bred sibling. The author's personal experience with a 2005 Legacy GT speaks to the deep connection that can be forged with a sports sedan, a bond that transcends mere transportation and becomes an extension of one's mind and body. While it may not have the same level of brand recognition as some of its more famous counterparts, the Legacy GT remains a hidden gem for those in the know, a sports sedan that delivers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and approachable.