When they say a car turns heads, most of the time it’s an exaggeration. But every time the Jaguar S-Type passes by on the street, our heads spin like a lazy susan at a Von Trapp family dinner. We love the attention to detail, the ability to combine the past and the future into a vehicle so much in the present. We also like the fact that you have your choice of engines, either of which is extremely satisfying to the soul: a Ford-based 3.0-liter V-6 good for 240 horsepower and a Jag-sourced 4.0-liter V-8 for 281 ponies. Sitting inside just inspires us to work harder in life. The soft Connolly leather is sumptuous, and the wood trim is spectacular. We can even live with the $50,000 pricetag, because we know this isn’t just a ride, it’s a legend. This Jag is so grand, you may be the only one in stop and go traffic to have a smile on your face.

Runner Up: Volvo S40
Third Place: Nissan Maxima

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