Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2005

Most Wanted Sedan under $45,000

Winner: Cadillac STS

Never much of a threat to the dominance of its German counterparts, the redesigned STS now has all the tools necessary to compete on the world stage. The switch to rear-wheel drive, along with a stronger, stiffer and lighter chassis, gives the STS the feel of a much smaller, more agile sedan. And whether you stick with the standard 255-hp V6 or go for the top-of-the-line 320-hp V8, the STS delivers more than enough power to have some fun. Gadgets galore are offered in the cabin with everything from active cruise control to a 15-speaker Bose 5.1 audio system, but unlike some of its competitors, the STS integrates its high-tech hardware without resorting to overly complicated controls. Couple such attention to detail with a high level of style, comfort and performance and it's easy to see why the STS is a sedan that satisfies on all fronts.

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Honorable Mention: Audi A6

A full redesign for 2005 gave the A6 a new look and more powerful engines, yet it still manages to maintain the kind of subtle sophistication that has drawn us to it year after year. Settle into its plush cabin and it has all the elements of the true luxury sedan — high-quality materials, a crisp design and the latest technology. A new, highly advanced V6 injects the base A6 with more power than ever before while the top-line V8 delivers 335 horses to the ground via a standard all-wheel-drive system. Some might find it stark in comparison to the STS, but for those who like the Germans' sense of style the A6 is a midsize luxury sedan at the top of its game.

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