Back in 2002, Car and Driver assembled a dream team of seven stick-shift sports sedans from Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Jaguar, Lexus, Lincoln, and Saab. Two decades later, this lineup reads like a roll call of automotive royalty—and a poignant reminder of how much the enthusiast landscape has changed. But beyond nostalgia, what can we learn from this epic comparison, and what does it reveal about the evolution (and decline) of the manual sports sedan?
Let’s break down the broader implications, overlooked insights, and key takeaways from this legendary road trip through West Virginia’s winding roads with seven of the era’s most exciting mid-price sedans, all proudly offering a manual transmission.
Why This Matters
- This test captures a lost era when enthusiasts could buy a sports sedan with a stick, regardless of badge or nation of origin.
- Today, manual transmissions are almost extinct in this segment—making this comparison a time capsule and a warning about the march of technology and market forces.
- These cars were designed for drivers, not algorithms or autonomous tech. They reflect an industry that once prioritized engagement and variety over universal conformity.
Key Takeaways: The 2002 Lineup in Modern Perspective
- BMW 330i: Still the benchmark for many, it dominated this test with a blend of speed (0-60 in 6.4 sec), balance, and everyday usability. The 3 Series’ formula—rear-drive, straight-six, precise steering—remains iconic and instructive for anyone designing a true sports sedan.
- Audi A4 3.0 Quattro: Nearly matched the BMW, but its extra 373 lbs from AWD dulled its edge. This underscores the eternal trade-off between all-weather performance and outright agility.
- Saab 9-3 Viggen: The lovable oddball, turbocharged and front-driven. Proof that nonconformity can still be exciting—if not always competitive—if a car has real character.
- Cadillac CTS: Marked the beginning of Cadillac’s modern resurgence. Its bold styling and competent chassis showed GM was finally taking sport sedans seriously, even if interior quality lagged.
- Lexus IS300: Balanced, playful, but hampered by conservative tire choices. A reminder that even great engineering can be let down by the smallest detail—like a tire spec.
- Jaguar X-Type: Premium badge, but with a Ford Mondeo heart. The perils of badge engineering are timeless: buyers can spot a pretender a mile away.
- Lincoln LS: Outgunned but handled well. The right components (manual, chassis) can’t overcome a weak engine in this class.
What Most People Miss
- The diversity of engineering philosophies: RWD, AWD, and FWD all represented, plus a mix of V6s, inline-sixes, and a turbo four. Today’s market is far more homogenized.
- Every car here was available with a manual transmission. In 2024, that’s a unicorn-level rarity. The enthusiast market’s shrinkage is real—and mostly overlooked by mainstream buyers.
- The base prices ranged from $29,980 (Lexus) to $40,235 (Saab Viggen), showing that performance and engagement were accessible without supercar budgets.
Industry Context and Comparisons
- In 2002, US manual transmission take rates for sports sedans hovered around 15%-20%. Today, it’s often under 2%—and many models offer no stick at all.
- The BMW 3 Series’ dominance was already entrenched but was being challenged by increasingly sophisticated rivals—Audi’s Quattro traction, Lexus’s reliability, and Cadillac’s newfound dynamism.
- Cadillac’s CTS would go on to spawn the mighty CTS-V, while Jaguar’s X-Type and Lincoln’s LS would fade into obscurity—parables about the dangers of half-hearted enthusiast cars.
Pros and Cons: Manual Sports Sedans, Then and Now
| Pros (2002) | Cons (2002) |
|---|---|
| Engaging, driver-focused experience Variety of options across brands Accessible pricing for performance Distinctive brand personalities |
Manuals already fading from lineups Some badge engineering missteps Quality gaps between US and imports Quirky ergonomics (Saab, Jaguar) |
Timeline: Where Did They Go?
- 2002: Last true golden age for manual sports sedans from mainstream brands.
- 2010s: Rapid decline of manual options, especially among luxury brands.
- 2020s: Manual choices nearly extinct; BMW and Cadillac offer a handful, but Audi, Lexus, Lincoln, Saab (RIP), and Jaguar have all tapped out.
The Bottom Line
This 2002 sports sedan comparison isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a lesson in what we’ve lost as automakers chase broader markets and tech-driven features over pure driving joy. If you cherish engagement and personality in your sedan, these classics are now collector’s items. Their legacy? Reminding us that cars can be more than appliances—they can be vibrant, characterful partners on the open road.