HIGHS Fluidly smooth ride, richly appointed cabin, base price undercuts rivals. LOWS Other luxury sedans offer optional V-8 power, aloof driving experience, hybrid option makes little financial sense.

While it starts out as something high-end but not overly special, the interior space of the LS can become truly opulent with the right options. Nevertheless, it is always stylish and well-equipped.

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Federal savings and loans (S&Ls) focus on consumer-oriented services, like savings accounts ...