Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2000

Sport Coupe

Winner: Honda Prelude

Nobody buys the Honda Prelude. What's wrong with you people? Not only are you missing out on a glorious 200-horse, VTEC-tuned motor (195 ponies with the automatic transmission), but the slick Type SH has an Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) that makes the front-drive Prelude behave more like a better-balanced rear-drive car in the twisties. The back seat holds adults in a pinch, and if your significant other can't drive a stick, the automatic features Sequential SportShift to provide gearheads at least a little control over shift points. Though we aren't nuts about the styling inside or out, it is effective in terms of ergonomics and manages to maintain a low profile when the highway patrol is spotting speeders. Honda is considering dropping the Prelude thanks to slow sales. You may not have many chances left to own one of the best performance cars on the market today.