Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2001

Entry Luxury Sedan

Winner: Ford Crown Victoria

We love dressing up, and we think that cars do too. The Ford Crown Victoria is an often-used fleet car of many fine establishments, and you can surreptitiously integrate yourself into these organizations with mere cosmetic alterations to the vehicle. Say you're sick of the complacency of the law enforcement system. You can exercise your own brand of vigilante justice by painting it dark blue and attaching some chrome mirrors, then do your best Kojak impression to scare the bejeezus out of the speeder in front of you. The week after that, you can paint it yellow and pick up random strangers to ask, "Ya tawkin' ta me?" Even if you don't like to masquerade, you've still got the only new rear-drive, full-sized American sedan currently available. It's a pretty sparse playing field, actually - the only other contender is the Crown Vic's twin, the Mercury Grand Marquis. All the other big sedans get dragged around by their front wheels. But consider this: even the top-of-the-line LX with the optional leather seats and a CD player will cost you less than a full-length wig and a Bob Mackie gown. It's powered by a raunchy 4.6-liter V8 putting forth 225 horsepower, and you'll appreciate the optional ABS and traction control. The handling and performance package adds a few horsepower (boosting output to 240) as well as a snazzy set of aluminum wheels. The Watt's Linkage rear suspension improves ride and handling over previous boat-like rides in the back of a police cruiser (not that any of us would know). Plus, you've got 20.6 cubic feet of trunk space to accommodate all your costumes.