Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2001

Sports Car (RWD/AWD) Over $30,000

Winner: Chevrolet Corvette

Already in its fifth year of production, the C5 Corvette just keeps getting better. This year, the big news is the new Z06 hardtop and a 5-horsepower jump for the base LS1 V8 to 350 horsepower. The Z06 (only available as a hardtop) is a complete performance package that includes a hot-rodded version of the LS1 dubbed the LS6, which makes 385 horsepower. The Z06 is simply awesome and supplants even the vaunted '90-'95 ZR-1 as the baddest Corvette to come out of Bowling Green. But even "regular" C5s are formidable in their own right, with a rear-mounted six-speed gearbox (or an automatic), an updated second-generation active-handling system, styling that has grown on us over the years and more high-tech tricks than you can shake a stick at. The best part about the 'Vette? We'd have to say for what you're getting that'd be the price. For about 40 grand you get one of the best-performing cars in the world--at any cost. It's easily GM's best car and also ranks among the best in the world when it comes to styling, performance and heritage. Factor in C5's superior practical value, such as plenty of luggage space compared to older Corvettes, and you have our choice as the car we'd buy in the sports car segment over $30,000.