An entirely new twist on an unforgettable old friend. Think of the born-again Mini Cooper as an affordable, luxurious go-kart for adults. Is this your dream car? Better get in line.

The only thing 'economy' about this car is the price. An undeniable bargain at first glance. If the Elantra turns out to be as reliable as Hyundai's warranty suggests, we see no reason to buy the Japanese competition.

Premium features and performance at a bargain price. The Jetta is no longer an economy car; however, its powerful engine lineup, near-ideal balance between ride and handling and high-quality cabin materials make it one of our top recommendations to small sedan and wagon buyers.

A rally car for the real world, and at a real-world price From the Sport Wagon to the WRX, the all-wheel-drive Impreza is an affordable and enjoyable alternative to more mainstream cars.

Bigger and bolder than anything in its class. Revolutionary comes to mind, and that's a word not often applied to midsize family sedans.

Performance and luxury in a highly-capable package. Every vehicle in the 5 Series lineup is a wonderful car. If you can afford to buy one, we recommend that you do. Sure, there are other great cars out there in this price range; we just think this is one of the best.

Old-world design that refuses to age.

Crown Victoria: One of the last rear-drive, V8, traditional full-size sedans, the kitschy Crown Vic is appealing in a hand-knit-sweater-from-Grandma kind of way.

Grand Marquis: Want a chrome-encrusted, rear-drive V8-powered American sedan without the premium charged for a Lincoln? The Grand Marquis fits the bill perfectly.

Unmatched in refinement and creature comforts. Provides the equal (or better) refinement levels as German uber-sedans, only without the holier-than-thou attitude.

The original sport sedan remains the benchmark. If you've got the bucks, this is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category.

When it comes to pure fun, this is the one. As much automotive fun as you can have for less than $25,000.

When the top goes down, the driving passion goes up. Several of our editors would be driving one today if we were in a more lucrative field. Lotto tickets, anyone?

Powerful, spacious and ruggedly handsome, this duo define their class.

Escape: A very capable small SUV thanks to its powerful V6 engine, spacious cabin, handsome looks and car-like handling. One of our favorites.

Tribute: With rugged good looks, a stout V6 engine, plenty of room for four adults and their luggage, and a sport-tuned suspension that works beautifully on pavement, the Mazda Tribute might be the ultimate small SUV.

At home on the range or on the road. With plenty of power, off-road capability and luxury, this is one of the best midsize SUVs available.

Exactly what most buyers of big SUVs need most of the time. A thoroughly capable full-size SUV that beats Ford and General Motors at their own game.

Safe, spacious and well equipped, it nails what matters most in a luxury SUV. A bland but otherwise utterly capable and perfectly useful SUV.

A rugged, dependable, pickup for the discerning pickup buyer. A capable compact pickup with a variety of body styles to suit most buyers. Has a reputation for reliability, but value in question due to high asking prices.

An aging favorite that may not excel, but it does everything well. Ford's capable F-150 is our recommended pick for a full-size truck. With a wide variety of cabs, styles and equipment from which to choose, you can't go wrong. And while it doesn't necessarily excel in any given area when stacked up against its competition, its appeal and performance average out to best-in-class status. No wonder it's the best-selling vehicle in the world.

A great blend of style, comfort and space. If one word could best describe the Dakota, comfortable would be it. Whether carrying five adults, cruising the interstate, transporting cargo or tackling off-road terrain, the Dakota is at ease no matter where it is or what it's asked to do.

The official equivalent of an automotive Swiss Army knife. Combining the comforts of a Tahoe with the practicality of a Silverado, the Avalanche is a crossover vehicle that creatively provides the best of both worlds.

An unbeatable combination of safety, functionality and value. The best minivan sold in America just got better for 2002.

The best of the big cargo haulers. Why buy a minivan when for the same price you can have a full-size van? Oh right, parking and fuel economy, to name just two. Well, if you've got nothing but wide-open spaces and lots of cash to plug into the tank, give the Ford Econoline Wagon a try. And look closely at the XLT Traveler, which is to family road trips what Valium is to stress.

The pocket rocket has never been better. The Jetta is no longer an economy car; however, its powerful engine lineup, near-ideal balance between ride and handling and high-quality cabin materials make it one of our top recommendations to small sedan and wagon buyers.

Powerful, practical, and fun to drive. Looking for a cheap, functional, fun-to-drive car? The Golf offers all three, though the departure of the four-door turbo takes away some of the fun.

Size, style and performance in one affordable package. Whether you want a stylish sedan, sporty coupe or carefree convertible, Chrysler offers some appealing alternatives to the status quo.

Every bit as razor sharp as it looks. A distinctive and entertaining sport coupe biased toward performance rather than convenience.

A compelling package of speed and style. If you've got the bucks, this is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category.

Who says ultimate performance can't accommodate four passengers? Several of our editors would be driving one today if we were in a more lucrative field. Lotto tickets, anyone?

Who says a station wagon can't have style? Essentially a Protege sedan wearing a backpack, think of the Protege5 as a Lexus IS 300 SportCross for the masses.

The best argument against buying a sport-utility yet. This is our favorite midsize car -- in both sedan and wagon form. Don't make your family vehicle choice without driving one.

A sports car masquerading as a grocery getter. Every vehicle in the 5 Series lineup is a wonderful car. If you can afford to buy one, we recommend that you do. Sure, there are other great cars out there in this price range; we just think this is one of the best.