Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002

Economy Car Under $13,000

Winner: Hyundai Elantra GLS
"The only thing 'economy' about this car is the price."

You may have noticed that this year's economy class car price is up $500 from last year. We, too, have to keep up with rising prices. You already know that this year's winner is a bargain price-wise, but it's also good to know that it doesn't make you give up too much in the areas of standard equipment, reliability and the all important fun-to-drive factor. When ordered in GLS trim with the five-speed manual transmission, the Hyundai Elantra squeaks under our price cap by $6; so if you want one with an automatic, you'll be spending more. The attractively designed body houses a peppy 140-horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC engine. Take the Elantra on your favorite canyon road, and you won't be disappointed. It handles the curves just as aptly as it handles the bumps, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering. The front disc/rear drum brakes are easy to modulate in their standard non-ABS form and provide excellent stability and short stopping distances. Best of all, its $13,000 base price includes power windows, locks and mirrors; side airbags; air-conditioning; a cassette player; and 15-inch wheels. We added an Elantra to our long-term fleet of vehicles in April 2001 to evaluate for two years, and so far, we've not been disappointed. And we think, neither will you.