Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002

Economy Coupe/Hatchback

Winner: Volkswagen Golf
"Powerful, practical, and fun to drive."

Volkswagen does it again with a repeat of last year's win for its Golf and GTI. You can purchase a Golf in several different configurations without breaking the $20,000 price cap. With a short list of options and a long list of standard equipment, you won't be disappointed in what you get, but cost is at the upper echelon of small-hatchback prices. Every Golf comes with features like air conditioning, power locks and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. For motivation, you get your choice of either a normally aspirated 2.0-liter four or a 1.9-liter turbodiesel. A five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission is available. Our pick for the best bang-for-the-buck for less than 20 grand is the two-door GTI version. The GTI comes standard with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine. This year, output has been increased to 180 hp, the same as a base Audi TT! An automatic transmission is available, but adding it will raise the car's price to more than $20,000. If you are going to go that route, you might also consider a GTI VR6 equipped with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder matched with a five-speed manual as the only available transmission.