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| Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002 |
Small Station Wagon
 Winner: Mazda
Protegé5
"Who says a station wagon can't have style?"
We're longtime admirers of Mazda's Protege lineup. It's no surprise, then, that
we're head-over-heels for the Protegé5, Mazda's able, impressive little
hauler. While its compact dimensions blur the lines when it comes to determining
its exact categorization (we've christened it a wagon, but it's clearly got a
lot of hatchback in its gene pool), there nothing at all nebulous about what makes
this car great. It's a beaut to look at, with upscale styling cues (aluminum wheels,
sleekly angular taillights, gleaming chrome accents) that belie its economical
price tag. It's wonderfully flexible, with an interior that configures to satisfy
— whether you're hauling passengers or cargo. What bowls us over most, though,
is its first-rate handling. Thick stabilizer bars front and rear, which assure
reduced body roll in turns, and engine rpm-sensing power steering make this the
sort of vehicle that'll have you navigating even the most serpentine curves with
confidence. And strut-type front and rear suspension teams with substantial 16-inch
alloy wheels and tires to keep you up-close-and-personal with the road. To top
it all off, the Protegé5 boasts the sort of reliability record that your
wallet will love. This charming little wagon wins our vote by being inexpensive,
practical and fun.
Honorable Mention: Subaru
Impreza
With its Impreza 2.5 TS Sport and Outback Sport wagons, Subaru has delivered vehicles
that'll no doubt steal the hearts of those looking for a sensible alternative
to that burly behemoth of the modern road, the SUV. These Imprezas offer utility
(they're compact, but they're still wagons), ably accommodating both cargo and
those coming along for the ride. And if you happen to live in a neck of the woods
that's sometimes strangled by the wintry grip of snow and ice, you'll appreciate
their standard all-wheel drive, which helps keep the vehicles consistently planted
on terra firma. Add impressive overall handling to this mix, and you're left with
two fun little wagons that deliver big for less cash than you'd imagine.
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