Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002

Midsize Station Wagon Under $30,000

Winner: Volkswagen Passat
"The best argument against buying a sport-utility yet."

With the recent (2001.5) revamp that included revised front and rear ends as well as the tasteful application of chrome accents, the Passat's more upscale visage does wonders for the car's appeal. In addition to the style update, the Passat's 1.8T turbocharged inline four also got pumped up with 20 more horsepower, for a total of 170 very usable ponies. Also available for Passat propulsion is a 2.8-liter V6 with 190 horsepower. Either engine can be matched to a five-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox. All the qualities we've blathered on about in the past are intact: precise build quality, top-shelf cabin materials, a supple ride, brisk acceleration and respectable handling. And the all-important cupholders have been redesigned so that worries of spilling sodas on the stereo controls are erased. Ensuring the well-rounded Vee-Dub's place on the Most Wanted list is a sticker price of just $23,100 (for a 1.8T with a manual gearbox). For those who need all-wheel drive, there is the Passat GLS V6 4Motion, which lists for around $28,000. And those seeking the ultimate Passat wagon (and who don't mind a sticker price just over our 30 grand cutoff) will want the GLX, with its leather- and wood-trimmed cabin, power moonroof, power and heated front seats, and a Monsoon audio system. But we'd be fine with the front-drive turbo. And with the savings over the similar but smaller Audi A4, we could buy a couple of nice mountain bikes, a few pairs of skis and a windsurfer or two with which to adorn the Passat's roof.