Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002

Sports Car Under $55,000

Winner: BMW M3
"Who says ultimate performance can't accommodate four passengers?"

It's been slow to arrive due to production delays, but the fantastic M3 based on the current 3 Series platform is finally here. The new M3 (in both coupe and convertible formats) is propelled by a magnificent 3.2-liter engine that produces 333 thundering horses coming from a single bank of six cylinders. Capped with a six-speed manual transmission, all that horsepower and the 262 pound-feet of torque is good enough to propel the hardtop from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. But an exhilarating driving experience involves more than mere speed, and the dynamics of the M3 have us frothing at the mouth to describe the joy derived from piloting this vehicle. From its communicative steering and near-perfectly balanced chassis to the compliant-yet-firm ride, this Bimmer, like most others, will have you searching for that elusive twisty road upon which to spool the revs and extract that stunning power. We think that the 3 Series is one of the best cars on the market today, and the M package increases its appeal exponentially. These beauts have enough oomph and athletic prowess to have the competition whimpering in the corner.