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| Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002 |
Convertible Under $30,000
 Winner: Mazda
Miata
"When it comes to pure fun, this is the one."
We had several strong candidates in this category, but still, the Mazda Miata
was our choice. The deciding factor was the amount of sheer fun this pocket rocket
affords. No, it doesn't have the muscle of last year's pick, the Ford Mustang.
And it doesn't have a V6 powerplant like Mitsubishi's Eclipse Spyder. What the
Miata does offer is cute-as-a-bug styling, great road handling and a base sticker
price of only $21,180 (the more upscale LS stickers for $24,410). For 2002, the
Miata saw only minor changes — an in-dash six-CD changer, perimeter theft
alarm when equipped with remote keyless entry and a standard trunk light. LS models
got a new stereo with speed-sensitive volume control and two new colors. A five-speed
manual drives the rear wheels, but a six-speed is optional on LS models. Any Miata
can be equipped with an automatic — but what's the point? The Miata is the
sort of vehicle whose biggest strength lies in its ability to make the driver
feel at one with the road, and a manual shifter is a necessary part of that equation.
While top speed and acceleration are good, this convertible really shines in the
turns. When equipped with the Suspension package (which includes items like a
Torsen limited-slip differential and upgraded shock absorbers), the Miata's performance
envelope is even wider. Anyone yearning for the feeling of wind in her hair need
look no further than this venerable, but still frisky, little ragtop.
Honorable Mention: Ford
Mustang
For less than 30 bills, the Mustang GT is tough to beat. If you want to pass up
the Miata and go domestic, the only real competitor is the Camaro. But problematic
packaging issues on the Camaro tip the scales to Ford's pony car (among other
things, the Mustang is bigger on the inside and smaller on the outside). The Mustang's
4.6-liter SOHC V8 runs super-smooth and makes 260 horsepower. It also cranks out
a healthy 302 pound-feet of torque and responds well to aftermarket upgrades.
The five-speed transmission shifts well, and there's an automatic available, if
you have to sit in heavy traffic. This year brings a few nice changes, including
a new hood (while losing the fake side scoops) and standard 16-inch alloy wheels
on the lower-line V6 models. Premium 'Stangs can be equipped with a Mach 1000
audio system, sure to please discerning Baby Boomers in your neighborhood, especially
late at night. Both this system and the Mach 460 get speed-sensitive volume. Later
this year, an MP3 player will be available. One aspect that puts the Mustang ahead
of the winning Miata is a backseat. And don't forget, it gets decent mileage provided
you don't play stoplight hero too often. Among some staffers here, the current
Mustang GT is a long-time favorite, regardless of price.
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