Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2003

Most Wanted Convertible Over $45,000

Winner: Mercedes SL-Class

If we said the SL500 is one of the finest automobiles that the greenback can buy, would you go out and get one? If you have the means, do it. Check out the graceful folding hardtop that lets the SL go from sleek coupe to sexy convertible in 16 seconds flat. Notice the supple ride quality that tightens up whenever it feels it needs to, thanks to the active suspension. Fail not to see the cooled seats, surprisingly spacious trunk and the veritable alphabet soup's worth of safety systems. And if you can't get your jollies from 302 horsepower, then opt for the 493 horses from the AMG-massaged SL55, the fastest production Benz for 2003.