Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004

Most Wanted Sedan under $45,000

Winner: BMW 5 Series

All new inside and out, the 5 Series is better in nearly every respect — not bad when you consider there wasn't much wrong with the previous model. A unique new steering system and a few hand-me-down parts from the top-line 7 Series further hone the 5's exemplary ride and handling while the continued use of BMW's world-renown straight sixes, along with an even more powerful V8, assures more than adequate straight performance. Even the addition of the cumbersome iDrive system hasn't dampened our enthusiasm for this top-notch sport sedan as it's not only easier to use, it allowed the designers to clean up the interior a bit. Its looks may be controversial, but its status as our favorite midsize sport sedan remains unchanged.