Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2005

Most Wanted Coupe Under $35,000

Winner: BMW 3 Series

Its sharp exterior will draw your eye, but all it takes is a few minutes behind the wheel to see that this coupe's beauty is more than skin-deep. Its handling is superb and the steering almost begs you to push it hard through every turn. And none of this comes at the expense of ride comfort which, for the most part, is forgiving enough to guarantee hours of comfortable cruising. Thrill-seekers in need of an added rush will want to sign up for the line's high-performance M3, which delivers even more excitement thanks to a 333-horsepower engine and ultraresponsive suspension. For all this and more, the stunning 3 Series easily zooms to the head of the pack.

Video Highlights of this Vehicle

Honorable Mention: Mazda RX-8

This curvy little coupe offers your standard bevy of sports-car thrills, teamed with a surprising degree of practicality. Its rotary engine packs up to 238 horsepower, delivered with remarkable smoothness. Grins won't be in short supply when you're behind the wheel; the RX-8 feels at one with the road, with ample steering feedback and loads of grip through the twisties. Best of all, the Mazda's nifty cruiser boasts more in terms of day-to-day livability than the competition, with seating for four and handling that's reasonably commuter-friendly. Fun to drive and more versatile than you'd probably imagine, the RX-8 is a standout in its class.

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