Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2006

Most Wanted Coupe Under $45,000
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Winner: Chevrolet Corvette

OK, so there aren't many other vehicles in this class, but it probably wouldn't matter anyway. The all-American Corvette continues to win out by delivering enormous value and performance for the money. The base 2006 Corvette just barely makes it into this category, starting at just under $45K, although the price justifies the package, as this recently redesigned coupe spits out a mighty 400 horsepower from its 6.0-liter LS-2 V8. With this many ponies in the shed, it's easy to overlook the car's rather pedestrian interior, but then again, who's buying a Corvette for the amenities? The most significant new feature on the 2006 Corvette is the six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. Those greedy souls who can't be satisfied with 400 hp should look upmarket to the Corvette Z06, which packs an astonishing 505 hp into its $65K, 7.0-liter V8-equipped package.

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