Mazda's 626 gets the nod as the Best Buy in this class. Not because it's the fastest or roomiest, but because it is the best all-around performer. Ranging in price from $18,000 to $22,000 depending on equipment and engine choice, the 626 offers room for four large adults, a comfortable but sporty ride, above average acceleration, and good fuel economy.
Recommended choices include the sporty Mitsubishi Galant, the vanilla Nissan Altima, the powerful Oldsmobile Alero, and the refined Volkswagen Passat.
Hyundai's Sonata is our Budget Buy here. Though it's just an average performer on the road, its below average price and quality construction help it stand out. Chrysler's new PT Cruiser is the wildcard in this segment. Not really a sport-utility or minivan, the PT has been well-received by our staff. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars.

Together with the Montero Sport SUV, the new Galant has put Mitsubishi's U.S operation in the black for the first time in several years. Galant sales in the first four months of 2000 ran 66 percent ahead of the prior-year period, and Mitsubishi hopes to do even better in the future.
Speaking of which, Galant's next redesign is currently set for model-year 2004. Plans call for the sedan to be styled and engineered in the U.S. as well as built here. It's part of Mitsubishi's recently launched Project America program that aims to match vehicle design and features more precisely with the needs and tastes of U.S. customers, rather than rely on modified Japanese products. Though still rather distant, the next Galant will be 2-3 inches longer and up to 2 inches wider than the current generation, according to Mitsubishi officals.