Our only Best Buy in this class is the fun-to-drive Acura RSX. It offers plenty of thrills for the money with impressive acceleration and great handling.

Formerly a Best Buy, Volkswagen New Beetle still features interesting blend of styling, comfort, performance, and economy. If raw performance is what you are after, we Recommend Toyota Celica. This car offers a lot of bang for your buck, but, like all sporty coupes, may not be the greatest daily driver. New to the class is the Mini Cooper, a well-mannered small car, with sophisticated driving dynamics spoiled only by a ride that too easily becomes harsh on imperfect pavement. Because it is new and available in limited numbers, dealers are not discounting.

Mustang calendar-year sales eased 2.6 percent in 2001 vs. '00, but the difference was fewer than 4500 units. In the first half of 2002, however, demand was down a more substantial 18 percent, a loss of close to 16,000.

While 2003's new Mach 1 and Pony models look to Mustang's past, Ford is looking ahead to an all-new Mustang, the first since the current "SN95" models bowed for 1994 (albeit with engineering roots in distant 1979). Though the coming "S197" was slated for an April 2004 debut in time for Mustang's 40th birthday party, Ford's financial problems have pushed it back about six months. Even so, there will be the inevitable 40th Anniversary special, but it will be based on the outgoing car, say industry insiders.

The replacement S197 uses a modified version of the corporate "DEW98" platform that already serves the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln LS/Jaguar S-Type sedans. That assures classic rear-wheel drive continues. It also suggests independent rear suspension for all models, not just the top-line high-performance Cobras. V6 and V8 coupes and convertibles will stay on the menu, but all versions will likely get standard 6-speed manual transmission and a first-time 5-speed automatic option. Styling will naturally retain traditional Mustang cues, but the overall shape is said to be more dynamic.