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Edmunds Announces Most Wanted Automobiles for the Year 2000 Model Year

26 October 1999

    LOS ANGELES--Oct. 26, 1999--Edmunds.com today announced its "Most Wanted" cars and trucks for the 2000 model year. Its editorial team evaluated the complete roster of 2000 models available to the public and picked their favorites with a price tag below $55,000 span the gamut of cars and trucks available for 2000. Edmunds.com's picks address the needs and wants of nearly every car or truck buyer. Whether it was the station wagon class for families on the go (pick: Audi A4 Avant), the sports coupe class for speed loving urban hipsters (pick: Mustang Cobra), the pragmatic large sedan class for weekly carpoolers (pick: Dodge Intrepid), or the large SUV class for someone venturing into mountainous terrain (winner: GMC Yukon), the Edmunds.com editorial team covered all the bases.
    "Our diverse editorial team evaluated these vehicles as both experts who live and breathe cars and trucks on a daily basis and as everyday car buyers who are about to make the second most expensive investment in their lifetime," said Christian Wardlaw, editor-in chief, Edmunds.com. "In the end though, we judged these cars and trucks guided by one rule - picking the car or truck we would park in our respective garages."
The following are the winners in each car or truck class with a succinct summary of the editors' findings:

Small Coupe: Honda Civic

    Once again Edmunds.com editors were impressed with the Honda Civic's complete package and unparalleled reliability.

Small Sedan: Ford Focus

    The Ford Focus is making its debut in 2000 and Edmunds.com editors were stirred by the car's design, handling and internal spaciousness.

Mid-size Coupe: Toyota Camry Solara

    The Camry Solara has all of the Camry four-door's perennial attributes with even more style.

Mid-size Sedan: Volkswagen Passat

    The Passat is roomy and comfortable yet has an "artfully styled wrapper."

Large Sedan: Dodge Intrepid

    Sedan buyers desiring interior and trunk space need look no further than the affordable Dodge Intrepid.

Station Wagon: Audi A4 Avant

    The Audi Avant lets families have it all -- superior performance, safety and plenty of room for cargo and passengers.

Sport Coupe: Ford SVT Mustang Cobra

    The Mustang Cobra offers improved steering, comfort and performance at a surprisingly low price point.

Sport Sedan: Audi S4

    A longtime Edmunds.com favorite, the Audi S4 is flexible enough for superb city cruising or back-road adventures.

Entry-Luxury Coupe: BMW 3 Series

    If you're a performance enthusiast seeking a touch of class at a reasonable price, the BMW 323Ci deserves a test drive.

Entry-Luxury Sedan: Lincoln LS

    The Lincoln impressed Edmunds.com editors during initial test drives with its luxurious accessories and tight suspension.

Luxury Coupe: Mercedes-Benz CLK

    The Mercedes-Benz CLK meets and exceeds luxury car buyer whims with the exquisite interior and exterior embellishments.

Luxury Sedan: BMW 5 Series

    Known for having the best balance of luxury and performance, the BMW 5 Series does not disappoint with its rock-solid quality, aggressive styling and safety features galore.

Luxury Station Wagon: BMW 5 Series

    This BMW represents the fastest wagon sold in America and fits the bill for motorists looking for spaciousness without sacrificing performance.

Convertible: Mazda Miata

    The 2000 Miata maintains the original car's design sensibility while increasing engine output for a fun driving experience unmatched by any other car near its price range.

Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette C5

    One drive will convince you there has never been a more capable Corvette built than the C5.

Small Pickup: Ford Ranger

    Because of its rugged good looks and ergonomically-friendly cabin, Ford's best-selling Ranger is the truck Edmunds.com editors would buy if they needed a small, reliable hauler.

Full-size Pickup: Ford F-Series

    Ford has everyone's pickup needs covered with the incredibly popular F-Series trucks.

Small Van: Honda Odyssey

    The Odyssey offers safety, a stellar engine and a roomy interior at a great price.

Large Van: Ford Econoline

    The Ford Econoline is the top pick in this class for its sheer people-hauling ability.

Small SUV: Honda CR-V

    When it's time to drive a small SUV the way most of us really do (on paved roads with multiple passengers), the CR-V rises to the occasion.

Mid-size SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee

    For 2000 the Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to rule the mid-size SUV field with its powerful engine offerings, luxurious interior appointments, comfortable and confident on-road ride, and class-leading off-road ability.

Large SUV: GMC Yukon

    The GMC has improved handling, braking and interior with plenty of room for the family.

Luxury SUV: Lexus LX 470

    The Lexus LX 470 is not the biggest, gaudiest or most powerful SUV in the luxury class, but it is easily the most talented if you want a cushy, comfortable on-road ride, plus a palatial interior with high-tech options while still being able to cross the Rubicon Trail.