10 Best Cars

It says a lot for the inherent quality of a design when it continues to satisfy even as it approaches the end of its life. Such is the case with BMW's 3-series sedans, but approaching old age didn't stop the judges from naming it to our 10Best list for the seventh consecutive year.

That's because the 328i and the M3 continue to execute the sports-sedan recipe better than any other car in the world. The heart of the package is a smooth, powerful, rev-happy six that's coupled to a slick and precise-shifting manual gearbox. A sophisticated rear-drive chassis with a supple, well-controlled suspension provides vigorous grip without beating up the passengers on even the worst sort of road. This terrific machinery is housed in a compact body shrink-wrapped around four adult passengers and a decent trunk.

We look forward to the debut of the new 3-series sometime in 1998, but for now, these classic BMW sports sedans remain hard to beat for demanding drivers who don't buy their cars by the pound.

Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 2- or 4-door sedan

Base price: $33,670-$40,569

Engine type:

• DOHC 24-valve 2.8-liter 6-in-line
• DOHC 24-valve 3.2-liter 6-in-line