2002 BMW 325i Sedan

On the BMW model ladder, the 3 Series is the entry-level rung. And within that broad 10-car range of 3 Series variants, the 325i Sedan is the most affordable. At $27,100 in stripped-down form, the 325i puts the revered BMW roundel within reach of people who might be more accustomed to Camry-class vehicles. At that price point, the BMW offers both more and less than its popular competition from Japan.

Freshened for '02, the 3 Series now has wider "kidney" grilles, a reshaped front clip, revised lights and restyled bumpers. Sedans, wagons, coupes and roadsters are offered in the series.

First, the more. Built on a recently redesigned rear-drive platform, the 325i has standard BMW chassis architecture. That means MacPherson struts up front (double-wishbones get more respect) and a multi-link system in back. In its broad strokes, the BMW's chassis is nothing special really. On the road, however, the 325i has a characteristic BMW feel and confirms that the company's German engineers still know stuff about the subjective side of suspension dynamics and handling that many other manufacturers haven't figured out.