I don't know if I am legally allowed to post this here or not.... if not someone let me know 
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MY list of automotive overachievers is short this year: The Chrysler PT Cruiser was the standout of 2000. The PT was a sensation, and deservedly so: It has a truly distinctive retro style, flexible and practical space for people or cargo, a commendably small size and a very reasonable price -- so long as you don't count the markups that many dealers have charged in the face of high demand and limited supplies.
The rest of the pack consisted largely of solid-B entries and a sprinkling of A's.
CHRYSLER PT CRUISER It reminds Grandpa of Jimmy Cagney's car in an old gangster movie. To Mom, it is like the street rod of her high school flame. Youngsters think it just looks cool. No wonder the PT is the biggest sensation since the New Beetle. Plus, it this is a real car -- not a toy -- with a solid chassis, a family-sized cargo hold and modern conveniences. A+
CHRYSLER AND DODGE MINIVANS A redesign has brought upgraded engines, the availability of power doors and a quieter interior. Still, in my view, Chrysler didn't go far enough. The vans could be still more refined, and they could use a foldaway third-row seat like the one in Honda's Odyssey. A-
FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC Ford leads the pack with the first vehicle that combines a sport-utility cabin with a pickup bed. Copycats are on the way. And while the Sport Trac's ride is raucous and trucklike, this vehicle is practical and versatile. It looks cool, too, turning more heads than any vehicle I tested this year. A
HONDA CIVIC Although competitors are nipping at its heels, the Civic remains the top dog among compact cars. The all-new '01 model seems even more solidly built than its predecessors, and the ride is just as comfortable. Unfortunately, suspension changes have made the handling less spirited, and the plain-vanilla styling will win no best-in-show awards. A
HYUNDAI SANTA FE Take back those Hyundai jokes. The Korean company's cars are a lot better now, and this new small sport utility seems nicely designed, carefully engineered and even well assembled. B
LEXUS IS 300 The first cars from Lexus, with their solid, quiet, luxurious feel, seemed squarely aimed at Mercedes-Benz. Now, with the tighter, more sporty GS and IS models, Lexus is taking aim at BMW, too. The IS 300 would like to be a 3-Series clone, with rear-wheel drive and a 215-horsepower in-line 6.
But while it comes close, this is still no Bimmer. B
LEXUS LS 430 No one ever accused the LS of originality, and the latest version remains an unabashed knockoff of the Mercedes S-Class. There is now a larger, 4.3-liter V-8; a roomier, sumptuous interior; and a suspension that feels just a tad sportier while still offering a smooth, quiet ride. It may be a copycat, but it is solid, luxurious and, at $54,550, competitively priced. B+
MERCURY MOUNTAINEER With its industrial look and brushed-aluminum trim, the 2002 Mountaineer stands out from the flock of me-too sport utilities and from its sibling, the Ford Explorer. It rides more comfortably and accelerates more powerfully than its predecessor. It is larger inside, to accommodate a third-row seat. But is it now too big for the previous owners? B+
MITSUBISHI MONTERO This big sport utility is better than the old one in every way. Rugged-looking and roomy, it has a more comfortable ride, additional features and off-road prowess as well as a foldaway third-row seat. It could use more power, though. B
NISSAN SENTRA The top-of-the-line Sentra SE, with its 145-horsepower engine and manual transmission, is the best pure driving machine in the compact-car class. It's a pity that its dull styling doesn't match its spirited driving dynamics. B+
OLDSMOBILE AURORA When the Aurora was redesigned in a futile, last-gasp effort to save Olds, the sedan got sophisticated engines; understated, luxurious appointments; an extremely quiet ride; and reasonably responsive handling. It also lost its styling pizazz, some rear legroom and a bit of trunk space. With Olds now liquidating its inventory, there should be plenty of good deals on this pretty good car. B-
PONTIAC BONNEVILLE The biggest Pontiac sedan, especially the top-line SSEi, is like the woman at the party in a flashy sequined dress and gaudy jewelry.
The styling, inside and out, is almost cartoonish. Yet under the heavy makeup are solid, tried-and-true components. C
TOYOTA PRIUS This is the first hybrid gas-electric car that is practical for everyday family use, with room for five, an adequate trunk and reasonable acceleration. The $20,450 price may seem high for a car this small, but is more reasonable if you consider the high technology hidden inside. Plus, the fuel economy is great, and you score points with Mother Nature. A
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 4MOTION This car reminds me of my college roommate at her wedding: under her stunningly elegant gown, she was wearing Keds. In this case, VW has hidden sure-footed hiking boots under a clean, striking body. The all-wheel drivetrain also delivers responsive European-style handling. A
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