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SEDAN OF THE YEAR - BMW 5-SERIES
MOST DEPENDABLE
ROAD & TRAVEL's 2004 Most Dependable -- BMW 5-Series
2004 SEDAN OF THE YEAR

BMW has always proven just how exciting a sedan can be, having virtually invented the concept of the sport sedan several decades ago. And in spite of fielding the onslaught of dozens of stellar competitors, the BMW 5-Series has remained the world's quintessential sport sedan.

The 2004 BMW 5-Series takes the sedan genre to the next level with its dynamic new styling, innovative interior, and, of course, significant advancements under the skin. BMW's flame-surfacing has never looked better, while the shapely sheet metal encompasses an interior that is way up on both style and space.

The dashboard incorporates BMW's visionary iDrive system that allows exponentially more feature adjustability that we're used to, even among luxury cars, for an even more tailor-made driving environment. The engines are smooth, powerful offerings that we've grown to love in other Bavarian automobiles, including a couple of sinewy six-cylinders and one glorious V-8, all of which are available with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. Prices range from the low $40Ks to the low $60's, a price that includes a hearty dose of joi de vis as standard equipment.

Honorable Mentions:

Acura TL
After years of producing nice, if innocuous sedans, Acura turns it up several notches this year with the all-new Acura TL sport sedan. The near-luxury mid-size sedan has a top-notch interior, faultless quality and a powertrain that can be accurately described as God's gift to front-wheel drive.

Volvo S40
With their newfound commitment to making cars that are not only safe, but stylish as well, Volvo interior and exterior stylists have taken the Volvo S40 from sensible shoe to Jimmy Choo in the span of one model year. Of course, outstanding quality, incredible seats and class-leading safety engineering remain as prominent as ever on the S40's resume.

International Car of the Year
Car of the Year
Cadillac XLR

Most Sex Appeal
Sports Car of the Year
Cadillac XLR

Most Respected
Luxury Car of the Year
Jaguar XJ

Most Dependable
Sedan of the Year
BMW 5-Series

Most Spirited
Entry-Level Car of the Year
Dodge SRT-4

Most Compatible
Minivan of the Year
Nissan Quest

Most Versatile
Crossover/Sport Wagon of the Year
Chrysler Pacifica
Most Memorable
Classic Car of the Year
Chevrolet SSR
Most Athletic
Pickup Truck of the Year
Ford F-150 FX4

Most Likely to Survive
SUV of the Year
Volkswagen Touareg

Class of 2004 ~ 8th Annual Awards Links