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The Lexus IS was inspired by the BMW 3-series and arrived for the 2001 model year. The 300 sedan was joined by the SportCross wagon for 2002 an by mid-2005, all-new IS 250 and IS 350 sedans replaced the originals. The 250 had a 204-horsepower V-6, while a 306-horsepower V-6 came with the IS 350. For 2008, the IS F joined the fleet with a 416-horsepower V-8 driving the rear wheels.

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Unlike the rally-race-inspired WRX and WRX STI, regular-strength Imprezas were intended for less strenuous duty. First-generation models arrived for the 1993 model year and were available in coupe, sedan and wagon variations. The lineup was revamped for 2002, at which point all-wheel-drive became standard and the coupe was dropped. Impreza was also revamped for the 2008 and 2012 model years.

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The Range Rover Sport filled a hole in the Land Rover lineup between the LR3/LR4 and the top-end Range Rover, even though the Sport was smaller than both. To make up for the size deficiency, the Sport could be had with a 305-horsepower V-8 or a supercharged 390-horsepower V-8. Both came with six-speed automatic transmissions with a rev-matching feature for smoother upshifts and downshifts.

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The fun-loving Miata represented one of the best sports-car values on the road. Along with its inspired styling and handling, the accommodations for the driver and passenger were comfortable, but snug. The manually operated convertible top, offered in vinyl or optional cloth, folded and unfolded with ease with one hand. It securely latched to the windshield frame and was built to last.

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Nissan was one of the first automakers to combine aspects of passenger cars and utility vehicles to create a new premium wagon for the 2003 model year. Front- and all-wheel-drive Muranos used a modified Altima-family-car platform and also shared its suspension components and its V-6. Unique to the Murano was its belt-driven continuously variable transmission (CVT), technology that’s now installed in most Nissan automobiles.

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The Pilot’s tough-look and blocky styling was an attempt by Honda to make it more appealing to male buyers. It received high marks for passenger comfort in its first two rows, while an increase in distance between the front and rear wheels gave more legroom for third-row occupants. With the second and third rows folded flat, the Pilot was transformed into an impressive storage locker.

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The Civic sedan was sleek and comfortable with more than adequate space for four passengers (five, if you didn’t mind a tight squeeze in back). A flat floor and sizable trunk also made for agreeable long-distance travel. The base 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine worked particularly well with the smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission (a continuously variable unit (CVT) was optional). For performance-seekers, the fully loaded Si’s 201-horsepower four-cylinder engine turned the Civic into a lively sports machine.

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The FJ was a true-blue, crevice-crawling, boulder-bounding, body-on-frame retro-warrior that was enjoyed by off-road enthusiasts. Design touches linking the FJ to its past included circular headlights, wrap-around rear glass and signature two-tone paint. The rear access doors opened clamshell style for easier cargo loading/unloading and the flexible fender trim was damage resistant and provided door-ding protection.

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The TL was packed with standard luxury content and only had a few extra-cost options. Base equipment included leather seats (heated and power adjustable in front), power sunroof, premium sound system and climate control. The car’s generous size ensured plenty of cabin space for both front- and rear-seat passengers. Luggage room was also more than adequate for sedans in this class.

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Yukons could carry and tow just about anything imaginable. Inside, there was room for up to nine passengers as well as their personal effects. A gymnasium-sized cargo hold opened up with the middle and rear seats removed. The range of V-8 engines was significantly more powerful than the previous powerplants and they achieved slightly better fuel economy (the hybrid being the best of the group). The 1500-series (half-ton) Yukon could tow up to 8,200 pounds while the 2500-series (three-quarter ton) could handle up to 9,700 pounds.

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