2002 BMW 525

Following a reshaping of the 5-series in 2001 to incorporate the now familiar, kidney-shaped grill, BMW made relatively few changes to its popular, entry-level 525 in 2002. The car retained its 184-horsepower, 2.5 liter engine which one reviewer called "an excellent value."

From a cost standpoint, the 525 is expensive upfront and sometimes expensive to maintain, but the depreciation rate puts it well ahead of similar vehicles when it comes to retaining its value. And die hard fans argue that it's a matter of getting what you pay for when you take into account the superb build quality, fit and finish, as well as the "exceptional" braking, performance and handling.