When BMW launched the Z4 in 2003 as a replacement for its outgoing Z3 line of sports roadsters, reactions were - to say the least - mixed. While the car initially appeared like a classic roadster (especially from the front), a closer inspection revealed cut lines on a car that some described as "goofy looking" and others found "hip."

Hipness won out, as BMW has made only minor cosmetic changes to the vehicle in the ensuing model years. Or perhaps it was performance that won out: no matter what they think of the car's looks, most drivers love the smooth handling of the Z4 and often resort to the word "fun" when describing how the 2002 model drives.