2001 BMW Z3

BMW’s sedans and SUVs regularly earn CR’s recommendations for packing industry-leading comfort and technology into vehicles that are agile, quick, and even fuel efficient. Among luxury brands like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, and Land Rover, BMW’s SUVs often rank near the top of their category. Models like the X5 are remarkable for having powertrains that accelerate quickly while also managing above-average fuel efficiency. Some BMWs can be bought as plug-in hybrids, with useful electric-only range, or in performance trims, with more powerful engines and stiffer suspensions. BMW’s growing roster of EVs also generally rank high in our tests. Like most luxury cars from European manufacturers, BMWs fall on the expensive side of our assessments of maintenance and repair costs, but some specific models are a good option to buy used. However, shoppers considering a preowned BMW should opt for warranties or budget for repairs.

This American-built roadster debuted for 1996. The Z3's interior is cramped, and storage space is limited. Our tests showed handling to be good, but tricky at the limits until the car received stability control for 1999. Even then, the Z3's manners continued to trail those of the 3-Series BMWs. The first engine offered was a 1.9-liter Four, with 2.8- and 2.3-liter inline Sixes arriving for 1997 and 1999, respectively. In 1998, the high-performance M Coupe and M Roadster debuted, armed with more power and sportier handling. The Sixes were replaced by larger, more powerful versions in 2001.