2003 Dodge SRT-4

Fact: The SRT-4 makes 223 wheel hp. Fact: It costs $19,995. Fact: It makes us drive like juveniles.

Fact is, Dodge has reinvented the musclecar with the SRT-4. By taking a relatively light platform and jamming a big, powerful engine under the hood, the SRT-4 is the modern day Hemi 'Cuda. It's your mom's grocery-getter on speed. It's what happens when a manufacturer decides to stop screwing around and give the enthusiasts some engine. Lots of freakin' engine.

Every time we put our right foot down in the SRT-4, we smile. Every time. In any gear. The engine is so responsive and so little is being asked of it to move the 2,870-pound sedan, the result is irresistible, tire-smoking fun.

We find ourselves blazing the tires from stoplights just because we can. In fact, the SRT-4 wants to spin its front meats so badly, Dodge's engine calibrators had to limit boost in first gear to keep rubber on the car. It's that kind of power that wins magazine awards and it's that kind of power that will put Dodge on the compact car map for years to come.

And more power is not hard to come by. Mopar will soon offer three power upgrade kits for the SRT-4, ultimately boosting power levels to 300 hp. Stage 1 will offer 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Best of all, our sources say it will be cheap. They won't say how cheap, but we're betting $500 will handle it. Installation should be easy, as Stage 1 includes four injectors and an upgraded ECU. Power comes from increased boost as well as tweaked fuel and ignition maps. There's a boost-hold feature, which maintains full boost during wide-open-throttle shifts for optimum acceleration. Think these guys have some confidence in the SRT-4's drivetrain? We do.

But going straight is only part of the equation. The SRT-4's suspension does a remarkable job of controlling all that power, thanks in part to sticky 205/50ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Sport tires. We found the little Dodge to be remarkably quick over the toughest roads we could find. Even better, Mopar will also offer a limited-slip differential in coming months, further increasing the SRT-4's handling capability. Do the math with the Mopar parts: 240 hp, a limited slip, less than 2,900 pounds. Sounds like an equation for untouchable speed to us.

The combined handling and power of the SRT-4 in stock trim makes it virtually unbeatable for 20 grand. Factor in the Mopar go-fast parts and there isn't an enthusiast on the planet who will deny its irresistible value. That's why we named the SRT-4 our 2003 Sport Compact Car of the Year this past February, and that's why it's a 2003 Eight Great Ride.