Year with the best group of candidates

[Nixon in '80]

1980 had an all-star field for both parties:

Sitting President
vs.
The Liberal Lion
vs.
Moonbeam

The Great Communicator
vs.
Crazy Gov't Experience
vs.
Most Respected Man in Senate
vs.
Genuine War Hero
vs.
Conservative Firebrand
vs.
Mr. Independent
vs.
More Crazy Gov't Experience

I'll leave it to you to label all of those.

[Nixon in '80]

In recent times 2008, 1996, 1992.

The general election candidates in '96 were fine, certainly...but the primary candidates?  Apart from Dole, the Republican primary field was simply pathetic.

It was certainly a diverse and interesting field... kind of a celebrity showcase of Republicans who had no business running for President (apart from Dole, of course). It may not have been a great field, but it was fun.