A class of benzodihydrofuran compounds having the structure of formula (I) below and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are useful as therapeutic compounds, particularly in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, and other lipid disorders, and in delaying the onset of or reducing the risk of conditions and sequelae that are associated with these diseases, such as atherosclerosis. ##STR00001##