About: Autolove

Joe Mavilia is a syndicated columnist with more than 35 years in the automotive industry. He is a member of the Motor Press Guild and Automotive Press Association. His reviews have been published in print media including the Los Angeles Times, The Golden Transcript - Colorado, La Feria News - Texas, The Pasadena Weekly - California, and others around the country, including www.theweekenddrive.com where he is the West Coast Editor. Reviews and Opinion Columns may also be seen in Sunnews.org and The Country Journal every week in the Antelope Valley, CA. I hope they are helpful

Recent Posts by Autolove

2005 Toyota Highlander 4-door Limited AWD (523)

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2005 Toyota Highlander 4-door Limited AWD (523)

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Toyota Highlander SUV. “Oooooh, the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful … when the temperature goes way down low, let it snow, let it snow, let it snooow…” Yes, my test took me on a thanksgiving trek to snow country, but this Highlander was right at home. Bun warmer seats and all wheel drive. What more could you ask for on perhaps the best if not the coldest holiday of the year.

Well, the drive to the Pacific Northwest can be rough, but I’ve gotta tell you, this Toyota turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It was up to the trek and really shined in spite of the elements. Rain, snow and sleet bar the way for a lot of vehicles but that explains the extreme popularity of SUV’s. The reasons are logical but the cost is not. The cost to run such gas-guzzlers goes beyond purchase price, all the way to operation and the cost to society and the world is inestimable.

So why does it appeal to you and me so much? I think it’s because we want the choice to live on the edge “in comfort”. And because of that, we’re beginning to see manufacturers respond to the demand and mitigate the fuel cost with Hybrid’s, DOD technology (displacement on demand), fuel cell designs and simply better running and performing traditional internal combustion engines.

Thus consumers have in a sense pushed carmakers to produce more fuel-efficient engines. Nice job guys, because you have helped, in a round about way, to encourage our fight to battle dependence on the Middle East for oil.

Toyota is doing as much as the rest of the automotive industry to create solutions and provide options for consumers to be able to drive more economically. The Prius for example, that I reviewed several weeks ago, can achieve up to 60 mpg of gasoline. This Highlander’s actual performance for me was 21 mpg on the highway. I know it says 24, but the way most of us drive 21 is about the best you’ll get on this one. The real average for the Prius is about 41 mpg, which is about the best of any car in the world.

Handling & Performance:

Outstanding. There is no way you can argue with near perfection. Toyota just continues to do it better. And although you’ll pay more for the experience, there is no denying the Japanese superiority in car making. They obviously try harder to make them better, and that costs a bit more. All wheel drive does wonders for hugging the road and the confidence in cold, rain and snow is worth the added cost.

Styling:   

Very nice. I really like this addition to their fleet.

Fit and Finish:   

Very good.

Cost:

Pricey if you must have the navigation system at about $2,000 and leather seating will set you back another $1,400, and if you crank up the volume by upgrading the stereo system and CD changer and opt for a moon roof you’ll pop for another $1,100. With a few other ups and extras you can quickly be at $38,000.

Conveniences:  

I guess the only one I missed being in the colder climate is the “Remote Start” feature. But it does apply only to the cold places in this great land, and since I don’t live at the North Pole or Detroit, I can do without it.

Customer Recommendation:

Surely you will not have a problem finding competition. There is plenty and they are all good. I suspect purchase price and fuel economy will be the determining factor, and many today are quality conscious. They want their cars to last a long time. That wasn’t always the case when only American cars were on the road. They truly dictated what people would drive. They were powerful when only the “Big 3” was in the drivers seat (so to speak). Today people have more to choose from and they choose well built over break-often American cars of the past. That is not as true today since Ford, Chrysler and GM have new kids on the block who want to punch their lights out.

The Competition:

Highlander $24-31,000, Chrysler Pacifica $29-32,000, Mitsubishi Endeavor $25-33,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $18-25,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $18-23,000, Jeep Liberty $18-25,000, Kia Sorento $19-25,000, Infiniti FX $35-45,000, Nissan Murano $28-31,000, Ford Escape $19-27,000, Mazda Tribute $20-24,000, Subaru Outback $19-33,000, Saturn Vue $17-24,000, Honda Pilot $27-34,000.  

Good News:   

Toyota quality, nice design, wonderfully comfortable ride – a great highway vehicle. Roomy, responsive and confident.

Bad News:   

Pricey. Not great fuel efficiency.

Standard Equipment:   

3.3 liter V6 engine with VVT (variable valve timing), 5-speed auto trans with snow mode, full time 4-wheel drive and ABS power assist disc brakes with EBD (electronic Brake Distribution), front air bags, power mirrors, privacy glass, fog lights and roof rack, cloth interior with power front captains chairs, fold flat 60/40 split second and fold flat third row seat, JBL sound system with cassette and CD player with 8 speakers and steering wheel controls, leather trim tilt steering wheel and shift lever, climate control, power windows and locks, multi information display, cruise control, auto headlights, keyless entry, anti theft alarm and engine immobilizer and burled maple wood grain style trim.

Gas Stats:

18 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing: 

MSRP $31,380.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2004 – An Automotive Love Affair

2005 Mazda RX 8 (522)

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2005 Mazda RX 8 (522)

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Mazda RX8 dual rotor rotary engine. Ok, so why aren’t all engines rotary? In theory they make the most sense. Or do they?

Technical Guru Merkel Weiss gives us a little insight into why Rotary engines are not used more. Poor fuel economy for a 1.3-liter engine.

Bad emissions – that requires larger and more expensive catalytic converter.

If the engine breaks it can’t be rebuilt and must be replaced.

On the other hand, Rotary engines are smooth, quite and very capable at high RPM. One must wonder why Mazda didn’t make a mid-engine version for better handling characteristics, especially since it is such a quiet engine.

Well, I’m not terribly crazy about red cars because they attract so much attention on the highway. Police. Know what I mean? In spite of that I gotta admit the color combination is very nice and I really liked the black and red interior and all the aluminum accents on the foot rest and pedals, shifter knob etc. Very nicely done.

General Info:

Parts – Japan 85%. Engine and transmission – Japan.

Assembly – Hiroshima, Japan

Class: – Subcompact

Cars: – Mazda 3, 6 and 6 sport wagon, MPV, MX-5 Miata, RX-8, Tribute and truck.

Handling & Performance:

This is one very capable sports car. It is nimble and quick, Jack, and the short travel shifter helps by making shifts up and down quicker. Many sports cars don’t hold a candle to this fun-to-drive car. It is 238 horsepower fast and the rotary engine is smooth and it just keeps pulling, all the way up to 8500-9000 rpm.

Styling:

I rather like the way they provided a back seat that you can actually get into. The suicide doors on each side make rear entry relatively easy. My 86-year-old mother-in-law could never have gotten into the back seat without them. Only one negative I experienced was that I used it a lot to stow my computer bag, etc., and it would be better if the driver seatback were easier to pull forward.

Fit and Finish:

Very good, which is typical and expected of Japanese cars. But technology and time has made huge improvements across the board. American cars are no exception these days and the only exception I would take on this point, where American cars are concerned, is component parts are not engineered as strong as Japanese parts.

Cost:

Affordable for a well put-together sports car. It is near the top of the order in its class. If the standard equipment noted below is not good enough and you wish to upgrade the audio system, add 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support and heated seats, moon roof, heated mirrors and Xenon headlights, stability control and fog lights you can add $4,250 to the price tag.

Conveniences:

Good. Adequate. And that is ok because you are not paying for the fluff that is so often unnecessary anyway.

Consumer Recommendation:

For the money this has to be in the top few contenders noted below. Interesting that only one American car is represented. Boy, have things changed in this country. In fact it is the only macho offering of the bunch. Somehow I just can’t see Steve McQueen driving any of the others to replace the “Bullet”.

The Competition:

Mazda RX8 $25-27,000, Acura RSX $20-24,000, Toyota Celica $18-22,000, Honda S2000 $32,950, Ford Mustang $19-26,000, Scion tC $15,950, VW GTI $19-22,000, Audi TT $33-43,000, Nissan 350Z $26-36,000, BMW Z4 $34-41,000, Hyundai Tiburon $17-20,000, Infiniti G35 $28-33,000.

Good News:

Comparatively decent fuel economy, well priced, four seats you can actually use.

Bad News:

None worth mentioning.

Standard Equipment:

1.3 liter 238 hp Engine, 6-speed manual trans, rear wheel drive, 4-wheel ABS disc brake system, leather wrapped tilt wheel with cruise and audio controls, console, stereo with 6 speakers, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, front and side air bags, outside temp gauge, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring system and theft alarm and engine immobilizer.

Gas Stats:

14 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $26,875.

2005 Cadillac STS Luxury Sedan (521)

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2005 Cadillac STS Luxury Sedan (521)

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Cadillac STS 4-Door Sedan. If it weren’t for the fierce competition with everyone launching several new and exciting products, Cadillac could be said to be a leader in the market. But it is hard to determine who is leading and who is following. Surely Cadillac is on the cutting edge and as daring as they have ever been.

American carmakers are back. GM and Chrysler in particular seem to have put the past behind them and are moving quickly to capture the hearts and minds of consumers. Ford has been less exciting.

I particularly enjoy driving the CTS from Cadillac, and although this STS is similar in look, the more sporty CTS is my choice, for me. Some feel the sedan is too bland and could easily be mistaken for a Ford or other lesser luxury car. I don’t subscribe to that criticism and feel the overall look and feel, beyond the external view only, is that it is unmistakably a Cadillac.

Friend Merkel feels American cars break when foreign cars like the Toyota and Honda products don’t. Ok, Merkel is not far from the truth, but it is unclear whether the difference is worth the price gap. Merkel’s engineering experience explains the difference as in the overall philosophy of competing carmakers. For example, the Japanese engineer components so that at the point of breaking, they add to its durability and American car makers reduce durability until the component breaks and that’s the finished product. Thus Merkel’s contends that’s why American cars break when Japanese cars do not. Interesting theory Merkel, or is it still true today rather than when he was a design engineer for Chrysler. I’d be happy to hear from American carmakers to refute that claim.

My contention is that American cars are the best buy today when considering “Overall” performance for the money.

General Info:

Parts –

Assembly – Lansing, MI, USA

Class:  – Midsize

Cars:  – CTS, De Ville, Escalade, Seville, SRX, STS and XLR.

Handling & Performance:

Solid feel and this V6 delivered all the power I needed in every situation, but then I didn’t try to climb Pikes Peak. This is a front engine, rear wheel drive train.

Styling:

Cadillac. Futuristic and bold. I like that and apparently lots of others do too.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Not bad for a Luxury Car.

Conveniences:

Very complete, but if you want to beef up the features the Luxury performance package is optional for about $8,600. It includes multi driver memory settings, power lumbar, heated and vented front seats, heated rear outboard seats, heated wood steering wheel, Eucalyptus wood trim, studio surround sound with 6-in dash CD changer, advanced DVD navigation system, XM satellite radio 120 channels, rain sense wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, tire pressure monitor, express open/close sunroof, rear spoiler and limited slip differential. All of the preceding is not really essential in my opinion.

Consumer Recommendation:

Well, I gotta tell you, the pick of the litter for me would be Volvo S60, Acura TL and Cadillac STS in that order. And that ain’t scientific, but based on the general feel of driving all of them.

The Competition:

Cadillac STS $40-50,000, BMW 5 Series $40-58,000, Saab 9-5 $35-40,000, Jaguar S-type $44-62,000, Infiniti M45 $43,000, Chrysler 300 $23-34,000, Mercedes Benz E Class $49-74,000, Lincoln LS $32-43,000, Volvo S60 $27-37,000, Lexus GS $39-48,000, Acura TL $33-35,000, Audi A6 $41-51,000.

Good News:

Cadillac world-class image, comfortable cruiser, solid, fast, good fuel economy for a luxury sports sedan.

Bad News:

Arguable higher maintenance cost over Japanese competitors.

Standard Equipment:

3.6 liter 255 horsepower V6 engine, 5-speed auto trans, traction control, 16 inch power assist ABS disc brakes with stability control, 17 inch aluminum wheels, leather, 8-way power seats, aluminum trim, climate control, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, remote start, 8 speaker Bose audio system with CD player, power widows, keyless entry, dual front and side air bags and side curtain air bags, OnsStar system, ultrasonic rear sensors, theft deterrent system, power door locks, auto dim mirrors with compass and fog lights.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $40,300.

2005 Toyota Prius Sedan (520)

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2005 Toyota Prius Sedan (520)

Overview:

This week I reviewed the Prius that I first looked at in 2000. This 2005 version of the Toyota Prius Sedan hasn’t changed a lot but the look is, albeit subtle, nicer looking in my view. Although the 2001 model was at the beginning, this is now becoming serious and in contention because it is getting the eye from consumers in a more serious way. I encourage everyone to go out and test drive one. For starters it is a bargain for the dough. Why, because surely Toyota is NOT selling them for what it would take to make a profit. The R&D (Research and Development) costs must be huge and no sales would be made if the price reflected that cost. And over how many units would they need to amortize those costs to make a profit? I suspect they are subsidizing the real cost a selling price in the twenty grand range.

Well, you know what I mean. And so, it is for the consumer to embrace the concept of an alternative fuel vehicle. Hydrogen is way off and the infrastructure will take 20 years to get into place to service Fuel Cell vehicles anyway, at a minimum. The HiWire (Fuel Cell Technology) prototype from GM is the hot ticket conceptually, in my view. I love that oversized skateboard design. But that design has been in the works for over 50 years and was first seen at the LA Auto Show in the late 1940’s.

Handling & Performance:

As with prior year models the Prius presents a smooth ride and power is provided by a 76 hp gas engine and 67 hp from an electric motor. The smooth transfer of power is the responsibility of the ECVT for Electronic Controlled Variable Transmission. Ok, so you’re not going to experience head snapping acceleration and it will take over 10 seconds to go from 0-60 mph. From there to a seeming top speed of about 95 it is a slower rate yet. Nothing is perfect, however and the other strong points out weighs the relative slowness. I’ll bet, aside from the quite engine / battery combination, you won’t be able to tell the difference from driving most of the gas only options you have. The Prius starts out on battery and switches to the gas engine when you demand more horsepower.

EPA fuel economy is reverse from typical gas engines, and Prius is better in town than on the highway. The reason, of course, is it uses it’s impressive electric motor torque starting out and kicks in the gas engine, as more power is needed. Honda Insight Hybrid starts off on the gas engine and is assisted by the battery when the throttle demands more power.

This technology is so cool. I like the idea of recharging the batteries from the reverse energy of slowing and braking. You can see that on the Energy Monitor LCD screen.

My comment in 2000 was that “I suspect when gas prices go higher American consumers will lose the BMW and Mercedes Benz” and begin looking to realistic economy. Well, here we are 4 years later and gas has gone from under a buck to over two bucks a gallon. The writing is on the wall and even luxury cars like the Lexus RX 400 and the Ford Escape SUV have Hybrid versions.

Styling:   

Futuristic, and rather likeable.

Fit and Finish:  

Pretty basic but better than many in this price vehicle. The general interior finish is unique, because of the display of information and placement of the speedometer relative to more traditional vehicles.

Cost:  

The Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid are sedans and thus worth the price of admission. But the Insight has always been overpriced, in my opinion, because it is only a two seater.

Conveniences:  

I like the information LCD screen that shows a graphic of how the power plants are functioning, temp, audio, etc. And an option package is available for $5,000 to include a voice activated NAV system, Smart Key system, side and curtain air bags, security alarm, cassette player and upgrade to 8 CD changer, vehicle stability control and fog lights. Standard however is having many of the controls on the steering wheel. Temperature controls, audio, phone and system information conveniently on the wheel is very convenient. All controls are also available “On Screen” with touch screen control. If you opt for the Nav system you’re gonna love the instant GPS address information with the touch of a button.

Consumer Recommendation:

Look at the competition and if you still don’t get all the education you want, go on line to Google, or Ask Jeeves etc. and look for “Hybrid Vehicles” for a host of information on the subject. Discuss the warranty before you buy and be sure it is the latest and greatest coverage. Batteries are expensive and the drive train is not time tested. The platform has only been on the market for 5 years. The first to hit the market was the Insight in 1999.

You will ultimately be the judge, but take my advice and test drive the Prius and Civic Hybrid’s before you can’t even find one for sale. I haven’t driven the Hybrid VW, and so as others also become available I will review them as quickly as possible. Presently, for me, it would be a toss up between the Civic and the Prius.

The Competition:

Toyota Prius $20,875, Honda Insight $19-21,000, Volkswagen Golf $16-19,000, Honda Civic $13-19,000.

Good News:   

It’s a Hybrid with great fuel economy, and the ride is quiet and comfortable with roomy interior and decent size trunk and fold down seats for even more cargo area.

Bad News:

It’s a Hybrid with allthe unknowns of a new product as to reliability and affordable maintenance; batteries can run $1-2,000, for example. Earlier on warranty offered was better than today’s.

Standard Equipment:   

1.5 liter 76 hp 4 cylinder engine, ECVT, power steering, front disc and rear drum ABS brakes with brake force distribution and assist, power heated mirrors, dual airbags, traction control, climate control, audio with CD player, remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer, cruise control, outside temp gauge and digital clock, LCD multi info display screen with energy monitor, fuel consumption, air, outside tem and audio status, tilt steering wheel with temp and audio controls, 60/40 rear split fold seat, front and rear intermittent wipers, power door locks and windows, cloth seats, center console, 2 auxiliary 12 v power outlets.

Gas Stats:

60 City and 51Highway MPG

Pricing:   

MSRP $20,875.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2004 – An Automotive Love Affair

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT (518)

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2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT (518)

Overview:
This week I tested the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. It used to be we referred to these vehicles as “Mini Vans”, but they are anything but “Mini”.

If you’ve read any of my columns about this class vehicle (Special Purpose) you know I think they are the best thing since the horseless carriage was invented at the end of the 19th century.

And by the way, (Special Purpose) as a class is a misnomer. If anything it is a “General Purpose” vehicle, or a “Family Vehicle” or a “Company Van”. Yes it is more for hauling people, but it is also adaptable to hauling clean freight. If you have to haul dirt you’d buy a pickup truck – so much for the classification system.

The reason I like these so much is that they are so useful. And I don’t consider the family a special purpose classification use. The family does “Everything” and for the suburban family there is so much to do in numbers and this is a vehicle that seats 7 adults. Consider carpooling kids to school, soccer, little league and all the other multi kid activities. Camping and other group trips, and boy’s night out to the ballgame, and the girl’s night out to Chippendales. We all know it’s the guy or gal with the van who volunteers to drive, which is both good and bad news.

Handling & Performance:

Easy to drive. Easy to enter and exit. Easy to load with passengers and cargo. Easy. And when you get it all loaded, the 3.8 liter 215 horsepower V6 engine motors with Ease too. Because vans are built low to the ground they handle better than their cousin, the SUV which is built high off the ground for all the off roading they will never be asked to do. And before you tell me you can’t take a van off road like you can the SUV, I’ll remind you that less than 5% of all SUV’s will ever get their paws dirty off the black top.

Styling: 

Timeless. There isn’t much that has changed or varied from the original design other than being less boxy or put another way, more streamlined. It will likely stay that way until the emergence of fuel cell or other propulsion vehicles that will allow a significant change in design.

Fit and Finish:

Very good and comparable to most other competitors. But perhaps this old dog sees a giant leap in quality from generations past of Chrysler products. I’ve been asked and some have commented that Daimler / Chrysler is a very positive move and the Mercedes-Benz quality is beginning to show up in all models of this German / American brand. The evolution has been very noticeable. 

Cost:

Outstanding for what you get in a van like this.

Conveniences:

It only gets better from year to year with the technological revolution. Before the year is out high tech things, will be obsolete and thus everything is “Throw away”. And it’s not because it still doesn’t function or it has worn out, but rather it has been replaced by newer and better. The benefit to car buyers is the wide array of conveniences available for not a lot of money. Perhaps the most notable convenience on the van is the power sliding side doors, which is a must, in my opinion.

Consumer Recommendation:

Perhaps the most impressive competitor is the Kia Sedona. I would start out testing this and that before the others.

The Competition:

Dodge Caravan $18-26,000, Toyota Sienna $23-37,000, Oldsmobile Silhouette $28-37,000, Nissan Quest $24-32,000, Mercury Monterey $29-35,000, Mazda MPV $23-28,000, Kia Sedona $20-22,000, Chrysler Town & Country $21-35,000, Ford Freestar $22-33,000.

Good News:

Conveniences standard includes power sliding doors, Easy, fabulous function, smooth ride and it is the product of a new and better company – Daimler / Chrysler.

Bad News:

There really is none.

Standard Equipment:

3.8 liter V6 215 hp engine with front wheel drive, 4-speed auto trans, front air bags, 4-wheel anti lock disc brakes, traction control, child seat anchor system, power sliding doors, stowable rear seating, climate control front and rear, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer, tilt column with leather wrapped steering wheel with radio and cruise controls, stereo with cassette and CD changer, six speakers, eight way power drivers seat, front and rear 12V outlets, roof rack, fog lights and heated power fold away mirrors.

Gas Stats:

18 City and 25 Highway MPG

Pricing: 

MSRP $26,315.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2004 – An Automotive Love Affair

2005 Mercedes Benz C-320 Sedan (517)

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2005 Mercedes Benz C-320 Sedan (517)

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Mercedes Benz C-320 Sedan. There isn’t anything exactly like the Mercedes Benz. They just feel that “Certain Way” that gives you, well, “…that certainnnn smilllle”. Can’t you just hear the melody as Johnny Mathis sings the song?

Anyway, Mercedes has always been a step above the rest of the best. All Mercedes have that solid, well put together feel that is a trademark characteristic of the brand. Others that are “Smooth talkers” include Lexus and Infiniti. But the Japanese luxury cars have a different silky smooth feel. The Japanese luxury brands are more dainty – if you know what I mean? Mercedes and other German luxury cars like the Audi and BMW are more substantial or robust in feel and handling, and I guess they take on the character of the people of the country where they are built.

General Info:

Parts – n/a

Assembly – Germany

Class: – Compact

Cars: – C-Class, C-Class wagon, CLK, E-Class, E-Class wagon, G-Class, M-Class, S-Class, SL-            Class and SLK.

Handling & Performance:

The C-320 sedan is classed as a Compact, and as you’d expect it is easy to maneuver ant thus a great around town car. It is built low to the ground and hugs those corners so it is really fun to drive. And it is no slouch at 215 horsepower. It comes standard with a manual transmission and but I would prefer the automatic. On the road it is confident but for long trips I would opt for the S-Class.

Styling:

Uniquely Mercedes. Unmistakable.

Fit and Finish:

Certainly in the top 10% of all cars on the road.

Cost:

You can’t expect the car to be in the top 10% without corresponding pricing. Mercedes have never been classified as cheap or to some, even considered well priced. Fairly priced, yes, but not cheap. In fact, on this MSRP of $37,350, you will have to add $6,010 if you want Split fold down rear seat, Navigation system, 6-disc in dash CD player, and the sunroof package. I can live without any of the options.

Conveniences:

Actually this C-320 has an adequate compliment of standard equipment. I don’t consider the sunroof a needed option and the single disc CD player is ok by me. I think the rain sensor is neat but I can tell when it begins to rain – I have a keen sense of the obvious. Ok so I know it’s cool to have intermittent wipers with a mind of their own, but the way traffic is these days you need something to do while parked on the freeway. As to the navigation system, I’ve tested all of them from virtually every manufacturer and find them also unnecessary and expensive to boot. Yes, I know there are some who can benefit from the technology. They’re great in rental cars away from home and my daughter is in sales, on the road all day long visiting new potential customers. But even that will become unnecessary when she knows the territory. So you will have to consider whether the cost of about $2,200 is worth it.

Consumer Recommendation:

Look closely at the Volvo S60, which may well be the best competitor of the bunch below. Me, I love the Cadillac CTS. It just has a different kind of class and makes a different statement. Kind of like why I’ve owned several motorcycles, two of which were Harleys. Somehow the CTS revisits the Rebel in our souls.

The Competition:

Mercedes Benz C-Class $26-52,000, Cadillac CTS $32-49,000, Lexus ES 330 $32,000, Volvo S60 $27-37,000, (Following are 2004 priced models): BMW-Series $28-44,000, Lincoln LS $32-43,000, Audi A4 $26-44,000, Saab 9-3 $26-43,000, Infiniti G35 $28-33,000, Jaguar X-Type $29-34,000, Acura TL $33-35,000.

Good News:

Fast, fun, comfortable, smooth ride.

Bad News:

A little pricey for a compact, not as good on fuel economy as it could be.

Standard Equipment:

3.2 liter V6 215 hp engine, 6-speed manual trans, climate control, digital sound system with CD player, 10-way power front seats with 3 memory settings, power tilt and telescopic column, cruise control, power windows with express up and down, auto headlights, trip computer, dual front and side airbags, antitheft alarm with engine immobilizer, ESP – Electronic Stability Program and power assist 4-wheel ABS disc brakes.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 26 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $37,350.

2005 Hummer H2 SUT (Sport Utility Truck) (516)

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2005 Hummer H2 SUT (Sport Utility Truck) (516)

Overview:
This week I tested the 2005 Hummer H2 SUT (for Sport Utility Truck). Ok, so I make a big thing about excessive use of fossil fuels. But it is so cool to be decadent and irreverently suck up more than ones share of gas. And because the Hummer owner is not swayed much by the price of gas at the pump, any alluding to being responsible goes right over their head.

When you step into the Hummer, you are captivated by the immensity of the machine. You get the sense you are in a “Bunker” of WWII vintage where you are peering out of narrow windows. It makes an unforgettable statement in its dominant road presence because of its shear size and weight (6500 pounds). So is that why people put up half a hundred thousand dollars to own one?

This H2 is a look-alike of the original Hummer (H1 if you wish) that made a name for itself in the Desert Storm war in Kuwait. Most will know that, but more will equate the Hummer image with Rambo behind the wheel fighting the good (Hollywood) fight. But this is the powder puff, citified version that is more comfortable on Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive where the tough go shopping.

The original as you may recall was acro-named (hey, a new word) HMMWV or Humvee, and stands for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. I wonder if this madness will continue in sequels like the Hollywood movies that made the Humvee so popular. There likely will be an H3 and who knows past that. With sagging sales and production of 34,000 units in 2003 model year, and even less in 2004, sales will dictate the future. Gas prices are sure to play a role even more since not everyone will want to pay the prices and get 10 miles per gallon. H3 however is planned for 2005 and so we’ll see.

And I wonder how sales will be affected by the changes in world terrorism. Will there be an increased demand for this wartime vehicle? Will optional equipment include a 50-caliber machine gun? Will they put rifle racks inside? If they do all that, I’ll buy one. That adds a whole new dimension self defense against terrorists or simple “Road Rage”. You can bet you’d be treated with some respect. Boy I already miss Rodney Dangerfield.

General Info:

Parts –  USA

Assembly – USA

Class:  – Special purpose SUV / Truck

Cars:  – Hummer H1 and H2

Handling & Performance:

The ride is remarkably comfortable and smooth. The power is even more surprising. This huge hunk just shouldn’t be so responsive. And it is an odd feeling to look down at the speedometer and find you are doing 65 while the feel is that you are only traveling at about 40 mph. You won’t want to buy one to zip around town in a snappy way or run up to the store for a quart of milk. It fills the lanes and more than fills a parking space in most malls. You really need to take two spaces. Parallel parking is a challenge for many and impossible for others, especially if they find themselves behind the wheel of a Hummer.

Styling:

Although it is a Powder Puff version of the serious military machine, it is still equipped for serious off road use. That means it will ford a river four feet deep and not reach the air intake high on the hood. Such functional things make a style statement apart from any ordinary or even extraordinary SUV. Land Rover is the image of off road capability from the bloody Brits. But this Hummer is uniquely Americana. It is what we’re all about. Rebels with or without a cause. We have always had that pioneer spirit. We not only want to be different, we ARE different.

Standard design includes a tan interior but black is optional, and in my opinion black is more attractive and also more practical for a SUV / Truck.

Fit and Finish:

Smoothly rugged but generally better than it needs to be for the image.

Cost:

50 odd thousand is not really all that bad, considering you’d pay about $40,000 for a Jeep Grand Cherokee with none of the flamboyance.

Conveniences:

Just enough for a Beverly Hills celebrity and too much for transportation in the “Out Back”. But it is a truck, of sorts, and you can put the rear seat down and much like the Chevrolet Avalanche you can extend the small rear truck bed space – 4 by 2.9 feet to provide a 6 foot long bed.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you are looking for a third car for the hell of it, this is one fun experience to drive. I’ve tested several beginning with the original Hummer and if you want the real thing you’ll have to pay twice the money for even more inconvenience. Consider another impracticality of the Hummer for off road use. Until you are out there, most people don’t realize that most dirt roads are not wide enough for this H2 to pass through, and forget the H1 if there are trees along the road. In any case the H2 it is too pretty to mess up in rugged conditions.

The Competition:

You know what? There is no competition, not really. That’s what makes it so exciting to drive. But if you had to list some close alternatives I guess these would be the closest: Chevrolet Avalanche $33-38,000, Cadillac Escalade EXT $53,000, and perhaps the Land Rover Range Rover $72-84,000.

Good News:

You will be in a very small private and unique club with sales of about 25,000 on average, and you will have all the comforts of most luxury vehicles. Surprisingly smooth road vehicle.

Bad News:

Poor fuel economy, small trunk / cargo area with rear seat up. Overall it is impractical for city, and even freeway use. It is difficult to park and grandma will have a tough time getting up into this behemoth not to mention most others too. Driving it is not for the faint hearted and your garage may not accommodate it. You’ll notice some road noise on the highway.

Standard Equipment:

8600 pound GVW rating, 6.0 316 horsepower Vortec 6000 V8 engine, 4-speed electronic heavy duty automatic transmission, AM/FM sound system with cassette and 6-in-dash CD changer, air conditioning, power leather seats for 5, dual air bags, traction control, ABS Brakes, 17” chrome wheels, XM Satellite radio with 100 channels, remote keyless entry, power windows door locks and power moon roof.

Gas Stats:

10 City and 13 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $51,995.

2005 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT AWD (515)

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2005 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT AWD (515)

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT AWD SUV. And although I have always perceived this model as a low-end player in class, for them, this is a movement up to better competition. The major reason is that AWD is standard and Turbo propels this car at speeds beyond others. There is a lot of competition and that makes this an uphill climb for the Subaru.

As an SUV it is more car-like in overall performance and feel, but it is as robust an AWD vehicle as any of the competition listed. I know some have criticized prior versions for not having enough passing power and not tall enough for an SUV. Time has passed and the Forester has grown a bit and the turbo will flat impress any of its critics.

I like the size and so must a lot of consumers because they have driven the market and forced manufacturers to downsize generally. It is just responsible attention to dealing with Gas Guzzlers. GM still puts out the giant sized Suburban and Tahoe SUV’s that aren’t really needed by many. But there are enough who don’t care a twit about wasting oil and obviously have the “disposable income” to snub their noses at others bent on conservation. We all know that there are many who would buy bigger if there weren’t concerns for fuel economy. Either they are sensitive to conservation and efficiency or they simply don’t have the money to fill up those “Hogs”.

I really don’t think we’ll get their attention until prices at the pump go to $4.00 plus a gallon. Well, there is no doubt prices promise to continue to climb. At this writing the cost per barrel has gone over $50 for the first time. Ever!

General Info:

Parts –

Assembly – Japan

Class:  – Special purpose SUV

Cars:  – Baja, Forester, Impreza & Wagon, Legacy & Wagon and Outback.

Handling & Performance:

The ride is comfortable and the power is awesome with the turbo. And no one does all wheel drive better than Subaru. Traction and control are great and all those wheels launch you from 0-60 miles per hour in just 6 seconds.

Styling:

I’ve never cared for the exterior design but Subaru has a kind-a cult following like Land Rover does. Esthetically they simply aren’t eye pleasing to me.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Not bad. Certainly competitive but there is a lot in its class to chose from, so it should have a downward pressure on prices.

Conveniences:

I think it is the perfect size and still has a roomy cargo area. I’d opt for the 4-speed auto trans over the 5-speed manual, especially since the Turbo delivers 210 horsepower.

Consumer Recommendation:

You’re always on your own in the final analysis, but more so on this one because I’ve tested them all and like them all in Class. I would be hard pressed to whittle them down to only one. Personal preference for style and design appeal will be the final ingredient to making your choice. I like Jeep because it’s been around the longest, Hyundai Santa Fe because it’s the new kid on the block and it impressed me when I tested it. Vibe has the best fuel economy and pricing is very good too.

The Competition: with fuel economy

2005 : Subaru Forester $21-28,000, 24 mpg, Ford Escape $19-27,000, 26 mpg Mazda Tribute $20-24,000, 22 mpg, Pontiac Vibe $17-20,000, 31 mpg, 2004 : Chevrolet Tracker $20-23,000, 22 mpg, Hyundai Santa Fe $18-25,000, 26 mpg, Jeep Liberty $18-25,000,22 mpg, Suzuki Vitara $17-18,000, 22 mpg, Saturn Vue $17-24,000, 28 mpg, Honda CR-V $19-23,000, 25 mpg, Mitsubishi Outlander $18-22,000, 26 mpg, Nissan Xterra $18-28,000, 20 mpg.

Good News:

Car-like ride, roomy, 210 horsepower turbo performance

Bad News:

Average fuel economy, small rear door opening

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter 4 cylinder Intercooled turbo, fuel injected engine, active valve control system, 5-speed manual trans, All wheel Drive, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, dual front and side airbags, engine immobilizer, heated power mirrors, fog lights, roof rails with cross bars, front and rear wiper De-Icers, climate control, stereo with in dash 6-CD changer, outside temperature gauge, 8-way driver power seat, heated front seats, auto off headlights, power windows and locks, 60/40 rear set with fold down, remote keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $25,595.

2005 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan (513)

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2005 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan (513)

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Sedan. The new year is in high gear and all cars will be jockeying for position in an incredibly competitive OEM marketplace.

The horseless carriage has matured in the past 100 years and most men have this irrational love of the automobile. Or is it? Consider that it could be because the car has done as much in the past 100 years as did the horse before it, to give men mobility and embellished his manhood. Men and women look at cars differently. In this they are more like men and men more like women. Women look at the car practically and men look at it emotionally.

And I fear we men fall in love too easily. But that is easy to understand because the cars of this generation have improved to be even less troublesome and thus friendlier. In short, they are easier to love. Gone, for better or worse, are the days of having to set the timing or adjust the carburetor or deal with sticky valves all of which were mechanical. Today’s engines are computer controlled and don’t really let you tinker and tune even if you wanted to.

General Info:

Parts –

Assembly – Lafayette, Indiana, USA

Class:  – Compact

Cars:  – Baja, Forester, Impreza & Wagon, Legacy & Wagon and Outback.

Handling & Performance:

This Legacy is unbelievably swift due to the Multi-point fuel injection TURBO. Some feel the delay in power is annoying, but that is a necessary characteristic of turbochargers and how they work. And because the criticism is accurate there could be a market for a Supercharger if it were an option to the Turbo. However, with the increasing fuel prices the Turbo is more fuel-efficient and I suspect it would win out in the end.

Styling:

Subaru Legacy is a competitive leap for them. It gives them a competitive product in the larger sedan market.

Fit and Finish:

Good.

Cost:

Fair, but if you don’t have to have a 5-speed auto trans with “Sportshift”, also referred to as “Tiptronic” you can save $1,200, bringing the MSRP down to $29,070.

Conveniences:

Although this Legacy is considered a Compact, it is roomy – front and rear – and has a huge trunk.

Consumer Recommendation:

For Subaru, the Legacy is the most mainstream in design to compete with the list below. It has a competitive edge in that it sports AWD that is the trademark of Subaru. They simply do it better because they have done it longer.

The Competition:

Subaru Legacy $21-29,000, Chevrolet Impala $22-28,000, Chevrolet Malibu $19-24,000, Pontiac Grand Prix $23-27,000, Nissan Altima $17-27,000, Chrysler 300 $23-34,000. 2004 models: Dodge Intrepid $21-25,000, BMW 3 Series $28-44,000, Acura TSX $26-28,000, Volvo S40 $24-29,000, Audi A-4 $26-44,000, Toyota Camry $18-25,000, Saab 9-3 $26-43,000, Honda Accord $16-29,000, Lexus IS 300 $29-31,000, Infiniti G35 $28-33,000, Mazda 6 $19-23,000, Volkswagen Jetta $17-24,000, Mitsubishi Galant $18-26,000.

Good News:

AWD safety and convenience, fast with turbo, clean lines, roomy for a Compact and huge trunk area.

Bad News:

Only fair fuel economy,

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine, active valve control, 5-speed auto trans, All wheel Drive, turbo, fuel injection, Variable torque distribution VTD, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, dual front, side and curtain Airbags, Child anchorage latch system, 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lights, 4-wheel independent suspension, dual zone climate control, all weather package (including heated front seats, mirrors, windshield wiper de-Icer), stereo with In-Dash 6-CD changer and speakers), tilt steering column, trip computer, leather wrapped steering wheel, Leather wrapped steering wheel and trimmed upholstery, power door locks and mirrors, power 8-way drivers seat, power 4- way passenger seat, power windows and keyless entry system with immobilizer.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 25 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $30,270.

2005 Chrysler Limited Crossfire Convertible (512)

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2005 Chrysler Limited Crossfire Convertible (512)

Overview:
This week I tested the first (for me) 2005 vehicle of the new car year. This is the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. I saw it at a car show as a concept before 2004 and as a reality now it is a very capable little car.

The first car that came to mind, as I stepped into it is the Porsche Boxster, even though it is not considered competition in class separated by about $20,000. In two seat cars, however, the Cadillac XLR is my first choice if money were not a consideration. XLR sells for about $75,000.

Staying in class, however, Nissan 350Z is bound to be the leader in sales in this class. It is the most memorable as a car I would own if a two seater were an option.

I like the retractable soft top because of the small surface area a retractable hard top is not necessary. To make it even more appealing, you get a small trunk and the hard tonneau cover conceals an otherwise unsightly rag with all the support struts etc.

Mercedes more expensive SLK has contributed to this Crossfire and it is comforting to know it has such caring siblings and rich parents.

Handling & Performance:

Very good. That means, plenty of power from the V6, exceptional cornering from the surefooted low slung chassis. Friend Merkel refers to this as “Grippy”. Just look at the wheels and performance tires. 225/40ZR 18” in the front and 255/35ZR 19” in the rear. Plus, you sit low like in the Bumper Cars at the fun zone or Fair. This is truly a fun car to drive.

Styling:

Unique is the best word to describe the design. It is surely a standout and no mistaking it. I guess that can be good news or bad news. I suspect most see it as a racy / sporty little roadster. It is. Ex-Chrysler engineer, Merkel Weiss, has a problem with the style in that it will become old and tired. “There are too many angles and too busy. I would smooth it out”. He knows however it has good breeding (MBZ) and is not as unimpressed as he applauds their attempt.

Fit and Finish:

Very good. And the next thought would ordinarily be, “for a Chrysler”. It seems like forever that Chrysler has competed largely on price. And I believe they have fought back boldly and effectively from the first day Lee Iococca took control of a once failing company. But price hadn’t allowed them to make a rock solid car with lots of attention to detail. With the joining together with Mercedes-Benz, Daimler / Chrysler has profoundly influenced the two companies.

Cost:

Influenced by their German partner, Chrysler is demanding more for their product. The base price is a little “Spendy” for a Chrysler at $38,000, but several of the components are taken directly from Mercedes so maybe a quality issue has been solved for good.

Conveniences:

Cruise control is a great feature, but after you drive as many cars as I do, I can say without equivocation that American cars have the best controls for Cruise and are easier to operate. But Daimler / Chrysler has adopted the German design approach and it is not the better for the inclusion. I never have liked the Mercedes control because the lever is placed on the steering column right where you would expect the turn signal to be. No a good placement.

One review I heard about from a friend on the golf course was that the convertible top was difficult at times. Actually the problem would be operator error. I had a similar problem getting the top to go down only to find out the divider in the trunk was not properly set. It separates the cargo from the stowing area for the top. With the top up, that space converts nicely to useable storage space. When the top is up, there is a folding piece that opens up the trunk for more storage. You must be sure that piece is in place properly.

Customer Recommendation:

My choice from the lineup below would be, hands down, the Nissan 350Z in this class.

The Competition:

Crossfire Roadster $29-49,000, Volvo C70 $40-42,000, Mazda RX 8 $25-27,000, Nissan 350Z $26-36,000, Audi A-4 $26-44,000, Audi TT $33-43,000, BMW Z4 $34-41,000, BMW 3-Series Sport Wagon $31-33,000, Infiniti G35 $28-33,000, Honda S 2000 $32,800, Mitsubishi Eclipse $18-29,000.

Good News:

Nice handling, responsive V6 for the power you want, Mercedes Benz influence and components.

Bad News:

Difficult entry and exit, especially for a lady with a skirt. I didn’t try on the skirt but I’ve watched with interest how the ladies negotiate such ungraceful situations. Long clutch travel, firm suspension and questions as to the reliability of convertible top actuation.

Standard Equipment:

3.2 liter 229 horsepower V6 engine, 6-speed manual trans, dual front and side airbags, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, ESP (Electronic Stability Control Program), tire pressure monitoring display, tear window defroster on convertible top, dual zone climate control, power and heated leather high back seats, power windows and locks, security alarm, cruise control, telescoping steering column, lockable console, stereo with CD player, 6 speakers that will jar your eye teeth and rattle your brain, power convertible top, fog lamps, power heated fold away mirrors, rear active spoiler.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 25 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $39,170.

 

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com

Copyright © 2004 – An Automotive Love Affair

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