About: Autolove

Overview:

This week I drove the 2002 Toyota Sequoia SUV, which is the first model year. 2003 wasn’t released when I tested it and I was told there wouldn’t be significant changes for the 03-year release. Another reason I wanted to test it was because a friend just bought an 02 and I rode in it and thought others would also be interested.

Luxury SUV’s like this Sequoia is a constant reminder of just how big this class of vehicle has become. Most consumers have their own reasons for buying a vehicle that is expensive to buy and operate. They probably don’t have a boat or other hole to dump their money or maybe they simply have money to burn. So much for a poor economy. When the Republicans are in office the Democrats talk about how bad the economy is and of course we believe them. But when I look around at today’s trains, planes and automobiles the USA looks pretty affluent. Am I missing something here? Of course it is said “It’s a recession when you’re out of work and a depression when I’m out of work”. All relative I guess.

I enjoyed driving this well endowed and abundantly appointed car/truck/small bus. What’s not to like. Other than the poor mileage from a 4.7-liter V8 at 14-17 mpg I couldn’t complain too much. It was comfortable, after all, and folks know instinctively this tank must cost about $50 grand so people will think the driver is pretty successful. We humans are shallow, don’t you think?

Handling & Performance:

”Big” speaks volumes. For starters it carries up to 8 good-sized people comfortably. It is still smaller than the Chevy Suburban or Ford Excursion and has 240 horses to power you from gas pump to gas pump.

Styling:

Nice, but I quickly tired of the long reach past the necessary running boards that got my pant legs dirty as I avoided their use. In the process I think I’d eventually tear my clothing on the plastic seat apparatus on exit. Friend Mark noticed the same problem in his new 2002.

Fit and Finish:

Toyota is “First Class” when it comes to assembly. They simply are as good as cars get. But then $42,000 should buy something more than a V8, 8 leather seats and nice carpet.

Cost:

Well I hate to complain but manufacturers could do a lot better. You’d think the heavy  competition would keep the price down. But they keep the huge profit margin the same and just reduce the size of the SUV. These guys are getting smarter.  Porsche even entered the market.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you have money to burn, care little for how fast we burn fossil fuels and need a 4-wheel drive, 9 out of 10 will never use, go for it. Otherwise look closely at the smaller versions of SUV’s that are now available for a fraction of the price with AWD capability and twice the gas mileage. Which ones would those be? Pontiac Vibe or Toyota Matrix, Nissan Xterra, Ford Escape, Saturn Vue and Toyota RAV4 to name but a few.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)

(1t) Toyota Sequoia $31-43,000, (1t) Chevrolet Tahoe $34-36,000, (2) GMC Yukon $34-37,000, (3) Ford Expedition $31-41,000.

 * – Ranking is based on cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

Luxurious comfort with all the conveniences the world has to offer for up to 8 people.

Bad News:

Burns gas like we didn’t need oil from Iraq and Sons, painful entry and exit in this, you got to love it, Behemoth.

Standard Equipment:

4.7 liter V8, four speed auto trans, 4-WD, 4-wheel vented ABS disc brakes, aluminum alloy wheels, power steering, dual air bags, power heated mirrors, fog lights, leather faced power front seats with heaters, 2^nd and 3^rd row leather faced seats, power windows and door licks, stereo with cassette, CD and 10 speakers, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 10 cup holders, auto headlights, anti theft system and immobilizer, digital auto climate control and keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

14 City and 17 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $42,725.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair

Overview:

This week I drove the 2003 Toyota Matrix 4WD mid size “Crossover” vehicle. This is the natural evolution created by consumer demands in the cars they have been choosing for one hundred years. In other countries where gas is $4 a gallon small economical cars were an obvious necessity. Here in the US where gas has always been subsidized, we’ve been spoiled and large gas-guzzlers were relatively affordable, especially with our love affair for the motorcar.

Most recently, say in the past 20 years, consumers have been buying smaller, more economical cars, mini-vans and the love of SUV’s, in spite of their terrible gas numbers, have driven manufacturers to meld them all together. The result in the 21^st Century is the joint venture between Japan and the U.S. to develop this Toyota Matrix (built in Canada) and its sister car the Pontiac Vibe (built in California).

Remember when the Pontiac Aztek came out? It was considered ugly, but no one could deny it was a very new and different design, and the first of the Crossover versatile vehicles to be built. In the past couple of years the Chevrolet Avalanche and the Cadillac Escalade have provided SUV/Pickup crossovers.

Some consider them ugly, but I chose to think of these new designs as being futuristic. The Cadillac CTS is a luxury passenger car example of new space age styling that I believe will become more popular as the next generation begin to buy cars.  All you need to do is look at the toys our children have been playing with and the television they’ve been watching.

 Cad CTS.

Handling & Performance:

This mid size economy car leaves a little to be desired in the performance area because it is a bit underpowered for my taste. But all things considered this is, after all, a combination SUV, Mini-Van, Wagon and passenger car. It does so much so well. It corners better than the typical SUV with a lower center of gravity and even though it is an all wheel drive car, it doesn’t burn near as much gas as the average SUV. On the whole it is a fun car to drive.

Styling:

Forward thinking design that is becoming more popular every day.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Great value for this versatile vehicle.

Consumer Recommendation:

Can we talk? as Joan Rivers would say. This is a great young family car. It is economical, easier to get in and out of for little ones and old as well. It also has that sought after qualities of an SUV. You’ve simply got to drive one of these well priced nice looking family vehicles. While you’re test-driving the Matrix, go over to Pontiac to drive the Vibe. Slight styling difference but essentially the same car.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)
(1) Mazda Protégé 5 $16,000, (2) Toyota Matrix $14,670, (3) Ford Focus $17,000, (4) Volkswagen Jetta Wagon $18-27,000, (5) Chrysler PT Cruiser $17-26,000, (6) Subaru Impreza Wagon $17-23,000.

* – Ranking is based on a formula using cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

New, different, great utility and versatility while being economical.

Bad News:

Small but with space for 4 tall adults it is more thin skinned which gives rise to higher levels of road noise, marginally low power.

Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter 130 hp 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed auto transmission, full time 4-wheel drive, power steering, power front disc ABS brakes, dual airbags, child safety rear locks, halogen headlights, daytime running lights, rear intermittent wiper, air conditioning, outside temp gauge, tachometer, leather wrapped tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, flat folding front passenger and 60/40 split folding rear seat, AM/FM radio with CD player, 2-12 volt and 1- 115volt outlets.

Gas Stats:

26 City and 31 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $18,445.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair

Overview:

This week I drove the 2002 Toyota Corolla LE 4-door sedan right after the Camry LE and I’m more impressed with the Corolla for the dough. I noted that Camry is bigger than it needs to be and this enlarged Corolla is similar to the old model Camry’s. Corolla remains perhaps the best selling car of all time. That speaks volumes about how people think of this size car and the quality for the money.

I always liked the Camry better, perhaps because I saw little difference between that and the Lexus ES series in the early days. It provided mid-level luxury for a lot less money than similar cars like the ES.

Although this Corolla is a light weight for my tastes, it is a great transportation car and people have seen the value for years. Will it remain so? Only time will tell, but I think it will. And with the price of gas still high this 4-cylinder economy passenger sedan is bound to remain top dog for some time to come.

Handling & Performance:

Good handling and this little 4-banger puts out an adequate 130 horses but I miss the acceleration of a V6. On the other hand I like passing a few more gas stations.

Styling:

Plain Jane Cookie Cutter design.

Fit and Finish:

Typical Toyota, meaning – nice attention to detail.

Cost:

Up a bit from the prior year model, but check it out, the price is “Less” than the 1998 price for the same model which was $15,598 versus this 2003 model which is $14,680. Is that cool or what?

Consumer Recommendation:

This new Corolla reminds me of the older Camry’s so I like it even more. I’ve owned a few Toyota’s and have always liked them.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)

(1t) Toyota Corolla LE $13-15,000, (1t) Hyundai Elantra $12-14,000, (2) Nissan Sentra $12-17,000, (3t) Mazda Protege $13-16,000, (3t) Saturn SL $11-14,000, (4) Volkswagen Golf $15-18,000,(5) Mitsubishi Lancer $14-16000, (6) Subaru Impreza $19-24,000, (7) Dodge Neon $13-17,000,  (8) Ford Focus $13-19,000, (9t) Chevrolet Cavalier $14-20,000, (9t) Honda Civic $13-21,000, (10) Pontiac Sunfire $15-17,000.

* – Ranking is based on a formula using cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

It’s a Toyota and the price is competitive, excellent gas performance.

Bad News:

Plain Jane cookie cutter design.

Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter 130 hp 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, front wheel drive, power steering with tilt wheel, 4-wheel independent suspension, power front disc brakes, dual airbags, child safety rear locks, power mirrors, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, variable intermittent wipers and split fold down rear seat.

Gas Stats:

32 City and 40 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $14,680.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair

Overview:

This week I drove the 2002 Toyota Camry LE 4-door sedan and I sensed it was bigger than it needed to be unless they plan to dump the Avalon. This totally redesigned Camry is surely Toyota’s response to people wanting bigger cars again. I hope we don’t return to the days of huge lumbering cars that could second for a “Tank” if you just added a gun turret.

In reality, although it felt much bigger, it is only one inch longer with a two inch longer wheelbase. But it is taller and wider and that is what attacked my senses. I just thought it was a great size before and filled a need in that size car.

Sales figures from Toyota show that 75% of buyers opt for the fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine. And they say that this new Camry change represents a move from Sensible to Sensual. Right. That’s exactly my point. Why would they want to change a winner? And is it really all that Sensual?

Handling & Performance:

Decent handling but nothing to write home about. I was a little miffed at a couple of things. My foot kept hitting the support under the dash while applying the brake, which was annoying. Braking was also noticeably spongy with a long travel.

Styling:

Unexciting is the best way to put it. It simply isn’t a memorable car, and that’s ok because that cuts both ways. Obviously people liked the look and functional attributes of the Camry up to this time. And only time will tell if they will embrace the changed version as much.

Fit and Finish:

Good.  But this is something you notice when it’s bad, and overlook when it’s good. Most Japanese made cars do a good job at making the joints fit closely, even and uniform. This Camry is no exception.

Cost:

Not bad, all things considered.

Consumer Recommendation:

This new Camry reminds me too much of the Chevrolet Malibu or a Buick in that bulky feeling that is not attractive to me. The Corolla is about the size of previous Camry’s and you’d save some money at the same time if it satisfies your requirements.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)

(1) Saturn LS $16-20,000, (2) Honda Accord $16-25,000, (3) Ford Taurus $19-23,000,  (4) Chrysler Concorde $23-28,000, (5) Mitsubishi Galant $18-24,000, (6) Subaru Legacy $19-25,000, (7t) Pontiac Grand Prix $21-26,000, (7t) Toyota Camry LE $24,950, (8) Nissan Maxima $25-27,000, (9t) Buick LeSabre $25-30,000, (9t) Dodge Intrepid $21-27,000, (9t) Volkswagen Passat $22-38,000, (10) Volvo S60 $27-34,000, (11) Chevrolet Impala $20-24,000.

* – Ranking is based on a formula using cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

One of the best selling cars in the US so it is highly regarded on a wide scale, and the good gas performance probably has a lot to do with its popularity.

Bad News:

Boring, untested new platform, jerky gas peddle, brake travel is long and spongy.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter4-cylinder engine, 4-speed auto transmission, front wheel drive, power steering, 4-wheel independent suspension, power front disc brakes, dual airbags, child safety rear locks, power mirrors, power windows and locks, climate control, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, variable intermittent wipers and split fold down rear seat.

Gas Stats:

23 City and 32 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $19,800.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair