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

2002 Infiniti I35 Sedan (396)

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2002 Infiniti I35 Sedan (396)

Overview:
This week I revisited Infiniti and the I35 luxury sedan. Sometimes I think I’m going through Auto Menopause with all the cars I drive. I don’t have hot flashes but “Mood Swings” are wild.

Consider the lineup over the past several weeks: Infiniti QX4 SUV with smart cruise control, Saab 9-3 Viggen, Cadillac DTS with Night Vision and XM Radio, Saturn Vue SUV, Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas elegant and poised, Corvette Z06 knock your socks off rocket, Infiniti Q45 super quiet luxury, Porsche Boxster S sophisticated vehicle that will take you to the moon.

It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.

Anyway, the mood was ok in this I35 but I got to tell you that Porshe Boxster S made me fall in love all over again. But then, it’s a two seater and nowhere for the kids and other pets. The guys will wonder if mom will take a practical station wagon for the second car and the gals will say I’ll get the Jaguar for me and dad can have a Saturn.

We’ll settle the argument and buy two Infiniti I35’s for the price of the Boxster S. – one for mom and the other for dad.

Infiniti has a delightful lineup in my opinion. The Q45 is super luxury and the QX4 fills the SUV slot. But if you don’t care to spend that much this I35 is a great family sedan. I liked it a lot. But when I want to get my heart started, the Corvette and Porsche are great pacemakers.

General Info:

Parts – Japan

Assembly – Japan

Class: – Midsize Luxury Sedan

Cars: – G35, I35, Q45, QX4

Handling & Performance:

Very stable with power to spare and respectable gas mileage for a luxury sedan that handles so well.

Styling:

All three Infiniti sedans are slight notches apart and although conservatively styled they are pleasing to the eye.

Fit and Finish:

Typically good Japanese quality.

Conveniences:

Loaded with standard equipment.

Cost:

Priced well considering the quality overlap you get from the likes of Q45 and QX4. However, you can bump up the price significantly if you opt for the navigation system, sunroof, sport package and cold weather features. Those additions increase the price to $35,000 or roughly $6,000 more.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you like what Nissan produces, you have a selection of price and functionality for today’s life styles. All the Infiniti products are super in my opinion. I only have two thumbs and both are up.

However, the competition noted here is awesome and the most impressive I’ve seen in a long time. You have so much to choose from. I’d have a tough time deciding because I love ‘em all. They are so close in price and standard features I have listed them in order of my personal preference. I haven’t tested the Lexus IS300.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Not enough difference in the “I35” and 2003 G35 models. I haven’t tested the G35 but I doubt both are needed in the lineup.

The Competition:

(4) Infiniti I35 $28,750, (9) Acura TL $29-33,000, (8) Audi A4 $25-33,000, (5) BMW 3 Series $27-42,000, (10) Jaguar X Type $30-36,000, (2) Lexus ES 300 $31,505, () Lexus IS 300 $29-31,000, (13) Lincoln LS $33-41,000, (12) Mazda Millenia $28-32,000, (3) Mercedes Benz C-class $25-50,000, (6) Mitsubishi Diamante $26-28,000, (7) Oldsmobile Aurora $32-35,000, (11) Saab 9-3 $28-45,000, (1) Volvo S60 $27-34,000.

Good News:

Lots of stuff to choose from, this I35 is not a standout but it is a strong competitor.

Bad News:

…becomes good news when you can\’t think of any bad.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 255 horsepower V6, 4-speed automatic trans, engine speed sensitive power steering, front strut and front and rear stabilizer bars, ABS disc brakes, traction control, power mirrors, auto headlights, fog lights, leather, power front seats, memory settings with auto entry/exit, trip computer, climate control, audio system with cassette and 6 in-dash CD player, cruise control, steering wheel controls, power windows and door locks, Homelink transceiver, front and side impact air bags, child safety rear locks and anchors, security system with Immobilizer and remote keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

20 City and 26 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $28,750.

2002 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas (395)

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2002 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas (395)

Overview: 

This week I had the pleasure of testing the 2002 Jaguar XJ8. Cars of this class are hard not to like. They are super comfortable, spacious and elegantly appointed. You’ll find women driving this car much more than men. But what about all that power? Women are much too conservative drivers to appreciate 0-60 in about 6 seconds. Isn’t it just the macho guys that are concerned about mechanical design and performance?

However, even the guys will appreciate special features and devices like the rear sensors to alert you of objects in your path while in reverse. It’s especially handy for parallel parking. I suspect we’ll soon find this as standard equipment on most cars in the near future. The cost is minimal for the benefit. The Infiniti Q45 I’m testing now has a rear view camera to assist in a similar fashion. Although it is impressive, the sensors are easier to use effectively. The only advantage with the video version is the safety provided when backing out of your driveway, for example, where it is comforting to be able to glance at the monitor to see if the kids left a tricycle, bicycle, skateboard, etc. behind your car. Not to mention little kids playing or family pets wandering around.

Handling & Performance:

Vanden Plas has a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 engine and you’d have to opt for the XJR to get a supercharged version of the same engine. But performance is excellent in either case. As a side note ABS, anti-lock braking systems, are great but not many drivers know how to use them properly. So I’ll digress a bit to explain ABS. I suggest you read about the use of ABS in your owner’s manual.

In the event of a skid, anti-lock brakes rely on a computer to pump the brakes more rapidly than you could pump them yourself. Using the system means applying firm and steady pressure to the brake. When the ABS kicks in, you will feel a vibration or pulsating sensation on the brake pedal. That indicates the ABS is working properly.

While the ABS is pumping the brakes very rapidly, the wheels will continue turning. This gives you control over the vehicles steering. In other words, you may be able to steer around an obstacle, such as the car in front of you.

Styling:

Some would note that this basic design, with few changes, has been around for several years. It is recognizable as a quietly elegant automobile.

Fit and Finish:

Detailing on this Jag is as beautiful as the women who drive them. And for the most part controls are where they should be, save one – the gas pedal. I wear tennis shoes a lot and have an average size shoe that kept catching on the side carpeting, which was annoying. But then since most will be driven by women with small feet this shouldn’t be a problem.

Conveniences:

If they offer an option for an “Intelligent Cruise Control” on any car you look at, do yourself a favor and test it. It’s great in my opinion. I also like the rear sensing device, but not the TV monitor version.

Cost:

Not a car for the faint hearted when it comes to opening your wallet. But for luxury and prestige, and the fact that only 240 units will be sent to the US, the price will be acceptable to those in the market for this kind of car. True, the badge is expensive when you consider you could go out and buy 5 Saturn’s with different colors for each day.

Consumer Recommendation:

I list the cars in this class below with ranking noted in parenthesis. But if cost is not a consideration, throw those out the power windows. Pricing not considered I would put this Jag number 2 right behind the Mercedes Benz.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Take another look at the design and placement of the gas pedal.

The Competition:

(6) Jaguar XJ8 $56-78,000, (4) Acura RL $43-45,000, (8) Audi A8 $62-67,000, (7)BMW 7 Series $68-72,000, (5) Cadillac Seville $44-50,000, (1) Infiniti Q45 $50,000, (3)Lexus LS 430 $54,000,(9) Mercedes Benz S-class $72-115,000, (2) Volvo S80 $38-50,000.

Good News:

Super comfort, elegant styling and first class detail work.

Bad News:

Turn signal resembles a Chinese water torture, says the lady. I wouldn’t go that far but it is a little strange. Very pricey and expensive for transportation.

Standard Equipment:

4.0 liter 290 horsepower V8 engine, 5 speed auto trans, dual and side airbags, ABS brake system, traction control, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, tilt wheel, cruise control, power leather seats, radio with cassette and CD, sunroof, rear window defroster, tachometer, alloy wheels.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $68,330.

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

2002 Saturn Vue (394)

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2002 Saturn Vue (394)

Overview:

This week’s ride is the Saturn Vue AWD V6 Sport Utility Vehicle. You say, “Just what we needed, another SUV”. I agree, but Sport Ute’s are so popular logic is thrown out the window with the proverbial bath water. It is hard to imagine why America’s auto buying public has such a fixation and love affair with this class of vehicle. I’d be interested in your “Vue’s”. If you care to make a comment send it tojoe@atthewheel.com.

This Vue is positioned with the low end SUV’s but in the top half of those, in my “Vue”. Looking at the stats of size, weight, towing capacity, passenger cubic feet, cargo cubic feet, etc. confirms my overall feeling about these vehicles. See my ranking in parenthesis before each vehicle below.

Handling & Performance:

Typical SUV handling for the most part, but it is in fact as good or better than most in height and width and among the top for ground clearance.

Styling:

“Plain Jane” – but this is an economy version of this otherwise very expensive class vehicle.

Fit and Finish:

Very good. Competitive.

Conveniences:

Not as full featured as some. Jeep and Subaru both, for example, come standard with more for the money.

Cost:

Not as competitive as it needs to be in this market.

Consumer Recommendation:

Do include this SUV in your search. It will impress you as a very viable option to all the rest. I rank it 4 out of 11 noted here.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Beef up the insulation and put the window controls on the driver door, which is more conventional.

The Competition:

(4) Saturn Vue $16-23,000, (1) Jeep Liberty $17-23,000, (2) Nissan Xterra $18-26,000, (3) Subaru Forester $20-24,000, (5) Ford Escape $19-26,000, (6) Suzuki XL-7 $20-26,000, (7) Honda CR-V$19-22,000, (8) Toyota RAV4 $17-18,000, (9) Chevrolet Tracker $16-22,000, (10) Mazda Tribute $18-24,000, (11) Hyundai Sante Fe $17-23,000.

Good News:

Great gas mileage for an SUV, dent resistant siding, and soft sell dealers.

Bad News:

Rear hatch didn’t close easily which meant I thought I was slamming it to get it to close completely – it was annoying to begin to drive and see a door open warning light. Road noise was noticeable. Window controls are on the center console, which is a reach for the driver to control the passenger side.

Standard Equipment:

 3.0 liter 181 horsepower V6 engine, 5-speed electronic auto trans, all wheel drive, air conditioning, Stereo w/ ck and CD and 6 speakers, power windows, mirrors and locks, cruise control, front and rear A/C outlets, electric power steering, power front disc and rear drum brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension, 100,000 mile tune up interval, dual airbags, child seat latches and safety locks, theft deterrent system, window washers, roof rails, stainless steel exhaust.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 25 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $22,575.

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

2002 Cadillac DeVille DTS (393)

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2002 Cadillac DeVille DTS (393)

Overview:

This weeks Cadillac DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) appears to be a “mans” car. Demographics show sales 85% men and 15% women with an average age of 67 and married. Cost can’t be the reason because young people make more money than this age group.

The younger set still seems to opt for BMW, Mercedes and all the “in things” in their generation. The are living with the legacy of parents who abandoned American carmakers in the 60’s and 70’s as a backlash against arrogant and too comfortable US manufacturers. The Japanese gave us an option and we took it. Now the perception is that foreign is better. And thanks to brilliant advertising today’s youthful buyers haven’t rediscovered American cars. It is surely fashionable to own a foreign car, which explains why Cadillac sells so well abroad where it is the import. Mercedes are still used as taxicabs in much of the world. You never see a Porsche on the autobahns of Germany, for example, because all the production they can manage is sold in Los Angeles. The flip side of that is that you do see Corvettes in Europe. Go figure. Is the grass really greener on the other side?

The DTS is new, sporty, high tech and it rivals most of the foreign imports. Consider the following technical features: StabiliTrak 2.0 that controls steering assist to limit wheel travel and keep the vehicle stable. Continuous road sensing independent suspension that reads the road surface and driving style once every millisecond and adjusts from “soft” to “firm”. Magnasteer is continuous speed-sensitive, variable-assist power steering. Rear parking assist radar, Night Vision and OnStar satellite emergency navigation systems round out a full compliment of indications of what’s to come in everyday driving in the future.

I am concerned, however, with future maintenance of such gadgets, albeit from the 8 Cadillac’s I’ve owned, they were all very reliable. It is a Cadillac, after all, and recognized around the world as just that – Top of the line “Standard of Quality”.

Handling & Performance:

Given its wide and tall stance, the DeVille’s steel unibody is remarkably aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.32. I am old fashioned and prefer the feel of rear wheel drive cars. I suspect I’d appreciate front wheel drive more if I were driving in the snow or other unstable surfaces. Much of the competition are rear wheel drive, like Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and Infiniti.

Styling:

Don’t ask me, I’ve always loved this car that has only gotten better over the years. Some folks don’t like the front end and some say it is “Bland”, but I rather think it is elegant.

Fit and Finish:

By and large it is every bit as good as any of the competition that cost more than Cad.

Conveniences:

Definitely more than you need. But there’s a lot of neat stuff here. I liked all but the Night Vision. Perhaps the most useful is the “Ultrasonic” rear-sensing device that warns you of objects in your path while backing and parking. But the most important is the OnStar. This can be life saving in many areas. Med-net stores personal and medical information, and if the air bag deploys emergency folks are instantly alerted. In addition you have someone to talk with for help with a host of questions arising during your travels.

Cost:

Luxury is expensive no matter what the brand. However, I’m convinced that in today’s world, your best buy is American. I also believe it will once again regain its prominence in the minds of Americans in the near future. That’s why dollar for dollar; you get the most for your money with American cars.

Consumer Recommendation:

Test-drive this car. Instinctively you know the most advanced technology and engineering and best design people in the world are right here in the USA. Americans are still mesmerized by the aura of European and Japanese made cars. Young buyers will be most apt to buy the DTS model because it is the most sporty and youthful design. In any case, if you agree with me that this is a “class act” don’t waste your money on the Night Vision for $2,250.

I’m really looking forward to testing the CTS model soon. Thoroughly modern in my view, Millie.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Night vision is a good idea, but it has limited application. In town it is a distraction and I suspect urban areas is where this car will be used. It will be interested to see how it sells. On the other hand, it may just be priced too high.

The Competition:

(1) Cadillac DeVille $43-48,000, (2) Audi A8 $62-67,000, (3) BMW 7 Series $68-72,000, (4) Infiniti Q45 $50,500, (5) Jaguar XJ Series $56-78,000, Lexus LS 430 $54,405, Mercedes Benz S-Class $72-115.000.

Good News:

Many features that will appeal to many, spacious trunk, extremely comfortable on the road, uncharacteristic good gas stats for a big luxury car that weighs 2 tons and you can use 87 octane gas.

Bad News:

Gadgetry could become troublesome and costly to fix.

Standard Equipment:

4.6 liter 300 horsepower V8 NorthStar System, 4-speed auto trans, front wheel drive, Magnasteer power steering, 4-wheel road sensing suspension, StabiliTrak 2.0, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, front and side airbags, theft deterrent, keyless entry, power and heated mirrors, OnStar communications, rain sensing wipers and headlight activation, Zebrano wood trim, leather, 10-way power seats, compass, climate control, tilt wheel, Bose sound with cassette and CD, heated seats front and rear, rear air bags, memory, ultrasonic rear parking assist, Night Vision, sunroof, chrome 17” wheels and XM Satellite radio 100 channels national coverage.

Gas Stats:

18 City and 27 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $55,395.

2002 Subaru WRX (392)

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2002 Subaru WRX (392)

Overview:

This week I tested the all wheel drive (AWD) Subaru WRX Impreza Wagon. I don’t like to start off on a negative note but rattles bug me as they probably do you. Well there was an annoying rattle under the dash. Remember the good old days when rattles were almost expected or at least not so big a deal in early cars.

Considering the horse and buggies they replaced not so many years before, a rattle here and there was no big deal. But after a hundred years of trial and error cars simply don’t usually have rattles any longer. When a car does have a rattle, squeak or groan, they are very noticeable.

The Vue from here looks smaller than it feels when you get in. It’s amazing that this “P’ Popper is a rather comfortable 5-seater. I’m in a Saturn AWD SUV as I write this and for the same money. The Saturn is not noted here as competition because it is classed as an SUV, but in my mind it is a real option. Both are AWD vehicles and the Saturn is one of the new generation SUV’s that are getting more car-like, and that’s the real draw of cars like this WRX.

General Info:

Parts –  no data.

Assembly –   Japan

Class:  –  Small Wagon

Subaru Cars: – Forester, Impreza, and Legacy.

Handling & Performance:

It is slow off the line but really fast when the turbo kicks in. But when you get in the power curve of 3000-3500 rpm it is impressive indeed.

Styling:

It is sporty for a utility wagon.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Conveniences:

Decent for the dough.

Cost:

When it comes to transportation, you get the most for your money when you buy in this category and price range car, in my opinion. It will take you there in relative comfort and return you home no worse for wear. Subaru has a good name, but owning one means you will live without the prestige of nameplates like Toyota, Lexus and the like. Obviously this car is priced at the upper range of its competition. Granted you get AWD but you also don’t have the option not to have All Wheel Drive.

Consumer Recommendation:

This car is best suited for the mature youthful buyer. It is especially good for those who are interested in a reliable, safe, all-wheel drive car for a young family. You will want to take a look at the Mazda Protégé 5 as well in this class and price range. The parenthetical notation below is the ranking by average price.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

The AWD feature may be good in snow and mud conditions but in mild climate weather conditions the cost can’t be justified.

The Competition:

1) Saturn SW $14,000, (2) Suzuki Esteem Wagon $14-17,000, (3) Ford Focus Wagon $17-18,000, (4) Impreza Wagon $17-23,000, (5) Audi A4 Avant $28-34,000.

Others to look at in this price range.

Mazda Protégé 5 at $18,500.

        

Saturn Vue at $22,575.

Good News:

Good gas efficiency, fast, fun to drive, sporty.

Bad News:

Small, annoying rattle under the dash.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, turbo, 5-speed manual trans, all wheel drive, limited slip rear differential, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, front and side air bags, power assist steering, air conditioning, child safety locks, sound system with cassette and 6 CD changer, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, heated dual power mirrors, heated front seats, cruise control, fog lights, auto headlights.

Gas Stats:

20 City and 27 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $24,020.

2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen (391)

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2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen (391)

Overview:

There is no question you’ll feel the excitement of driving the Saab 9-3 Viggen that shares its name with the delta-wing jet fighter also built by Saab. Saab has, for many years, built quality Swedish made cars that are fast and fun to drive with precise handling characteristics.

confident about their cars performance because market studies show that nearly 70% of those who test-drove a Saab purchased the car. Therefore they have embarked on a new Real Life Road Test program to over 25 cities in 2002.

After testing this car over some of its 54 year history, it is easy for me to believe that test-driving is the best sales aid because this car sells itself.

Saab is one of those few cars that have a “Cult” following. Of course the Edsel had a similar following, I believe for its uniqueness.

Saab says it intends to double its U.S. sales by the end of 2004 and will roll out six new models or concepts over the next five years, beginning with the 2002 Saab 9-5.

General Info:

Parts – Sweden 32%; Germany 24% US / Canada 1%, Engine – Sweden.

Assembly –  Nystad, Finland

Class:  -Mid-Size

Saab Cars: – 9-3, 9-5, 9-5 Wagon

Handling & Performance:

The Swede’s are great engineers and it is no surprise to me how well this car handles and the turbocharged performance is outstanding. It’s impossible not to be impressed. In fact you will need to hold the wheel with both hands when you put the pedal to the metal. It will flat twist the wheel in you hands as the front wheel drive and the torque of this turbocharged engine join together.

For those interested in a professional driving school, the price of this car includes the Viggen Flight Academy high-performance driving school in Atlanta, GA.

Styling:

This is always very personal, but although the Saab is easily distinguished from all the rest it just doesn’t light my fire, know what I mean?

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Conveniences:

Abundant, but you pay for them.

Cost:

It’s at the higher end of the competition, and a little pricey for my taste.

Consumer Recommendation:

The numbers in parenthesis, in the competition section below, rank the cars in order of average price of the range. Drive them in that order if you can.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Get more competitive price wise.

The Competition:

(1)Volkswagen Passat $22-29,000, (2) Audi A4 $25-33,000, (3) Cadillac CTS $29,000, (4) Infiniti I35 $29,000, (5) Chrysler 300M $28-32,000, (6) Volvo S60 $27-34,000, (7) Acura TL $29-33,000, (8) BMW 3-Series $27-42,000, (9) Saab 9-3 $28-45,000, (10) Lincoln LS $33-41,000, (11) Mercedes Benz C-Class $25-50,000.

Good News:

Powerful, fun to drive, lots of cargo area, comfortable and very little “Bad News”.

Bad News:

Low front end tends to drag going up a driveway for example.

Standard Equipment:

2.3 liter 230 horsepower Inline 4 Turbo engine, 5-speed manual trans, traction control, front wheel drive, 4-wheel power disc anti-locking brake system, OnStar, front and side airbags, anti-theft with remote, power windows and door locks, power sunroof, climate control, 8-way power front seats, leather seating and steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, power & heated mirrors, stereo with anti theft and in-dash CD player,

Gas Stats:

19 City and 28 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $38,095.

2002 Infiniti QX4 SUV (390)

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2002 Infiniti QX4 SUV (390)

Overview:
The most popular vehicle by far is the SUV and if you need to combine luxury with 4-wheeling you’ll want to look at this weeks Infiniti QX4, affectionately referred to as a Q-by-Four.

Sales hype from Infiniti adds a little fu-fu in describing their entry in this market as “Empowering, Intelligent and Innovative”. Why’d they leave out Sexy? It seems everything on the block these days is sold with some sex image. Are we really that inane?

Innovative fits, however, and I got to tell you I really liked the optional Intelligent Cruise Control on this state of the art top of the line SUV. The Intelligent Cruise Control is a Laser based distance following device that works very well for a first generation feature of this type. I literally drove about 50 miles to the beach without touching the gas or brake pedals. It was mostly freeway driving and on a weekday non rush hour driving. This is an affordable option and will add about $800 to the price tag.

General Info:

Parts – not published.

Assembly – Japan

Class: – SUV Infiniti

Cars: – G35, I 35, Q45, QX4

Handling & Performance:

Most SUV’s set high so you don’t get that hug the curves feeling. That must be the reason manufacturers are blending the “Truck like” SUV with the general feel and comfort of the passenger car. The consumer has been demanding the sport utility but want the comfort and ride of the passenger car. Performance wise, the 240 horsepower gives you all you need in passing situations and freeway on ramps. The QX4 is as good as they get.

Styling:

It looks more like the Nissan Pathfinder than it should for the bucks. But I like the clean lines. It is less showy and more sophisticated.

Fit and Finish:

Outstanding. I appreciate the real Burlwood that adds a touch of class, especially when it is so well assembled.

Conveniences:

I didn’t like was the user-unfriendly navigation system that costs $2,000 more as an option. I’ve seen better and wonder why this one is so bad. Generally I like them, but this was more trouble than it was worth since I judge the quality design by how much I’d have to rely on the operation manual to use it. Let’s face it; most people refer to the instructions as a last resort.

As noted above, the laser cruise control is fantastic. It is a worthwhile option at $800.

The sunroof for $1,000 is something I find very little utility. It was all the rage in years past but not worth the cost to install. You can live without it and save a grand.

Cost:

Not all that bad if you look at it in relation to the competition. Luxury versions of the SUV have come down in price over the years thanks to the huge entrance of so many manufacturers into this segment.

Consumer Recommendation:

I like the toys as well as the next guy, but I’d opt for the Intelligent Cruise and forget the Moonroof and the Navigation system.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Make the Navigation system more user friendly. And for the dough you should be able to provide 4-wheel disc brakes. Good show on the intelligent cruise control. Pricing is fair and an option I predict will sell extremely well. The concept is simple and for the money I would buy it.

The Competition:

Infiniti QX4 $34-35,000, Acura MDX $35-39,000, BMW X5 $39-66,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $26-34,000, Dodge Durango $25-37,000, Ford Explorer $21-35,000, GMC Envoy $29-34,000, Isuzu Axiom $27-31,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $26-37,000, Land Rover Discovery $33-37,000, Lexus RX 300 $34-36,000, Mercedes Benz M-Class $36-66,000, Oldsmobile Bravada $32-35,000, Toyota Highlander $24-31,000.

Good News:

Powerful, Ultra-luxurious, comfortable, great ride, super cruise control.

Bad News:

Horrible gas mileage, Navigation is not user friendly.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 240 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed automatic trans, 4-wheel drive system, power front vented disc and rear drum anti-locking brake system, engine speed sensitive rack and pinion power steering, 5,000 lb. Towing capacity, lift gate with glass hatch, rear widow privacy, 16 inch alloy wheels, power heated side mirrors, front UV cut glass, leather seating and wrapped steering wheel and emergency brake handle, power front seats, power widows and door locks, Birds eye Maple wood trim, climate control, audio system with cassette and in dash 6-CD changer, cruise control, Homelink transceiver, front and side air bags, child rear safety locks, security system with keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

15 City and 18 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $35,550.

2002 Nissan Sentra Spec V (389)

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2002 Nissan Sentra Spec V (389)

Overview:

This week I tested the Nissan Sentra Spec V. I have a friend who’s in her second Toyota Corolla and she loves the 2000 model as much as she did the ten year old one she replaced. They are such basic cars and low cost to buy and operate there is little to complain about.

And if your thing is to pour your money into something other than transportation, these compact cars are wonderful. They are not showy but they are so capable with today’s technological advancements that you really will be surprised at every facet of performance.

It is a lot of transportation car for the money, but I have driven all of the competition and they are, for the most part, neck and neck with each other. But I still rank them overall considering price and features, comfort and styling as noted in the listing below with the rank in parenthesis.

My biggest complaint was that it was not very comfortable on the road for prolonged driving. After a short time I was in agony because I just couldn’t get the adjustment right. The VW New Beetle was so bad I would rank it at the bottom just for that reason. In that case it wasn’t adjustment but just poorly designed seats. They should take both designers out and shoot them.

General Info:

Parts – not Published.

Assembly – Mexico

Class: Compact

Nissan Cars: Altima, Frontier, Maxima, Pathfinder, Quest, Sentra, Xterra

Handling & Performance:

Sport suspension gives it a stiff feel and annoying bone jarring bottoming out over dips and ruts in the road. But that is what gives it the great handling. It really is ok around town. It is very faaaaaast with 0-60 at just over 7 seconds. Very impressive.

Styling:

Good. Plain Jane, but that’s ok for this class and price of car.

Fit and Finish:

As always, Japanese cars pay close attention to detail. However this is assembled in Mexico. I don’t like stereotypes, but growing up in Southern California and visiting Mexico on several occasions with one of my best friend in my youth who was Mexican I developed some healthy doubts about the quality of Mexican workmanship. That was a long time ago and in those days Mexican quality was better than any Asian product. In any case I noticed nothing to support my prejudice. In fact I didn’t know it was assembled in Mexico until I looked at the paperwork in preparation for this review. Old opinions are hard to change, eh.

Conveniences:

Typical for the price range.

Cost:

Priced in the middle of this large field on competitors.

Consumer Recommendation:

Test drive in order of ranking, as you need to, but take three first. #1, #7 and #15 for example will give you a range.

The Competition:

(2) Nissan Sentra Spec V $12-17,000, (1) Toyota Corolla $13-15,000, (3) Ford Focus $12-17,000, (4) Honda Civic $13-21,000, (5) Mitsubishi Mirage $12-15,000, (6) Dodge Neon $12-16,000, (7) Saturn SL $11-14,000, (8) Daewoo Nubira $12-14,000, (9) Kia Sephia $11-12,000, (10) Kia Spectra $11-14,000, (11) Hyundai Elantra $12-14,000, (12) Mazda Protégé $13-16,000, (13) Chevrolet Cavalier $14-20,000, (14) Volkswagen Jetta $17-27,000, (15) Subaru Impreza $19-24,000.

Good News:

Priced well, sporty, good gas stats, powerful and fun to drive.

Bad News:

Plain Jane styling, uncomfortable on long trips, no ABS or traction control.

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter 175 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual trans, power disc brakes, power steering, front stabilizer bars, 17 inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, power mirrors, air conditioning, 5 passenger seating, leather wrapped steering wheel, tilt steering, remote keyless entry, power widows and door locks, audio system with CD player, Cruise control, dual air bags.

Gas Stats:

22 City and 28 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $16,999.

2002 Mazda Protégé 5 (388)

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2002 Mazda Protégé 5 (388)

Overview:

This week I had a chance to drive the New to the US Market, Mazda Protégé 5. Ok, not something I’d run out to buy, but it does appeal to the younger set. Low rider comes to mind. Not to be confused with “Easy Rider”. Anyway, it is an interesting compact economy car that has that modified look.

The low slung feel reminds me of the very popular Chevy Xtreme pickup truck. You know, the S10 Yuppie truck that had a makeover in East L.A.

In my youth I spent a reasonable amount of time in the “Hood” as it is referred to these days. Where “Homies” experience the same adolescent fears young people do everywhere in the world. The media is always telling us about those drive by’s, so it’s apparent you don’t have to go to the middle east to get shot at. Surely this past year has shown us we’re not so different from any third world country in too many ways. People will be people and kids will be kids and politicians will continue to be fools.

But on a serious note, the fact of the matter is that “Boom Boxes” probably kill more people than gangs or other terrorists. And even more sobering is that more people really do die in auto accidents than all those other forms of man made disasters combined. On a heavily traveled holiday weekend it isn’t uncommon for 500 or more to die on the highway and we seldom hear much about that.

Of course that speaks volumes about the need for better driver education in America. Surely Europeans are far better drivers, for example, where it is serious business who will be awarded the right to drive on the highways there. Europeans do believe it is a privilege as much as we in America believe it is our constitutional right to own and operate a car. We grew up knowing it was as we were convinced driving was better than mass transit. But when you follow the “Green” (money) US drivers have been lead down the primrose path by the folks who gain from tire, rubber and gasoline sales. Folks who were around in the Southern California area know there were many miles of tracks for public transportation that were torn up in favor of more cars and more roads. Now that we\’ve totally saturated the freeways the tracks are going back in. Don\’t you just hate to be manipulated!

Now that we depend on cars as our only means of \”realistic\” transportation gas companies raise prices you are helpless to do anything about. And to add insult to injury the public sector jumps in to rip off the public as well. When cities and states need to offset spending excesses they simply instruct our Men in Blue, (the Gestapo) to hit the streets to remind us that, “Driving is a Privilege” and not a right. Speed limits are maintained artificially low for today\’s advanced high tech cars to make it easier to shear the sheep. They even make it easy on you by allowing you to pay this (obscene hidden tax) by mail. Don\’t get me started, I\’m angry.

Well there is one way to fight back, and that is to buy less expensive cars that are also easier on gas consumption. This Mazda Protégé 5 is one of those cars.

General Info:

Parts – 93% Japan, 2% US/Canada; engine & trans / Japan

Assembly – Hiroshima, Japan

Class: Compact Mazda

Cars: 626, Millennia, MPV, MX-5 Miata, Protégé, Tribute, Truck.

Handling & Performance:

Racing type suspension and that stiff ride signals better handling. 130 horsepower is a bit underpowered but adequate in most situations. Load it with 5 average sized people and a little luggage and you’ll be dragging a bit as that little 4-cylinder tugs noisily along.

Styling:

The “5” in Protégé 5 stands for 5 doors. Hatchback is another variation on the same theme but this is more like a Wagon, which to me seems incongruous with the young market this car seeks to attract.

Fit and Finish:

Mazda is typically Japanese in quality workmanship. The Japs continue to lead since defeating the Yanks in Detroit where Cadillac once defined what the “Best” was. Oddly enough the term still remains as a definition for excellence.

Conveniences:

Sparse.

Cost:

Top of the range for this car.

Consumer Recommendation:

More conventional buyers will want to look at the competition noted below, all of which I’ve tested and I like better than this Protégé 5.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Waiting until other small wagons were introduced in the US market was a good plan. But the sporty attempt may be too radical. The low rider thing doesn’t work for me. It will be interesting to see how it sells here in America.

The Competition:

Ford Focus $17-18,000, Saturn SW $14,290, Subaru Impreza Wagon $17-23,000, Suzuki Esteem Wagon $14-17,000, Volkswagen Jetta Wagon $18-27,000.

Good News:

Affordably priced, sporty, utility wagon features, good gas stats.

Bad News:

Radical styling.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 130 horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine, 5-speen manual trans, dual air bags, 5 passenger seating, fog lamps, front wheel drive, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tilt wheel, dual power mirrors, 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering.

Gas Stats:

25 City and 31 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $18,500.

2002 Mitsubishi Diamante Sedan (386)

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2002 Mitsubishi Diamante Sedan (386)

Overview:

This week’s Mitsubishi is the Diamante LS 4-door Sedan that is totally impressive. If anything is wrong with buying this sedan is that it lacks the prestigious nameplate of BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and the like. But it is every bit as good in my opinion.

And when you price compare, you’ll agree this is worth a test drive along with all those other snooty names.

Handling & Performance:

Wonderful. Front wheel drive and traction control helps driver to stay out of trouble in the turns.

Styling:

Beautifully designed that includes a sleek body that translates to a .28 coefficient of drag.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Conveniences:

Loaded for bear.

Cost:

Best of the bunch. It is very well priced. I can only speculate that Mitsubishi prices its SUV as high or higher than the competition because it is such a popular vehicle class. While they have aggressively priced this Diamante, I don’t think they thought it would be as appealing as I think it will be. Perhaps the cheaper assembly labor in Australia accounts for the lower price.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you are in the market for a Sedan I suggest you run, don’t walk to the nearest Mitsubishi dealer and test drive this car. Very impressive and with the pricing you can’t go wrong.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Don’t read my comments to the consumer.

The Competition:

Acura TL $29-33,000, Audi A4 $25-33,000, BMW 3-Series $27-42,000, Chrysler 300M $28-32,000, Infiniti I 30 $30-32,000, Lexus ES 300 $31,505, Lincoln LS $33-41,000, Mazda Millenia $28-32,000, Saab 9-3 $28-45,000.

Good News:

Extremely well priced, great styling, solid, comfortable family sedan.

Bad News:

Resale is bound to be lower than more prestigious nameplates, but that is good news for used car buyers, eh.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter V6 205 horsepower engine, 4-speed auto trans, dual front airbags, child safety locks, anti-theft engine immobilizer, power steering, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, climate control air conditioning, stereo with CD player, steering wheel audio controls, power windows/locks and mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power driver’s seat, leather, leather steering wheel, wood grain trim, auto headlights, power glass sunroof.

Gas Stats:

18 City and 25 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $28,447.

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