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 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4X4 (385)

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2002 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4X4 (385)
Overview:

This week’s Mitsubishi Montero Limited 4-wheel drive took me home from Los Angeles International Airport on my return from Portland where I tested the VW New Beetle. I felt I was “stylin” when I stepped into this familiar SUV. It made the ride through downtown Los Angeles almost bearable.

From the Pacific Northwest to the pits of LA, is a culture shock. But I’ve lived in the LA area since, oh my God, has it been that long? Thinking back, they still had dirt roads in the Pasadena area where I grew up.

Anyway, I guess the reason we justify spending so much money on cars is that we have to spend so much time in them. In this case, for the comfort and driving pleasure of this Montero you are going to pay dearly.

General Info:

Parts – 99% Japan, 1% US/Canada

Assembly – Minokamo, Japan

Class: Special Purpose / SUV

Mitsubishi Cars: Diamante, Eclipse, Galant, Lancer, Mirage, Montero

Handling & Performance:

Solid ride and confident handling. This is one hunk of metal that is worth its salt but at a price that may gag you. Lots of power and at the top of its class. And you can bet you’ll pay for that power at the pumps. The gas stats are abysmal and perhaps my biggest pet peeve, if you hadn’t noticed.

Styling:

Bulky look and very pretty. This surely has the look and feel of a top of the line SUV.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent. Mitsubishi has come a long way over the years in spite of the bad news of scary roll over test results.

Conveniences:

This is loaded with a lot of gadgets and goodies that we have come to appreciate to the point of being necessities in today’s world. I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it here that with the advent of a glut of high tech electronics priced so well it is foolish for manufacturers to leave anything to options. The cost of labor is just too high to have to have variations on the same theme.

Cost:

Too much. All the gadgets can’t justify the price. And yes, I agree, all the others in this class are pricey too. And it isn’t the fault of the manufacturer. How can they be blamed for our love of SUV’s? And if you add climate control, rear air and heater and power passenger seat you’ll add $1,200 to the MSRP below.

Consumer Recommendation:

Buy an SUV if you must, but unless you need 4-wheel drive don’t, I repeat, don’t buy it with 4-WD. In most conditions for normal driving you will never need it. Yes, if you’re in the out back, on a farm or very rural areas of the world you may need it often. Consider where you live and be realistic. You’ll save weight, maintenance problems and gas consumption.

Alternate to the SUV for most applications is a Mini Van. They do the same thing but no off road capability. Like you’re going to need to get off road! Not likely, unless you’re on e of the 5% who do.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Getting to the moon was tough; getting better gas performance out of an SUV appears to be impossible. There must be a way I keep telling myself. Carmakers should be able to figure this out. And come on guys; include all those electronics at a fraction of the price you charge. They simply don’t cost all that much.

The Competition:

BMW X5 $39-66,000, Dodge Durango $25-37,000, Ford Explorer $21-35,000 GMC Envoy $29-34,000, Isuzu Trooper $28-37,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $25-37,000, Land Rover Discovery $33-37,000, Mercedes Benz M-Class $36-66,000, Nissan Pathfinder $27-31,000, Oldsmobile Bravada $32-35,000, Toyota Land Cruiser $52,595.

Good News:

Great warranty, comfortable, nice styling.

Bad News:

Very pricey and terrible gas mileage.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter V6 200 horsepower engine, 5-speed auto trans with over drive, dual front and side airbags, child safety locks, anti-theft engine immobilizer, active trac 4-wheel drive, Ltd slip differential, power steering, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, air conditioning, stereo with CD player, power windows/locks and mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, 2nd row 60/40 split fold down seats, 3rd row stowable seat, power driver’s seat, leather, wood and leather steering wheel, heated front seats/mirrors, wood grain interior trim, 16” alloy wheels, power glass sunroof, roof rails, spare tire locking cover.

Gas Stats:

14 City and 19 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $35,797.

2002 VW New Beetle Turbo S (384)

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2002 VW New Beetle Turbo S (384)

Overview:

This week I’m reflecting on my week in the Pacific Northwest in a Volkswagen Beetle Turbo S. How sweet it is, Jackie Gleason used to say. And I must admit, this is a pretty impressive little car that is more Porsche than VW in my opinion. In fact, most of the production is sold in Europe where consumers don’t view the New Beetle as a super simple, basic economy car as we do in this country.

But this car is truly at home on the autobahn fast lane along with Mercedes, Audi and BMW. I, like lots of folks out there, have owned a VW sometime in their lives. If like me this car helped get you through college. But even after college I found it was also good for my then young family when we bought a 1970 model. It was solid and light-years ahead of the 1960’s vintage that got me through school. Today’s New Beetle is so far advanced over either of those it is a contradiction to the name it bears.

General Info:

Parts – 30% Germany 30% Mexico 12% U.S. & Canadian

Assembly – Puebla, Mexico

Class: Sub-Compact

Volkswagen Cars: Cabrio, Eurovan, Golf, Jetta, Beetle, Passat.

Handling & Performance:

Hold on to your hat. This is going to be “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride”. Remember when Disneyland had different tickets? Well this would be an “E” Ticket with a turbo that jerks the steering wheel in your hand when it kicks in. The electronic stabilization program works well in helping the driver stay out of trouble. An error warning light accompanies the engine and braking assist for demanding maneuvers. This is usually only found on more expensive cars. The speedometer goes to 160 but it is electronically governed for a max 130 mph.

Styling:

You either love it or hate it. Sure it looks like VW of yesteryear but with today’s technology. Each year they give it a nicer, sleeker and sporty looking car that is breaking out of the traditional VW Beetle I grew up with.

Fit and Finish:

Really quite good in spite of the stereotype “Made in Mexico” conjures up. But, it is only assembled in Mexico and most of the components, particularly the engine and transmission for example are made in Germany. In any case they still have a good work ethic there and do a good job putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Southern Californian’s will remember when the hot ticket was to go get your car “Tuck and Rolled” in Tijuana, Mexico?

Conveniences:

VW Beetles (Bugs) were skimpily equipped in the “Good?” old days. Of course that’s when men were men and you didn’t need no heat or air conditioning. Well, the truth is we simply weren’t spoiled yet. Today’s New Beetle is equipped with everything you’d ever want included as standard equipment.

Cost:

Not bad for how this car handles and how well equipped it is, but after you replace the horrid seats the cost may be high than you’d like.

Consumer Recommendation:

I hate to say it, but I wouldn’t buy this car for one important reason. The seats are terribly uncomfortable, especially on a long trip.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Whoever designed the seats should be taken out and shot. Vee have vays of getting better seats, and buying a different car is one way.

The Competition:

Ford Focus $12-18,000, Honda Civic $13-21,000, Hyundai Tiburon $14,000, Mitsubishi Eclipse $18-26,000, Saturn SC $13-16,000, Subaru Impreza $19-24,000, Toyota Celica $17-22,000, Toyota Corolla $13-15,000, Toyota Echo $10-11,000.

Good News:

Faster’n snot, smooth ride and fun to drive, great warranty and roadside assistance that is standard along with an impressive list including leather and sun roof.

Bad News:

Horribly uncomfortable seats after a short 30 miles or so, premium gas required, limited production said to be only 5,000 for 2002 out of 55,000 being built.

Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter 180 horsepower 20 valve 4-cylinder turbo charged engine, 6-speed manual trans, front wheel drive, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, power steering, speed activated rear spoiler, electronic stabilization program (ESP), fog lights, dual front and side airbags, immobilizer anti-theft system, leather, power heated mirrors, stereo with cassette, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, glass power sun roof, and remote keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

23 City and 30 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $23,400.

2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-door Sedan LS (381)

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2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-door Sedan LS (381)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-door Sedan LS, and I have to tell you this is a sweet little car. It’s considered a compact but a bigger feel even though only 4 inches longer than the Mirage, which it will likely replace.

Since I drive so many cars I go mostly from overall first impression feel just as you would do when you test-drive a car. As you can imagine most cars today have all the same high technology knowledge and components are relatively inexpensive. Therefore, when you buy a car, demand it has all the bells and whistles because manufacturers are smarter to give them all and not have options. This is getting more common but still not the absolute norm.

General Info:

Parts – 97% Japan

Assembly – Kurashiki, Japan

Class: Compact

Mitsubishi Cars: Diamante, Eclipse, Galant, Lancer, Mirage, Montero and Montero Sport.

 

Handling & Performance:

I slipped right into this car and hit the road running. All controls are smooth albeit the steering is a little light. You’re not going to enter any road races, but you can drive to any of them comfortably and economically. If you like the car and want more power, Mitsubishi is considering a special version in 2003 with a 230 horsepower 4-cylinder engine built for World Rally Championship competition. Let me know and I’ll get a message to the company.

Styling:

Cookie cutter, not so exciting, won’t turn heads, but who cares? This is a nice small sedan for us real people. The interior is stand out in design in this price range car.

Fit and Finish:

Usual and expected. No rattles, feels tight. I hate when there are little squeaks.

Conveniences:

Very good for the dough. Mirrors fold for those tight parking spaces.

Cost:

Good for all the standard features. Donald Trump will want to know about this economical car to drive to his private jet.

Consumer Recommendation:

Test drive and demand all the bells and whistles for what you’d expect to pay for a stripped down model. Why, because we’re the consumer and we have the power to change what we’re offered by all consumer product makers.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

1. Put knobs back on the radios and make them large enough for anyone to see. 2. Thanks to Mitsubishi for including all the features for an affordable price. 3. Generally, keep high tech to a reasonable level. Example: if you have to press buttons in five sequential steps just to find out what time it is, put a $5.00 clock in the dash, dah!

The Competition:

Chevrolet Prizm $14-16,000, Dodge Neon $12-16,000, Ford Focus $12-18,000, Honda Civic $13-17,000, Hyundai Elantra $12-14,000, Kia Sephia $11-12,000, Mazda Protégé $13-16,000, Nissan Sentra $12-17,000, Saturn SL $11-13,000, Subaru Impreza $19-24,000, Suzuki Esteem $13-14,000, Toyota Corolla $13,000, VW Golf $15-18,000.

Good News:

Comfortable and quiet, good gas stats, Japanese quality.

Bad News:

Cookie cutter plain wrap styling. Standard equipment doesn’t include anti-lock braking or side air bags and they are not even optional on other models, I know Japan didn’t put a man on the moon, but you’d think they could figure out how to have the rear windows roll down all the way.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder 120 horsepower engine, 4-speed auto trans, power front disc rear drum brakes, dual front airbags, child safety locks and latch system, power steering, 4-wheel independent suspension, air conditioning, stereo with CD player, power windows, door locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, tilt steering, 8-way adjustable driver seat.

Gas Stats:

24 City and 30 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $15,897.

2002 Isuzu Axiom (380)

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2002 Isuzu Axiom (380)

Overview: 

This weeks flavor is the Isuzu Axiom for 2002. Naturally, if you’re inquisitive you’re probably wondering what the name means. Well, out of about 50,000 entries into a naming contest in 1999, an engineer won for his suggestion because of its definition of “a self-evident truth”.

What is self-evident is that now more trucks are sold in America than cars. And people don’t seem to care about the gas guzzling nature of this half truck, half car mode of transportation. Just when I thought gas prices were out of control, the government steps in to put pressure on the gas companies after the disaster of Sept. 11th. Good for us, but it only begs the issue that we’ll have to pay the piper sooner or later. Personally I wouldn’t want to be stuck with a car that gets such lousy gas mileage. Obviously I’m alone in this thinking.

Handling & Performance:

I was pleasantly surprised at how nice a handling SUV it is. When you put your foot in it the power is there at 230 horsepower, which is at the top end of the competition noted below. Zero to 60 is a respectable 8 seconds.

Styling: 

Opinion will be wide and varied when it comes to how it looks. Perhaps a little odd would be the answer from some based on the queer looks I got driving it around town.  I don’t believe it is as far out as the Pontiac Aztek, but it isn’t ordinary either. The “automotively correct” term is “Crossover” for vehicles that join two styles or types. In this case the Axiom is a rendition of the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a passenger car. That means the consumer gets the utility of a truck and the comfort of a car. Avalanche does the best job of “Crossover” in my opinion.

Fit and Finish:

Solid – final assembly is Japan, best describes this new arrival to this wildly successful market segment. Nicely done and as good as the most expensive of the bunch.

Conveniences:

Typical and on the high end.

Cost:

Competitive as you can see from the prices of its rivals.

Recommendation:

I have no bent either for or against this carmakers product, but it is clearly as good as anything in its field. I definitely would include it in my comparison to determine what’s best for me.

The competition:

 Isuzu Axiom $27-31,000, Chevrolet Trail Blazer $25-34,000, Dodge Durango $25-37,000, Ford Explorer $21-34,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $25-37,000, Mitsubishi Montero Sport $23-33,000, Nissan Pathfinder $26-31,000, Toyota 4Runner $25-36,000.

Good News:

Futuristic styling, comfortable, classy and roomy interior, good standard equipment, priced very competitively, and a good warranty.

Bad News:

 Poor gas mileage, narrow rear door, questionable styling, and traction control not available.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 230 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans, dual air bags, child locks, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, tilt wheel, cruise control, power leather seats, FM radio with cassette and CD player, sunroof, alloy wheels.

Gas Stats:

16 City and 20 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $31,335.

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

2002 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ (379)

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2002 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ (379)

Overview:

This week I drove the Mitsubishi Galant GTZ 4-door sedan and it goes on my top ten list of cars I’d want to see my kids buy. But then kids don’t listen to parents all that much. Actually that’s not totally true. I was pleasantly surprised that daughter Jen decided to look at practical and affordable cars after our little heart to heart.

Now I just can’t wait to see if she buys that glitzy waste of money anyway.

Surely this is a quality option to the better-known cars like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Overall it is in my top 10 pick for sedans this year.

Huge conglomerate: Today, Mitsubishi companies are Japan’s industry leaders in several sectors, including marine transport, aircraft manufacturing, shipbuilding, nuclear power engineering, waste treatment plants, satellites, defense contracting, glass, petrochemicals, oil products, beer, property and casualty insurance, and warehousing, among others. They are international and although the engine and trans are made in Japan, this Galant is built in Normal, Illinois, right here in the good old US of A.

Handling & Performance:

Very good.

Styling:

Common place but consistent with its cookie-cutter rivals.

Fit and Finish:

Very nice.

Conveniences:

As good as the rest.

Cost:

Good in the field of plenty.

Recommendation:

Well, take a good look at the competition. As I do here’s what I see. Oldsmobile has been discontinued, Pontiac is about to throw in the towel. Then when you consider newcomers to our auto market like Hyundai, the field narrows quickly.

So, knock out competitors as follows. On Price: Concorde, Impala, Intrepid, Maxima, Intrigue and Passat. And when you eliminate new to the market cars like Hyundai Sonata you end up with Galant, Taurus, Accord, Mazda 626, Legacy and Camry.

You will want to look at them all, but I like the Camry, Galant, and Legacy. I have tested the 2002 Camry and Galant and the 2001 Legacy and feel comfortable including it here based on track record. This is my order of preference.

The Competition:

Mitsubishi Galant $18-24,000, Chevrolet Impala $24-35,000, Chrysler Concorde $23-28,000, Dodge Intrepid $21-26,400, Ford Taurus $19-23,000, Honda Accord $15-25,000, Hyundai Sonata $15-18,000, Mazda 626 $19-23,000, Nissan Maxima $25-27,000, Oldsmobile Intrigue $23-28,000, Pontiac Grand Prix $21-26,000, Subaru Legacy $19-25,000, Toyota Camry $19-25,000, Volkswagen Passat $22-29,000.

Good News:

Priced and equipped well, it stands out as a quality competitor, you may be able to deal more than you can with the sales leaders and get just as good a car.

Bad News:

It lacks the good name Toyota has earned over the years.

Standard Equipment:

3.0 liter 195 horsepower V6 engine with 4-speed auto trans, dual front and side air bags, child safety locks, anti-theft immobilizer, anti-lock disc brake system, power steering, traction control, air conditioning, Infinity stereo with CD player, power locks, mirrors and windows, remote keyless entry, cruise control, adjustable steering column, lighted vanity mirrors and map lights, 8-way drivers power seat, leather trim, heater mirrors, fog lights and power glass sunroof.

Gas Stats:

20 City and 27 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $24,712.

2002 Suzuki Esteem Wagon (378)

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2002 Suzuki Esteem Wagon (378)

Overview: 

This week we’re looking at the 2002 Suzuki Esteem Wagon GLX. I suspect our egos take us too far and away from good sense when it comes to buying a car. Saturn also puts out a nice low cost car but BMW, Mercedes Benz and the like mesmerize buyers. We buy beyond our need for transportation. While I was in Japan I got the distinct impression that people there buy cars for their utility. In fact, look at most countries other than the United States and you see how much they push the envelope on getting the most out of the cars they buy. If a carmaker says the truck will carry a 1-ton load you can bet your bippy the carmaker has underestimated the real potential by magnitudes.

Well, I guess my point is that this little wagon will deliver more utility per dollar than those heavy hitter Beemers and Benz’s. Look at the gas performance, repair costs, insurance and all the rest and if my kids didn’t buy something like this I’d be disappointed. Ok, so I’m disappointed.

When my family was young I always recommended that you buy a better-equipped, more luxurious used car than spending a lot of money on a new car that depreciated in value simply by driving it off the lot. Today the world has changed and technology is abundantly available and cheap! So, today I say buy new, but don’t buy the big name brands where too much of the price tag is for the nametag. The other advantage of buying new today, (because they are relatively cheaper), is that you don’t have to gamble on the mechanical roadworthiness of the purchase. You don’t want to inherit the problems the seller is dumping onto someone else. You just have too much to choose from at great prices and you get an uncontested warranty to boot.

Handling & Performance:

Just great, kids (do you think they’re listening?). How they get so much from a 1.8-liter engine is marvelous these days. And although I thought this little 4-cylinder engine was adequate for the car, I tested the VW Beetle with a Turbocharged 4-cylinder that put out 180 horsepower.

Styling: 

More than “plain wrap” and that makes it competitive in this market segment, but why’d they think they needed the Roof End or rear roof spoiler? Well I guess they’re the designers, but I have to look at it and does it serve any real good purpose? I doubt this will be in any road races where aerodynamics is critical.

Fit and Finish:

Great for the dough.

Conveniences:

Well equipped for the money.

Cost:

Well priced.

Recommendation:

If you’re in the market for trouble free transportation for a young family this is a good choice. If you’re not interested in snob appeal this is a must drive option. The field of similar small wagons is limited so you should be able to test-drive them all. I’ve tested all and they are very close in my opinion, so it will come down to: 1. Is it big enough for your need? and 2. Which has the styling that suits your taste?

 The competition:

Suzuki Esteem Wagon $17,374, Ford Focus Wagon $17-18,000, Mazda Protégé 5 $16,000, Saturn SW $14,000, Subaru Impreza Wagon $17-23,000.

Good News:

Well-priced, comfortable, economical gas miser, typical Japanese quality and odd looking roof end spoiler.

Bad News:

Will not boost your ego as it builds your bank account.

Standard Equipment: 

1.8 liter inline 4-cylinder 120 horsepower engine, 4-speed auto trans, power steering and brakes, Roof End Spoiler, power sunroof, alloy wheels, child safety locks, remote keyless entry, power windows, locks and mirrors, rear defroster, tachometer, cruise control, air conditioning, audio system with cassette and CD and dual front airbags.

Gas Stats:

26 City and 33 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $17,374.

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

Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair

2002 Suzuki XL-7 (377)

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2002 Suzuki XL-7 (377)

Overview:

This week’s review is the Suzuki XL-7 mid size sport utility. It is affordable to buy and even a little better on gas consumption than other larger SUV’s. But like all 4-wheel drive vehicles you expect lower numbers here.

It is rather nice looking, has a beefier build than other Suzuki products and more powerful with a 2.7 liter V6 engine. It is a long stretch from the early days of the Samurai that scared me to drive. It is very unstable with a narrow track and high center of gravity. The little 2-door Vitara looks to be simply the renaming of an old dog, but I haven’t driven it. Memories are obviously lasting. I must admit however that Suzuki did help pave the way to more affordable SUV’s and that little Samurai put Suzuki on the map in the America.

Surely this second year model of the XL-7 is a nice addition and improvement in affordable mid size SUV’s on the market today. I believe as a family car the mini van is a better option to the SUV but some shy away from the accompanying “soccer mom” image of a van.  Thus they go for the less fuel efficient SUV and 4-WD capability they will never use anyway. Go figure.

I heard it said that although the XL-7 doesn’t have a more prestigious nameplate it does a nice job of combining utility, comfort, performance and ruggedness. And of course I have to add, affordably.

Handling & Performance:

Performance is not bad for normal driving but if you push the limits you feel and hear the straining of the engine. It handles nicely and doesn’t have that top-heavy feeling of the Samurai that left its mark on my memory. It is also surprisingly comfortable and provides a smooth ride on good highways. Naturally it won’t handle those potholes as well as its larger, more expensive competitors.

Styling:

Very nice. This largest of the Suzuki fleet has clean and classy lines. Not what I had expected. The interior is also very comparable with most other SUV’s with much higher price tags.

Fit and Finish:

Very good. This will surprise you.

Conveniences:

Very good for the money.

Cost:

Because it is a mid size SUV that is roomy and comfortable, it is apparent you really don’t have to spend more money to get the job done. Very well priced.

Consumer Recommendation:

In the market for a Sport Utility?  I would definitely include this XL-7 in my test drive line-up. Perhaps the closest competitor is the Mazda Tribute from the numbers but I like this XL-7 a little better.

Manufacturer Recommendations:

Generally a nice job. But for the US market put the hinges on the opposite side of the cargo door so it opens away from the curb for ease of loading and it’s safer too. I found little else to complain about.

The competition:

Chevrolet Tracker $16-22,000, Ford Escape $19-26,000, Mazda Tribute $18-24,000, Mitsubishi Montero Sport $23-33,000.

Good News:

Well-priced, nice styling, smooth ride, comfortable and affordable. Seats up to seven with third row seating.

Bad News:

 Engine strains when pushed and a little noisy, rear door opens to the curb, but then they drive on the left side in Japan.

Standard Equipment:

2.7 liter 183 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans, power brakes and steering, shift on the fly 4-wheel drive, air conditioning, stereo with CD player, power windows/locks and heated mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, child safety locks, tilt steering wheel.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 20 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $21,799.

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

Copyright © 2001 – An Automotive Love Affair

2002 Toyota Camry SE V6 (376)

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2002 Toyota Camry SE V6 (376)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2002 Toyota Camry. Bore – ring! I’ve always felt their whole line of passenger cars has been unexciting. You know, like they are not controversial in styling where some people love them while others hate them. But, at the end of the day, they always get the job done without any fan-fare. They simply are great cars all around.

Camry was introduced in 1983 and began being built in the US in 1988. They took the title of “Best Selling Passenger Car in America” away from Honda Accord and Ford Taurus in 1997. Today they are available in six trims –  LE, SE, XLE, LE V6, SE V6 and XLE V6. They are powered by either a 2.4-liter 157-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, or a 3.0-liter 192-horsepower V6. There is no manual trans option with the V6.

Toyota has always had a good reputation for quality and that is reason enough to be crowned the top selling mid-sized sedan in America for the past five years. I have to admit, I liked this new 2002 a lot. I’ve owned a few Toyotas over the years and they have been consistently good cars. Brother-in-law Steve and wife Margaret have driven a Camry for a long time and I’ve never heard a bad word. You come to expect them to be good and they never disappoint me. That reputation precedes them these days and has given them momentum that is hard to overcome by the competition.

I have, however, tested all the competition noted below at one time or another, and the standout this year for me is the Mitsubishi Galant.

The 2002 Camry is newly revamped and sits on a Lexus platform. However, don’t get excited, you won’t confuse it for a Lexus, especially when you check out the $31,000 price tag for the ES 300.

Handling & Performance:

I thought it was very good for the most part. But even perfect things, like people, have chinks in their armor. It performed well enough, but there was an unsettling little stutter in the engine from time to time and I couldn’t put my finger on the problem. I felt that at any moment the missing could end in complete engine failure.

Styling: 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t see that it has changed in appearance all that much. But that’s a “good” thing. It didn’t become the best selling Sedan in America by needing a face-lift. I don’t think I’d fool around with the looks all that much either.

Fit and Finish:

I expect them to be good. The Japanese have set the standard in today’s world because Japanese workers have a work ethic second to none. They just seem to give more care to the process of putting all the parts of the puzzle together to produce a pretty picture, and a pretty darn good car too.

Conveniences: 

Fairly usual for the price and quality of this car.

Cost:

Not bad. But you could eliminate options packages in parenthesis in the equipment list below and save $4759.

Recommendation:

If you’re seriously in the market for a new car, and in this price range, begin test-driving in the numbered order noted below in parenthesis to save some time. Let me know where you stopped and what you thought. You can email your comments by going to www.atthewheel.com. Happy hunting.

The competition: 

(1)Mitsubishi Galant $18-24,000, (2)Toyota Camry $19-25,000, (3)Volkswagen Passat $22-29,000, (4)Oldsmobile Intrigue $23-28,000, (5)Honda Accord $16-25,000, (6)Buick Regal $23-27,000, (7)Ford Taurus $19-23,000, (8)Nissan Maxima $25-27,000, (9)Mazda 626 $19-23,000, (10)Chevrolet Impala $20-24,000,  (11)Chrysler Concorde $23-28,000, (12)Saturn LS $16-20,000, (13)Subaru Legacy $19-25,000, (14)Dodge Intrepid $21-27,000, (15)Pontiac Grand Prix $21-26,000.

Good News:

 It’s a Toyota with a great rep.

Bad News:

Changes usually cause bugs.

Standard Equipment:

3.0 liter 192 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans, front wheel drive, power steering, power 4-wheel disc brakes, dual front air bags, child door locks, auto halogen headlights, alloy wheels, auto air conditioning, stereo with cassette, CD player with 6 speakers, power windows and door locks and mirrors, cruise control, leather tilt steering wheel and shift knob, (keyless entry, leather trim package, power driver seat, upgraded stereo with a six disc CD changer and two more speakers, power moon roof, heated front seats, vehicle skid control and side air bags).

Gas Stats:

20 City and 28 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $28,914.

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

Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair

2002 Nissan Altima (374)

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2002 Nissan Altima (374)

Overview:

This week I finally was able to drive the newly designed 2002 Nissan Altima. Now I have to tell you I have a soft spot in my heart for the company. In the early 1960’s I was one of the brave souls to buy one of those new to the U.S. Japanese cars. Brave because when I was a kid, merchandise (toys) from Japan was considered “junk”.

So I was conditioned to believe things made in Japan were not worth buying. Kind of like buying a car built by Pigmy’s in Borneo today. Now the technology could have changed a lot since I visited the natives but you get the picture. As you will probably recall Nissan used to be called Datsun back then. Secondly, Nissan sponsored my good friend and race driver Price Cobb in the IRL, (Indianapolis Racing League), where two power plants were used – Oldsmobile and Infiniti (Nissan). But still this company has come a long way since I bought that Datsun Station Wagon. Dealerships are as extensive as American made dealerships so getting parts and service is better than in those early days.

I’ve been writing about cars for many years and it’s appropriate to compare that mode of travel with flying, particularly in these times since September 11th of 2001. I have a keen sense of the obvious, but I really had to experience the pain and agony of flying these days to do an analysis of Drive vs. Fly. I had to ask this question: is it me or has everyone concluded that driving is better than flying unless you must cross an ocean. Case in point: The flight time from Portland, Oregon to San Jose, California is only 1 ½ hrs but you must consider post 9-11 flights require you arrive at the airport 2-½ hrs before your flight and endure prisoner of war indignities at several checkpoints. It is worse than flying to Israel a few years back. So lets look at the analysis. I left the office at 3PM for the airport for a 6:30PM flight. Liftoff at 6:48PM and arrived at San Jose baggage claim at 8:40PM. Pulling out of the parking lot I noticed the time – 9:11PM and I finally got to my hotel at 10:30PM. Although you could do the math I’ll do it with you. Point to point is 7-½ hrs. Worse yet, I had to inconvenience a friend to pick me up at the airport where she arrived early for car inspection and then drive home after dropping me at the hotel.

Ok, now the automobile option. One-way car rental cost is about the same as flying including gas. If there are two or more people traveling the car option gets even better for this 600-mile trip. I’ve made it several times and the drive takes about 3-½ hrs from Portland to Medford and Medford to San Jose is about 5 hours for a total of 8 ½ hours. That means to save one hour by flying you must endure all the inconveniences of flying, like packing more carefully, straining a gut carrying all that luggage and waiting in lines to hell, driving is a better option in today’s world.

You’re right; I should have driven this Altima to San Jose. Onward…

Handling & Performance:

F a a a s s t t V6, smoooooth, quiet and comfortable with a longer wheelbase in either the 4-cylinder or V6 powered model.

Styling:

Ho-Hum, since its sleek design looks like so many others on the market today. Come to think of it, too many cars lack creativity of design. Don’t misunderstand me, this Altima is slick and nice looking and greatly improved over prior models, but it is rather commonplace.

Fit and Finish:

Very good. 8 on a scale of 1-10.

Conveniences:

I think you’ll get the same feeling I did. You sense you’re in a more expensive car because there are so many features and gadgets.

Cost:

Not too bad with all the features that are standard on this test vehicle.

Recommendation:

Buy a car, any car and don’t fly any more for trips of 600 miles or less, because the skies aren’t friendly any longer. Now, if we can only avoid road rage.

The Competition:

(Nissan Altima $16-22,000), Chevrolet Impala $20-24,000, Dodge Stratus $17-21,000, Ford Taurus $19-23,000, Honda Accord $15-25,000, Hyundai Sonata $15-18,000, Mazda 626 $19-23,000, Mitsubishi Galant $18-24,000, Oldsmobile Intrigue $23-28,000, Saturn LS $16-20,000, Subaru Legacy $19-25,000, Toyota Camry $19-25,000, Volkswagen Passat $22-29,000.

Good News:

Fast, smooth, quiet, comfortable spacious interior, priced well, good gas mileage on the V6 and very good on the 4-cylinder, large trunk, and a lot of standard features.

Bad News:

So-so styling, feels a bit light and tinny.

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder 175 hp engine, 4-speed automatic trans, power steering, 4-wheel power disc brakes, independent rear suspension, remote keyless entry, 6-speaker radio with CD player, power windows and door locks, tilt / telescopic steering wheel, remote trunk, fuel filler and hood, front and rear armrests, air conditioning, cruise control, dual power mirrors, dual air bags, anti-theft system and child door locks.

Gas Stats:

23 City and 29 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $21,196.

2002 Jeep Liberty (373)

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2002 Jeep Liberty (373)

Overview:
Wow, this new 2002 Jeep Liberty will knock your socks off. I couldn’t have tested it in a better environment than the rugged back country of Oregon. I took it Elk hunting and brother John led the way in an Artic Cat four wheel drive ATV top of the line way too cool off road vehicle.

As the road narrowed I barked, where the hell is he taking us. I don’t think he remembers he’s in a small agile quad and we’re in this yuppie off road SUV. I can’t believe he did that. But this Jeep Liberty wasn’t impressed with what the Arctic Cat could do or where it could go. I took the “Liberty” of following him to the bitter cold, two feet of snow end. We were all so impressed that my sister told Dan, a Chrysler and Jeep dealer, who was in our hunting party, that she wanted to buy one.

“We are selling the Liberty like hot cakes”, said Dan. No big surprise to me after battling the elements off road and on the highway. It reminded me of the Jeep Jamboree I attended on the Mohawk Trail in Northwest Massachusetts through mud, boulders and rambling over hill and dale and rivers. Now it ‘twas close to Christmas with snow and frozen creeks (pronounced criks) to deal with. Dan went on to say “they are selling a lot of 2-wheel drive models”. Now, that IS a surprise up there in the Pacific Northwest.

Handling & Performance:

Outstanding. I drove the Liberty in a downpour from Portland to Medford and I felt pretty good on arrival. It is sure footed and I felt safe and confident in the slippery traffic conditions, and I didn’t once think I would be hijacked. Throughout the week I put it through its paces in such varied terrain that I can safely say this is destined to be a winner for Jeep.

Styling:

Good passenger space is provided but it doesn’t leave much for the cargo area. I didn’t care much for the window controls on the center console and much prefer them on the door panel. I like the design on the rear door and window that pops up and out of the way when the door is opened.

Fit and Finish:

Real good and much improved over older lower end Jeeps that seemed like a “Plain Wrap” version back then. You had to move up to the luxury of the Grand Cherokee for that touch of class but for the money this Liberty is a step above the competition.

Cost:

Really well priced. Jump on this while the price is still low.

Recommendation:

Test drive one if you are considering a family SUV that doesn’t need to haul the Brady Bunch to the ski slopes. Note that the price is good but it’s a base price without a lot of options. If you are cost conscious and still want more features, you will want to consider buying a year or two old model.

The Competition:

Ford Escape $18-24,000, Isuzu Rodeo $18-32,000, Jeep Liberty $16-23,000, Land Rover Freelander $25-32,000, Mazda Tribute $18-24,000.

Good News:

Well priced, agile, powerful, perfect size for most SUV applications.

Bad News:

Bad consumer crash test results as to cost of repair, poor mileage; I didn’t like the window controls on the center console, small cargo area.

Standard Equipment:

3.7 liter V6 engine, 5-speed auto trans, 4-wheel drive system, power front disc rear drum brakes, power steering, AM/FM radio w/ Cassette.

Gas Stats:

16 City and 20 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $17,960.

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