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

1999 Chevrolet Astro Van (252)

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1999 Chevrolet Astro Van (252)

Overview:
This Astro Van reminds me of my youth when vans didn’t have windows and were used in business for delivery etc. Chevrolet says this is a heavy-duty minivan, but this along with vans like Ford Econoline, Dodge Ram Wagon, GMC Safari (sister of this Astro) are, to me, just Vans. The VW Euro Van also falls into this category.

All are taller, have much more ground clearance and are simply more truck like. Thus, they still seem more suited to business applications where 8-passenger heavy-duty capability is important. Also, if you have a boat to tow and lots of kids and luggage to haul on vacation, this is likely better than other minivans.

Most of the reasons for owning a minivan, namely family use, are to get the kids around town, to and from school, soccer and little league practice etc. For that use, my preference is the smaller minivans like the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. These lower to the ground minivans

are better for passengers who are likely to be real little people who would have more difficulty getting in and out of the larger vans. You can visualize mom taking the kids and the neighbor’s kids to school, to the park, or Disneyland. Beside having to help the little ones up that first high step, she would have to do all that from the passenger side, since the larger vans often only have one sliding door and that is on the passenger side. Most minivans now come with two sliding doors and that driver side rear door is invaluable.

The catch (and there usually is a catch) is the price. You’ll pay $8-10,000 less for this Chevy Astro Van than the Honda and Toyota noted above. I guess I could do a little “high-stepping” for that kind of pocket change. Get this; the Retail Price Range is only $19,725 – $23,252 for this heavy-duty minivan and it’s available in 2- or 4-wheel-drive. There is an all-new all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for 1999, and it operates in rear-wheel drive until wheel slippage occurs, at which time torque is immediately transferred to the front wheels to help regain control.

While most minivans are based on car platforms, the Chevy Astro is very much a truck. In its cargo van configuration, it has been very popular with fleet operators since being introduced in 1985. Astro has one of the most powerful engines in its class and at 5,500 lbs. boasts the best towing capacity. I rather liked the unique optional rear “Dutch Doors,” which combine a full liftgate window with split-panel hinged doors below. But they didn’t have latches to keep them open and I found them annoying, so I didn’t use them as much as I could have.

There are 24 major van and minivan model lines for sale on the U.S. market this year and Vans and minivans—together—comprise almost 11 percent of all new vehicles sold in the U.S., with minivans outselling full-size vans three to one. That fact tells volumes about how people have gravitated to them recently. I predict they will find even more favor with families and if mom has here way, they will buy a minivan and not the 4-wheel drive, off road macho SUV.

The competition:

Dodge Caravan $18,105 – $31,610 Ford Windstar $18,425 – $30,415 GMC Safari $19,789 – $23,316 Plymouth Voyager $18,105 – $22,975 Volkswagen EuroVan $30,650 – $35,310

Good News:

Priced well, assembled in the United States, versatile with seating for eight and capable of hauling a heavy load or pulling a trailer, good visibility with big rear window with the Dutch door option.

Bad News:

Poor fuel consumption, high off the ground which can cause parking problems in regular garage or in public parking areas, high center of gravity makes handling tricky, restricted legroom for driver and front passenger because the engine and front wheel wells protrude inside the cabin.

Standard Equipment:

4.3 liter V6 190 horsepower engine, 4-speed auto Trans, dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, theft deterrent, air conditioning, 8-passenger seating, stereo with cassette, tinted glass, power mirrors, Dutch doors in rear, chrome wheels and remote keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

16 City and 20 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $22,198.

1999 Buick La Sabre 2000 (251)

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1999 Buick La Sabre 2000 (251)

Overview:

The 2000 Buick LeSabre Limited is a full-size 4-door 6-passenger sedan. And with a base price of $22,890 – $26,695 it is pure American ingenuity. When we want to be competitive we can, and American cars continue to be the best value for your car-buying dollar.

I was among the first to stop buying American built cars back in the early 1960’s because they were overpriced and the free market place allowed me to buy a Datsun station wagon. They got better gas mileage, cheaper to buy and fun to drive. I must say, I was influenced by trips to Japan, but I was more impressed by the fact that I couldn’t justify spending more for transportation. A house was priority one back then.

But stepping into this Buick, just when my memory was fading, I pulled up to a stop right behind a 1956 Buick Roadmaster, blue with a white top. Boy, what memories were stirred up. Of course back in 1956 when that car was made we called them “Road Hogs”. But Buick is following suit with the more sleek lines of today’s aerodynamic designs, and I suspect we’ll never see “Fins” on cars again either.

This “year 2000” version of the LeSabre has exterior measurements that are even a bit shorter and narrower than the 1999 model. Isn’t it weird to be talking about a 2000 model? But even with the narrower exterior, the interior is actually roomier. There are other subtle changes such as less chrome and more body-color molding, giving LeSabre an even more up-to-date look. The new dashboard includes large, easy-to-read gauges for people with failing eyesight. Just kidding. I’m not saying that this is an older person’s car even though that’s the group Buick used to appeal to. But times have changed, and the baby boomers weren’t around to know that’s how Buick was perceived back in the “good old days”.

Speaking of the 1950’s, the LeSabre name was first used in 1951 on a concept car, and finally in 1959, the LeSabre name went on a production model, and sold 165,577. GM says since then, more than six million have been sold and it continues to be Buick’s bestseller.

LeSabre is available in two trims: Custom and Limited. They are available with front and side airbags and the 3.8L V6 205-hp engine is light years ahead of that old “Road Hog’s” big V8 that was truly the slug of its time. Remember the old Dynaglide transmission? That was the main reason for it being sluggish. Well, today’s 4-Speed Automatic transmission is nothing like that boat anchor. It is a good companion to the new V6 engine, and together they produce outstanding power and performance. And another plus for we Americans is that it is assembled right here in the United States. What a novel idea; an American car made in the USA.

The Competition:

Chevrolet Impala $18,705 – $22,365, Chrysler Concorde $21,640, Dodge Intrepid $20,020 – $22,865, Ford Crown Victoria $22,005 – $24,120, Toyota Avalon $24,698 – $28,708, Volvo S70 $27,385 – $33,520.

Good News:

Luxurious roomy comfort, at compact prices, and compact fuel economy to boot.

Bad News:

I didn’t find any…. So I guess that’s more good news.

Standard Equipment:

3.8-liter V6 205 horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic trans, dual front and side airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), daytime running lights, child safety locks, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, intermittent wipers, security system and AM/FM stereo system.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 30 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $$22,890 and the upgrade of dual-zone climate control, an air-filtration system, dark walnut trim, a driver information center, power front seats, a premium stereo system with cassette, and 15-inch aluminum wheels, a rear stabilizer bar, higher rate springs, variable effort steering, and 16-inch aluminum wheels brings the price to $26,695.

1999 Mercedes E55 AMG (249)

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1999 Mercedes E55 AMG (249)

Overview:

Awesome – and the story would end there except this Mercedes Benz E 55 was so much fun to drive I have to share the feeling with you. With a price range of $42,400 – $69,100 for the E-Class you can have the joy of driving perhaps the best-engineered car in the world today. This E 55 is at the top of the class in price and performance. It is, in a word, awesome.

I drove an E 420 through much of Europe and the autobahns gave me a sense of how well cars need to be designed for such demanding conditions. I test on the track from time to time, but I\’m not a professional race driver. Neither are the drivers on the autobahns of Germany. But they routinely drive 200 km / hr., or about 120 mph. And to do that, drivers must be good. I’ve said it before – European drivers are truly the best in the world. They display disciplined etiquette, perhaps because of the danger involved at high speed while we in the US hear to often that American drivers display \”road rage\”. Personally, I believe that results from the cultural diversity we find on our highways. We have accomplished drivers and others on the road with them who just learned to drive last week when they arrived from some ox cart country. The disparity in skill is frustrating to all concerned. That disparity of driving skill doesn’t happen in Europe, because a license to drive is taken seriously and thus much more difficult to fulfil the requirements.

Anyway, thanks to Mercedes for the thrill. I also had the good fortune to drive this car in the rain and thus learning about other examples of great engineering. I really like the single windshield wiper design. It gives a single clean and clear swipe of the glass that eliminates the overlap marks left by traditional wiper systems. And more importantly the advanced system electronically measures the amount of rain on the windshield and automatically adjusts the speed. Wow, it’s true that the only thing money won’t buy is poverty. Are they good or what? Another even more important safety feature is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). This truly is phenomenal. It assists the driver when they oversteer and are in danger of losing control. It will alter braking and power to keep you going in the direction you point the car. Amazing. I pushed the limits going into turns and found the car has a mind of its own. If you get stupid, it senses that and takes control to keep you from crashing.

The 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available in five trims: E300 Turbodiesel, E320, E320 4-Matic, E430, and the limited edition E55. I, like most Americans, can’t warm up to the diesel versions. It also detracts from the elegance of Mercedes and they should dump that or make it an option people can forget about. And the E 55 with the big V8 was more fun than should be allowed. Truly a natural high and cheaper than drugs.

The Competition:

Acura RL $41,900 Audi A6 $33,750 – $35,400 BMW 5-Series $38,900 – $53,900 Cadillac Seville $43,355 – $48,050 Infiniti Q45 $48,200 – $49,900 Jaguar XJ Sedan $55,200 – $67,450 Lexus GS 300/400 $37,305 – $45,505 Lincoln Continental $38,525 Saab 9-5 $31,025 – $37,450 Volvo S80 $35,820 – $40,385.

Good News:

Unmistakably Mercedes-Benz with a modern look, good fuel efficiency for the great performance, aerodynamic – if it had wings it would fly, top quality in all the world, outstanding handling and performance, roomy comfort.

Bad News:

If there is any, it isn’t significant. But if I had to get picky it would be that the cruise control lever is too close to the turn indicator lever and I confuse the two.

Standard Equipment:

5.5 liter AMG Twin spark 349 horsepower V8, 5-speed auto trans, dual climate control, front heated 3 position memory seats, remote keyless entry, black and silver leather, maple trim, power windows, tilt & tele steering column, moonroof, rear sun shade, dual front and side airbags, 4-wheel power antilocking disc brakes, anti theft alarm system, Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Gas Stats:

16 City and 23 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $69,100

1999 Volvo S70 Sedan AWD (248)

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1999 Volvo S70 Sedan AWD (248)

Overview: 

This S70 is Volvo’s best-selling sedan in North America. But I tested it in Texas which is not a part of North America, is it? One of the reasons I opted for a Volvo was because I’m advertising brain washed over many years and thus convinced I’d be safe in a Volvo …even in Texas. Do you know Texans have so much freedom they are allowed to carry guns? Must be for those lions, tigers and bears, oh my. Or maybe they still expect Mexico to invade. It turns out the most dangerous part of the journey was the weather in Texas. I was particularly thankful for the dual climate control, so I could stay cool and the my lady could do her thing and thus we could peacefully co-exist.

But for anyone who’s had the pleasure of flying in and out of Dallas, you know the worst part of the weather is that it is unpredictable. By the time you get to the airport the weather gets stormy and you’re delayed. Very common in much of the south and that’s particularly true in Texas. I could have driven this Volvo back to Los Angeles faster than it takes to wait for weather changes and other delays. And that’s the truth Lilly.

The weather can’t be blamed on Volvo, but it is truly comforting to be in one when the weather does get nasty. I would hazard a guess that you are as aware as I am that Volvo stresses safety and has promoted safety for as long as I can remember. However, they have always seemed to be unwilling to modify its somewhat stodgy performance and appearance. The S70’s predecessor, the 850, started the trend away from those perceptions and it was widely praised for its spirited turbocharged performance and handling. Now, the look of the S70 continues another change in direction for Volvo—more rounded styling. But they still tout their commitment to occupant protection, as evidenced by being the first to introduce Side Impact air bags to supplement the frontal airbags. A Stability and Traction Control (STC) system, taken from the new S80, is also available on turbocharged S70s, and all-wheel-drive (AWD) is now available on the S70 GLT.

If you’re wondering about the model-naming, it’s a new scheme; S stands for sedan, V is for versatility and C denotes a coupe.

The 1999 Volvo S70 Sedan is available in four trims: S70 (base), GLT, T5, and GLT AWD.

The competition:

Audi A6 $33,750 – $35,400, BMW 5-Series $38,900 – $53,900, Infiniti I30 $28,900 – $31,200, Lexus ES 300 $30,905, Mazda Millenia $26,745 – $31,245, Mitsubishi Diamante $27,199, Saab 9-5 $31,025 – $37,450.

Good News:

A leader in safety, great styling – finally, roomy comfort for five adults with luggage, seatback folds down to extend the trunk, quality fit and finish.

Bad News:

Practical car feel with a luxury car price tag, word is they are expensive to maintain, stiff suspension may offend some.

Standard Equipment:

2.4-liter 190-horsepower 5-cylinder engine, all wheel drive, front wheel traction control, 4-speed automatic trans, 4-wheel power anti locking disc brakes, uni-body construction with energy absorbing impact structures, dual front airbags, dual side airbags, child safety locks, daytime running lights, 8-way power driver’s seat with memory, keyless entry system w/ trunk release, dual climate control, power door locks and windows,

tilt steering wheel, cruise control, heated seats, headlight washers, and 6-speaker stereo sound system with cassette and CD.

Gas Stats:

18 City and 25 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $33,520

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is movello@earthlink.net.

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Copyright ©1994 – An Automotive Love Affair

1999 Cadillac Catera (247)

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1999 Cadillac Catera (247)

Overview:
The Cadillac Catera remains basically unchanged for 1999, but since I haven’t driven this car since 1996 (1997-model year) I’ve noticed a great improvement in the way it feels.

It’s a Cadillac, built in Germany, and it’s based on the German Opel Omega MV6. Engineers in both the U.S. and Europe developed it. A powerful V6 engine drives the rear wheels and the car displays all the engineering features typical of similar cars designed for Germany’s high-speed Autobahns. I must say I loved the experience of driving on them throughout Europe. It gave me an appreciation for how well a car has to be built to stand up to the demands of prolonged high-speed highway travel. That fact, in itself, is enough to convince me to consider this car over other competition in its class. It truly elevates this Catera, in my view, to a level of greater respect.

Cadillac says Catera is doing the job they wanted it to—over 60 percent of recent Catera buyers traded in a non-GM product, and most buyers listed Lexus as their second-choice vehicle. I don’t know about that, because Lexus makes pretty nice cars. But I do agree the Catera will find itself in good company in any case. The 1999 Cadillac Catera 4-door sedan is available as a single trim. That too sounds more European than American. I like the fact that cars don’t have to change in appearance every couple of years to continue to be desirable. Quite the contrary, we’re creatures of habit and like the comfort of those old shoes, pants, golf clubs etc., and we’re not as trendy as American manufacturers try to make us. Perhaps that explains why American automakers lost market share to foreign carmakers who put more brainpower into changing function over form.

Anyway, when I drove the very first 1997 model in 1996, it was in the state of Colorado and it was snowing. Although it handled well in the weather, I wasn’t overly impressed with the car. I was used to Cadillac being big. The attempt at producing a small version of the Cadillac (Cimeron) didn’t go over well and so I thought why should this be any different. But they’ve convinced me. This is now approaching the Cad standards I’ve come to know and love. Bigger isn’t necessarily better, but generally big goes with the luxury car territory. This really is the Cadillac of small cars. I liked the auto up and down windows that are so great for fast food stops. You can be doing several things at once, like rolling up the windows and still managing to take a bite of that hamburger as you drive off reaching for the seat belt. Well, I figure if women can put on their makeup while driving to work, I can eat an egg McMuffin on my commute.

You’ll be impressed with the performance of the Catera. It is fast, fast, fast and it corners like more expensive cars like the Mercedes E-55 I’m driving now with a price tag sure to choke a horse.

Cad did a wonderful job on the evolution of this Catera. I wonder how much the European market had to do with the quality and enhancements found on the 1999 version.

The Competition:

Acura TL $27,950, Audi A4 $23,790 – $30,040, BMW 3-Series $23,300 – $41,500, Infiniti I30 $28,900 – $31,200, Lexus ES 300 $30,905, Mazda Millenia $26,745 – $31,245, Mercedes-Benz C-Class $31,200 – $53,000, Mitsubishi Diamante $27,199, Volvo S70 $27,385 – $33,520.

Good News:

It’s American “and” it’s built in Germany. It’s the Cadillac of small cars. Great smooth ride and terrific handling.

Bad News:

Lacks styling of upscale luxury small cars.

Standard Equipment:

3.0-liter 200-horsepower V6, coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission, dual-zone climate control, dust and pollen filter, express power windows and door locks, power front seats, cruise control, remote keyless entry, AM/FM stereo cassette, leather trim, memory function for driver’s 8-way power seat, power/ heated outside mirrors, dual airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control, daytime running lights, indicator light that alerts the driver of possible icy road conditions.

Gas Stats:

18 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $34,180

1999 Chevrolet S-10 Xtreme Pick up (246)

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1999 Chevrolet S-10 Xtreme Pick up (246)

Overview:
The Chevrolet S-10 took a ride to east LA and got a makeover. It then became the Xtreme that we’re looking at this week. Well… this has to be an all-time first for Chevrolet if not the industry. It has to be the first production “Low Rider” ever.

Chevrolet is hoping to attract a younger audience with lowered ground effects, wheel flares, integrated fog lights, special 16-inch wheels, and Xtreme graphics that promise to eliminate the need for a trip to the aftermarket shop or Pick a Part.

I think they have achieved their goal of attracting the younger crowd because they were the ones who did double takes when they saw it. And see it they must, because if you believe the sad high school statistics they surely won’t be reading about this, or any vehicle for that matter. It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words”.

The odd thing is that as you approach the truck it looks like a, well a truck. But after you drive it for a few miles you forget you’re in a truck. It’s so low as to give the impression that you are in a passenger sport car. That is until you hit a dimple in the road. It’s like 20 miles of bad road, even on reasonably good roads, thanks to the ZQ8 Sport Suspension. That suspension reminds me of the Cheeevees and every other car with “Torched” springs very common in the 1950’s and early 1960’s if you couldn’t afford to do it right. You probably never did that, but I know I did. You got a “Radical Rake” with a torch and a little bit of weight on the bumper. Then, wa-la, cool car. It was Norman’s idea dad, honest. But then it was my Olds 88 so Norm thought it was a great idea.

I was also the proud owner of a couple of pick up trucks back then so I did appreciate the extended cab feature of this Xtreme Chevy. It even had a third door option on the driver side for access to the extra inside storage area. Great for my golf clubs etc., but then it made the small jump seat behind the passenger unusable. It didn’t matter though, because that jump seat is for contortionist ‘little people’ who can find their way into that back storage area.

This Xtreme comes standard with an inline 4-cylinder 120 horsepower engine, however I tested a model with the optional V6 175 hp engine that was very adequate. Handling, albeit rough, is great and not truck-like at all. With the low center of gravity cornering is slick.

The body styling is unique and the one I drove had the “Sportside” option for a few little reminders of the old days. Rear fenders and small rubber padded areas reminiscent of the ‘running boards’ of those early vintage pick up trucks.

The competition:

Dodge Dakota $13,360 – $19,765, Ford Ranger $11,845 – $19,435, GMC Sonoma $12,204 – $20,015, Isuzu Hombre $11,545 – $20,075, Mazda B-Series $11,345 – $22,435, Nissan Frontier $11,490 – $20,190, Toyota Tacoma $12,698 – $24,688.

Good News:

Different, fun to drive, pick up truck convenience, low, which makes entry easier, economical to operate.

Bad News:

Rough ride, no towing available on this Xtreme package.

Standard Equipment:

2.2 liter inline 4-cylinder 120 hp engine, 5 speed manual transmission, 16″ wheels, fog lamps, air conditioning, tachometer, leather wrapped steering wheel.

Gas Stats:

23 City and 29 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $15,370. The model I drove added options for Sportside, third door, reclining buckets, tinted glass, AM/FM with CD, V6 engine, tilt wheel and cruise control, power windows and door locks that brought the price to $22,063.

1999 GMC Suburban (245)

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1999 GMC Suburban (245)

Overview:
This past couple of weeks I had the opportunity to test two GMC Suburban’s back to back. The first was a concept vehicle, the first version of which was in the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog in 1997. But for 1999 it is called the Yukon Denali EX. It shares the Yukon name and styling and has the distinctive look, size and interior of the Suburban frame on which it sits.

From the drivers point of view it’s the same vehicle as this Suburban with the addition of a bunch of Sony electronics, including 5 television monitors, two cell phones, a video game station, separate radios for front and rear with headsets for five and a VCR. Everyone can be doing something different and adjust the volume independently so as not to bother others. So much for togetherness and playing family travel games to pass the time. But what a great way to keep the kids from asking, “are we there yet?”

The Denali had rear-swinging doors that made loading easy, but I didn’t care for the impaired rearview. The regular Suburban had a tailgate and glass top section that lifted for smaller item loading. Better visibility, but not as convenient for opening and loading.

This vehicle’s history goes back to the 1930s when it was little more than a panel truck with extra seats and windows. The current Suburban was introduced in 1992 that has become an upscale status symbol. Suburban owners are affluent, active people looking for a vehicle with extraordinary hauling, towing and passenger capacity-requirements few other vehicles are able to satisfy. You can seat up to nine legally, including their luggage.

The 1999 GMC Suburban is available in four trims: 1500 or 2500, each with either 2WD or 4WD. In addition to the standard 5.7 liter Vortec V8, you can opt for a 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 and for the 2500 a 7.4-liter Vortec V8 producing 290 horsepower. (That one must come with a 60-gallon fuel tank). This Suburban continues to be based on the previous GMC pickup mounted on a ladder frame with five crossmembers.

If they could improve the fuel economy even I might be able to afford to drive one. But then, the kids are grown and I have little use for all that space anyway. Like most drivers on the road I’m usually the only person in the car. I now know what a bus driver feels like without passengers.

The Competition:

AM General Hummer $65,732 – $82,421, Chevrolet Suburban $25,675 – $29,855, Chevrolet Tahoe $24,020 – $32,420, Dodge Durango $26,055 – $28,055, Ford Expedition $29,355 – $39,095, Land Rover Range Rover $58,000 – $75,000, Lincoln Navigator $40,755 – $44,405, Toyota Land Cruiser $46,618.

Good News:

42 gal. fuel tank, lots of room for up to nine passengers, good range of engines, comfortable commanding presence on the road, smooth handling, good storage and compartments for misc. stuff, center console with notepad holder, good attention to detail, good visibility, Sherman Tank safety.

Bad News:

42 gal. fuel tank required on gas-guzzlers like this Sub, you need an 18 wheel license to drive it (just kidding), but it will be difficult to maneuver for some, huge turning radius.

Standard Equipment:

5.7L 255-hp V8 engine with 4-speed automatic trans, pushbutton 4-wheel drive selector, speed sensitive power steering, 4-wheel antilock front disc rear drum brakes, dual air bags, stereo radio with clock, power door locks, theft deterrent system, tint glass, tailgate and liftglass,

Gas Stats:

No data, but it isn’t good.

Pricing:

1500 2WD 2500 2WD 1500 4WD 2500 4WD

MSRP $25,739        $27,323         $28,739 * $30,323

* – The model tested here was the 1500 4WD and added Leather, tinted windows, luggage carrier, power windows & locks, tilt wheel, speed control, aluminum wheels, air conditioning front and rear, rear heater, stereo with CD and Cassette, 6-way power and heated front seats, remote keyless entry and trailering equipment. Total window price was $41,064.

1999 Infiniti QX4 (242)

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1999 Infiniti QX4 (242)

Overview:
Affectionately referred to as the \”Q by Four\”, this Infiniti is a Beverly Hills SUV pussycat. I doubt if these guys will ever be used off road, so it doesn’t matter that the ground clearance is less than off road conditions would demand. Anyway it’s too pretty to get its hair mussed and soiled in the mud. It’s like a \”real\” SUV in a Prom Dress or Tuxedo if you bought a black one.

Essentially, Nissan Design International (NDI) stylists in San Diego simply turned the Nissan Pathfinder pumpkin into a luxury carriage with their magic wand. My thanks to them because I always enjoy driving this car. Coincidentally a friend bought one the week I was testing this model. Shirley really does her homework and is very particular about the car she drives. Money isn’t really the issue so although she could have paid a lot more I believe the styling, beauty and comfort had more to do with her buying decision than the technical specifications. I don’t think off road entered the equation for which SUV she should buy. Interesting I would word it that way. Even though she’s a pretty rough and tumble kind of gal, I don’t think a regular car even entered her mind as an option, but rather, which SUV should she buy. I suspect she wanted an SUV for all the same reasons so many others opt for this very versatile vehicle. They appeal to almost everyone so it’s no wonder all the automakers have jumped into this market with both feet.

The QX4 has a steel unibody with an H-frame making it very resistant to twisting and bending. The only protective skidplate is over the gas tank, which seems to assume you wouldn’t be going off-road anyway. It is equipped with a sophisticated full-time all-wheel-drive system engaged by a dashboard-mounted switch. There are three settings: rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and all-wheel low range with a locked differential. A Y2K compliant computer detects wheel slippage and distributes the engine\’s power based on this information. And you get all this comfort and convenience, out the door, at about thirty grand. Not bad when you consider standard equipment is quite lavish with the only option being a sunroof for about a grand more.

Of the competition listed below, I’m partial to the Lexus RX300 and I particularly like the Mercedes ML320. From a detail point of view however, this QX4 is on a par with these two favorites. Like most of the Nissan line, this QX4 is \”Squeaky Clean\” and almost boring. It’s not as off road capable I feel and I like the idea of 4-wheel independent suspension, which they both have and the QX4 has a solid rear axle.

My engineer friend Merkel agrees the QX4 is well made but doesn’t care for the design and actually called it a pig. I don’t think it’s all that bad. In fact I think it has more of a conventional look in today’s market, and by comparison I see the RX300 and ML320 as being \”Odd\” in appearance. Not a pig, Merkel. Boring perhaps, but not a pig.

The Competition:

Acura SLX $36 K, GMC Envoy $33 K, Jeep Grand Cherokee $26-34 K, Lexus RX 300 $32-33 K, Mercedes-Benz M-Class $35-43 K, Mercury Mountaineer $27-29 K, Oldsmobile Bravada $31 K.

Good News:

Conventional styling, easy all wheel drive operation, good handling from the rigid body structure, car-like ride, well-padded seats, excellent sound insulation, nicely laid out and assembled interior design and good visibility.

Bad News:

Low ground clearance for a 4×4, drivetrain vulnerability due to lack of skidplates, lousy gas stats, and sluggish power.

Standard Equipment:

3.3-liter 168-horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), full-time 4WD, child safety locks, projector-beam fog lights, power front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, 16-inch aluminum wheels, 150-watt Bose AM/FM stereo system with CD and cassette.

Gas Stats:

15 City and 19 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $35,550

1999 Corvette Convertible (241)

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1999 Corvette Convertible (241)

Overview:
In a word… awesome. This could be the end of the story about this Corvette Convertible, and surely the shortest review ever. But there are other words to describe this car. Incredible comes to mind. If you don’t read another word, you know enough. I love this country.

I love that we still lead the way in so many things. I love that we have the ingenuity to produce such a great car that is “nearly” affordable. With a retail price range of $38,197 – $45,095, you can own the excitement of one of the world’s finest sports cars.

I was reminded of the reason for our leadership in the development and design of anything and everything. I attended the graduation of a friend from the world famous Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. One of the areas of education they excel in just happens to be automotive design. And I believe one of the reasons for their notoriety is the rich diversity of nationalities represented in that school. One third of the graduating class were from about twelve other countries.

History of the Corvette: It was introduced in 1953, in 1975 the convertible was discontinued, and in 1986 the convertible reintroduced. The 1999 model year is the fifth-generation Corvette and includes the first fixed-roof ‘Vette since 1967. It delivers the same performance of other trims but for a lower base price. Also new for 1999 is a Heads-Up Display, which is a projection of speed and other information onto the windshield only visible to the driver.

Handling is spectacular which is made possible by the cars improved rigidity. It finally gave engineers the ability to improve the handling characteristics that are relatively unique to Corvette. It is very noticeable to those who have driven Corvettes over the years, and is bound to draw praise from supporters and critics alike. The design incorporates a combination of an Active Handling System with the ABS and Traction Control systems to give this car equal or superior handling of any car in the world. This combination of computer assisted handling makes it almost impossible to spin out, or oversteer. I could have used that technology in the Porsche I lost control of on the Willow Springs racetrack. Professional race driver David Murry, who drives for Porsche, was my passenger and although he tried to correct my steering problem he wasn’t fast enough and we did a complete 360 on turn number three. The Active Handling System reacts in a fraction of a second. I drove the same track on the same day in this Corvette and didn’t have that problem. But I have to admit I probably pushed the Porsche harder because of the perception that it is better since it is “more expensive”. Not!

The 1999 Chevrolet Corvette is available in three trims: Hardtop, Coupe and Convertible.

I love convertibles, and have owned several over the years. They are not real popular with the fairer sex, probably having more to do with paying $50 or $100 to have their hair done. King Solomon had the same problem with his 1000 wives. Vanity, he said, everything under the sun is vanity.

The competition is pretty awesome too, and I’ve driven all except for the Lotus Esprit. But I have to tell you, for the money, this Corvette is a hands down winner.

The competition:

Five countries bring us: Dodge Viper $65-68,000, Lotus Esprit $84,000 Porsche 911 $65- 80,000, Ferrari F355 $121-141,000, Acura NSX $84-$88,000, Mitsubishi 3000GT $25-44,000, Toyota Supra $31-40,000

Good News:

Solid ride, handling as if you’re on rails, great trunk space, awesome acceleration, flat out fun to drive, the best control of any car on the market, great pricing, convertible top simple to put up and down, made in USA.

Bad News:

Two-seater limitation, space behind the seats “is” the trunk – which means I could hear my golf clubs rattling around, top is manually operated.

Standard Equipment:

5.7-liter V8 345 hp engine, 4-speed auto trans, traction control, 4-wheel independent suspension with anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), power speed sensitive rack & pinion steering, aluminum wheels, extended mobility tires with low pressure warning, air conditioning, remote entry, theft-deterrent system, AM/FM stereo cassette, sport bucket seats.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 25 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $44,999 and $48,678 after option additions of adjustable seats, Active Handling, Heads up display, climate control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel.

1999 Tracker a 4-door 4-wheel drive hard top (240)

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1999 Tracker a 4-door 4-wheel drive hard top (240)

Overview:
This weeks Tracker is great for those who want a sport utility type of vehicle at half the money of this very popular segment of the automotive market. I’ve heard a lot about the Toyota RAV4 as Tracker’s closest competitor and that is true enough from the Stats where they look like sisters.

The most significant difference is that the RAV4 has 4-wheel independent suspension and the Tracker has a rear live axle. Secondly is that, feature for feature, the RAV4 is about $2,000 more.

Background: Both are Mini Sport Ute’s and the Tracker replaced the discontinued Geo brand for the 1998 model year. In the early days of the Tracker it wasn’t even a mini utility in my view, but Chevrolet has taken it up against the competition and it is very strong. Tracker owners are under age 35, which is right where Chevrolet wants to be and they refer to it as “the sport utility for young-minded, adventurous, expressive buyers.” For off road use Tracker has a full ladder-type steel frame and nearly eight inches of ground clearance. I didn’t drive the convertible model, but I’ve heard the claim is true that folding top is specifically designed to be easy to raise and lower. Trackers are built in Canada by CAMI, Inc., a joint venture of General Motors and Suzuki, which also sells this vehicle as the Suzuki Vitara.

The 1999 Chevrolet Tracker is available in four trims: a 2-door convertible in 2WD or 4WD, a 4-door hardtop in 2WD or 4WD.

The 4-door 4-wheel drive model I tested was well equipped and at the top end of the price schedule. I truly enjoyed driving the vehicle and haven’t tested many of the mini utilities. They have become a player in this segment of the market, and I think folks will appreciate the added fuel efficiency. I also believe they won’t get their knickers in a twist over the obvious trade off of less power and performance of their larger, more luxurious relatives.

If you have money to burn, these Mini’s won’t excite you. But for the cost conscious who share the desire to own a Sport Utility, this is just the ticket. And considering that over 75% are used in town anyway, the lack of size and power will never become an issue. I think we Americans tend to buy more than we really need. Gas prices here in the US have been much lower than the rest of the world so we haven’t paid much attention to making them better. We go for big and heavy probably because we can. The rest of the world is far more practical. I think that mindset will change in the future.

If you’re budget won’t justify a $30,000 sport utility, you can opt for a mini utility from the list below for half the dough, or buy two, one for you and one for your better half.

The competition:

Honda CR-V $18-20K, Isuzu Amigo $15-20K, Jeep Wrangler $14-20K, Subaru Forester $18-22K, Suzuki Grand Vitara $13-19K, Toyota RAV4 $15-17K, Kia Sportage $14-18K.

Good News:

Clean lines, car-like comfort, affordable, good gas mileage

Bad News:

Limited space, lacks power

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 4-cylinder 127 horsepower engine, 4 speed automatic trans, dual airbags, daytime running lights, child safety locks, 4-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), AM/FM stereo, rear-seat heater ducts, fuel tank skidplate, power steering and Scotchgard protection, shift-on-the-fly 4WD system and automatic locking hubs, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel.

Gas Stats:

22 City and 25 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $15,935

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