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 Honda Odyssey EX (227)

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1999 Honda Odyssey EX (227)

Overview: 
I like the styling on this Honda Odyssey so went in with a positive attitude and it only got better from there. Honda is one of the last major manufacturers in the American auto market to offer a minivan. They introduced the original Odyssey in 1995 and it is still based on the Accord platform. They claim it has a larger interior volume than the popular Chrysler line because the floor is one and a half inches lower. I can’t verify that claim but the difference has to be small. It’s an all-new design for 1999 and boasts the largest engine in its class as well. I like to see innovation so I liked how the third seat uniquely folds completely into the floor.

I have to admit, I have a bit of a bias when it comes to family vehicles like this Odyssey, and I think family is first for most of us. I remember in the ‘old’ days when our kids were small, we had a Chevrolet station wagon. It served us well, but I am reminded that “timing is everything”, and if only they had minivans back then. They are so easy to get in and out of, and for the little kids that is especially handy. And because of the automatic “dual” sliding doors that are standard, it makes life even easier for mom and dad. Yes, by the way, they did have vans in the ‘good old days’, but they weren’t the same. And if you did opt for a van, to close the single sliding door on the driver’s side, you’d have to slam it shut. Remember how you’d open the door all the way so you’d have lots of momentum. After a few tries, a few missing fingers and lots of noise like a roller coaster you were ready to go. Wait dad, I have to go to the bathroom. I’m not going through that again Mike’y, hold it ‘till we get to camp!

Well, you can buy this new Odyssey in two trims: LX for mom and EX for dad. Both come without bathroom’s Mike’y. I tested the EX and found it to be nearly a sister car to Sienna from Toyota. But it is truly impossible to put any one above the other. Those listed here are all worthy competitors. I like the dual power sliding doors that are standard on the Odyssey EX, but you pay for what you get. There ain’t no free lunch. And although I usually have a favorite, in this case the race is too close to call a winner. But I suspect I’d lean toward the Toyota Sienna, Olds Silhouette or this Honda Odyssey. Test-drive them all if you’re in the market for a minivan and call me to compare notes. Happy hunting.

The competition:

Chevrolet Venture $20,745 – $23,045, Chrysler Town & Country $27,385 – $36,140, Dodge Caravan $18,005 – $31,510, Ford Windstar $18,375 – $30,415, Mercury Villager $22,415 – $25,015, Nissan Quest $22,159 – $26,299, Oldsmobile Silhouette $24,410 – $31,000, Plymouth Voyager $18,005 – $22,875, Pontiac Montana $21,270 – $23,875, Toyota Sienna $21,428 – $26,494.

Good News: 

Comfort, power, convenience, great styling.

Bad News: 

Pitted against the SUV market, it lacks the benefit of 4-wheel drive if you feel you need that. 75% will say no, not needed.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 210 horsepower V-6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual airbags, anti-lock brake system, child-safety locks and traction control (EX only), front and rear air conditioning, power windows and door locks, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, rear window defroster, and an AM/FM stereo with cassette. The EX model that I tested adds automatic climate control, an upgraded stereo with CD player, power dual sliding doors, a power driver’s seat and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Gas Stats:

18 City and 26 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $23,000 – $25,800

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

1999 Toyota Camry Solara SE V6 (224)

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1999 Toyota Camry Solara SE V6 (224)
Overview: 

Toyota Camry, until now, did not offer a Coupe in the line. With the introduction of the Solara for 1999 they fill that void. I’m not sure it needed filling, but they probably know more about the demand for this class car. As a kid, just driving (way back when) the hot thing was two door cars for the youth of the day, but it had to be without the “post” between the windows. Some referred to it as a “hardtop convertible” as I recall. Perhaps someone will correct me on that. Well this Solara has the post and the rear windows don’t roll down. It is built on the same platform as other Camay’s, but its stiffer body structure, tighter steering and firmer suspension are designed for a sportier feel than the sedan. They have accomplished their goal and I loved driving this car for a few reasons. I love the way it handles. It is responsive (V6) and the solid ride gives the feeling of control of the road. Another reason I like it is the great styling. If you like the design as much as I do (a lot), you can thank the Calty Design Center in Newport Beach, CA. The Solara is truly a keeper.

The Solara will be assembled in Ontario, Canada and will only be sold in North America. It comes in two trims: SE and SLE. The SE comes standard with a 2.2-liter 135-horsepower engine, but the model I tested had the V6 option which is 3.0-liters and a more than adequate 200-horsepower. I was impressed. The V6 is standard on the SLE. Solara is classified as a compact, but it is a big compact.

On the other hand, this is a basic car with few frills. Most of the frills it does have are pretty basic, like the manual seat and manual air conditioning controls. If you’re looking for computer stuff and auto everything, this isn’t it. It is a lovely car and Camry has always been a top seller for Toyota so a lot of folks usually aren’t wrong.

Although it is basic, it has a classy feel about it and I’ve tested all the competition listed here and I have to tell you I warmed up to driving this Solara very quickly. All things considered, it is definitely a must drive car in this class and price range.

The competition:
Acura CL $23,100 – $26,150, BMW 3-Series $23,300 – $41,500, Buick Regal $21,695 – $24,395, Chevrolet Monte Carlo $18,510 – $20,535, Chrysler Sebring $17,225 – $26,285, Honda Accord $15,200 – $24,300, Pontiac Grand Prix $19,415 – $23,910.

Good News: 
Priced well, handles extremely well, powerful, roomy – both front and back seats and the trunk. Perhaps best of all – it’s a Toyota that has been known for being a quality product.

Bad News: 
Tough entry / exit for rear seat (but you should expect that of a 2-door coupe).

Standard Equipment: 
3.0 liter 200 horsepower V6 engine (standard for the SE is a 2.2 liter inline 4 – 135 hp engine) with front wheel drive, 4-speed auto trans, power rack & pinion steering, 4-wheel independent suspension, power anti-lock disc brakes, dual air bags, auto on/off lights, fog lights, power mirrors, power windows & door locks, air, cruise control, stereo with cassette.

Gas Stats:
20 City and 28 Highway MPG.

Pricing:
MSRP $21,988.

Your comments are welcomed. E-mail joe@atthewheel.com

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 (222)

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1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 (222)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4 sport utility vehicle.

I believe Americans are beginning to re-think the need to support US made products and stop exporting jobs abroad at our economic peril. The good news is that these cars are far superior to the low point in the late 1960s for US cars. They have earned the right to be re-considered. One trip to Detroit or simply following the news about how the American auto industry is suffering should convince you of the need to support it. When you look closer you will find them to be every bit as good in today’s world.

Keeping the Dollar at home by keeping jobs at home will help American families. Think about it.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canadian 71%, Engine and transmission – Germany.

Assembly – Detroit, MI, USA

Class:  – Special Purpose

Cars: – Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot & Wrangler.

Observation:

… on SIRIUS radio. How can there be so many stations and so few worth listening to. Ok, so it does give you the opportunity to filter out all the commercial junk and zero in on those few that are of interest to you. On the whole it gives more benefits than negatives. It is the wave of the future and much like cable TV where you only watch very few of the hundreds of stations available.

Reception on SIRIUS, however, can be frustrating at times in that there are a lot of interruptions. I suspect it will get better in time. Until then they should reduce the pricing.

Handling & Performance:

I was impressed with the Crest Test ride that was smooth and controlled with the high tech suspension including 4-wheel traction control, hill start assist and descent control, Electronic Stability Program and Quadra Trac full time 4WD. These control features are surely the most significant improvements to our driving experience. In other words, power isn’t all that important to performance. It is the control assists that keep you safe and enhance handling and driving comfort.

Jeep unlike all other off road contenders is actually used off road and has the highest percentage of off road use. This is why Jeep offers Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II options with electronic limited slip differentials.

Styling:

The Grand Cherokee smoothes out the rough edges of other more squarely cut models and gives that elegant luxury feeling even though it is still a capable 4-wheel off road tracker. I think you’ll also appreciate small things like stylish seating. But getting to them in the rear is through narrow door openings.

Fit and Finish:

Very good. I think all car makers have taken a page out of the Japanese book on work ethics and thus Japanese cars are no longer noticeably better.

Cost:

In the hunt… reasonably competitive.

Conveniences and comfort:

Very good as equipped but you may want to consider adding some options. Trailer tow group adds $280; limited slip front and rear differential is $795; Multimedia InfoTainment system with GPS Navigation, hard disc drive, Bluetooth hands free communication, SIRIUS Satellite Traffic and touch screen display is only $900.

Consumer Recommendation:

Consider returning to American Made products because they are far better, thanks to European and Japanese competition. I think that is why Toyota, for one, is producing some cars in this country because Americans are sure to think of their own family’s well being once again and return to American Made everything. Watch out Wal-Mart. Face it; the American people have paid enough to rebuild those countries who sought to destroy us in WWII. Now they are succeeding economically where they failed through armed aggression.

Recognized Competition:

Jeep Grand Cherokee $28-43,000, Buick Rainier $32-34,000, BMW X5 $46-55,000, Lexus RX 350 $37-39,000, Land Rover LR3 $41-53,000, Nissan Pathfinder $26-37,000, GMC Envoy $27-36,000, Infiniti FX $38-50,000, Acura MDX $40-48,000, Dodge Durango $26-37,000, Honda Pilot $26-36,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $27-37,000, Ford Explorer $26-36,000, Toyota 4Runner $28-39,000, Mazda CX-7 $24-28,000, Mitsubishi Endeavor $28-31,000.

Good News:

Well made American product, competitive pricing, handles beautifully and great off road.

Bad News:

Need improved fuel economy, narrow rear door openings.

Standard Equipment:

4.7 liter 235 hp V8 gas engine, (3.0 liter V6 215 hp turbo diesel engine in test vehicle), 5-speed auto trans., front and side curtain airbags, enhanced accident response system, 4-wheel traction control, 4-wheel ABS brake assist disc brakes, hill start assist and descent control, Electronic Stability Program, Quadra Trac full time 4WD, park view rear back up camera, Remote start system, power sunroof, Rain sensing windshield wipers, Sentry key theft deterrent system, power windows, tire pressure monitoring, auto dual zone temp control air conditioning, power adjustable pedals, power locks, cruise control, remote keyless / illuminated entry, steering wheel mounted audio controls, tilt / telescopic column, multimedia entertainment system, Boston sound system, SIRIUS satellite digital radio (one year provided), auto dimming rear view mirror, power heated front seats with lumbar adjust and memory, 2nd row 60/40 folding seat, trip computer, auto on/off headlights, fog lights, power heated folding mirrors.

Gas Stats:

$3.25/ Gal avg. November 20, ‘07

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

17 City and 22 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $40,210 including turbo diesel engine for $1,655.

1999 Toyota Sienna LE (221)

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1999 Toyota Sienna LE (221)

Overview: 
This class of van still has a lot to offer to the family. Toyota’s Sienna is really a very nice car. Daughter Jenny says this is her dream car. Getting her two kids in and out of a regular passenger car is exhausting at best. Pull the seat back forward, bend over to get the car seat locked into the rear safety belt, etc. Well, you get the picture. So why not simplify our lives if we can. In today’s world the $24K MSRP is pretty darn good. And here are just a few reasons why the Sienna makes a great family car. The wide sliding doors of the mini van and the low threshold is an easy step into configuration. Contrasted with the very popular SUV’s, this Sienna will make it easy for the little people get in and out. In addition to being great for little people, Sienna comfortably seats seven tall adults. It also has flexible, removable modular seating that provides for a variety of cargo needs. We’ve tended to overlook the van with all the interest in SUV’s. You really need to test one if you’re considering an SUV.

Sienna is based on the very popular Camry platform, and is in fact built on the very same assembly line in Georgetown, Kentucky. It also shares the Camry’s powerful V6 engine and front wheel drive. It comes with a generous list of features including three rows of seats and an optional sliding rear door on the driver’s side. It is roomy and for me is a reminder of the homey feeling of my RV. The Sienna is a replacement for Previa and comes in four trims: CE 3-Door; CE, LE and XLE 4-Door. With a base Retail Price Range of $21,428 – $26,494, Jenny, you might just be able to afford one. She’d also be interested to know Sienna also provides an optional integrated Child Restraint System (CRS) that is new this year.

Generally I feel the handling is good but I noticed more body sway in turns than I like. Another noticable glitch is that the brake pedal feels mushy, but it didn’t affect stopping distance and soon I got accoustomed to the feel and it ceased to bother me.

The competition:
Chevrolet Venture $20,745 – $23,045, Chrysler Town & Country $27,385 – $36,140, Dodge Caravan $18,005 – $31,510, Ford Windstar $18,375 – $30,415, Honda Odyssey $23,000 – $25,800, Nissan Quest $22,159 – $26,299, Oldsmobile Silhouette $24,410 – $31,000, Plymouth Voyager $18,005 – $22,875, Pontiac Montana $21,075 – $23,875, Volkswagen EuroVan $ Unknown.

Good News:
Easy to step in and out of, another solid Toyota, Roomy, carlike – easy to manuver.

Bad News: 
Ride could be a little stiffer.

Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter engine with 4-speed auto trans, rack & pinion steering, front disc and rear drum anti-lock brakes, dual air bags, cloth 7-passenger seating, power windows, mirrors, door locks, stereo with cassette, cruise control and tilt wheel.

Gas Stats:
18 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing:
MSRP $24,358 and the LE I tested topped out at $27,489.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com and you can see unedited versions of these reviews at www.atthewheel.com.

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 (220)

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1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 (220)

Overview: 

This weeks Toyota 4Runner is not the truck it used to be, but few things are. I realize that every time I look in the mirror or step on the scale. In any case, I have had difficulty in the past seeing it as a true Sport Utility Vehicle, at least SUV’s designed in that new and growing class. The reason is that this 4Runner used to be, as you may recall, little more than a pick up truck with a camper shell. Since 1995 it has continued to mature into a full on sport utility like the one I had the pleasure of testing. It has lots more power than in the past and likewise sucks up a lot more gas to move the added mass of metal. I must admit I was skeptical and even avoided testing it because of the bias I suffered from. I’m glad I was compelled to try it out. Overall, I was impressed. Certainly as impressed as with any of the competition. But I must also state again that I really object to the gas guzzling nature of these utilities. Can’t they improve the mileage on these sleds?

On the scene, however, we are beginning to see a revival of the mini-van. I believe this re-immerging vehicle will cut into the SUV market in a big way. I think manufacturers are aware of the movement in that direction and that’s why we’re seeing some dramatic and nice changes in the mini-van design. They are sleek, futuristic and powerful. And even though men are inclined toward the “macho” SUV, mom is more likely to opt for the mini-van that is easier to get in and out of, more comfortable and generally more practical. The dual sliding doors are great for kids and shopping trips and she instinctively knows she’ll never want to go off-roading. Unless she’s one of those “babe-watch” lifeguards. More important to the manufacturer is the fact that mom’s have a great deal to do with the car their family “NEEDS”. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we see dad lobbying for a “macho man” SUV with on-demand 4-wheel drive that will climb over boulders he will never, ever need to experience. In fact, it is estimated that only about 25% of SUV’s are ever used off road. I saw lots of them in the eastern part of the U.S. and they are also big in remote areas where higher road clearance is needed.

The 1999 Toyota 4Runner is available in six trims: 4Runner (base), SR5, and Limited each in 2WD or 4WD. The base comes with a 2.7-liter 150-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, while SR5 and Limited trims get a 3.4-liter 183-horsepower V6. The SR5 upgrades with an intermittent rear wiper, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, privacy glass, chrome bumpers and power mirrors and door locks. The Limited adds to this a leather interior, power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, an anti-theft device, a premium stereo system with CD player, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Toyota says the majority will buy the V6 with 4-speed automatic transmission but the manual is offered for most 4Runner models.

I’ve tested all of the competition and have to admit this 4Runner has arrived and fits well into the crowded array of Sport Utilities so popular with car buyers in the 1990’s. It is obvious they will continue to occupy a large part of the car market even into the new millennium, if from nothing more than the momentum built up over the past couple of decades.

The competition:
Chevrolet Blazer $18,470 – $32,670, Dodge Durango $25,955 – $27,955, Ford Explorer $20,065 – $34,540, GMC Jimmy $18,534 – $30,970, Honda Passport $22,700 – $28,950, Isuzu Rodeo $17,995 – $27,910, Jeep Grand Cherokee $25,800 – $33,995, Land Rover Discovery $34,150, Mitsubishi Montero Sport $18,310 – $32,630, Oldsmobile Bravada $31,043.

Good News:
Toyota quality, comfortable ride, roomy.

Bad News:
Stepladder entry, poor fuel economy, off-road capability cost that seldom is used.

Standard Equipment:
3.4 liter V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans, 2-speed transfer case, coil spring dbl wishbone indep. front suspension, power rack & pinion steering, power front disc/rear drum antilock brakes, dual air bags, cloths bucket seats, split folding rear seat, stereo w/ cassette, power door locks & rear window, tilt wheel, cruise control, power mirrors.

Gas Stats:
17 City and 20 Highway MPG.

Pricing:
MSRP $27,368.

 Your comments are welcomed. E-mail joe@atthewheel.com View unedited reviews at www.las.net/atthewheel.

1999 Mazda Miata MX-5 (215)

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1999 Mazda Miata MX-5 (215)

Overview:

This 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available in a single trim so it simplifies your decision making. And if you simply must have a sports car that’s basic, with simple everything, you can find it here. It is truly a fun car to drive and has adequate power.

The top is easy to put down when the mood moves you, but you’ll have to wait until you stop and get out to put it back up since there’s no way for the average \”non-jock\” to do it while sitting in the car.

History: The Miata was introduced in the summer of 1989 and it captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts longing for the days of the classic British roadster. Remember the MGB, Austin Healey etc.? They were so popular dealers routinely charged, and people willingly paid, thousands over the suggested retail price for this little roadster. The 1998 model year was skipped completely, with the new 1999 model went on sale in March.

Many years ago I owned an MG and loved the way you can zip around and I thoroughly enjoy the handling capabilities of sports cars. Some of the shortcomings of the older roadsters have been eliminated in cars like this Miata, but there are some complaints that can’t go unmentioned. I want to know why they put the power outlet/ lighter right smack in front of the gear shifter? Doesn’t anyone test-drive these things for such obvious irritations? If they do it is certain they haven’t plugged in a cell phone. Is that possible? Another bitch is the placement of the latch on the center console storage compartment. It is poorly placed at the rear, which makes it hard to open. There is also a lot of road noise that I feel should have improved with the increase in cost.

When you review what is considered competition for the Miata I think you’ll find too great a difference in all except perhaps the Cavalier and the VW. I believe the Eclipse is a step up even though the price doesn’t reflect that fact. The Porsche Boxster and the Mercedes SLK are light years ahead and if the extra money isn’t too painful to part a test drive will help you open your wallet a little wider. The BMW Z3 is over priced, as is the Miata.

I’ve driven them all and suggest you do the same before you make your decision.

The Competition:

BMW Z3 $29,425 – $35,900, Chevrolet Cavalier $11,871 – $19,571, Mercedes-Benz SLK $40,000, Mitsubishi Eclipse $15,740 – $26,660, Porsche Boxster $41,000, Volkswagen Cabrio $17,975 – $22,290.

Good News:

Top is easy to put down. Fun to drive.

Bad News:

Tinny sounding doors. Trunk is also a clanging cymbal. Poor placement of power outlet & console access release. A lot of road noise. Pricey.

Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter 4 cylinder, 140 HP engine, 5-speed manual trans with overdrive, rack & pinion steering, cloth bucket seats, AM/Fm CD stereo, independent suspension, dual air bags, glass rear window in convertible top, remote fuel & trunk releases, 4- wheel power disc brakes & dual mirrors. Note: A 4-speed automatic transmission is available.

Gas Stats:

25 City 29 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $19,770 but if you want Air, leather, alloy wheels, cruise control, upgraded premium Bose stereo system with cassette, power – steering, mirrors, windows, antenna & door locks – you’ll have to up the ante to $25K.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Convertible (213)

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Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T Convertible (213)

Overview:

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T is quickly identified this year by its newly added chrome plated 16″ wheels. But it’s the turbocharger that will propel those chrome wheels out in front of traffic where the highway patrol can keep an eye on you – especially if you opt for a red one like the one I tested.

I was impressed with the overall quality and performance as it reminded me a little of the Acura NSX. I mention the comparison loosely, especially since the NSX is one of my all time favorite sports cars. But when I pulled along side a pretty black NSX I had to reflect on the cost to value ratio and would find it difficult to justify three times the dough for the added snob appeal you’d get with the NSX.

Cars like this Spyder GS-T are for the “young and the restless” because it makes you want to go. But then you have to be young, without kids, and know how to travel light at the same time. There isn’t a lot of space for more than you and a friend and very little luggage. Of course it does have a small rear seat that you could use for storage.

Eclipse debuted in 1990 and unique to the Eclipse line is the convertible Spyder, which is also available in an all-wheel-drive version – the GSX. Both are turbocharged. You may recall the difference between “Turbo” and “Super”-charged is that the boost from the turbocharger comes from an exhaust driven turbine where the supercharger is driven by a belt drive much like your air conditioner, etc. The supercharger is quicker off the line but it takes horsepower for the belt drive. The turbocharger is more efficient and you sense the “neck snapping” thrust shortly after you build up Rpm’s.

This Spyder is well detailed with nice touches such as a leather wrapped wheel and shift knob that add to the sporty feeling. It is also surprisingly tight for a convertible. Mitsubishi attributes that to the fact that it was built “as” a convertible and not simply a modified coupe as is the case with most convertibles. If you’ve ever driven a convertible Camero you’ll really appreciate the difference. Camero creaks, squeaks, moans and groans every time you go over a dip or bump – like your driveway. In addition, the power drop-top is easy to operate and it can be lowered or raised without setting the parking brake or putting the shifter into park or neutral. It senses movement and only requires that you are not moving. Finally the spoiler gives it that added touch of sportiness.

The Competition:

Acura Integra $16,200 – $23,500, Dodge Avenger $15,370 – $17,645, Eagle Talon $14,505 – $20,715, Ford Mustang $16,150 – $28,510, Honda Prelude $23,300 – $25,800, Hyundai Tiburon $13,599 – $14,899, Nissan 200SX $13,149 – $16,749, Pontiac Firebird $18,015 – $29,715, Toyota Celica $20,111 – $24,550, Volkswagen Golf $13,495 – $20,235.

Good News:

California convertible, fast & fun to drive, 1/3 the price of an Acura NSX.

Bad News:

Limited storage space, my lower back tells me it’s hard to get in and out of, and if I wore a skirt it would even be more difficult.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder 210 horsepower engine, 5-speed manual trans, dual air bags, power rack & pinion steering, 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, power soft top, air conditioning, security system with keyless entry, stereo with cassette and CD player 8 speaker sound system, cruise control, power widows and door locks, 6-way power driver seat, leather, tilt wheel and power mirrors.

Gas Stats:

23 City/ 31 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $26,660 and the model I drove added the ABS (anti-locking brake system) for a total of $27,852.

1998 Mazda 626 (212)

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1998 Mazda 626 (212)

Overview:

Let’s face it, this Mazda 626 has everything you need and presents it like it were a luxury class car. And although it is the best selling of the Mazda line, the Miata enjoys greater recognition and popularity. Mazda has likely done a poor job marketing the 626 relative to rivals such as Toyota, Ford and Honda. It will have to do better in its uphill battle with the competition that is not only abundant but also very capable in this class.

I\’ve tested all noted below. The first two that came to mind were the Buick Regal and the Olds Intrigue. They are a bit larger and thus roomier with more cargo space. They don’t however offer a sunroof or CD player as standard equipment as does the 626. As expected, both of these American contenders have much more muscle from larger displacement / horsepower engines. The Buick is supercharged and develops 240 HP compared to 170 for the 626, and although impressive it is not a major advantage in my view. The Intrigue is a 195 HP V-6 and both larger engine cars give up nothing in fuel economy, as they are equal or better than the 626.

The 1990‘s have proven to me to be a milestone in marketing for U.S. carmakers that resoundingly state that they are \”back\”. You can no longer ignore them and compare only import to import because you’d miss out on good old Americana as an option. Before the 1960’s there was little option. You bought U.S. made cars or nothing. From that time through the 1980’s, however, you could almost discount American cars completely because of what I call \”Detroit Backlash\”. Buyers left in droves to support foreign imports that were cheaper and more economical to drive. They were also fun to drive as they were smaller and offered lots of extras for less money. The 1990’s do indeed mark the return of the American automaker in a big way. They may have been finessed and out flanked by aggressive Japanese producers but have, in good old Yankee style shown their colors and come back with a vengeance. In the meantime all of the competitors are strong contenders and command your attention if you’re in the market for a compact sedan.

Mazda\’s 626 sedan is designed exclusively for North America and will be produced only in Flat Rock, Michigan, as a joint venture between Mazda and Ford Motor Company. The 626 has more than 75% domestic content, thus it is classified as a domestic car.

The 1998 Mazda 626 is available in four trims: DX, LX, LX V6 and ES V6 4-door sedans. The ES that I tested is smooth and comfortable. It handles well and the 170 HP V6 provides more than enough power. Styling is commonplace but \”in-the-swim\” with today’s look for sleek, clean lines. The shifting of the manual trans allows for a smooth transition between gears, albeit a little long on the travel distance required between gears. In this case you may want to consider the optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Overall I liked the car a lot and found the redesigned 1998 a noticeable improvement over prior versions of the 626.

The Competition:

Buick Regal $21,045 – $23,790, Chevrolet Lumina $17,395 – $19,745, Dodge Stratus $14,965 – $17,790, Ford Contour $14,460 – $22,665, Honda Accord $15,100 – $24,150, Mitsubishi Galant $16,990 – $24,350, Nissan Altima $14,990 – $19,990, Oldsmobile Intrigue $20,890 – $24,110, Pontiac Grand Prix $18,795 – $20,665, Subaru Legacy $19,195 – $25,595, Volkswagen Jetta $14,595 – $20,955.

Good News:

Everything’s standard for the price, well detailed, well priced, nice ride.

Bad News:

Long travel shifter, cookie cutter styling.

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter V-6 170 HP engine, 5-speed manual trans., front wheel drive, electronic traction control, 4-wheel power anti-locking disc braking system, power rack and pinion steering with tilt wheel, 4-wheel independent suspension, dual power mirrors, dual airbags, power glass sunroof, power windows & door locks, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD player, leather, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, keyless entry, remote trunk and anti-theft system.

Gas Stats:

21 City/ 27 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $23,995

1998 Jeep Cherokee Limited (211)

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1998 Jeep Cherokee Limited (211)

Overview: 
You can hardly talk about a sport utility without mentioning the name Jeep. Over the past several years as I’ve reviewed the likes of the Olds Bravada, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevy Blazer, Infiniti QX4, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Lexus LX450, Honda Passport, Dodge Durango, Mercedes Benz ML320, GMC Yukon Denali, Isuzu Rodeo etc., I have referred to Jeep. And why not, Jeep is the original and still is the Jeep of Sport Utility Vehicles. I have been endeared to the Jeep for offroading since before all other manufacturers got hip to this wild and crazy passenger vehicle capability.

The only one I really can’t warm up to is the Wrangler because it insults my intelligence. Simply put – I can’t see the value for the dough. Take the carpet and comfortable seats out, paint it gray and we have a post WWII Jeep I drove in the Navy. Paint it Army Green and put a machine gun mount on the back, and it’s the familiar GI Jeep General George S. Patton rode in through Europe. It rides rough, burns gas like an Army tank, has no storage space and much less.

Sorry, Chrysler I had to say that and get it off my chest. However, the rest of the Jeep line and the company generally is great. Management is forward thinking and caters to its customers in a family sort of way. They organize Jeep Jamborees, that are off road outings for a few days in the country with a bunch of other Jeep owners that is organized by Chrysler. There are about 30 venues in the US and are “must do’s” for Jeep owners. I did the Mohawk Trail Jamboree in Massachusettes a few years back and still think of that outing from time to time with fondness. You meet some very nice people and you have a lot in common. Jeep says that 65% of all Jeep owners have never taken their Jeep off roading. Jamboree’s are ranked by degree of difficulty and I would never suggest you take on a “Ten” at first. Inexperienced owners could bring their Jeep back in a body bag.

Now Jeep has taken the initiative again and began organizing a program to teach owners “off-highway” driving basics. They call it “Jeep 101” and you drive company owned new Jeeps around a course designed to simulated difficult trail conditions in the widerness. Literally it is a cut down version of the Jeep Jamboree. They invite Jeep owners or prospective owners to experience a course of sand traps, log crossings, rock crawling, hill climbing, water hazards etc. The program begins in April and runs through November in cities like Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa. It’s an interesting way to spend a half day and if you intend to buy a SUV you should consider this opportunity. I went on the one in Gorman, about an hour north of LA.

I suspect this is what separates the men from the boys in the SUV market. Jeep is the “Real Thing” and they put their product where their marketing mouth is. This is truly a different car company. The third event they sponsor is called Camp Jeep which is a three day owner event to educate, entertain and place owners in a family vacation environment. There are activities like fly-fishing, four-wheel drive trails, mountain biking, white-water rafting, all-terrain mountain boarding, archery and out door concerts. Trust me, Chrysler knows how to do an event.

For more information on Jeep Jamborees, Camp Jeep or Jeep 101 you can call 1-800-925-Jeep or visit the Jeep website at www.jeep.com.

The competition: 

Chevrolet Blazer $21,713 – $25,226, GMC Jimmy $21,836 – $25,905, Honda Passport $22,700 – $28,950, Jeep Cherokee $15,665 – $24,605, Mitsubishi Montero Sport $18,030 – $32,250, Nissan Pathfinder $23,999 – $32,849, Subaru Forester $18,695 – $22,195, Toyota 4Runner $20,658 – $34,718.

Good News: 

The Jeep of SUV’s, fun and educational events.

Bad News: 

Prior quality issues (but they try harder and address the problems).

Standard Equipment:

4.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic trans with 4 wheel drive, dual air bags, power front disc and rear drum brakes, power steering, AM/FM with cassette, power folder mirrors and roof rack.

Gas Stats:

15 City/ 20 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $22,115. The model I tested included air conditioning, power leather seats, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, cruise control, special wheels, special suspension like skid plates heavy duty engine and oil coolers ABS brakes, fog lamps, CD etc that brought the total to $27,405.

1998 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4-Door Sedan (210)

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1998 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4-Door Sedan (210)

Overview:
This is Ford\’s largest passenger automobile and it seats six adults comfortably. I doubt we’re headed back to the 1950 era of \”huge\” cars even though they are convenient when you need to transport more than a few people and their luggage. Of course the industry, in response to overwhelming demand, has provided for that need with the sport utility and vans.

There is no question that this is one of the last domestic full-size rear-wheel-drive passenger cars left and it is the second-best seller in the full-size segment. The Crown Victoria is available in two trims: the base Crown Vic and the LX that I drove.

Remember the Buick Roadmaster in the 1950s? We called them \”Road-Hogs\” back then. Well one of the features reminiscent of those cars was the extra soft ride you got. They were like \”luxury tanks\” and when you went over a dip or bump it would take a half-mile to level out again. You could get sea sick in those busses. I suspect the ride in this Crown Vic reminded me of the experiences of yesteryear with the Buick Roadmaster. Bad? No, I don’t think so. For every tush (sp) there’s a seat, and some folks still want to have the driving comfort you can only get from this kind of car. Handling and control is diminished however and I still prefer the stiffer ride so common in most of the automobiles on the road these days.

In keeping with the cars of the past, you also get rear windows that roll all the way down. What a novel idea. Do you think they can find a way to have the rear windows roll all – the – way – down on other cars? On the other hand, I was more irritated not having enough storage space than I was thrilled that the rear windows rolled all the way down. I always have a cell phone with me, as most people do these days, and I found myself putting it on the floor for lack of a better place. There were pull down arm rests in the front seat between driver and passenger and I would have expected them to double as storage areas. Don’t the engineers drive the cars they design? Another example of design improvements needed is the placement of radio and air condition controls. You literally have to reach to tune the radio. It isn’t that I’m lazy. When you’re driving at 65 mph it’s nice to be able to find all controls easily and without having to look. Doing that on a curvy road accentuates that inconvenience even more.

The Competition:

Buick LeSabre $22,465 – $25,790, Chrysler Concorde $21,305, Dodge Intrepid $19,685 – $22,465, Mercury Grand Marquis $22,090 – $23,990, Oldsmobile Eighty Eight $22,795 – $24,195, Toyota Avalon $24,408 – $28,288

Good News:

Spacious, comfortable, relative low cost, well placed cruise controls on the steering wheel.

Bad News:

Ride is soft, handles like a limousine, too much of a reach for instruments and door lock button poorly placed.

Standard Equipment:

4.6 liter V8 200 HP engine, (note: a 175-horsepower compressed natural gas –CNG- V8 is also available), automatic trans, dual airbags, air, power windows & door locks, tilt wheel, cruise control, power seats tinted glass, a rear window defroster, and an AM/FM stereo system with cassette.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $21,135 – $23,335

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