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

1998 Tracer GS 4-Door Sedan (209)

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1998 Tracer GS 4-Door Sedan (209)

Overview:

Well, back to basics with the 1998 Tracer that shares the same platform and engine as its Plain-Jane sister, the Ford Escort. I had the pleasure of driving the Escort through Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic this past summer and was reminded of that journey while driving this Tracer. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to test the Tracer on the autobahns I did push the limits on the freeways of California.

I think you’ll be as impressed with how much performance you can get from a 4-cylinder engine. Definitely this is as good a commuter as they make. It comes in two trims: the GS and LS 4-door sedans.

The interior is clean and neat with an Integrated Control Panel similar to the one in the Sable. If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate the easy-to-use soft-touch controls and that become obvious when you encounter the opposite that is true of too many other cars. This is one thing I always look for in any car I review because if all the controls don’t fall to your fingertips I question how thoughtful or how poor other design aspects are. Yes, I know it’s easier to have everything at your fingertips with small cars, but how you find switches and instruments should be instinctive and right where you’d put them if you had a say in the design. Fortunately you don’t have to worry about that with this Tracer.

The manufacturer claims to have added weather stripping and one-piece body-side construction to help reduce wind and road noise. I must admit they did a pretty good job and the doors have a solid sound. Why couldn’t they quiet the \”Clanging Cymbal\” sound of the trunk closing? Probably because they weren’t as concerned with the trunk since you don’t close the trunk as often as you do the doors.

Quite frankly, all things considered, I still find it hard to believe that they can put out such a line-up of very capable cars as this Tracer and most of the competition listed below for the little bit of dough they charge. It is obvious you have a lot to chose from in this segment of the market, but of all those listed here watch the Dodge Neon. I expect it to rise to the top of the popularity charts.

The Competition:

Chevrolet Cavalier $11,710 – $19,410, Dodge Neon $11,480 – $13,485, Ford Escort $11,430 – $13,080, Honda Civic $10,650 – $16,480, Hyundai Elantra $11,499 – $12,549, Mazda Protege $12,145 – $15,295, Mitsubishi Mirage $10,830 – $14,330, Nissan Sentra $11,499 – $16,749, Saturn SL $10,595 – $12,755,Subaru Impreza $15,895 – $19,195, Toyota Corolla $11,908 – $14,798, Volkswagen Golf $13,495 – $20,235.

Good News:

Impressive power, nice detailing and component fit, great gas efficiency, and clean lines and interior.

Bad News:

Light steering on the highway, tinny sounding trunk, ABS brakes are not standard and power windows and door locks are not an option.

Standard Equipment:

2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 110 horsepower, 5-speed manual transmission dual airbags, child safety locks, variable-assist power steering and tinted glass, side-impact protection.

Gas Stats:

28City and 38 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $11,505 – $12,860

1998 Volvo S70 GLT Bi-Fuel (208)

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1998 Volvo S70 GLT Bi-Fuel (208)

Overview: 

In addition to the standard equipment noted below, the Volvo S70 that I tested was a Bi-fuel model. That means it has two tanks; a 15-gal gasoline tank and a 7 gal compressed natural gas (CNG) tank. According to Volvo they haven’t released the Bi-fuel model for sale in the US yet so they have not determined how much of the $3-4,000 added cost will be passed on to North American consumer. The S70 is a slight refinement of the 850, a car that launched a change in the company‘s marketing direction. Volvo has done a great job selling us on the safety features of the car but failed to impress us with the square boxy look so common to its design. The look of the S70 presents another change in direction for Volvo—more rounded styling. In keeping with the general perception of the consumer that Volvo is a safe car, it was the first in the auto industry to add side-impact airbags.

By the way, under Volvo‘s new model-naming scheme, S stands for sedan, V is for versatility and C denotes a coupe. The 1998 Volvo S70 Sedan is available in four trims: S70 (base), GT, GLT and T5. The GLT adds a light-pressure turbo to boost horsepower to 190. The T5 gets a 2.3-literturbocharged 5-cylinder that puts out 236 horsepower. I felt the GLT was sluggish and would suggest looking at the T5 for the added power. But the Bi-fuel feature has no impact on the performance, as it was equally sluggish with either fuel.

The infrastructure is not yet established, as it would need to be for the car to sell here in America. Presently in Southern California the stations are about 30 miles apart, which explains the need for the dual fuel system. Alternate propulsion vehicles like electric cars and this Bi-fuel Volvo suffer the same drawbacks. The refueling process for the CNG was ok once I figured out how to operate the equipment but it was slow. The only other customers at the Glendale SCE station I went to a couple of times were airport Super Shuttle’s which are CNG equipped. The driver I spoke with had only one complaint – the limited number of refueling sites. He didn’t mind the slowness of refilling since he brought his lunch for the occasion. The experience reminded me of the EV1 (electric vehicle from Saturn) I drove a few months ago. Now EV’s have dual propulsion and include a gas-burning engine to supplement the batteries.

I guess if you’re a “Bunny Hugger” and have a bent to preserve the forest, and save the whales and spotted owls you won’t mind a few negatives to make a positive impact on the environment. CNG as a fuel burns much cleaner and thus emits far fewer substances into the atmosphere.

It is unfortunate SCE can’t place the refueling facility in the already existing gas stations that are on every corner. Until they do that it will be tough for spoiled Americans to embrace the concept of alternate fuels or propulsion systems.

Fuel system aside, this S70 is the same great Volvo we’ve always known. It is close in price and quality to the Mercedes C280 and dollar for dollar I’d find it difficult to chose between the two.

The competition:

Audi A6 $33,750 – $35,400, BMW 5-Series $38,900 – $88,900, Chrysler Concorde $21,305, Infiniti I30 $28,900 -$31,500, Lexus ES 300 $30,790, Mazda Millenia $28,995 – $36,595, Mercedes-Benz C-Class $30,450 -$52,750, Mitsubishi Diamante $27,650 – $33,050

Good News:

Priced well, nice lines, good reputation for quality and safety, roomier than the competition, handles well.

Bad News: 

Sluggish without the turbocharger.

Standard Equipment:

2.4 liter 190 HP 5-cyl. Engine, 4-speed auto trans, front wheel drive, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, rack & pinion power steering, front and side air bags, child safety locks, power glass sunroof, 9-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, security system, climate control, power windows & mirrors, stereo sound system w/ cassette, tilt /telescopic wheel and remote trunk & fuel lids.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 27 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $32,440 without Bi-fuel equipment.

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

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Copyright ©1994 – Automotive Love Affair

1998 Isuzu Rodeo (207)

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1998 Isuzu Rodeo (207)

Overview: 

What better place to test the Isuzu Rodeo 4-wheel Drive utility vehicle but in Sequoia National Park. And that’s exactly what I did. However, I’ve never found a venue quite like those Jeep Jamboree’s that Chrysler puts on each year. I find myself comparing all utility vehicles with how I think they would fare in the same situation as the Jeep did in rugged off road conditions. I took the Isuzu on a less than challenging climb and found it to be a little top heavy. The center of gravity felt higher than other sport utilities I’ve driven. I checked it out and it is generally about 4 inches higher than the competition, except the Honda Passport that is a twin sister in all respects – virtually the same platform.

Isuzu joined the crowd of sport utilities in 1990 and this year’s model has been redesigned. The Rodeo is built in Lafayette, Indiana, and was the first Isuzu vehicle to be built in the U.S. Isuzu has discontinued its passenger-car line here. All things considered, this is a very comfortable vehicle and a pleasure to drive however not unlike all the others in its class. I’ve driven all those officially listed as competitors and this Isuzu Rodeo is every bit as good. I must admit, however, that the new entrant from Mercedes – the ML 320 was a standout at $33,950 especially relative to the price of this Rodeo and the others listed below. Yes, I know, Mercedes isn’t among the competition. The ML 320 competes with the likes of other luxury class SUV’s like the popular Ford Explorer, Infiniti QX4, Isuzu Trooper, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover Discovery, Lincoln Navigator and Toyota Land Cruiser.

Well I’m here to tell you to drive the ML 320 and draw your own conclusions. Don’t take my word for it. You’ll say wow just like I did and you’ll know also that the Mercedes is going to be tough competition in all classes. I believe Mercedes is busting into the SUV market and buying a place in this very profitable segment of all automobile sales, with a low-ball price. Here is a comment from the Auto Channel Awards people who say, “Mercedes-Benz captures the Best Sports Utility Vehicle for its ML320. Superior handling; imaginative utilization of size and interior space; and the relatively low cost of the vehicle propelled the ML320 to the top”. Well those are my sentiments exactly, and I might add the ML320 is the only SUV with 4-wheel independent suspension. All others have a live axle.

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:

Comfortable ride, plenty of power, nice appearance, good attention to detail, nice interior.

Bad News:

Mileage is as bad as all other SUV’s, plain and unexciting styling, and poor visibility.

Standard Equipment:

3.2 liter 205 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed automatic trans, part-time 4-wheel drive shift of the fly, power 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, dual air bags, AM/FC Cassette stereo, child safety locks, AM/FM Stereo with cassette, tilt steering, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, a luggage rack, cruise control, rear wiper/washer and power mirrors.

Gas Stats:

16 City and 20 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $28,910.

1998 Cadillac Seville STS (205)

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1998 Cadillac Seville STS (205)

Overview:
There are a few events more important than a wedding and this Cadillac STS helped to enhance the blessed ceremony of marriage for our family this past month. Son Mike and Lindsey tied the knot and Cadillac embellished the days before, during and after the ceremony and reception.

Finally they went to the airport in the same style to embark on a trip to the Virgin ? Islands. Catalina had to do for me years ago. Do you think folks who live on Capri and Greece come to Catalina for their honeymoons?

It was the Cadillac of weddings, as they all are, and it was fitting because I’ve owned eight Cadillac’s so Mike got a ride in one when he came home from the hospital. It was also a Cadillac that took him back to the hospital for boo-boos that needed attention. These wonderful cars also accompanied us on vacation – from the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, San Francisco and the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City among many other comfortable trips.

Mike wanted to take the STS to St. Thomas, but they don’t have an amphibeous model. And you know, when I thought of Mike’s wedding the first car that came to mind was Cadillac. Thanks to Chuck H. and the other good folks at Cadillac the day was made even more beautiful.

Cadillac has changed over the years and remains a symbol of excellence the world over. They want to make sure that perception continues around the globe, and thus with the debut of the 1998 Seville in Frankfurt Germany they seek to achieve the goal of capturing the luxury market in Europe and Asia. They will go up against Mercedes, BMW and Lexus with this Seville STS. I drove the E420 Mercedes in Germany last year and wish I could have made the trip in the Seville STS. What you notice in Europe is the “Absence” of American luxury cars. I can’t say I even saw one Cadillac in the six countries I visited in Europe. But then there were precious few Porshe’s in Europe as well. Surprised? I was, but marketing is a curious part of a company’s strategy.

I was impressed with the handling characteristics of the Mercedes-Benz at high speed and I had the chance to contrast that with the Ford Escort that isn’t at home on the autobahn as is the Mercedes, even though they build it there in Koln, Germany. However, I have tested the Cadillac at high speed on a race track and feel it provides similar high speed handling confidence. Cad is tops as far as I’m concerned.

Cadillac has always been a leader in technology and the Northstar System and road sensing suspension are examples. Now they’ve added an adaptive seating option that automatically adjusts the seating to each individual by way of 10 air cells that measure pressure and thus set the seat adjustment for the most comfortable position.

The Competition:

Acura RL $41,200, Audi A6 $33,750 – $35,400, BMW 528 i $38,900, Infiniti Q45 $47,900 – $49,900, Lexus GS 300/400 $36,900 – $44,950, Lincoln Continental $37,930, Mercedes-Benz E420 $45,500.

Good News:

It’s a Cadillac. Better fitting components than ever. Clean lines outside and inside, priced well. Made in the USA.

Bad News:

I could be lured away from the Cad by one of the above. Want to guess?, e-mail me at joe@atthewheel.com or at www.las.net/atthewheel.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 26 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $46,995

1999 Plymouth Prowler (204)

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1999 Plymouth Prowler (204)

Overview:

It doesn’t matter what your age; you have to love this Plymouth Prowler, now in its second year of production. Just when I thought cars were getting boring, Chrysler makes a statement that a major manufacturer can build exciting cars. This Prowler will capture your imagination. The movie LA Story came to mind for me, and especially the scene where Steve Martin is in a Santa Barbara hotel with a much too young friend and has the occasion to exclaim “I’m young”! In fact what you’ll notice driving this Prowler is that little kids will be especially attracted to this car more than any you’ve driven. Son Mike told me why. Dad, dah! They like it because it looks like the “hot wheels” colorful little model cars they play with. Easy for him to know. But once he said it I knew instantly Chrysler’s idea of making the first ever production hot rod is genius. Even the air bags are “next generation”. For the little kids their tiny car’s come alive and I have to tell you, their smiles are worth the price of admission. I was driving by the Old Town Pasadena Weekly office one day and a little boy in his Karate robe with mom and sister said it all – “cool car”.

Well if you haven’t noticed, I just love this car. I tell everyone it is in the top five of the best ever cars I’ve driven. How do I love this car? Let me count the ways.

It’s yellow. No, really. They couldn’t have picked a better color. My daughter’s neighbor, Hans from Sweden said, “ya that is really yellow. It voke me yup ven you drove into the drive vay.” Hans is cool too.

The design is a mix of nostalgic ’30s Ford Roadster and space age technology. They put in some obvious high tech stuff like the stunning molded instrument cluster on the dash but also threw in subtle touches like the tachometer that is conspicuously mounted on the steering column like you bought it at Trak Auto and put it there yourself. Even the wire shows. Really, Chrysler designers at Pacifica (just north of San Diego, CA) deserve a raise for this one. And they probably would have gotten one if they had figured a way to include some trunk space. You’ll crack up when you see the trunk. Just stop an owner and ask them to see the trunk. Really, I’m serious; it’s ok to do that. I was in a Chevron gas station in La Canada and this guy made a U-turn, parked the car and came over to me and started asking questions, like “how did you ever get one of these? I’ve been trying to buy one and can’t find one under $70,000”. Say what! I know V-dubs are going for at least $5K over window, but read my lips, the car has an MSRP of less than $40K. It’s errie, like you can hear a voice out of the blue whispering, “build it and they will come”.

The engine? It’s perfect for this car. Any more power and it would detract from the real purpose of owning this comfortable cruiser. For people who appreciate this car, cruising Bob’s speaks volumes.

The “rag top”? Easy to put down and stows neatly to transform the car into the roadster it is. In California, it’s beach time anytime and the drive will once again be as enjoyable as the cool breezes, hot sand and refreshing dips in the surf. You won’t even mind the traffic.

The overall feeling is nothing short of wonderful. At night you’ll turn on the lights and be enchanted by the turquoise glow from the instrument panel that will launch you back in time to the ‘50s and 60s. You’ll wonder why you can’t get a ‘car hop’ to come out and take your order for a Big Boy hamburger and fries with catsup and a cherry Coke. Boy was this a trip down memory lane.

The competition:

There is none, in my estimation. This is a one of a kind car. Surely it is the first and I predict it won’t be the last production rods. Just like the sport utilities, more of the major carmakers will have to get on the “band wagon”, or they’ll miss a golden opportunity.

Good News: 

It’s new, exciting and clearly different. Fun to drive. All the advantages of owning a classic rod with none of the disadvantages.

Bad News:

Small trunk space. They can’t make them fast enough so the going price is higher than it should be.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter V6 253 horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission with autostick, 4-wheel disc brakes, power rack & pinion steering, dual air bags with passenger on/off switch, air conditioning, power windows, tilt steering wheel and remote keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 23 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $39,300.

1998 Dodge Viper RT-10 (203)

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1998 Dodge Viper RT-10 (203)

Overview:

Ok, I want to know why they have to paint fast cars like this Dodge Viper, bright RED. It’s like bears to honey….Smokey Bears. Fast is an understatement and if you’re a muscle car enthusiast you can’t help but love the thrill this car delivers. I suspect brother John’s Daytona Ferrari jingles in my memory as I think of pressing the pedal to the metal. V-10 is plenty John. Sorry officer I just got this and promise never to do that again.

I drove prior year models of the Viper on the Willow Springs race track but on the street it is almost totally out of its element. Like a fish out of water. Not that it should be outlawed, after all this is a free country. And at only $70,000 it gives the poor a chance to keep up with the rich Jones’ who spend much more on their Ferrari’s, Aston Martin’s and Por-sha’s.

The car is so outrageous it attracts the attention of people from all ages and walks of life. People just can’t refrain from looking even if only obliquely glancing like they’re really not interested. And when you’re sauntering down the freeway at 60 (nearly at idle) and you need to pass – no problem. 450 horses launch you forward with neck breaking acceleration. If there is lots of open road ahead it is awesome to look in the rear view mirror and see big things quickly transform into tiny things. It reminds me of the pictures of the X-15 camera shots to the rear as it soared into the stratosphere. To give you a point of reference, it will take you from 0-60 mph in a scant 4.1 seconds with top speed of 185 mph. Quite frankly, I couldn’t find anywhere to prove that top speed statistic, not even on the track.

As to an every day driver, forget it. Even race drivers drive Honda’s and other sewing machine powered cars off the track. My partner Price Cobb putts around in a Nissan Altima when home in Colorado. He is so mild mannered off the track it’s like Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Cobb. Price has an Indy team this year, but last year he drove on the Viper team for Chrysler and was impressed with the car. I was impressed that he was impressed. But I couldn’t drive this car every day… my heart simply couldn’t take the excitement. As you get older you have to be careful with sex and fast cars, both of which can be hazardous to your health. There, another fear to grab on to in this “everything is bad for your health” world.

This exciting Chrysler sports car was the first in automotive history to go from auto show (Detroit 1989) as a concept car to dealer showrooms largely unchanged. It went into production in 1992. Perhaps they’ll continue to change it until it resembles a real street car. But then why would you want one?

The competition:

Acura NSX $84,000 – $88,000, Aston Martin DB7 $130,000 – $148,000, Chevrolet Corvette$37,995 – $44,425, Ferrari F355 $121,495 – $140,885, Lotus Esprit $82,625, Porsche 911 $65,030 – $74,460.

Good News: Fast, outlandish styling, hardtop and removable soft top, power roll up windows.

Bad News: Rough ride, limited use, real small trunk, difficult entry & exit.

Standard Equipment:

8.0 liter Aluminum V-10 450 horsepower engine with 490 ft lbs. of torque, 6-speed manual trans, 4-wheel independent suspension, power rack & pinion steering, power 4-wheel disc brakes, 5-spoke alum. wheels, removable hardtop, removable soft top, Alpine AM/FM with CD sound system, keyless entry system, dual air bags, air conditioning & power windows.

Gas Stats:
11 City and 21 Highway MPG.

Pricing:
MSRP is $70,000, including Gas-Guzzler Tax.

1999 GMC Yukon Denali (201)

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1999 GMC Yukon Denali (201)

Overview:
The Yukon Denali went on sale earlier this year as a 1999 and has a unique grille and special headlights to set it apart from other Yukons. It joins a long running fad demanding a combination of car and off road vehicle.

The nice thing about the market for anything is that it is predictably unpredictable. It will go where people decide it will go. They do that by voting with dollars. Their dollars, soon to be GM’s or Ford’s or Japans or Germany’s. Right now the craze for the SUV has brought nearly every manufacturer into the market, including the Luxury car makers. So what started out to be for “rough and ready” guys and gals driving the wind in their hair Jeep Wrangler has captured the fancy of the Rodeo Drive well healed weak and wrinkled.

These luxury versions are so far removed from the original concept that it is simply a move to capitalize on this current booming market for big, upscale sport-utility vehicles.

Somehow I just can’t see a bunch of burley guys throwing fishing or hunting gear in the back and plopping their fish hook laden vested torso on my nice baige “cadillac quality” leather seats – with mud on their boots to boot. Rodeo Drive, ok, but the real world for the rest of us, forget it.

The 1999 GMC Yukon is available in three trims: SLE 2WD, SLE 4WD, and this Denali. The standard Yukon is nearly identical to the Chevrolet Tahoe, which is bigger and roomier than the top-selling, midsize Ford Explorer—but smaller than the massive Chevy/GMC Suburban. The Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator have all been stealing sales. Thus, we have the Denali. It spices up the Yukon line The 4-wheel-drive Denali has a $42,855 base price. That’s pretty stiff, compared to the $29,919 cost of the 2-wheel-drive SLE Yukon and the $32,919 price for the SLE 4-wheel-drive Yukon.

This is the widest of the wide of the SUV’s so if you’re a potential Yukon owner you’ll need to measure the garage to make sure it fits. Another annoyance is the two swing-out cargo doors block rear vision from the driver’s seat. Loading a Yukon is a snap however. And the rear seat is easily flipped forward to allow pickup-truck-style cargo room.

For those rough spots and imaginary pot holes in and around Beverly Hills and Brentwood the Denali has a very smart college educated traction control system that automatically engages when needed.

Watch for more Denali-style vehicles from GMC, as America’s love affair with big, high-style trucks continues, unless the stock market takes a big dump, then the well will dry up and Jeep Wranglers will be back in Vogue.

The Competition:

Chevrolet Tahoe $23,900 – $32,300 Dodge Durango $26,540 Ford Expedition $28,225 – $34,690 Land Rover Range Rover $56,300 – $64,500 Lexus LX 470 $54,950 Lincoln Navigator $39,310 – $42,960 Toyota Land Cruiser $45,950

Good News:

Roomy, Powerful,Clever 4-wheel-drive, posh say some. (trivia buffs – POSH stands for “Port Side Out, Starboard side Home”. and yes, I know, that term should have gone down with the Titanic).

Bad News:

Pricy, Average steering, handling and ride, Awkward size, Poor on gas consumption.

Standard Equipment:

5.7-liter V8 255 horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic trans, dual airbags, an anti-lock brake system (ABS), child safety locks, daytime running lights, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, power door locks and windows, deep-tinted glass, intermittent windshield wipers, AM/FM stereo with cassette & 6-CD changer, leather trim, Zebrano wood accents, projector-beam fog lights,16-inch chrome aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, 6-way power front seats, heated seats front and rear, roof mounted luggage rack, and a bunch of other luxury touches.

Gas Stats:

12 City and 16 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $ 42,855

1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE Sedan (200)

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1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE Sedan (200)

Overview:

The Pontiac Bonneville is assembled in All-American Michigan and comes to us in two trims, the SE and the SSE that adds leather trim, power seats, heated mirrors, keyless entry, a Bose AM/FM stereo with CD player, and traction control.

Right off the bat, you have to understand I have a great handicap to overcome in evaluating Pontiac cars. I was at a very impressionable age when Pontiac had the misfortune to run an ad campaign centered on an American Indian enunciating very clearly ” Ugh, Pontiac heap good car”. Of course us kids shortened that to mean something very different. We’d say “Ugh, Pontiac heap”. It’s obvious I haven’t forgotten the fun we had with that ad. The unfortunate part is that the affect of repeating that play on words over and over in our youth somehow gave the impression that it could be true that Pontiac’s are bad cars. Let’s face it, Nazi Germany built their belief system on the knowledge that if you tell a lie often enough people will believe it. Well, there is no basis in fact that Pontiac’s are “heaps”, and more important, my mom owned a Pontiac, so how bad could they be, right? I wonder if people still remember that ad, especially in light of the fact that today you couldn’t even use an American Indian to sell Indian beads.

Well, I also doubt there are any statistics on how many American Indians buy Pontiac automobiles, but we do know that 60% of the buyers will be male and if my math is correct, 40% will be women and other sexes. Median age is about 50, 80% are married (no sexual preferences given) and 45% are college grads.

Buyers of cars like this Bonneville are likely to be lovers of the “muscle” cars of the ’50s & ‘60s. That should explain why the median age of buyers is 50. In any case, they won’t be disappointed even with the 205 horsepower engine, but if that isn’t enough “muscle” they can opt for the supercharged version providing 240 horsepower from this V6. Performance seekers get a lot for their money and dollar for dollar, this “Wide Track” stance not only makes them very noticeable and distinctive, it enhances handling greatly because of its low center of gravity.

Henry Ford knew instinctively that affordable cars would win the hearts and minds of consumers and I believe his instincts are as valid today as they were nearly a hundred years ago. That is especially true for us in California where we’re just now coming out of a great depression. Some call it a recession, but for others it has been a full-on depression. In any case, price is still a prime mover for most of us. In fact, as well priced as this Bonneville is, we are seeing an explosion in the availability of incredibly inexpensive cars. A rash of small 2 and 4 door sedans from Korea, Japan and even from the U.S. are growing in number that are priced as low as $6,999. Mr. Ford was either a visionary or simply had a keen sense of the obvious…people need transportation and don’t want to sell their souls to have it. Thanks to technology, carmakers have been able to provide some pretty amazing products at pretty amazing prices.

My recommendation remains, buy American, where you get the biggest bang for your buck in today’s world. As time passes and the economy gets better fewer people will be as cost conscious, but by then I think you’ll find even less distinction between “foreign and domestic”. Cars will increasingly come to us from multi-national companies and will be even more homogeneous than they are today, if that’s possible.

The competition:

Dodge Intrepid $19,685 – $22,465, Nissan Maxima $21,499 – $26,899, Chrysler Concorde $21,305, BMW 3-Series $21,390 – $41,500, Ford Taurus $18,445 – $29,000, Oldsmobile LSS $28,095, Toyota Avalon $24,408 – $28,288, Volvo S70 $26,985 – $34,010.

Good News:

J.D Powers APEAL Award. Good Pricing. Wide track styling. Good performance.

Bad News:

Low on J.D. Powers list of prob/100 cars.

Standard Equipment:

3.8 liter V6 205 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed automatic trans., front wheel drive, power rack & pinion steering, independent suspension, dual airbags, auto air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, cruise control, power windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry, front disc and rear drum anti-lock brakes, power 6-way driver seat, leather trim and leather wrapped steering wheel with radio controls.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 28 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $23,820.

1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 (195)

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1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 (195)

Overview:

Mercedes-Benz pits this ML320 against the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee. At $33,950 it debuts in a market where the competition is sterile. For the quality freak, this is a no brainer. If you want or need an SUV run right out – now, don’t pass GO / don’t collect $200, and proceed to your Mercedes dealer and buy one.

Now for the boring details. This first year model comes standard with a V6 engine (V8 is available). It is a true off-road vehicle that combines full-time drive to all four wheels with four-wheel traction control and a dash mounted low range selector button. This unique setup eliminates the need for complicated differential locks and requires no driver intervention.

The M-Class production site in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is the first Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle production facility in the United States. It shouldn’t be any surprise that the sport-utility vehicle (SUV) has become one of the most rapidly growing parts of the overall automobile market and there should be more growth to come. In particular, the premium segment defined, as SUVs priced more than $28,000, appear to be on the move. There is little doubt that \”Image\” has become an important buying consideration so the ML320 SUV should be at the top of anyone’s list. It is a hands down winner.

Mercedes waited to get into this market and it shows. M-Class does not require scheduled oil changes. A Flexible Service Indicator tells the driver when the next service is needed. On-board computers monitor traction and transmission programs for optimum mileage in all gears. It features independent front and rear suspension where many SUVs have only independent front suspension while some use \”solid\” axles front and rear. Four-wheel independent suspension gives this car the best handling, stability and ride comfort, both on and off-road, along with lower noise levels.

I didn’t try it, but Mercedes claims the cargo area exceeds the capability of the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. For example, with the seats down MBZ will hold 82 cases of soft drinks to 54 and 56 for Ford and Jeep respectively. For parents with babies, you can haul 37 cases of diapers in your MBZ to 34 and 27 for Ford and Jeep. And of course you can\’t forget dog lovers who can tote 25 large bags of dog food in this class act Mercedes to 19 and 20 bags for Ford and Jeep. Of all the competition listed here I would pop for the Benz and buy stock in Chrysler with the money left over for not buying the others.

The competition: (Arguably)

Ford Explorer $34,115, Infiniti QX4 $35,550, Isuzu Trooper $26,550, Jeep Grand Cherokee $38,275, Land Rover Discovery $38,000, Lincoln Navigator $42,960, Toyota Land Cruiser $45,950.

Good News:

Priced well. Luxury features, new & different styling, great ride and great safety features. Mercedes generally has a great rating on JD Powers problems per hundred cars and it’s a Mercedes.

Bad News:

Styling is a bit awkward for some tastes. Side and rear visibility weakness.

Standard Equipment:

3.2-liter SOHC V6 engine with 215 horsepower, full-time four-wheel-drive, a five-speed electronic automatic transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette, power windows, cruise control, tilt steering column and six-way manual front seats. 4-wheel electronic Traction System, 4-wheel independent suspension, double-wishbone design, 4-wheel Anti-Lock disc brakes, aluminum wheels, driver and passenger front airbags and door-mounted side airbags in front. Central locking system with 4-button remote control, panic feature, automatic anti-theft alarm, illuminated entry system, Dual heated power side-view mirrors, rear-window defroster, rear wiper, 4-way head restraints for driver and all passengers, cloth upholstery, seating for five; rear seats, power windows, cruise control, tilt steering

Gas Stats:

17 City and 21 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $ 33,950.

1998 Mercedes SLK (199)

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1998 Mercedes SLK (199)

Overview:

The Mercedes Benz, new for ’98, SLK, which stands for Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), Kompakt (compact) didn’t disappoint me. Mercedes seldom does. I’m not biased; I just love what this car company does for us.

This SLK is a true four-season car with a push-button retractable hardtop that is clearly the best of the best. And under the hood is a supercharged C230 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that needs no improvement.

If you have a keen sense of the obvious as I like to think I do, you’ll know the only competition in this cars class is the BMW Z3 and the Porsch-a Boxster. You can scratch the others listed below. I love these three equally but for different reasons. I like the top on the SLK the best. Pricewise, the Z3 is best because you don’t give up much for the Savings you’ll receive, and I love the styling on the Boxster the best. But I have to tell you, it would be an almost impossible decision to choose between these three cars.

You’ll hear some say the engine is wrong for the SLK, but I say it’s perfect for this car. And the car is so Mercedes in character you know you’re in a Benz. Some sports car purists will complain about not having a manual transmission, but I much prefer the automatic and agree with Mercedes who says there\’s \”no U.S. demand\” for such a transmission. If you want a manual, buy the Z3, Boxster or two Miatas. On the other hand, the real sports car enthusiast will feel right at home with the stiff ride that is sure to disappoint many

people who will see the SLK as a classy cruiser. In any case it is a wonderful car and a 10 on my \”I don’t want to give it back\” index.

The Competition:

Audi Cabriolet $34,600, BMW Z3 $29,425 – $35,900, Mazda MX-5 Miata $19,770, Mitsubishi Eclipse $15,740 – $26,660, Porsche Boxster $41,000.

Good News:

Best top in any class. No question, it’s a Mercedes. Fits both Men and Women.

Bad News:

Tinsy weensy trunk. Price won’t fit many budgets. Automatic Trans responds poorly when driven aggressively.

Standard Equipment:

2.3-liter 185-horsepower supercharged 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission. front and side airbags, two fixed roll bars, anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control, child-seat recognition system, leather upholstery, an anti-theft system, power windows and door locks, fog lights, tinted glass and polished alloy wheels.

Gas Stats:

22 City and 30 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP is $39,700.

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