Tag Archives: 2003

2003 Jeep Liberty Limited and Renegade (424)

27-11-2002Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week’s testing of the 2003 Jeep Liberty and the Renegade models was a delight. I respect my elders and this Jeep has long roots as the founding father of all sport utility vehicles. It has come up the hard way along the road to development. It has earned its stripes over 60 years and, well, I just like this vehicle. Liberty will replace the 20-year-old Cherokee and takes its place between the Wrangler and the “Flag Ship” Grand Cherokee.

I thought it looked smaller than the Ford Escape but it is actually more spacious inside. I tested the Ford Escape on a 3000-mile jaunt to Yellowstone Park and back so I became real familiar with the Ford. Montero Sport is the only one of the competition that has more cubic feet of interior space than the Liberty.

Handling & Performance:

After all this is a Jeep and it is an off road vehicle that is not to be confused with smaller less rugged “Car Like” SUV’s (Honda CR-V, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota RAV4). Those aren’t designed to hold up to the rigors of off-road use. I like the way this Jeep handles on and off the road. The Part-Time 4-WD is nice to have but Liberty has an appetite for gasoline placing it at the bottom of the list of competitors in gas performance.

Styling:

Distinctively Jeep. The granddaddy has given us a new contender for the 21^st century in this Liberty.

Fit and Finish:

Very good. Surely an improvement from a decade ago. Daimler – Chrysler has had a positive influence on this Genuine American classic.

Cost:
Priced very well. This is sure to be a hit with any SUV enthusiast.

Consumer Recommendation:

The Liberty (tied for 5^th place) has two top competitors from the list, in my opinion. Sixth place Ford Escape and the Nissan Xterra are two other favorites of mine. It would be hard for me to pick just one to take home to the wife and kids. But if price is the deciding factor Liberty has to be the hands down winner since the other two are more money.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)

(1) Hyundai Santa Fe $17-23,000, (2) Mazda Tribute $18-24,000, (3) Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-20,000, (4) Honda CR-V $19-22,000, (5t) Jeep Liberty $17-24,000, (5t) Subaru Forester $21-24,000, (6t) Chevrolet Tracker $16-22,000, (6t) Ford Escape $19-27,000, (6t) Nissan Xterra $18-28,000, (7) Toyota Highlander $24-31,000, (8) Isuzu Rodeo $18-32,000, (9) Mitsubishi Montero Sport $23-33,000.

* – Ranking is based on cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

Peppy sucker – describes its desire to run with the rabbits, rugged, distinct styling inside and out and it has a surprising amount of room, rear door opening right to left for good curbside access and nice action on the glass opening out of the way when the door swings open.

Bad News:

At the bottom of the list for gas performance.

Standard Equipment:

3.7 liter 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic trans, 4-WD, dual air bags, keyless remote entry, power steering, power front disc with rear drum brakes, skid plates on front suspension, transfer case and 18.5 gal. fuel tank, cruise control, intermittent wipers front and rear, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, radio with CD player and six speakers, tilt leather wrapped steering, center console, auxiliary 12 V outlets front and rear, auto light controls, cargo net and tie down loops, roof mounted light bar, side steps, roof rack, fog lamps, power fold away mirrors, tint glass and full size spare rear mounted.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 21 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $17-24,000.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com

2003 Dodge Stratus R/T (423)

20-11-2002Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week I drove the 2003 Dodge Stratus. Stereotypes do a disservice to nearly everything you can think of. And most of our prejudices come from our youth, when we knew everything. Surely I knew all there was to know about cars in my youth. I could name every car on sight from three blocks away and so could all my friends. It was a game to us then.

But Chrysler was not a very popular car to many in my peer group in the 1950’s and 1960’s when Fonz was our hero as much as Joe Friday on Dragnet – Badge 714. We couldn’t miss Alfred Hitchcock Presents or Rod Serlings Twighlight Zone even if it were a school night. Great times for “American Graffiti” but not such a great time for Chrysler cars. Only nerds would be caught driving a Dodge, Plymouth both of which probably belonged to their parents who drove a Chrysler or Buick Roadmaster – tanks of the day.

But times change as do people, fads and fancies. As for cars, the romance is not as pronounced and the styles are not as fresh and exciting as they used to be when cars were emerging as the transportation of choice in America. There were lots of attempts at developing new gadgets for almost anything and cars were no exception. But other than the computer aided designs of the 21^st century cars haven’t really changed all that much from the mid 20^th century.

Handling & Performance:

Surely cars DO handle much better than in the “Good Old Days”. Suspensions weren’t as sophisticated so cars leaned a lot in turns, transmissions are not clunky any longer so the transition between gears is smoother. Engines are fuel injected and employ electronic ignition so they run much smoother and more efficient. And they are more powerful even with fewer cubic inches.

Styling:

Today’s cars are designed in wind tunnels and friction coefficients are important to fuel economy and thus we get sleek looking cars. Stratus is a great example of futuristic styling. Few would argue these new generation cars are better than ever. But better is a relative thing and there are some notable exceptions like the new BMW built Mini Cooper – a remake from the past. It is anything but sleek. But then it is interesting and promises to be a winner – sleek or not.

Fit and Finish:

Better than Chrysler has ever been and I believe as good as anything on the marker in this price range.

Cost:

Chrysler has led the way with price competitiveness for the past two decades and remains one of the best cost-to-benefit car companies in the world.

The Competition: (alphabetically)

Chevrolet Malibu $18-20,000, Chrysler Sebring $18-30,000, Dodge Stratus $19-22,000, Honda Accord $18-26,000, Hyundai Sonata $15-18,000, Infiniti G35 $27-32,000, Mitsubishi Eclipse $18-28,000, Mitsubishi Galant $18-24,000, Nissan Altima $17-23,000, Saturn L-Series Sedan $18-21,000, Subaru Legacy $19-25,000, Toyota Camry Solara $19-31,000, Toyota Camry $19-25,000.

Good News:

Nice styling, good gas stats for a powerful V6 and well priced.

Bad News:

ABS brakes not included and should be standard, difficult for tall people.

Standard Equipment:

3.0 liter V6 200 horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering with leather wrapped tilt wheel, sport suspension, battery run down protection system, air conditioning, power windows and locks, radio with 4-disc CD, steering wheel mounted controls, security/immobilizer system, keyless entry, 12V aux outlet, courtesy lights in side and trunk, cruise control, leather wrapped shift knob, halogen lights, power mirrors, tinted glass, fog lights and spoiler.

Gas Stats:

21 City and 29 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $21,725.

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Quadrasteer (422)

11-11-2002Autolove No comments

Overview:

Wow, this weeks test of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab with Quadrasteer was the most innovative car/truck I’ve tested in some time. Quadrasteer is an all-wheel steering feature where the rear wheels pivot in concert with the front wheels.

The effect is exhilarating. The truck steers corners as if it were on “Rails” and it’s an “E” Ride for sure. Literally it corners better than most sports cars.

What problems are caused over time in maintenance is, of course, an unknown. One has to wonder what it would do to the alignment and therefore tire wear. You can choose 2-wheel steer or 4-wheel steer by pressing a button on the dash while in neutral. When I expect to be driving long distances on relatively straight roads I leave it in 2-wheel steer.

I didn’t tow a trailer but a good friend with SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) did have the vehicle towing a long trailer. He said it worked wonderfully for that application.

General Info:

Parts – USA

Assembly – USA

Class: – Pick up Truck

Cars: Envoy, Safari, Savana, Sierra, Sonoma, Yukon.

Envoy Safari Savana Sonoma Yukon

Handling & Performance:

Like a lot of trucks with heavy suspension the ride was “Bumpy” as I mentioned in the Toyota Tacoma review, about this truck. Again, cement highways are awful and I’m sure you’ve noticed Black top being much smoother.

Styling:

Even Rodney Dangerfield would get respect in this truck. It is impressive and classy – for a truck. I especially like the amber lights on the top of the cab. It reminds me of a tractor for an 18-wheeler.

Fit and Finish:

Trucks today, like this GMC, are better assembled than the best cars of just a generation ago. No exception here. Good job GM.

Cost:

Well now, you get what you pay for and you’ll have to pay a bunch for the 4-wheel steering package. Try $5,525.00 if you have to have the latest and greatest in gadgets. I truly did like this feature and if it were less money it would be a no-brainer. Truth is, $5 grand is a lot.

Consumer Recommendation:

Without Quadrasteer and equipped as noted below, the price is about $33,000. If you have the bucks, (about $5,500), 4-wheel steer is cool.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)

(1) Toyota Tundra $16-31,000, (2) Dodge Ram 1500 $18-34,000, (3t) Chevrolet Silverado 1500 $18-39,000, (3t) Ford F-150 $19-37,000, (4) GMC Sierra 1500 $19-44,000.

* – Ranking is based on cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

Crew cab convenience, wide range of features available including the 4-wheel steering package and powerful V8.

Bad News:

Bumpy ride without a load, poor gas mileage.

Standard Equipment:

6.0 liter 300 hp V8 Vortec engine (no options), 4-speed auto trans, 4-wheel antilock long life disc brakes, tinted glass, carpets and mats, 6/40 fold down rear seat, 40/20/40 front bench seat with cloth trim, dual front seat recliners, dual air bags, auto control halogen headlamps, daytime running lights, tilt wheel, 8 bolt wheel hubs, theft deterrent ignition system, trailering wire harness, dual front hooks.

Gas Stats:

14 City and 18 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $33,620.

2003 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 2-WD Double Cab (420)

30-10-2002Autolove No comments

Overview:

Ok folks grab your kidney belt and come along on this weeks testing of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma 2-WD pickup with crew cab – Toyota calls it a Double Cab. The kidney belt can best be used to keep your teeth from chattering. But at the end of the week, other than a bouncy ride (really from not carrying a load), it was a pretty nice little truck. The rough riders who will drive these trucks should, of course, have some purpose other than transportation.

Well, I gotta ask you, if they can put a man on the moon isn’t it fair to bitch about the fact that we can’t build highways and trucks that are compatible. Cars are more forgiving because they don’t need to carry a load and the suspension is softer. But trucks move the country and more importantly they get us back and forth from Home Depot.

On the whole, I liked the truck and give credit where credit is due. After owning pickups in past lives I definitely wouldn’t own one without at least an extended cab. This crew cab is the norm these days for most truck makers and a great improvement over trucks of yesteryear. I can’t imagine any application not better served by having rear seating of some kind.

Handling & Performance:

Just when I said the ride couldn’t be worse than a Peterbuilt dump truck I tested the GMC crew cab one-ton pickup truck and got my brains shaken up. In that light the Tacoma wasn’t so bad. Suffice it to say most heavy suspension vehicles don’t handle cement highways very well. Black top is best, but road engineers haven’t a clue how to lay down cement sections of highway. Car manufacturers have tested all makes and models and they all do the same thing. They simply can’t engineer for stupid road builders. Do you think we have lousy cement highways because some government official’s inept brother-in-law was awarded the contract or are they simply all inept? I’d be interested in your comments on this subject.

My three grandchildren 4-7 years liked the ride just find. Two adults, two 7 year olds and 4-year-old Cierra in her car seat made the trip to Disneyland in the relative comfort of this Tacoma. In fact the kids appreciated the bouncy ride and thought it was fun. On the ride home you could hear melodious and rhythmical “ah-ah-ah-ah…” as we bounced down the highway. They hummed themselves to sleep after the long busy day and damn near put me to sleep too.

Styling:

If a small truck is all you need, this is surely a nice looking ride. I had a 1955 Ford ½ ton pickup when I was 16 and still love that classic design. I delivered 420 LA Times papers to much of South Pasadena in that truck. I reminisce about those days, but mostly I remember the classic look of cars and trucks in the early days. Today, everything has a homogeneous look, especially the computer generated, wind tunnel perfect, .4 drag coefficient that means those distinctive days are gone forever.

Fit and Finish:

This truck is light years ahead of that old 1955 Ford or any car of those days in how well they are assembled. The Japanese, Toyota in particular, is especially good at attention to detail. Heck, they didn’t even sell cars or trucks in the US in the 1950’s.

Cost:

Here I go again, complaining about the high price of cars. They give us so much service, and we, as a society, can’t do without the automobile, so why complain, right? Well, look around. Everything that is technically designed and built keeps coming down in price. A personal computer purchased in 1980 for $3-6,000 is now ¼ the price for magnitudes better technology. Cars in 1980 that cost $5-10,000 have increased 4 times and haven’t changed all that much. In my view, a truck shouldn’t cost nearly $20-24,000, let alone $45,000 for that GMC I mentioned above with Quadra Steer.

Consumer Recommendation:

Trucks have come a long way and although I’m having a bad hair day and still shaking from the bouncy ride I have ranked it number two out of the competition noted here.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)

(1) Nissan Frontier $13-27,000, (2) Toyota Tacoma $12-22,000, (3) Ford Ranger $13-25,000, (4) Dodge Dakota $16-25,000, (5) Chevrolet S-10 $14-24,000, (6) GMC Sonoma $14-24,000.

* – Ranking is based on cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

Well built, seats 5 people and it’s a Toyota.

Bad News:

Poor mileage, bouncy ride, pricey and the competition are just as bad. Perhaps HP or IBM should get into the car business!

Standard Equipment:

3.4 liter V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans, power steering, power front disc rear drum antilock brakes, dual air bags, child restraint anchors, double wall cargo bed with hooks, tow hook, remote mirrors, cloth seats, radio with cassette, tilt wheel, intermittent wipers, carpeting, auxiliary power outlets. Now if you stop here the cost is $19,170. But if you want the following options you’ll pay $24,163: cruise control, SR5 / Chrome package that also adds a CD player and two more speakers, off road package, power windows and locks with keyless entry, bed liner and bed extender.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 20 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $19,170-24,163.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair

2003 Toyota RAV4 2-WD (419)

23-10-2002Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I drove the 2003 Toyota RAV4 2-WD. Great little SUV with good gas performance if you don’t need off road capability. It seats 4 comfortably and leaves decent cargo space too. And with the rear seats folded down it provides about 68 cubic feet of cargo area.

Handling & Performance:

This is a fun to drive smaller SUV very similar to the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. It handles well and gets very good gas mileage. The 4-WD option indicates only a couple of miles better gas performance, but I find that is not usually true. I suspect it is more like 4-5 mpg worse.

Styling:

Naturally the world is expanding for auto makers and it appears there must be more market outside the US because they chose to have the rear cargo door open from left to right, or toward the curb if you drive on the right side of the road. US drivers won’t like that much. That observation noted, the rest of the design is sporty and generally attractive.

Fit and Finish:

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

Cost:

Not bad but not great either. You’ll definitely want to look closely at all the competition.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you don’t need 4-wheel drive, this front wheel drive is next best plus it will pay dividends in passing a lot more gas stations. Size and towing is very limited. But for all the other reasons you buy an SUV this will do a good job. Other competitors in my view include the Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix similarly priced.

Manufacturer recommendation:

A more powerful engine option should be available. Or better yet why don’t you go to high performance high efficiency diesel engines now available that get 90 mpg. Once consumers find you could do it and don’t they’re going to be really upset.

The Competition:

Toyota RAV4 $17-18,000, Chevrolet Tracker $16-22,000, Honda CR-V $19-22,000, Kia Sportage $17-18,000, Subaru Forester $21-24,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-23,000.

Others to consider:

Pontiac Vibe $16-20,000, Chrysler PT Cruiser $16-23,000, Ford Focus Wagon $17-18,000, Mazda Protege5 $16,000, Subaru Impreza Wagon $17-23,000, Toyota Matrix $15-19,000.

Good News:

Sporty, roomy, economical and fun to drive with great turning radius.

Bad News:

An SUV that is 2-wheel front drive so no off roading, rear door opens into the curb which is not so good for US consumers.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed auto trans, front wheel drive, power steering, front disc and rear drum brakes, dual front air bags, manual outside mirrors, tinted glass, AM/FM with CD player, intermittent wipers front and riear, tilt wheel.

Gas Stats:

24 City and 29 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $17,575.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair

2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee (417)

08-10-2002Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I drove the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. What a nice SUV. Some folks including my friend Norman would disagree. Norm had a lemon, I’m convinced of it, because I have driven many Jeeps – years and models and never had the problems Norm had. Several transmissions and other parts failed, but that happens with every carmaker’s products.

I have been on Jeep Jamboree’s and tested all models under the harshest conditions. For those who don’t know what a Jamboree is, it is a gathering of Jeep owners who like to go off road on 26 various venue’s around the country. You have a chance to use your SUV under conditions you just won’t believe. Great experience. My other friend Norman has a daughter who experienced similar problems with a Chrysler minivan and it is doubtful her family will own another car from that company. But for as many critics of a product there are die-hard supporters.

Well, generally speaking you get what you pay for and at the end of the day if you’ve experienced low maintenance problems and thus limited the aggravation of spending time at the dealer the extra money would have been worth it.

Handling & Performance:

As good as the rest but all suck when it comes to gas consumption.

Styling:

Simply the best. This is perhaps the most identifiable SUV of the entire field. It has looked the part longer than any of the other copycats. Lets face it, if there weren’t so much profit in making this class vehicle Jeep would still own the market and others wouldn’t bother competing. Jeep Wrangler styling is what started the whole craze and remains special in its nitch.
Fit and Finish:
Very good. Jeep did have problems in this area in years past but I have noticed a marked improvement over the years.

Cost:

A bit overpriced.

Consumer Recommendation:

You simply have a huge range of sizes, makes and models to choose from. Establish a price range. If you want to spend $18-24,000 you will be looking at smaller SUV’s like Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape and Honda CRV, $25-35,000 mid range like the Ford Explorer, Chevy Trailblazer and Lexus RX 300 or $40-80,000 High end luxury SUV’s like the Lincoln Navigator, BMW X5, and Bad Boys like the Hummer and the downscaled H2.

Manufacturer recommendation:

Don’t be so cheap. When a customer has problems that are chronic, give them a replacement and avoid the bad press and consumer dissatisfaction. Good news travels fast, bad news travels faster.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)

(1t) Chevrolet TrailBlazer $26-35,000, (1t) Nissan Pathfinder $27-34,000, (2t) Oldsmobile Bravada $33-35,000, (2t) Honda Pilot $27-31,000, (3) Toyota 4Runner $28-36,000, (4) Ford Explorer $26-36,000, (5) Lexus RX 300 $35-37,000, (6) Dodge Durango $26-38,000, (7) GMC Envoy $28-37,000, (8) Jeep Grand Cherokee $26-36,000, (9) Land Rover Discovery $33-37,000, (10) Mitsubishi Montero $32-36,000, (11) Mercedes-Benz M-Class $36-66,000.

* – Ranking is based on cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

Granddaddy of the bunch, classic styling, powerful and the best size for sport Ute’s.

Bad News:

Poor gas stats, a bit overpriced.

Standard Equipment:

4.7 liter V8 engine, 5-speed auto trans, dual front and side airbags, 4-wheel abs disc brakes, rear defrost, on-demand 4WD, variable lock progressive rear axle, heavy duty suspension with gas shocks, skid plates front, transfer case and gas tank, rain sensitive wipers, dual zone air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, tilt wood and leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, computer, security alarm, radio with 10 disc remote CD player and Cassette, six infinity speaker system, keyless entry, universal garage door opener, 10-way power seats with memory, rear 60/40 fold down seats, front and rear 12V outlets, power sunroof, auto headlights, tow hooks and tow package, 17” chrome wheels, fog lights, power mirrors, power adjustable pedals and tire pressure monitoring system.

Gas Stats:

14 City and 19 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $39,195.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com

2003 Saturn L200 Sedan (415)

18-09-2002Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I drove the 2003 Saturn L200 Sedan. Cool car? Not necessarily. Cool is a Lamborghini Mercielago on an overcast day cruising up the coast anywhere in the world. Italy would be cool. The all-new Lamborghini features a 580HP 6.2L V12 Motor (which propels the car from 0-62 in only 3.8 seconds!), 6-speed transmission, All Wheel Drive, and Carbon Fiber Body. Inbound MSRP $281,100.

At the end of the day and in the real world, the Saturn is cool enough. It’s been said, “If it Flies, Floats or … motors up the coast for about $281,000 – Rent it!

In the meantime, when home in “Your” castle, it is comforting to know you can spend time with the kids, go out to a ball game and drive home at 32 miles per gallon versus 3.2 miles per gallon in a car that won’t even accommodate the kids.

I’ve driven several Saturn’s over the years, some Ferrari and Lamborghini’s too, but I’m a practical kind of guy who considers simplicity for everyday life to be more important. If you want to fly, try an airplane. Cars don’t need to be that fast. In fact, for the price of the Lamborghini, buy and airplane and take lessons.

Another reason I’ve been impressed with Saturn is the low-pressure way they sell their cars, which is very different than the stereotype “Car Salesman” approach. I hope they continue with that approach, which is reason enough for developing a relationship with the people who will help a car owner maintain this important investment.

Handling & Performance:

Saturn won’t do 0-62 in 3.8 seconds but for normal driving I found the 135 horsepower inline 4-cylinder responsive. Horsepower ratings for this group of competitor’s ranges from 135 to about 200 with a V6. If you will be climbing lots of hills and like to travel in the fast lane you will need to look at the L-300 with a V6 at 182 horsepower.

Styling:

Unexciting, some say, but mid size passenger cars pretty much are designed for pound it out reliability and normal transportation day in and day out. Most styling is computer aided and this limits design options. Aerodynamic features are common with most cars these days to improve gas performance. Vast differences in car design ceased about thirty years ago when computers took over and as gas prices went up. Take a look at cars over the past 100 years and you go from boxy to cigar shapes. All this is boring to some, while practical to others.

Fit and Finish:

Good.

Cost:

The highlight of economy cars is they are affordable to purchase and to operate, and this Saturn is as good as they get.

Consumer Recommendation:

Most families require two cars for working mom’s and dads. Here’s a great car to keep the overall transportation cost down. It is worth your time to test-drive this economy mid size car.

New Developments:

Technology never ceases to amaze me. Last week (Buick LeSabre review) we talked about the “Black Box” that has found its way from planes to cars. Now another recent development from Mercedes Benz called “Pre-Safe” seeks to prepare us for an impending crash up to five seconds before it happens. Actually it anticipates an accident from analyzing various data, like a skid that sometimes is a precursor to rollover. It prepares for the anticipated accident by closing the sunroof, bringing your seats to upright positions and tensions the seatbelts. Now that is cool.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)

(1) Saturn L-Series Sedan $18-21,000, (2) Ford Taurus $19-23,000, (3t) Mercury Sable $20-22,000, (3t) Toyota Camry $19-25,000, (4) Honda Accord $16-26,000, (5) Nissan Altima $17-23,000, (6t) Chevrolet Malibu $18-20,000, (6t) Mitsubishi Galant $18-24,000, (6t) Volkswagen Jetta $17-27,000, (7t) Subaru Legacy $19-25,000,

(7t) Dodge Stratus $18-22,000, (8) Pontiac Grand Prix $21-26,000.

* – Ranking is based on cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

Dent resistant, great gas mileage, economy at its best and it is ranked above number 1.

Bad News:

Unexciting design.

Standard Equipment:

2.2 liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, front wheel drive, air conditioning, stereo with CD player, power locks and windows, cruise control, tilt wheel, lockout protection, fold down 60/40 seat, dual front and side air bags, 3 rear latches for child seats, theft deterrent system, remote access, auto door lock, dent resistant doors and fenders, power mirrors.

Gas Stats:

24 City and 32 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $18,430.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair

2003 Buick LeSabre Limited Sedan (414)

12-09-2002Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I drove the 2003 Buick LeSabre Limited Sedan. Growing up I always got the impression Buick’s were for old people and that stigma has stayed with me to this day. However, when you review all cars you tend to be unbiased albeit jaded by the continual jump for one new vehicle to the next.

But this Buick has all but erased the old younger preconceived notions that only old people would like to drive a Buick. The past several years have served to impress me that Buick is looking to the new generation who has only come to driving age while guys like Golf Great Tiger Woods lets the younger buyer know it’s cool to drive a Buick.

I rather liked the “Heads up Display” of speed and turn indicators reflecting on the windshield right in front of your eyes.

General Info:

Parts – USA

Assembly – Detroit, MI USA

Class: – Large passenger car

Cars: Century, Le Sabre, Park Avenue, and Regal, Rendezvous.

Handling & Performance:

Steering was a little loose and took a bit of getting used to. Buick has always impressed me with engine performance and seemed incongruous since drivers usually tend to be older.

Styling:

Although the turn indicators on the outside mirrors aren’t really necessary they are “trick” and are definitely eye catching, because you don’t expect to see them there. The statement is that the Buick is designed with unique and useful gadgets and distinguished from the pack.

I didn’t much care for the Grey/Silver wood grain finish on the inside trim. Different but it cheapens the appearance.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Buick definitely gives you a lot for the money. Therefore the price is reasonable for the quality car you get.

Consumer Recommendation:

American built cars today are still the best buy but that won’t last forever.

New Developments:

Event Data Recorders (EDR’s). Altadena, CA based accident reconstruction engineers, Stephen Blewett & Associates told me a little about how this device works. Many cars manufactured after 1996 come with a Black Box similar to the now famous Cockpit Recorders in aircraft. NASA and NTSB technology has now been applied to auto recorders to collect basic crash related data. This data is already making its way into courtrooms to corroborate findings of expert witnesses such as Blewett and Associates. Blewett says these EDR’s record such information as whether the brakes were applied, throttle open or not, engine speed, vehicle speed and information about the supplemental restraint system and air bag deployment. This will go a long way in the way we look at the causes of auto accidents and will also help improve car design.

Comments to Manufacturers:

Why aren’t EDR’s noted on the Standard Equipment?

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)

(1) Chrysler Concorde $23-29,000, (2t) Mercury Grand Marquis $24-29,000, (2t) Toyota Avalon $26-30,000, (3) Buick LeSabre $30,650, (4) Ford Crown Victoria $24-31,000.

* – Ranking is based on cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

Cool heads up display, lots of features for the money, for cold climate buyers heated outside mirrors and “Bun Warmers”… the seats, that is.

Bad News:

Unappealing silver interior trim and loosey-goosey steering.

Standard Equipment:

3.8 liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic trans, power steering, tilt and cruise control, auto level control, dual air bags front and side, 4-wheel abs disc brakes, power door locks, rear child security locks, theft deterrent, traction control, OnStar communications, battery rundown protection, remote keyless entry, headlight sentinel, moisture sensing wipers, power windows.

Gas Stats:

20 City and 29 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $30,650.

2003 Toyota Matrix 4WD (412)

28-08-2002Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I drove the 2003 Toyota Matrix 4WD mid size “Crossover” vehicle. This is the natural evolution created by consumer demands in the cars they have been choosing for one hundred years. In other countries where gas is $4 a gallon small economical cars were an obvious necessity. Here in the US where gas has always been subsidized, we’ve been spoiled and large gas-guzzlers were relatively affordable, especially with our love affair for the motorcar.

Most recently, say in the past 20 years, consumers have been buying smaller, more economical cars, mini-vans and the love of SUV’s, in spite of their terrible gas numbers, have driven manufacturers to meld them all together. The result in the 21^st Century is the joint venture between Japan and the U.S. to develop this Toyota Matrix (built in Canada) and its sister car the Pontiac Vibe (built in California).

Remember when the Pontiac Aztek came out? It was considered ugly, but no one could deny it was a very new and different design, and the first of the Crossover versatile vehicles to be built. In the past couple of years the Chevrolet Avalanche and the Cadillac Escalade have provided SUV/Pickup crossovers.

Some consider them ugly, but I chose to think of these new designs as being futuristic. The Cadillac CTS is a luxury passenger car example of new space age styling that I believe will become more popular as the next generation begin to buy cars. All you need to do is look at the toys our children have been playing with and the television they’ve been watching.

Cad CTS.

Handling & Performance:

This mid size economy car leaves a little to be desired in the performance area because it is a bit underpowered for my taste. But all things considered this is, after all, a combination SUV, Mini-Van, Wagon and passenger car. It does so much so well. It corners better than the typical SUV with a lower center of gravity and even though it is an all wheel drive car, it doesn’t burn near as much gas as the average SUV. On the whole it is a fun car to drive.

Styling:

Forward thinking design that is becoming more popular every day.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Great value for this versatile vehicle.

Consumer Recommendation:

Can we talk? as Joan Rivers would say. This is a great young family car. It is economical, easier to get in and out of for little ones and old as well. It also has that sought after qualities of an SUV. You’ve simply got to drive one of these well priced nice looking family vehicles. While you’re test-driving the Matrix, go over to Pontiac to drive the Vibe. Slight styling difference but essentially the same car.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)
(1) Mazda Protégé 5 $16,000, (2) Toyota Matrix $14,670, (3) Ford Focus $17,000, (4) Volkswagen Jetta Wagon $18-27,000, (5) Chrysler PT Cruiser $17-26,000, (6) Subaru Impreza Wagon $17-23,000.

* – Ranking is based on a formula using cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

New, different, great utility and versatility while being economical.

Bad News:

Small but with space for 4 tall adults it is more thin skinned which gives rise to higher levels of road noise, marginally low power.

Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter 130 hp 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed auto transmission, full time 4-wheel drive, power steering, power front disc ABS brakes, dual airbags, child safety rear locks, halogen headlights, daytime running lights, rear intermittent wiper, air conditioning, outside temp gauge, tachometer, leather wrapped tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, flat folding front passenger and 60/40 split folding rear seat, AM/FM radio with CD player, 2-12 volt and 1- 115volt outlets.

Gas Stats:

26 City and 31 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

2003 Toyota Corolla LE (411)

21-08-2002Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I drove the 2002 Toyota Corolla LE 4-door sedan right after the Camry LE and I’m more impressed with the Corolla for the dough. I noted that Camry is bigger than it needs to be and this enlarged Corolla is similar to the old model Camry’s. Corolla remains perhaps the best selling car of all time. That speaks volumes about how people think of this size car and the quality for the money.

I always liked the Camry better, perhaps because I saw little difference between that and the Lexus ES series in the early days. It provided mid-level luxury for a lot less money than similar cars like the ES.

Although this Corolla is a light weight for my tastes, it is a great transportation car and people have seen the value for years. Will it remain so? Only time will tell, but I think it will. And with the price of gas still high this 4-cylinder economy passenger sedan is bound to remain top dog for some time to come.

Handling & Performance:

Good handling and this little 4-banger puts out an adequate 130 horses but I miss the acceleration of a V6. On the other hand I like passing a few more gas stations.

Styling:

Plain Jane Cookie Cutter design.

Fit and Finish:

Typical Toyota, meaning – nice attention to detail.

Cost:

Up a bit from the prior year model, but check it out, the price is “Less” than the 1998 price for the same model which was $15,598 versus this 2003 model which is $14,680. Is that cool or what?

Consumer Recommendation:

This new Corolla reminds me of the older Camry’s so I like it even more. I’ve owned a few Toyota’s and have always liked them.

The Competition: * (in order of ranking)

(1t) Toyota Corolla LE $13-15,000, (1t) Hyundai Elantra $12-14,000, (2) Nissan Sentra $12-17,000, (3t) Mazda Protege $13-16,000, (3t) Saturn SL $11-14,000, (4) Volkswagen Golf $15-18,000,(5) Mitsubishi Lancer $14-16000, (6) Subaru Impreza $19-24,000, (7) Dodge Neon $13-17,000, (8) Ford Focus $13-19,000, (9t) Chevrolet Cavalier $14-20,000, (9t) Honda Civic $13-21,000, (10) Pontiac Sunfire $15-17,000.

* – Ranking is based on a formula using cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.

Good News:

It’s a Toyota and the price is competitive, excellent gas performance.

Bad News:

Plain Jane cookie cutter design.

Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter 130 hp 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, front wheel drive, power steering with tilt wheel, 4-wheel independent suspension, power front disc brakes, dual airbags, child safety rear locks, power mirrors, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, variable intermittent wipers and split fold down rear seat.

Gas Stats:

32 City and 40 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $14,680.

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