Tag Archives: 2004

2004 Jaguar XJR Sedan (465)

08-10-2003Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week it was my pleasure to drive the all-new 2004 Jaguar XJR, which is the flagship of the small fleet of cars from Jaguar. It is not only beautiful, it is spacious and comfy. It won’t cost a million but it will make you feel like a million. When you drive 52 different cars plus per year it takes a lot to impress you. Ok, thanks to Ford Motor Company Jaguar will live well and prosper. And thanks for the ride because I love to drive and I truly appreciate a special car. This Jaguar is special.

As you may know, the XJ series arrived on the scene in 1968 – descendants of the 1950’s to 1960’s S-Type models. In my experience in the auto repair business for nearly two decades, Jaguar was not even a remote candidate as a recommendation to my friends. It wasn’t until Ford Motor Company’s acquisition that I changed my mind. The two companies proved they could fall in love and make beautiful music together. Isn’t love grand?

Handling & Performance:

Smooth and subtle execution that will impress any performance minded driver. You’re going to love this car – I guarantee it! If speed turns you on – all the better. You are supercharged from 0-60 in under 5 seconds, and it will reach 110 in just a few short heartbeats more. This cat also has paws that grip for sure stops. It leans a little more, in the turns, than I like but it is, after all, a luxury sedan and not a sports car. Ok, so the big luxury Mercedes Benz sedans do better… you got me there.

Styling:

Elegant continues to define Jaguar sedan’s in a breed of its own. They are thoughtfully designed with impeccable assembly that rivals Japanese luxury automobiles. I love the color combination of Racing Green exterior and Sand leather interior. As to the 20” Sepang wheels, they look a little awkward but practically speaking they stick out and catch curbs while parking. Questionable choice. This sedan was completely redesigned for 2004 in its seventh generation. It now features an aluminum frame and body and is considered the most advanced Jag ever made according to the company.

Fit and Finish:

The Brits have always been great in this department and Ford hasn’t changed it. Outstanding.

Conveniences:

Luxury cars like this Jag will pamper you and you can expect to pay dearly. The Adaptive Cruise Control is a touch of tomorrow, today. I was impressed with this feature on the XKR convertible recently and was thrilled to revisit it. It is a true convenience on the road and comes standard on this model. You will love it on long trips. Another convenience I appreciate is the sensors that aid you in backing up; so parallel parking is made easier. The emergency brake is set electronically with the flip of a switch and is automatically released when you take the transmission out of park. Really nice. This is bound to receive kudos from all and I suspect it will migrate to other cars.

Cost:

Well… luxury has its price and this is among the handful of true world-class luxury cars.

Consumer Recommendation:

There are few cars to choose from when price tags are in the $100,000 range. The closest by comparison is the Mercedes Benz S-Class, which is my favorite of the bunch, but this is a close second. If your wife will be driving the car, you can bet she’ll vote for the Jag. It’s a woman thing. If you want the Sepang wheels you pony up another $4,500.

The Competition:

Jaguar XJ Series $59-75,000, Audi A8 $68,500, BMW 7 Series $68,500, Infiniti Q45 $52-62,000, Lexus LS 430 $55,000, Mercedes Benz S-Class $73-121,000, Volvo S80 $37-48,000.

Good News:

Elegant, powerful, all Aluminum construction, roomy, comfortable, laser controlled cruise control.

Bad News:

Jerky accelerator and grabby brakes.

Standard Equipment:

4.2 liter supercharged 390 hp V8 engine, 6-speed auto trans, air suspension, adaptive cruise control, speed sensitive steering, dual front and side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, dynamic stability control, brake booster, remote entry security system, 16-way power and heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, power fold mirrors, 320 watt alpine audio with 7-CD changer. Optional Navigation system and 20-inch Sepang wheels increase the price by $6,700.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $74,330.

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

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD (464)

02-10-2003Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week I looked at the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD. The years seem to pass more quickly now and I find it hard to believe I was just preparing for Y2K and now it is about to be 2004. I think I lost 4 years somewhere. Wow!

Anyway, yes this is a 2004 Jeep and I love it. The first thing you’ll notice is how comfortable the seats are. I didn’t think a car, truck, bus, train or plane could ever get as comfy cushy as my den easy chair. But this Jeep has done just that. In fact if you go for the options package you’ll be able to adjust the foot pedals up and back for tall or short people. I didn’t think I’d like that, but it turns out it is very cool and useful. And they’ve provided something even my easy chair doesn’t have… tousch or bun warmers for both driver and passenger. Even those heaters are “Cool”.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canadian 86%

Assembly – Detroit, Michigan, USA

Class: – Special Purpose (SUV)

The Liberty (above) is my favorite and price well, the Wrangler (left) is an upgraded Jeep like the original granddaddy (below). Wrangler will appeal to the rugged out of doors guy or gal but is not made for comfort. The Grand Cherokee is plush and comfortable.

Handling & Performance:

What’s not to like. The Jeep just gets better every year. From the military versions to the plush versions we can all drive, Jeep has matured wonderfully. This Grand Cherokee is fast (0-60 in under 8 seconds), responsive at highway speeds to pass traffic easily, and it drives more like a sports car than a truck. And yes, you’ll pay for all that power at the pump with only 15-20mpg but if you like speed you’ll get much less. These numbers assume “Casper Milk Toast” will be driving.

Styling:

Jeep is the most identifiable of all SUV’s in my opinion with the exception of the H2 from Hummer. I like that because I like tradition, and Jeep has done a good job of maintaining that look, and you don’t have to look too closely to see that the H2 must be another grandchild.

Fit and Finish:

The sound of the doors closing is music to my ears. It used to be only Cadillac’s could be counted on for that solid sound.

Conveniences:

Adequate for the money and if you want all the options, you can tack on $10,000. Those optional items are leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, floor mats, cargo cover, mini overhead console, info center and trip computer, fog lamps, six infinity speakers, remote keyless entry, 6-way power seats, auto headlamps, security alarm, lighted vanity mirrors, garage door opener, cassette player plus a 10 disc CD player, on-demand 4-WD, heated seats and mirrors, trailer tow group, heavy duty suspension, skid plates, tow hooks, side air bags, power sunroof, engine block heater, DVD and GPS navigation, power adjustable foot pedals and tire pressure monitoring display.

Cost:

Not too bad before options noted above, but although I like a few of them, the others are glitz and puff that likely never needed. With the options considered the competition would begin to look more interesting. I like the comfort so if money wasn’t an issue, I guess I would opt for the optional equipment referred to as the Customer Preferred Package 28T. $10,000 isn’t what it used to be, so if you’ll need all the options this Jeep will cost you just over $38,000.

Consumer Recommendation:

There is enough competition to humble any one manufacturer, so it would appear that “you” are in the drivers seat when it comes to price negotiation. Keep in mind that after August each year, the dealers are “Deal’n” on prior year models.

The Competition:

Jeep Grand Cherokee $27-39,000, Acura MDX $36-42,000, BMW X5 $39-66,000, Buick Rendezvous $26-29,000, Chevrolet TrailBlazer $27-34,000, Dodge Durango $27-39,000, Ford Explorer $26-37,000, GMC Envoy $29-38,000, Honda Pilot $27-33,000, Infiniti QX4 $35-36,000, Infiniti FX35/FX 45 $34-44,000, Isuzu Ascender $29-31,000, Land Rover Discovery $34-40,000, Lexus RX 330 $35-36,000, Lincoln Aviator $40-45,000, Mercedes Benz M-Class $37-66,000, Mercury Mountaineer $29-38,000, Mitsubishi Montero $32-38,000, Nissan Pathfinder $27-38,000, Nissan Murano $28-31,000, Toyota Highlander $24-31,000, Toyota 4Runner $27-36,000, Volvo XC90 $35-41,000.

Good News:

Jeep is the original; lots of power and quick off the line, comfortable, solid feel to the ride and there is a lot of competition to chose from.

Bad News:

Poor mileage numbers.

Standard Equipment:

4.7 liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic trans, leather, air bags, child anchor system, full time 4-wd system, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, rear window defrost w/ washer wiper, air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, theft deterrent system, tilt column and AM/FM radio with CD changer.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 20 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $28,950.

2004 Dodge Intrepid SXT (449)

04-06-2003Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week I tested the 2004 Dodge Intrepid SXT five seater, four-door sedan – and it’s only June. This is the first 2004 model I have driven and there is no reason to buy the 2004 when it is identical to the 2003.

This car is comfortable and even though it is in the Large Car class it doesn’t feel like large cars of the 1960’s and 1970’s. In any case it is truly very adequate for four six plus foot golfers with four big golf bags. The trunk is large and for you golfers you’ll know exactly how big when you figure we filled it to the brim with 4 large bags. Of course we did worry when the prizes were passed out that we might not have enough room to carry them home.

Not to worry, we didn’t win the trophy, but you probably guessed that even if you’ve never seen my swing.

Handling & Performance:

The course was one and a half hours away and I was impressed at how comfortable the drive was, especially when you’re tired from a full day in the sun and sand (traps that is). For long drives how the car steers can make the difference in being exhausted or ready for another nine holes. Over steering was not a problem with this Intrepid. The touch of the wheel is easy with just enough feel of the road. The V6 is super fast off the line and on the highway in passing situations.

Thanks Chrysler for the 4-wheel independent suspension, but I think it is a mistake them to make ABS brakes an option.

Styling:

Sleek and sporty if you like that “Rake” look. For over a decade now Chrysler cars have emphasized the steep sloping hood that gives you great road visibility and the look of motion even parked. It’s like there is no hood out there.

Fit and Finish:

Historically Chrysler cars have been tinny and never with enough insulation to shut out road noise as well as it could. It gives that feeling of being less well made and I wish they would fix that cheap feeling…

Conveniences:

… On the other hand the price is right and you get a host of standard equipment.

Cost:

Chrysler continues to be well priced. Smart marketing in my view.

Consumer Recommendation:

The competition is fierce. You could literally draw straws and not go too far wrong. My choice in order of preference all around begins with the Camry, LeSabre, Accord, Intrepid, Impala, Taurus, Bonneville and Concorde.

The Competition: (in order of avg. price)

Ford Taurus $20,24,000, Honda Accord $16-28,000, Toyota Camry $19-25,000, Chevrolet Impala $21-24,000, Dodge Intrepid $21-25,000, Buick LeSabre $26-31,000, Chrysler Concorde $23-29,000, Pontiac Bonneville $27-34,000.

Good News:

Good balance of power and mileage, smooth ride that is comfortable for 4 large men.

Bad News:

More tinny than it needs to be for the money.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter 244 hp V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans, dual air bags, 4-wheel disc brakes, child anchors and door lock protection, remote entry, power steering, 100,000 mile tune-up interval, climate control, console, power windows and speed sensitive door locks, 8-way driver power seat, 60/40 rear split folding, leather wrapped tilt wheel and shift knob, Radio with CD changer, cruise control, power trunk release, fog lights, Halogen lights, power mirrors.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 27 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $24,705.

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