Tag Archives: 2005

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT (518)

19-10-2004Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week I tested the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. It used to be we referred to these vehicles as “Mini Vans”, but they are anything but “Mini”.

If you’ve read any of my columns about this class vehicle (Special Purpose) you know I think they are the best thing since the horseless carriage was invented at the end of the 19^th century.

And by the way, (Special Purpose) as a class is a misnomer. If anything it is a “General Purpose” vehicle, or a “Family Vehicle” or a “Company Van”. Yes it is more for hauling people, but it is also adaptable to hauling clean freight. If you have to haul dirt you’d buy a pickup truck – so much for the classification system.

The reason I like these so much is that they are so useful. And I don’t consider the family a special purpose classification use. The family does “Everything” and for the suburban family there is so much to do in numbers and this is a vehicle that seats 7 adults. Consider carpooling kids to school, soccer, little league and all the other multi kid activities. Camping and other group trips, and boy’s night out to the ballgame, and the girl’s night out to Chippendales. We all know it’s the guy or gal with the van who volunteers to drive, which is both good and bad news.

Handling & Performance:

Easy to drive. Easy to enter and exit. Easy to load with passengers and cargo. Easy. And when you get it all loaded, the 3.8 liter 215 horsepower V6 engine motors with Ease too. Because vans are built low to the ground they handle better than their cousin, the SUV which is built high off the ground for all the off roading they will never be asked to do. And before you tell me you can’t take a van off road like you can the SUV, I’ll remind you that less than 5% of all SUV’s will ever get their paws dirty off the black top.

Styling:

Timeless. There isn’t much that has changed or varied from the original design other than being less boxy or put another way, more streamlined. It will likely stay that way until the emergence of fuel cell or other propulsion vehicles that will allow a significant change in design.

Fit and Finish:

Very good and comparable to most other competitors. But perhaps this old dog sees a giant leap in quality from generations past of Chrysler products. I’ve been asked and some have commented that Daimler / Chrysler is a very positive move and the Mercedes-Benz quality is beginning to show up in all models of this German / American brand. The evolution has been very noticeable.

Cost:

Outstanding for what you get in a van like this.

Conveniences:

It only gets better from year to year with the technological revolution. Before the year is out high tech things, will be obsolete and thus everything is “Throw away”. And it’s not because it still doesn’t function or it has worn out, but rather it has been replaced by newer and better. The benefit to car buyers is the wide array of conveniences available for not a lot of money. Perhaps the most notable convenience on the van is the power sliding side doors, which is a must, in my opinion.

Consumer Recommendation:

Perhaps the most impressive competitor is the Kia Sedona. I would start out testing this and that before the others.

The Competition:

Dodge Caravan $18-26,000, Toyota Sienna $23-37,000, Oldsmobile Silhouette $28-37,000, Nissan Quest $24-32,000, Mercury Monterey $29-35,000, Mazda MPV $23-28,000, Kia Sedona $20-22,000, Chrysler Town & Country $21-35,000, Ford Freestar $22-33,000.

Good News:

Conveniences standard includes power sliding doors, Easy, fabulous function, smooth ride and it is the product of a new and better company – Daimler / Chrysler.

Bad News:

There really is none.

Standard Equipment:

3.8 liter V6 215 hp engine with front wheel drive, 4-speed auto trans, front air bags, 4-wheel anti lock disc brakes, traction control, child seat anchor system, power sliding doors, stowable rear seating, climate control front and rear, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer, tilt column with leather wrapped steering wheel with radio and cruise controls, stereo with cassette and CD changer, six speakers, eight way power drivers seat, front and rear 12V outlets, roof rack, fog lights and heated power fold away mirrors.

Gas Stats:

18 City and 25 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $26,315.

2005 Mercedes Benz C-320 Sedan (517)

12-10-2004Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Mercedes Benz C-320 Sedan. There isn’t anything exactly like the Mercedes Benz. They just feel that “Certain Way” that gives you, well, “…that certainnnn smilllle”. Can’t you just hear the melody as Johnny Mathis sings the song?

Anyway, Mercedes has always been a step above the rest of the best. All Mercedes have that solid, well put together feel that is a trademark characteristic of the brand. Others that are “Smooth talkers” include Lexus and Infiniti. But the Japanese luxury cars have a different silky smooth feel. The Japanese luxury brands are more dainty – if you know what I mean? Mercedes and other German luxury cars like the Audi and BMW are more substantial or robust in feel and handling, and I guess they take on the character of the people of the country where they are built.

General Info:

Parts – n/a

Assembly – Germany

Class: – Compact

Cars: – C-Class, C-Class wagon, CLK, E-Class, E-Class wagon, G-Class, M-Class, S-Class, SL- Class and SLK.

Handling & Performance:

The C-320 sedan is classed as a Compact, and as you’d expect it is easy to maneuver ant thus a great around town car. It is built low to the ground and hugs those corners so it is really fun to drive. And it is no slouch at 215 horsepower. It comes standard with a manual transmission and but I would prefer the automatic. On the road it is confident but for long trips I would opt for the S-Class.

Styling:

Uniquely Mercedes. Unmistakable.

Fit and Finish:

Certainly in the top 10% of all cars on the road.

Cost:

You can’t expect the car to be in the top 10% without corresponding pricing. Mercedes have never been classified as cheap or to some, even considered well priced. Fairly priced, yes, but not cheap. In fact, on this MSRP of $37,350, you will have to add $6,010 if you want Split fold down rear seat, Navigation system, 6-disc in dash CD player, and the sunroof package. I can live without any of the options.

Conveniences:

Actually this C-320 has an adequate compliment of standard equipment. I don’t consider the sunroof a needed option and the single disc CD player is ok by me. I think the rain sensor is neat but I can tell when it begins to rain – I have a keen sense of the obvious. Ok so I know it’s cool to have intermittent wipers with a mind of their own, but the way traffic is these days you need something to do while parked on the freeway. As to the navigation system, I’ve tested all of them from virtually every manufacturer and find them also unnecessary and expensive to boot. Yes, I know there are some who can benefit from the technology. They’re great in rental cars away from home and my daughter is in sales, on the road all day long visiting new potential customers. But even that will become unnecessary when she knows the territory. So you will have to consider whether the cost of about $2,200 is worth it.

Consumer Recommendation:

Look closely at the Volvo S60, which may well be the best competitor of the bunch below. Me, I love the Cadillac CTS. It just has a different kind of class and makes a different statement. Kind of like why I’ve owned several motorcycles, two of which were Harleys. Somehow the CTS revisits the Rebel in our souls.

The Competition:

Mercedes Benz C-Class $26-52,000, Cadillac CTS $32-49,000, Lexus ES 330 $32,000, Volvo S60 $27-37,000, (Following are 2004 priced models): BMW-Series $28-44,000, Lincoln LS $32-43,000, Audi A4 $26-44,000, Saab 9-3 $26-43,000, Infiniti G35 $28-33,000, Jaguar X-Type $29-34,000, Acura TL $33-35,000.

Good News:

Fast, fun, comfortable, smooth ride.

Bad News:

A little pricey for a compact, not as good on fuel economy as it could be.

Standard Equipment:

3.2 liter V6 215 hp engine, 6-speed manual trans, climate control, digital sound system with CD player, 10-way power front seats with 3 memory settings, power tilt and telescopic column, cruise control, power windows with express up and down, auto headlights, trip computer, dual front and side airbags, antitheft alarm with engine immobilizer, ESP – Electronic Stability Program and power assist 4-wheel ABS disc brakes.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 26 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $37,350.

2005 Hummer H2 SUT (Sport Utility Truck) (516)

05-10-2004Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week I tested the 2005 Hummer H2 SUT (for Sport Utility Truck). Ok, so I make a big thing about excessive use of fossil fuels. But it is so cool to be decadent and irreverently suck up more than ones share of gas. And because the Hummer owner is not swayed much by the price of gas at the pump, any alluding to being responsible goes right over their head.

When you step into the Hummer, you are captivated by the immensity of the machine. You get the sense you are in a “Bunker” of WWII vintage where you are peering out of narrow windows. It makes an unforgettable statement in its dominant road presence because of its shear size and weight (6500 pounds). So is that why people put up half a hundred thousand dollars to own one?

This H2 is a look-alike of the original Hummer (H1 if you wish) that made a name for itself in the Desert Storm war in Kuwait. Most will know that, but more will equate the Hummer image with Rambo behind the wheel fighting the good (Hollywood) fight. But this is the powder puff, citified version that is more comfortable on Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive where the tough go shopping.

The original as you may recall was acro-named (hey, a new word) HMMWV or Humvee, and stands for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. I wonder if this madness will continue in sequels like the Hollywood movies that made the Humvee so popular. There likely will be an H3 and who knows past that. With sagging sales and production of 34,000 units in 2003 model year, and even less in 2004, sales will dictate the future. Gas prices are sure to play a role even more since not everyone will want to pay the prices and get 10 miles per gallon. H3 however is planned for 2005 and so we’ll see.

And I wonder how sales will be affected by the changes in world terrorism. Will there be an increased demand for this wartime vehicle? Will optional equipment include a 50-caliber machine gun? Will they put rifle racks inside? If they do all that, I’ll buy one. That adds a whole new dimension self defense against terrorists or simple “Road Rage”. You can bet you’d be treated with some respect. Boy I already miss Rodney Dangerfield.

General Info:

Parts – USA

Assembly – USA

Class: – Special purpose SUV / Truck

Cars: – Hummer H1 and H2

Handling & Performance:

The ride is remarkably comfortable and smooth. The power is even more surprising. This huge hunk just shouldn’t be so responsive. And it is an odd feeling to look down at the speedometer and find you are doing 65 while the feel is that you are only traveling at about 40 mph. You won’t want to buy one to zip around town in a snappy way or run up to the store for a quart of milk. It fills the lanes and more than fills a parking space in most malls. You really need to take two spaces. Parallel parking is a challenge for many and impossible for others, especially if they find themselves behind the wheel of a Hummer.

Styling:

Although it is a Powder Puff version of the serious military machine, it is still equipped for serious off road use. That means it will ford a river four feet deep and not reach the air intake high on the hood. Such functional things make a style statement apart from any ordinary or even extraordinary SUV. Land Rover is the image of off road capability from the bloody Brits. But this Hummer is uniquely Americana. It is what we’re all about. Rebels with or without a cause. We have always had that pioneer spirit. We not only want to be different, we ARE different.

Standard design includes a tan interior but black is optional, and in my opinion black is more attractive and also more practical for a SUV / Truck.

Fit and Finish:

Smoothly rugged but generally better than it needs to be for the image.

Cost:

50 odd thousand is not really all that bad, considering you’d pay about $40,000 for a Jeep Grand Cherokee with none of the flamboyance.

Conveniences:

Just enough for a Beverly Hills celebrity and too much for transportation in the “Out Back”. But it is a truck, of sorts, and you can put the rear seat down and much like the Chevrolet Avalanche you can extend the small rear truck bed space – 4 by 2.9 feet to provide a 6 foot long bed.

Consumer Recommendation:

If you are looking for a third car for the hell of it, this is one fun experience to drive. I’ve tested several beginning with the original Hummer and if you want the real thing you’ll have to pay twice the money for even more inconvenience. Consider another impracticality of the Hummer for off road use. Until you are out there, most people don’t realize that most dirt roads are not wide enough for this H2 to pass through, and forget the H1 if there are trees along the road. In any case the H2 it is too pretty to mess up in rugged conditions.

The Competition:

You know what? There is no competition, not really. That’s what makes it so exciting to drive. But if you had to list some close alternatives I guess these would be the closest: Chevrolet Avalanche $33-38,000, Cadillac Escalade EXT $53,000, and perhaps the Land Rover Range Rover $72-84,000.

Good News:

You will be in a very small private and unique club with sales of about 25,000 on average, and you will have all the comforts of most luxury vehicles. Surprisingly smooth road vehicle.

Bad News:

Poor fuel economy, small trunk / cargo area with rear seat up. Overall it is impractical for city, and even freeway use. It is difficult to park and grandma will have a tough time getting up into this behemoth not to mention most others too. Driving it is not for the faint hearted and your garage may not accommodate it. You’ll notice some road noise on the highway.

Standard Equipment:

8600 pound GVW rating, 6.0 316 horsepower Vortec 6000 V8 engine, 4-speed electronic heavy duty automatic transmission, AM/FM sound system with cassette and 6-in-dash CD changer, air conditioning, power leather seats for 5, dual air bags, traction control, ABS Brakes, 17” chrome wheels, XM Satellite radio with 100 channels, remote keyless entry, power windows door locks and power moon roof.

Gas Stats:

10 City and 13 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $51,995.

2005 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT AWD (515)

29-09-2004Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT AWD SUV. And although I have always perceived this model as a low-end player in class, for them, this is a movement up to better competition. The major reason is that AWD is standard and Turbo propels this car at speeds beyond others. There is a lot of competition and that makes this an uphill climb for the Subaru.

As an SUV it is more car-like in overall performance and feel, but it is as robust an AWD vehicle as any of the competition listed. I know some have criticized prior versions for not having enough passing power and not tall enough for an SUV. Time has passed and the Forester has grown a bit and the turbo will flat impress any of its critics.

I like the size and so must a lot of consumers because they have driven the market and forced manufacturers to downsize generally. It is just responsible attention to dealing with Gas Guzzlers. GM still puts out the giant sized Suburban and Tahoe SUV’s that aren’t really needed by many. But there are enough who don’t care a twit about wasting oil and obviously have the “disposable income” to snub their noses at others bent on conservation. We all know that there are many who would buy bigger if there weren’t concerns for fuel economy. Either they are sensitive to conservation and efficiency or they simply don’t have the money to fill up those “Hogs”.

I really don’t think we’ll get their attention until prices at the pump go to $4.00 plus a gallon. Well, there is no doubt prices promise to continue to climb. At this writing the cost per barrel has gone over $50 for the first time. Ever!

General Info:

Parts –

Assembly – Japan

Class: – Special purpose SUV

Cars: – Baja, Forester, Impreza & Wagon, Legacy & Wagon and Outback.

Handling & Performance:

The ride is comfortable and the power is awesome with the turbo. And no one does all wheel drive better than Subaru. Traction and control are great and all those wheels launch you from 0-60 miles per hour in just 6 seconds.

Styling:

I’ve never cared for the exterior design but Subaru has a kind-a cult following like Land Rover does. Esthetically they simply aren’t eye pleasing to me.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Not bad. Certainly competitive but there is a lot in its class to chose from, so it should have a downward pressure on prices.

Conveniences:

I think it is the perfect size and still has a roomy cargo area. I’d opt for the 4-speed auto trans over the 5-speed manual, especially since the Turbo delivers 210 horsepower.

Consumer Recommendation:

You’re always on your own in the final analysis, but more so on this one because I’ve tested them all and like them all in Class. I would be hard pressed to whittle them down to only one. Personal preference for style and design appeal will be the final ingredient to making your choice. I like Jeep because it’s been around the longest, Hyundai Santa Fe because it’s the new kid on the block and it impressed me when I tested it. Vibe has the best fuel economy and pricing is very good too.

The Competition: with fuel economy

2005 : Subaru Forester $21-28,000, 24 mpg, Ford Escape $19-27,000, 26 mpg Mazda Tribute $20-24,000, 22 mpg, Pontiac Vibe $17-20,000, 31 mpg, 2004 : Chevrolet Tracker $20-23,000, 22 mpg, Hyundai Santa Fe $18-25,000, 26 mpg, Jeep Liberty $18-25,000,22 mpg, Suzuki Vitara $17-18,000, 22 mpg, Saturn Vue $17-24,000, 28 mpg, Honda CR-V $19-23,000, 25 mpg, Mitsubishi Outlander $18-22,000, 26 mpg, Nissan Xterra $18-28,000, 20 mpg.

Good News:

Car-like ride, roomy, 210 horsepower turbo performance

Bad News:

Average fuel economy, small rear door opening

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter 4 cylinder Intercooled turbo, fuel injected engine, active valve control system, 5-speed manual trans, All wheel Drive, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, dual front and side airbags, engine immobilizer, heated power mirrors, fog lights, roof rails with cross bars, front and rear wiper De-Icers, climate control, stereo with in dash 6-CD changer, outside temperature gauge, 8-way driver power seat, heated front seats, auto off headlights, power windows and locks, 60/40 rear set with fold down, remote keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 24 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $25,595.

2005 Subaru Legacy AWD Sedan (513)

15-09-2004Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Sedan. The new year is in high gear and all cars will be jockeying for position in an incredibly competitive OEM marketplace.

The horseless carriage has matured in the past 100 years and most men have this irrational love of the automobile. Or is it? Consider that it could be because the car has done as much in the past 100 years as did the horse before it, to give men mobility and embellished his manhood. Men and women look at cars differently. In this they are more like men and men more like women. Women look at the car practically and men look at it emotionally.

And I fear we men fall in love too easily. But that is easy to understand because the cars of this generation have improved to be even less troublesome and thus friendlier. In short, they are easier to love. Gone, for better or worse, are the days of having to set the timing or adjust the carburetor or deal with sticky valves all of which were mechanical. Today’s engines are computer controlled and don’t really let you tinker and tune even if you wanted to.

General Info:

Parts –

Assembly – Lafayette, Indiana, USA

Class: – Compact

Cars: – Baja, Forester, Impreza & Wagon, Legacy & Wagon and Outback.

Handling & Performance:

This Legacy is unbelievably swift due to the Multi-point fuel injection TURBO. Some feel the delay in power is annoying, but that is a necessary characteristic of turbochargers and how they work. And because the criticism is accurate there could be a market for a Supercharger if it were an option to the Turbo. However, with the increasing fuel prices the Turbo is more fuel-efficient and I suspect it would win out in the end.

Styling:

Subaru Legacy is a competitive leap for them. It gives them a competitive product in the larger sedan market.

Fit and Finish:

Good.

Cost:

Fair, but if you don’t have to have a 5-speed auto trans with “Sportshift”, also referred to as “Tiptronic” you can save $1,200, bringing the MSRP down to $29,070.

Conveniences:

Although this Legacy is considered a Compact, it is roomy – front and rear – and has a huge trunk.

Consumer Recommendation:

For Subaru, the Legacy is the most mainstream in design to compete with the list below. It has a competitive edge in that it sports AWD that is the trademark of Subaru. They simply do it better because they have done it longer.

The Competition:

Subaru Legacy $21-29,000, Chevrolet Impala $22-28,000, Chevrolet Malibu $19-24,000, Pontiac Grand Prix $23-27,000, Nissan Altima $17-27,000, Chrysler 300 $23-34,000. 2004 models: Dodge Intrepid $21-25,000, BMW 3 Series $28-44,000, Acura TSX $26-28,000, Volvo S40 $24-29,000, Audi A-4 $26-44,000, Toyota Camry $18-25,000, Saab 9-3 $26-43,000, Honda Accord $16-29,000, Lexus IS 300 $29-31,000, Infiniti G35 $28-33,000, Mazda 6 $19-23,000, Volkswagen Jetta $17-24,000, Mitsubishi Galant $18-26,000.

Good News:

AWD safety and convenience, fast with turbo, clean lines, roomy for a Compact and huge trunk area.

Bad News:

Only fair fuel economy,

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine, active valve control, 5-speed auto trans, All wheel Drive, turbo, fuel injection, Variable torque distribution VTD, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, dual front, side and curtain Airbags, Child anchorage latch system, 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lights, 4-wheel independent suspension, dual zone climate control, all weather package (including heated front seats, mirrors, windshield wiper de-Icer), stereo with In-Dash 6-CD changer and speakers), tilt steering column, trip computer, leather wrapped steering wheel, Leather wrapped steering wheel and trimmed upholstery, power door locks and mirrors, power 8-way drivers seat, power 4- way passenger seat, power windows and keyless entry system with immobilizer.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 25 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $30,270.

2005 Chrysler Limited Crossfire Convertible (512)

08-09-2004Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week I tested the first (for me) 2005 vehicle of the new car year. This is the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. I saw it at a car show as a concept before 2004 and as a reality now it is a very capable little car.

The first car that came to mind, as I stepped into it is the Porsche Boxster, even though it is not considered competition in class separated by about $20,000. In two seat cars, however, the Cadillac XLR is my first choice if money were not a consideration. XLR sells for about $75,000.

Staying in class, however, Nissan 350Z is bound to be the leader in sales in this class. It is the most memorable as a car I would own if a two seater were an option.

I like the retractable soft top because of the small surface area a retractable hard top is not necessary. To make it even more appealing, you get a small trunk and the hard tonneau cover conceals an otherwise unsightly rag with all the support struts etc.

Mercedes more expensive SLK has contributed to this Crossfire and it is comforting to know it has such caring siblings and rich parents.

Handling & Performance:

Very good. That means, plenty of power from the V6, exceptional cornering from the surefooted low slung chassis. Friend Merkel refers to this as “Grippy”. Just look at the wheels and performance tires. 225/40ZR 18” in the front and 255/35ZR 19” in the rear. Plus, you sit low like in the Bumper Cars at the fun zone or Fair. This is truly a fun car to drive.

Styling:

Unique is the best word to describe the design. It is surely a standout and no mistaking it. I guess that can be good news or bad news. I suspect most see it as a racy / sporty little roadster. It is. Ex-Chrysler engineer, Merkel Weiss, has a problem with the style in that it will become old and tired. “There are too many angles and too busy. I would smooth it out”. He knows however it has good breeding (MBZ) and is not as unimpressed as he applauds their attempt.

Fit and Finish:

Very good. And the next thought would ordinarily be, “for a Chrysler”. It seems like forever that Chrysler has competed largely on price. And I believe they have fought back boldly and effectively from the first day Lee Iococca took control of a once failing company. But price hadn’t allowed them to make a rock solid car with lots of attention to detail. With the joining together with Mercedes-Benz, Daimler / Chrysler has profoundly influenced the two companies.

Cost:

Influenced by their German partner, Chrysler is demanding more for their product. The base price is a little “Spendy” for a Chrysler at $38,000, but several of the components are taken directly from Mercedes so maybe a quality issue has been solved for good.

Conveniences:

Cruise control is a great feature, but after you drive as many cars as I do, I can say without equivocation that American cars have the best controls for Cruise and are easier to operate. But Daimler / Chrysler has adopted the German design approach and it is not the better for the inclusion. I never have liked the Mercedes control because the lever is placed on the steering column right where you would expect the turn signal to be. No a good placement.

One review I heard about from a friend on the golf course was that the convertible top was difficult at times. Actually the problem would be operator error. I had a similar problem getting the top to go down only to find out the divider in the trunk was not properly set. It separates the cargo from the stowing area for the top. With the top up, that space converts nicely to useable storage space. When the top is up, there is a folding piece that opens up the trunk for more storage. You must be sure that piece is in place properly.

Customer Recommendation:

My choice from the lineup below would be, hands down, the Nissan 350Z in this class.

The Competition:

Crossfire Roadster $29-49,000, Volvo C70 $40-42,000, Mazda RX 8 $25-27,000, Nissan 350Z $26-36,000, Audi A-4 $26-44,000, Audi TT $33-43,000, BMW Z4 $34-41,000, BMW 3-Series Sport Wagon $31-33,000, Infiniti G35 $28-33,000, Honda S 2000 $32,800, Mitsubishi Eclipse $18-29,000.

Good News:

Nice handling, responsive V6 for the power you want, Mercedes Benz influence and components.

Bad News:

Difficult entry and exit, especially for a lady with a skirt. I didn’t try on the skirt but I’ve watched with interest how the ladies negotiate such ungraceful situations. Long clutch travel, firm suspension and questions as to the reliability of convertible top actuation.

Standard Equipment:

3.2 liter 229 horsepower V6 engine, 6-speed manual trans, dual front and side airbags, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, ESP (Electronic Stability Control Program), tire pressure monitoring display, tear window defroster on convertible top, dual zone climate control, power and heated leather high back seats, power windows and locks, security alarm, cruise control, telescoping steering column, lockable console, stereo with CD player, 6 speakers that will jar your eye teeth and rattle your brain, power convertible top, fog lamps, power heated fold away mirrors, rear active spoiler.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 25 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $39,170.

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

2005 Subaru WRX AWD Sport Wagon (506)

21-07-2004Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I tested the 2005 Subaru WRX Impreza Sport Wagon. Have you noticed new year models seem to emerge on the scene earlier all the time?

Well, my first impression was that it was a “P-Popper” little car that really suits the very youthful driver. But after driving this car I changed my tune. I found myself singing its praises. This is a very capable performance car of serious proportions. Ok, so I began looking at it differently after my friend Merkel took it for a spin. I respect his opinion a lot for a lot of reasons, including his background as a Chrysler design engineer and recent teaching assignments at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena all the way to his natural love and passion for cars.

I got over my prejudice and began to look at the spectacular performance. The ride didn’t impress my 86-year-old mother-in-law who complained incessantly about the rough ride and wondered why I had to shift all the time. “Ok, mom it IS a little rough”, and the rough surface on the 710 freeway didn’t make matters any better. I proceeded to tell her “that’s the kind of car it is. It has a sport-tuned suspension coupled with all wheel drive for enhanced performance. That’s why it rides rougher than most family sedans.” Well I can’t expect her to understand that when she compares it to cars like the VW Phaeton, Audi A8 and other luxury touring sedans.

General Info:

Parts –

Assembly – Vancouver, Washington

Class: – Small Wagon

Cars: – Baja, Forester, Impreza and Impreza Wagon, Legacy, Legacy Wagon and Outback.

Handling & Performance:

I should have known when I sat down and looked at the gearshift that this was going to be a different ride. And when the Turbo kicked in it became completely clear this was a Contender. Reminder of the difference between a Super Charger and a Turbo Charger. Super chargers are belt driven off the engine. Turbo chargers run off the exhaust. Performance wise, the Turbo Charger kicks in with increased RPM where the Super Charger is instant with little or no delay in the Boost you get.

Sport tuned suspension means Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders tinkered with it. Those were the days when men were men and had saddle sores to prove it. Well these are better days. They are kinder and gentler days. Remember somewhere in between then and now, when Dyna-Glide and other such super soft suspensions were all the rage. And we didn’t seem to be bothered by the fact that the car would oscillate for a mile after going over a dip. Those were the days when your parents owned that Buick. Remember?

As to the AWD – All Wheel Drive – it is spectacular. How can a car lover not love the way these AWD vehicles take the curves? And the WRX is so low to the ground it is even more impressive. You performance lovers will be in heaven on the road with lots of twists and turns in the road.

Styling:

Not my cup of tea, but I know the younger generation appears very impressed. Not so much with the Wagon model, and they are impressed with the TSI version including a very odd and uncomfortable Titanium Shift Knob.

Fit and Finish:

No complaints.

Cost:

Not bad for the performance car that it is, but a little pricey for a small car.

Consumer Recommendation:

If it’s performance you are looking for, look no further. If you demand a smooth ride, keep looking. There’s a lot to choose from and they are all nice. Perhaps the PT Cruiser would be better. It has similar seating and even less storage space but it is a smoother ride and mom would appreciate that.

The Competition:

Subaru WRX Impreza Wagon $18-24,000, Pontiac Vibe $17-20,000, Toyota Matrix $15-19,000, Suzuki Aerio SX $15-17,000, Ford Focus Wagon $17-18,000, Volkswagen Jetta Wagon $18-22,000, Mazda 3 $14-17,000, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback $17-19,000, Chrysler PT Cruiser $18-28,000, Audi A4 Avant $29-35,000, Volvo V50 $26-29,000, Saab 9-2X $23-27,000.

Good News:

Great performance, reasonable seating room and adequate cargo area all packaged in a small wagon, decent fuel economy, all wheel drive stability and fast turbo. A driver’s car.

Bad News:

Rough ride, pricey as a small commuter.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 4 cylinder 227 hp turbocharged engine, 5-speed manual trans, all wheel drive, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes with brake force distribution, dual front and side air bags, daytime running lights, limited slip rear differential, fog lights, rear gate spoiler, roof rails, sport tuned suspension, climate control, stereo with in dash 6 CD changer, cruise control, tilt steering column with leather wrapped wheel, auto headlights, power door locks and mirrors, windows, split fold down rear seat, remote keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

20 City and 27 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $24,295.

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