Tag Archives: 2006

2006 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 4-door Sedan (573)

09-11-2005Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week I test-drove the Chevrolet Impala LTZ sedan. It is especially nice to have the roominess of a full size sedan after driving a small sports car like the Mazda Miata MX-5 last week.

If I had wanted to play golf with a friend, my friend better have a big car because the Miata would not even carry ONE set of clubs. In the Impala I could easily stow my clubs in a travel bag. Few cars have trunks as long or deep as this Impala. I can’t imagine how I would have toted them to the airport – and Richard’s too. We’re not off to see the Wizard but the yellow brick road leads to Pinehurst, North Carolina. There I will test the Nissan Armada and be humbled by 4 golf courses where the Open is played earlier each year.

Well, aside from being big enough to carry Richard’s and my clubs and other travel bags this is a great family car, company car or FBI fleet car. But it’s not boring and not all that plain as you’d expect for a stealth FBI car.

Public Service: When driving, keep your head down and follow through. Driving is much better that way. Trouble is I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time so how can I be expected to ever be a consistent golfer?

General Info:

Parts – n/a

Assembly – Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Class: – Large

Cars: Astro, Avalanche, Aveo, Blazer, Cavalier, Cobalt, Colorado, Corvette, Equinox, Express, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Silverado, SSR, Suburban, Tahoe, Trail Blazer, Uplander and Venture.

Handling & Performance:

Generally this LTZ is more powerful than any of the competition. And if you want even more, a V8 is available (since 2000 but not prior models back to 1996). There is plenty of power and the ride is silky smooth. There is a hint of road noise but I found the silence quite refreshing after driving small tinny cars. From starting to stopping you’ll feel in control and comfy-cozy. Acceleration is quick and smooth. Braking is also smooth and quiet too.

Something you begin to see, (as with this Impala), is Variable Valve Timing equipped engines on more and more American cars. Such technology has been available on many Japanese cars for quite some time but just being adopted by American carmakers.

Styling:

Ok, so it isn’t an FBI car and it does have nice lines. The interior is dressed up with some nice wood accents on the dash that gives a more elegant feeling than I expected. Impala was so popular in the decade of the 1960s it topped the sales charts in the first half of the 1960s with over three quarters of a million units sold each year. Sales in 1969 topped 800,000 units sold. Then the Japanese took a huge share of the market stealing the success of Impala and knocking it from sales leader with Toyota’s Camry. 2004 saw sales of Impala reach less than 300,000 units sold.

Fit and Finish:

Quite good.

Cost:

All of the competition is very close in pricing. You’ll have to make the distinction of what is the best car for the money on some basis other than cost. As for me I like to support cars made in the US and help the troubled GM and Ford companies who are losing money. I supported the Japanese in the 1960’s because American carmakers were getting too big for their own, and the consumers good. Unions were pushing wages through the roof and made American cars too expensive and unable to compete with foreign products. Simply put the industry shot themselves in the foot – both feet really.

Conveniences:

This is a roomy sedan – classified “Large” – it has the best front legroom of almost all the competition. In the large sedans I have been testing recently I’ve become accustomed to the great feature of sensors built into the bumpers for obstacle detection. It is not needed on small cars but on the larger ones it is nice to have to assist when backing up. Unfortunately rear sensors are NOT available on the Impala.

Consumer Recommendation:

Boy this is the toughest competition grouping I’ve seen in a long time. Generally I can find a couple of cars that stand out. But this is really close. I love ‘em all. Camry has been the leader for a long time with so many people and for good reason – the Japanese came to play. They are fiercely competitive and capable – no formidable adversaries.

The Competition:

Chevrolet Impala LTZ $21-27,000, Mercury Montego $24-29,000, Pontiac Grand Prix $23-29,000, Saturn L300 $21,000, Mitsubishi Galant $19-26,000, Dodge Charger $22-35,000, Hyundai Sonata $18-23,000, Buick LaCrosse $23-28,000, Ford Five Hundred $22-28,000, Toyota Camry $18-26,000, Mazda 6 $19-28,000, Honda Accord $18-29,000, Nissan Altima $18-30,000.

Good News:

Decent mileage for the power, it is quiet, it is smooth riding, it has a huge trunk and it has great styling.

Bad News:

No rear obstacle sensors available.

Standard Equipment:

3.9 liter variable valve timing V6 240 horsepower engine, 4-speed electronic transmission, (optional V8 is 303 horsepower), front wheel drive, 4-wheel independent suspension, stainless steel exhaust, OnStar service one year, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, traction control, tire pressure monitor, dual front and head curtain airbags, auto headlights, programmable auto door locks, theft deterrent system, child seat latch and door security systems, power heated mirrors, fog lights, rear spoiler, tilt steering wheel with wheel mounted cruise and audio controls, 8-way driver and 6-way passenger seats, remote vehicle starting system, XM Satellite radio, Bose audio system with CD and MP3 players and rear flip and fold flat seat.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 27 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $26,870.

2006 Mazda Miata MX-5 (572)

02-11-2005Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week I tested the “pea popper” Mazda Miata MX-5 and as that description came to mind I considered that it really communicates something less than a serious sport car driving experience.

That is not entirely true and Merkel is quick to tell me how much better and capable this car is compared, for example, to the new Pontiac Solstice. I have driven both and I’m not buying it. Both are small cars and closely priced and in this class I might lean to the Solstice that is very well priced on its roll out as a new car for 2006.

What I think I miss in little cars in this price range is the weight that gives them the solid feeling that you get with a Cadillac XLR for example. Even the Porsche Boxster has that light feeling that can be a little unsettling in even a moderate wind.

At the end of the day however for the money this Miata and the Solstice are the closest in performance, feel and style. Both are very nice.

Public Service: I find most drivers are thoughtful and considerate drivers. But if you are one of those who seem oblivious to your surroundings let this be a reminder to be aware. Allow others to pass without getting angry. Mountain driving is a classic example of the need to be courteous. There is nothing to be ashamed of not being in the lead. And it is commendable when you pull over and let others pass – safely I might add. And what’s more, not only the other drivers will appreciate the courtesy, you too will enjoy the drive much more.

General Info:

Parts – Japan 95%

Assembly – Hiroshima, Japan

Class: Sport Car

Cars: Mazda 3, 5, 6, 6 Sport Wagon, Speed 6, MPV, MX-5, RX-8, Tribute and Truck.

Handling & Performance:

Although it is low to the ground I didn’t feel as “in control” as I did with the Nissan 350Z for example that I recently tested over the same road. Well, you get what you pay for and the “Z” is quite a bit more money and most of that is in the engine, drive train and suspension.

Styling:

Not much change has been made over the years. But if it ain’t broke why fix it. Indeed, why change a design that is so well received and popular?

Fit and Finish:

Quite good.

Cost:

Very good, but the new Pontiac Solstice should prove huge competition for this little sports car since it is priced even better. I believe the price will go up on the Solstice in the next model year.

Conveniences:

The list below describes a decent compliment of standard features. The manual operated soft top tucks away easily and still leaves room for a trunk. This is not true of most of the competition, and in particular with the Solstice. The top there folds into the trunk area, smaller already from a protruding fuel tank. With the top down you are left with a very teensy weensy area that may accommodate a regular set of golf clubs. In the Miata there is a distinct trunk with room for small bags but no golf clubs.

Consumer Recommendation:

You will surely want to look at the hot new Pontiac Solstice if in the market for this class car. I’m wondering which way you would sway. If you have time email me on your decision.

The Competition:

Mazda Miata MX-5 $20-27,000, Mercedes SLK $46-61,000, Honda S2000 $33,150, Volkswagen New Beetle $17-25,000, BMW Z4 $35-42,000, Nissan 350Z $27-37,000, Pontiac Solstice $19,420, Audi TT $34-44,000.

Good News:

Sport Car driving fun, small and powerful, provides a trunk even though it is a convertible.

Bad News:

So low to the ground it is uncomfortable to enter and exit, two seat limitation, not as solid sounding as I like, you’ll be looking up everyone’s tailpipe since about 50% of all vehicles on the road these days is a truck, SUV or Van.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter Inline 4-cylinder 170 horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, manual vinyl soft top, power mirrors, fog lights, air conditioning, leather tilt steering wheel, leather shift knob, AM/FM audio with CD player, front and rear stabilizer bars, front dbl wishbone suspension, rear multi-link suspension, glass rear window defogger, Aluminum hood, trunk and engine compartment framing, dual exhaust, steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls, power windows and locks, dual front and side air bags and antitheft engine immobilizer.

Gas Stats:

24 City and 30 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $22,935.

2006 Cadillac CTS (570)

18-10-2005Autolove No comments

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the very popular 2006 Cadillac CTS. And although GM is losing money they are still the worlds largest auto maker. And the experience can be seen in cars like this CTS.

They are doing some wonderful things and are still the leader in innovation – an expensive process. They are positioning themselves to launch at least 5 new models of fuel cell cars in about 5 years which is way ahead of the estimate just 2 years ago when I drove the High Wire hydrogen powered fuel cell car for the future. I suppose an “Anti Gravity Hover Car” like those in Star Wars will be on the scene sooner than many can imagine also. So, quietly GM is forging forward while companies like Toyota advertise they are “Moving Forward”.

In the meantime cars like this CTS will have to do. And they do great. It is an all around great luxury car that still carries the image of the standard by which all other cars are judged. That image is likely the reason why this is the most sought after car in the Far East – Japan and China.

General Info:

Parts – USA

Assembly – Lansing, Michigan, USA

Class: Mid-Size

Cars: CTS, DeVille, DTS, Escalade, SRX, STS, XLR.

Handling & Performance:

The Crest Test is my course of choice along with another secret course through the San Gabriel Mountains. These provide a great real world place to see how these cars perform and it is consistent across all brands. This CTS is among the best of the best. Previously I tested the Nissan 350Z and felt it is excellent on the two courses but for a large sedan this CTS will impress even the most performance conscious drivers.

Styling:

Speaking of Star Wars – Cadillac has crafted a design over the past several years that is truly modern and space age. Yes, they have broken through their own barriers. To me the Star Wars character I think of when looking at the Cadillac line is Darth Vadar, especially when it is painted Black.

Fit and Finish:

Outstanding. I especially like the real wood steering wheel / leather combo.

Cost:

You may appreciate, as I did, the options to enhance and upgrade from the standard fare. Included was a DVD navigation system with XM Satellite radio, which also provided the Nav system with Traffic information. It plasters markers on the map to show where traffic problems are. Cost of enhanced Nav audio etc. – a mere $3,000.

Conveniences:

You just gotta love XM radio. I particularly like the music by decade feature. Another is that the monitor displays the Title and Artist, which is very cool. It eliminates arguments about the recording. The other, soon to be broadly used, is the OnStar system. I find it very helpful. It gives a great peace of mind that there is someone to help from most any driving location you find yourself. I was recently in a remote desert location in Southern California and low on fuel. Yes, we were lost. We had taken the wrong turn and with good conversation, la-la land was right around the next mountain. OnStar to the rescue. They gave us “Playback” directions, advised where the closest gas station was and “is there anything else I can do for you today”?

Consumer Recommendation:

This is a car that suits very well the younger executive on the way up. And it is priced right for that ride. If you have the option available get Run Flat tires – do that. It’s not that you can’t change a tire it is a fact that tires only go flat when you can least afford them to. It is sure to happen when you are late for an appointment or the all to familiar – running late – trip to the airport.

The Competition:

Cadillac CTS $31-51,000, Saab 9-5 $36-40,000, Lexus IS 300 $30-31,000, Jaguar X-Type $30-31,000, Infiniti M $41-50,000, Mercedes Benz E-Class $50-82,000, BMW 3-Series $31-45,000, Chrysler 300 $24-40,000, Lincoln LS $39,285, Volvo S60 $30-38,000, Audi A4 $28-45,000, Acura TL $33-36,000.

Good News:

F a a a s t, fun, but elegant at the same time. Unexpected fuel economy for a performance luxury sedan.

Bad News:

I found none.

Standard Equipment:

3.6 liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual trans, 4-wheel abs disc brakes, 16” alloy wheels, all speed traction control, leather wrapped steering wheel with controls, leather seating, power driver seat, power windows, power heated mirrors, cruise control, computer info system, rear seat pass thru to trunk, audio system with CD and 7 speakers, XM satellite radio, dual front air bags with head curtain side bags, rear window defogger, fog lights, auto on / off headlights, rear child security locks, theft deterrent system, remote keyless entry, OnStar.

Gas Stats:

17 City and 26 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $33,160.

2006 Dodge Charger SXT (561)

24-08-2005Autolove No comments

Overview:
This week I’m really excited about yet another Chrysler product that breaks the mold of the boring array of cars on the market today. Really, this 2006 Dodge Charger SXT is special because I expected it to cost a lot more.

Friend and writing associate Merkel Weiss (design engineer, teacher and car nut) agree on a lot of things, but the marriage of Daimler and Chrysler is not one of them. I believe it’s great for the products and he doesn’t. In his heart of hearts I think he does, but he is hiding it well.

You can feel the solid influence of Mercedes Benz people in this “All American” product. I don’t want to say it was a bucket of bolts in the old days, but relative to what you get in today’s Chrysler’s the improvement is so great as to warrant mention. Tell you what, you test-drive this Charger SXT and if you don’t agree write me and I’ll voice your opinion next time around.

Public Service driving observation: Road Rage – don’t waste your time or energy on getting mad or even with idiots on the highway who think they are god’s gift to Nascar on our highways. They are small and insignificant and they tick me off just as much as they do you. But don’t give them the satisfaction of knowing that you are remotely aware of their presence. Move over when they tailgate you. Let them cut in to gain 20 feet of space in front of you. If they pass you – that’s ok. Disarm them by being the bigger person.

Handling & Performance:

This is a relatively big car but it handles much like a Mercedes on tight turns. Even cynical Merkel likes it handling characteristics. I took it over the San Gabriel Mountains on a wonderfully “less traveled” road from LA to the Desert. It’s hard to find but worth the trek because very few know about it – so it is a great test area for me. It revealed the cornering capability is excellent – especially for a big car.

Styling:

If you read my column much you know that I can’t say enough good things about the designers at Daimler – Chrysler. They simply are the best in today’s world. They have been brave and bold in going way outside the box in giving us something different. Prowler, PT Cruiser, 300 M, Crossfire and this Charger. You gotta love them for giving you a real choice. And when you look around Chrysler is having a big impact on the rest of the competition who are copying them from design to marketing (employee discount example).

As to the resemblance to the older classic Chargers I just don’t see much influence. But that’s ok because it is a great looking car.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent and for the money this is a great buy. And for you Chrysler fans you will instantly see the dramatic difference. You’ll say, as I did, when have you seen such a well-put together Chrysler product – ever? You’ll feel the solid bolted down feeling built like a brick s.h.

Cost:

This is perhaps the best for the buck this year.

Conveniences:

Generous.

Consumer Recommendation:

You’ve gotta drive this car.

The Competition:

2006 Dodge Charger SXT $22,320, 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo $22,280, 2006 Chevrolet Impala $21,330, 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix $23,060, 2005 Pontiac Bonneville $27,965, 2005 Ford Five Hundred $22,165 (2006 price not avail).

Good News:

Actually good fuel economy for a big car, most power of the competition.

Bad News:

None.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter high output 250 hp V6 engine, 5-speed auto trans with manual (AutoStick) mode, 17” steel wheels, power rack and pinion steering, dual air bags, traction control, ESP (Electronic Stability Control Program), 4-wheel ABS disc brake system, cloth low back bucket seats, front seats lumbar adjustment, air conditioning, tilt / telescopic steering column, keyless illuminated entry, speed sensitive power locks, theft deterrent system, power windows and locks, sound system with CD player, window integrated antennae, power mirrors.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 27 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $22,320.

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