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In the world of automobiles, there's something for everyone in 1998. Choices abound compared to previous years, whether it’s a hot new "SUV" or a smooth-driving luxury car. Let's take a peek at the year that will be.
Sport Utility Vehicles
What should the sport utility buyer be looking at in 1998? Late in 1997 the all new, built only in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz ML320 sport utility hit the showrooms — sort of. Demand outstripped a limited supply, so it was a little difficult finding one. But for those successful, what a find it was. This is, without a doubt, the best-performing, and the best value four-wheel-drive SUV available. For $33,000 and change, Mercedes will put you into a remarkable go-anywhere vehicle. If only your enthusiasm can hold for a year while you wait for delivery from a U.S. plant that’s supplying Europe, too.
Another SUV available in 1998 is the all new Lexus RX 300. Like the Mercedes, it’s an all-wheel-drive vehicle that’s not offered in a two-wheel-drive version. Elsewhere, the just-introduced V-8 Dodge Durango SUV looks like a strong competitor. It has three rows of seats and is larger than the Jeep Grand Cherokee but smaller than the GMC Tahoe or Ford Expedition. The Durango sells in the $26,000 to $29,000 range.
Those thinking of a small, more economical, SUV, should test the new four-wheel-drive 1998 Honda CR-V, or the even newer all-wheel-drive Subaru Forester. The Honda is larger inside, offering both more leg room and cargo space. But the Forester has more power. Both are OK in snow, ice, and mud, but can’t climb the loose boulders like the big boys. Prices are in the $20,000 to $22,000 range.
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Mainstay Minivans
For those with big families who like the practicality of a minivan over an SUV (vans are easier to load and cheaper to drive), the Toyota Sienna is the hot one on the market (see November 1997 Road Test). The Chrysler vans are hard to beat, but this new Toyota is a beauty, sized right between the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, and based on the best-selling Toyota Camry. Elsewhere, Ford plans a makeover on its Windstar (adding a driver's side sliding door), and the Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager will be completely redesigned for introduction late in 1998.
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Mid-Sized Sedans
For the middle-of-the-pack automobile buyers, the new redesigned Honda Accord will be the star of 1998. Bigger inside, smoother, with greater driving precision and offered with 4- or 6-cylinder engines, this is a great family machine. Prices range from $16,000 to $24,500.
The all new redesigned and significantly improved Nissan Altima and Mazda 626 also are very fine automobiles. They don’t sell like Hondas and Toyotas, but don’t assume that they are in any way lesser cars or not as good a value. Both are excellent and have the inherent reliability and long life now expected as the norm from Japanese automakers. The Mazda, slightly larger than the 1997 model, is available with a 4-or 6-cylinder engine, and is priced at the same level as the Accord. The five-speed, 6-cylinder 626 version has sports car acceleration at 7.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
The slightly smaller (4-cylinder only) well-equipped Altima retails in the $15,000 to $20,000 range. A recent seven-car comparison test in Car & Driver rated the new Accord No.1 in all categories. The Altima rated third behind the 1997 Camry, with its strength in craftsmanship and fun driving. The new Mazda rated fifth in the group, liked by everyone but with its rating hurt by a softer suspension and ride than Car & Driver reporters prefer. On the other hand, Popular Mechanics liked the 626's ride and handling best of all. Go figure.
Another redesigned car to watch in 1998 is the Dodge Intrepid and its sister, the Chrysler Concorde. Not only do they have a stunning new look, but each is powered by a new all-aluminum overhead cam V-6 engine that develops significantly more horsepower than the 1997 versions. The cars will sell in the $21,000 to $24,000 price range.
Quality Budget Sedans
Sedan buyers on a tight budget ought to consider the fully redesigned Toyota Corolla or its even cheaper cousin, the Chevrolet Prizm. These $12,000 to $16,000 cars have been redesigned into smoother, quieter, better equipped vehicles than their 1997 predecessors.
We await, in 1998, the arrival of the new Volkswagen Beetle, an all new modern evolution of the famous bug of the '50s, '60s and '70s. The new shape is reminiscent of the old one, but that’s where the resemblance ends. This is a thoroughly modern car, priced between $18,000 and $20,000. Sales should begin midyear.
Speed And Luxury
For the drivers of fast and luxurious cars, where budget considerations are secondary, some exciting automobiles beckon.
The new Lexus GS400 and GS300 are literal rocket ships with a 300 hp 32-valve 4-cam V-8, and a 225 hp double overhead cam straight 6, respectively.
Motor Trend says the GS400 will do 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Lexus claims that the GS 400 is the fastest production (automatic) sedan in the world. I wonder what Jaguar thinks about that. Jaguar's new XJR has a supercharged 32-valve V-8 that puts out 370 horsepower and does 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. The Lexus models don’t cost as much, at $45,000 for the GS400 and $37,000 for the GS300. The Jaguar XJR costs a tall $67,000, and the (unsupercharged) XJ8 a mere $55,000. For those with the money, these are the speed-king sedans for 1998. For the life of me, I don’t know where this sort of performance can be used, which is why I shouldn't be allowed to own one.
A little slower off the mark — 0-60 in 6.9 seconds — but offering lots of invigorating fun, is the new Mercedes Benz CLK320 coupe. It is powered by an ultra-smooth 215 hp 3.2 overhead cam all-aluminum V-6 (MB's first V-6, same one that powers the new ML320 SUV) through a silky five-speed transmission. This is a pure driver's car, and a real challenge to BMW.
Pure Luxury
If you don’t have the speed fire in your belly, but like a luxurious car, the new restyled Lincoln Town Car could be a good choice. Still quite sharp off the line, this year’s model comes with a more powerful 220 hp V-8 engine. A rear wheel drive car, the Lincoln has a comfortable quiet ride and is equipped with every electronic and other convenience feature one can imagine. Expect to pay between $38,000 and $42,000.
Speaking of luxury and electronics, Cadillac's new offering, the Seville STS, is worth a serious look by luxury car buyers. Autophiles love its performance algorithm shifting transmission, StabiliTrak suspension and Magnasteer power steering. (Some day I’ll explain all this stuff — just as soon as I get it all straight.) This a much sportier, and more expensive, "luxowagon" than the Lincoln. It costs $48,000 to $53,000.
Later This Year
Expect a new, radically styled Mercury Cougar to be introduced in late 1998 as a 1999 model. This will be a front wheel drive car with mechanicals similar to the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique. It will be built at the Ford/Mazda joint venture plant in Flat Rock, Mich. Also watch out for Honda's new clean engine. Its emissions are supposed to be cleaner than outside air. There's more, but I’m out of space.
Let me know which of these cars, or any others for that matter, you would like to see reviewed in 1998. And, of course, keep reading.
Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 54 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at osten@aol.com.
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