2000 Spring Auto Guide.

The best vehicles for this season

Happy days continue for the automotive industry. Perhaps no other major industry is as easily and quickly affected by major trends in the general economy, and with the U.S. enjoying its longest economic boom ever, the car business is rolling along.

That doesn't mean there isn't any more competition. The weak are being culled, often by mergers or consolidation. DaimlerChrysler is more German than ever, leaving General Motors and Ford as the only two major U.S.-based automakers. Japan's Mazda is part of Ford, and Nissan is now partnered with France's Renault. Such marques as Jaguar, Aston Martin and Volvo belong to Ford, while BMW owns Rover and is about to take over the Rolls Royce brand. Volkswagen, which owns Rolls Royce for the moment, will hold on to Bentley, while also keeping a few other exotic makes. GM just bought the other half of Saab.

A few years ago there were several Korean automakers. It seems likely that by the end of the year, Hyundai will stand alone. Hyundai ate Kia last year, and Daewoo may be sold soon.

Even among independents, smaller brands are partnering up with bigger ones. Porsche is developing an SUV, but couldn't do it without help from VW. Honda has agreed to sell engines to GM, while GM has bought into Subaru. Among the Japanese, Toyota is the largest and will stay the course, while Mitsubishi continues to search for some sort of relationship.

Most of the amalgamation is not obvious to consumers. Plymouth is the only major name disappearing this year. Most brand names will be sticking around under new ownership for now.

FLIP THE SCRIPT ON CAR SALESMEN

Here's what you should do before you purchase your new car:

DO YOUR RESEARCH. Refer to publications at your library or bookstore to determine the type of car, features and options that will meet your needs and fit your budget.

PICK THE RIGHT TIME. Shop at the end of the sales week-typically Saturday--or the last day of the month. Also, arrive one hour before closing. This will force the salesman to give you the best deal fast.

GO FOR A SPIN. Assess the car's performance in traffic and on a highway, evaluate the vehicle's design, comfort, safety features, braking, handling, acceleration and basic components (e.g., radio, air conditioner, heater, defroster) during the test drive.

NEGOTIATE FOR THE BEST PRICE. Generally, dealers have a profit margin of 10% to 20% and they may be willing to bargain to close a sale.

HOLD OUT FOR YOUR TRADE-IN. Mention trading in your old car only after you've received the best price on your new car.

BE PATIENT. If they don't have the car you want on the lot, order it.

SHOP AROUND. Once you strike a deal, get the final price in writing and don't be afraid to take this price to other retailers.

1 Somewhat weary of being criticized for making cars that lack thrust. Audi is making 2000 the year for real horsepower. The A4 has long been an attractive sedan that handles well, but with either the 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo or the 2.8-liter V6, acceleration could leave the performance enthusiast yawning.

No more. The S4 is basically the A4 treated to a slightly smaller 2.7-liter V6, but with twin turbochargers. The net result is 250 horsepower and, even more thrilling, 258 lbs. ft. of torque that arrives at a low 1,850 rpm. Translation? Step on the throttle and you go 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds. Thanks to Audi's renowned standard Quattro IV all-wheel-drive system, the S4 is surefooted in nearly any weather.

A firmer suspension and grippy 17-inch tires help complete the performance package. A five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission is standard, as are most amenities. Starting at $37,900, this is the Audi that's ready to tangle with the best from BMW. And when the weather turns sour, the smart money bets Audi.

www.audiusa.com

2 Although BMW would prefer you call the X5 something other than an SUV it does fall firmly into that category. It reigns at the upper end with a starting price of $49.970 and can reach beyond $60.000 when fully equipped For that, you get a powerful V8 engine, a full-time four-wheel-drive system and a road-conquering suspension. The X5 is also equipped with a host of electronic goodies that will keep you in line during exuberant cornering, assist you in Low-traction situations and even take much of the fear out of descending very steep inclines.

Interior dimensions may fall a bit shy of those of similarly priced competitors, but the ride and handling are very much at the head of the class. Other than the tall seating height, the driving experience is that of a thoroughbred BMW sedan but with extra traction and ground clearance. The company makes no off-road ability claims, pitching the X5 for "any road, any time."

For secure driving in nasty conditions, the X5 is a pleasant choice. Coming soon will be a six-cylinder model that may be less powerful, but will be sold at a more reasonable price.

www.bmw.com

3 An all-new Tahoe arrives for the 2000 model year. Don't, however, confuse it with the Tahoe Classic, a carryover model that will remain available for a brief time. On the outside, the latest version looks like a Classic with little more than a facelift, but the underpinnings are new. The Tahoe gains a more rigid, better riding structure and more powerful brakes. New V8 engines are slightly downsized at either 4.8 or 5.3 liters, but the refined automatic transmission takes good advantage of either 275 or 285 horsepower, respectively. A new option is a third row of seats that's suitable for children.

For a starting price of $25,604 in rear-wheel drive and $28,520 with Autotrac four-wheel drive, the Tahoe is a roomy, comfortable and very capable-handling full-size SUV. Expect to see several thousand dollars in options added to most.

GM's vague-feeling Magnasteer system and excessive ventilation ducting in the passengers' foot well are the only significant flaws. Otherwise, the Tahoe is functionally superior to most of its similarly priced competitors.

www.chevrolet.com

4 As pickup trucks gain popularity, they are entering new arenas. Rather than existing solely as a work truck, many now earn their livings primarily carrying passengers. The cargo bed instead of being the most important part of the truck, is reserved for occasional use--conveying the oversized shopping load or recreational gear. Thus, four-door pickup trucks have been developed.

Following on the heels of the Nissan Frontier, the Dakota is the second pickup with four full doors. Dodge's Dakota Quad Cab is the largest of the compacts, approaching a full-size truck in size and price. It also has full-size power with a choice of a 175-horsepower V6 or one of two V8 engines, a 235-horsepower 4.7-liter or a 250-horsepower 5.9-liter.

The bed is 5 1/4 feet in length, but the passenger cabin holds adults in the rear and will carry up to six people. Prices start at $19,490, but can approach $30,000 for a luxuriously equipped four-wheel drive, The ride is quite calm and comfortable for a pickup, yet it's still capable of doing the heavy work.

www.daimlerchrysler.com

5 Take the Yukon and super size it to come up with the Yukon XL. This is the successor to the Suburban. However, Chevy gets to keep that name for itself for 2000 and GMC decided that the time is right for a new name because it's also a new generation of SUV.

This vehicle sits on an extended version of the same platform that supports the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, as well as the company's full-size pickup trucks. Although the XL remains essentially the same as the Chevy Suburban, the $1,334 higher starting price reflects a much higher level of equipment. GMC intends to separate from Chevrolet by going more upscale. You get a basic XL for $38,056 (add about $2,900 for four-wheel drive), but you'll move well into the mid-$40,000 range for the most luxurious models.

When it comes to moving up to nine people in comfort, the Yukon XL does the best job of anything that will fit in a normal garage. Choose from either a 5.3- or 6.0-liter V8 for motivation and among scores of options to tailor it to your needs. When there's a lot of stuff to haul or tow, this big truck is the way to go.

www.gmc.com

6 As an entirely new automotive concept, the Honda Insight sets a number of firsts. It's the first gasoline/electric hybrid car to go on sale to the general public in the U.S. It's also No. 1 in fuel economy ratings, with an astounding EPA rating of 61 miles per gallon city and 70 miles per gallon highway. As an ultra-low-emission vehicle, the Insight is among the least polluting out there.

There is just one option: air conditioning with automatic climate control. Getting that addition moves the price from $18,880 to $20,080. Although the Insight is rather expensive for a small, two-passenger economy car, it is aimed at those who are not just ecologically sensitive but also technologically minded. The car is rather slow and performance is not spectacular in any respect. However, when you examine the exotic underpinnings, unusual materials and extraordinary scientific effort that went into this car, the Insight serves as much as a topic of conversation as it does transportation. If that's not enough, while air will glide unnoticed over the aerodynamically efficient Insight, onlookers' stares will firmly adhere.

www.honda2000.com

7 For the first time in years, Hyundai is actually enjoying some success. Credit the industry's longest warranty, covering the car for five years and the original purchaser's drive train for another five (or 60,000 and 100,000 miles).

To avoid paying through the nose for warranty repairs, Hyundai must build better cars. For 2000, the lowest-price model gets a refresh. The Accent gets revised styling and a host of improvements to make it ride more quietly.

At a base price of $8,999 to $10,299, the Accent is still one of the most affordable cars you can buy. Try as you might with CD player and power accessories, you can't get the sticker price to exceed $13,000.

The 92-horsepower 1.5-liter engine is just perky enough, but try not to get involved in a stoplight competition. Small tires and a soft suspension won't help you carve corners with gusto. Styling is current and fresh, but the Accent's real strength is that Hyundai promises to keep you going long after the car is no longer new.

www.hyundai.com

8 Among the most beautiful sports cars on the market today, Jaguar's XK8 still has the power to create passionate yearnings among well-heeled auto enthusiasts. But the most ardent fans have waited for Jaguar to give this car its best. Presenting the XKR. For this edition, the 4.0-liter V8 engine is treated to a boost in power. Where the 290 horses of the XK8 seemed adequate, the XKR gains another 80 more for an even more thrilling performance.

Jaguar knows better than to trifle with the car's beauty. Exterior changes are limited to a wire-mesh grille, hood louvers, subtle deck lid spoiler and larger, 18-inch wheels. Underneath, this Jaguar also gains CATS--not the furry kind but what Jaguar calls a Computer Active Technology Suspension, which serves to keep things comfortable without diminishing handling. Leather, chrome and ample luxury are standard. You get a choice of coupe ($76,800) or convertible ($81,800). A new option ($2,400)is a GPS navigation system. Or you could just ask where you are. A crowd is sure to gather just to look at this gorgeous motor car.

www.us.jaguar.com

9 When it comes to the ultimate luxury coupe, Mercedes-Benz is very much on target. The new CL500 shares most of its underpinnings with the highly successful S-Class sedans, but then continues with an infusion of science. From the standard voice-activated cell phone to the GPS navigation system, this car is a stunning accomplishment. The CL500 has also learned its ABC's, which in this case stands for Active Body Control, a suspension system that nearly eliminates body roll and suspension dive during cornering and braking. This adds much to the sporty feel without diminishing the plush ride.

There are plenty of other technological feats that aid performance. The only unfortunate aspect is the COMAND system for controlling the car's functions, which is difficult to use. Yet the CL500 will reward those who have the $85,500 to $90,920 (including gas-guzzler taxes) to invest and the time to learn its complexities with incredible performance and style.

www.mercedes-benz.com

10 Along with its nearly identical twin, the Ford Taurus, the Mercury Sable gets a near-complete makeover for 2000. The look grows more conservative, a change required to regain some of the cabin space lost with the previous generation's more avant-garde appearance. Head room is improved so passengers no longer need to duck inward.

New options abound. Power adjustable brake and throttle pedals mean drivers with short inseams no longer need to sit too close to the steering wheel. Side impact airbags are a new option, and a traction control system is available for the first time--as long as you also opt for the anti-lock brakes.

Engines remain essentially unchanged. There is a handful of additional horsepower in the base 3.0-liter V6. An engine upgrade keeps the same displacement, but horsepower moves from 153 to 200 via such tricks as more valves. Pricing starts at $19,395 and can reach the mid-$20,000 range.

Aimed at the conservative buyer, there is no sporty version of the Sable. Handling is sedate, with heavy steering and a plush ride.

www.mercuryvehicles.com

11 The Montero Sport has played an important role in Mitsubishi's recent financial recovery. For 2000, changes are being made to continue the momentum. A face lift keeps the car's look rugged yet civilized. A change more important to SUV buyers these days is the softer rear suspension. By moving to coil springs instead of leaf springs, the on-road ride is more gentle.

Eliminated because of tack of customer interest are the four-cylinder model and the manual transmission. There are now four trim levels, ranging from $22,982 to $31,812. The uppermost level (the Limited) gets a larger engine: a 3.5-liter rather than a 3.0-liter V6. All but the lowest-price ES level are available with part-time four-wheel drive.

The Montero Sport competes in the compact SUV segment with the likes of Toyota 4Runner. Mitsubishi succeeds with attractive exterior styling and a cheerful interior. A limited option list keeps the choices simple, and even the most basic model includes such amenities as CD player, air conditioning and power windows.

www.mitsubishicars.com

12 In recent years, Nissan has skirted the main competition by offering cars that were in between the popular sizes others offered. Well, things have changed. The company now intends to go head-to-head with the best, and it is starting with its most affordable offering, the Sentra. An all-new 2000 Sentra is larger in nearly every dimension. It gets more power and more standard features than before. Yet Nissan is also lowering the price. Final prices aren't set at this writing, but the forecast puts the starting level below $12,000 and the peak still under $17,000.

The new car is more roomy and comfortable. Styling remains perhaps too conservative. It looks more sophisticated, but will blend into traffic too readily. With a choice of a 126-horsepower 1.8-liter base engine or 145-horsepower 2.0-liter in the sporty SE, the Sentra can now be fun to drive. Californians who are environmentally sensitive may opt for the Sentra-CA, which has emissions so Low it receives some of the same government credits as an electric car, a major technological feat.

www.nissan-usa.com

13 Appealing to the buyer who enjoys a full-size sedan with a bit of ostentatious sportiness, the Bonneville is fun and practical. Styling would be a bit over the top for most brands, yet Pontiac insists its buyers are just the right audience.

You can't tell by looking, but Bonneville is closely related to the conservative Buick Legabre. Extensive suspension tuning gives the Bonneville a more sporty feel. At its upper level, the SSEi also features a supercharger. This boosts power from 205 horsepower in the "vanilla" trim level to 240, a figure made more resounding by the addition of Low-rpm torque. Prices start at $24,295 and climb to the mid-$30,000 range when the car is fully equipped. Pontiac is aiming this car at the same buyers who gravitate toward Chrysler's handsome and sporty 300M.

Except for the video-game-like steering in the supercharged model, the Bonneville does a commendable job of mating full-size room with sports sedan athleticism.

www.pontiac.com

14 Those who think Toyota builds only stodgy, boring cars haven't seen this one. And those who believe Toyotas tend to be more expensive than the competition also need to take a look. The MR2 Spyder is the first car to square off in both performance and value against Mazda's vaunted Miata. At a meager $23,553, the MR2 Spyder is within a thousand bucks of the Miata's base price, then adds much more standard equipment. In fact, with a CD player, air conditioning, AMS, alloy wheels and leather-wrapped steering wheel, there are no factory options.

Styling is also another surprise from Toyota. The MR2 Spyder looks like the offspring of a Porsche Boxster and Ferrari 348. It looks like fun and it is. The engine's in back for a true mid-engine thrill. With fewer than 2,200 pounds to propel, the 138-horsepower 1.8-liter engine is more than enough for kicks.

The convertible top drops easily for that true roadster experience. The chink in the armor is a lack of luggage space. The MR2 Spyder's trunk even falls short of the Miata's But there is plenty of room for immense fun.

www.toyota.com

15 Continuing to spice up the line, Toyota is airing out the Camry. The Camry Solara is the sleek and sporty coupe version of the company's staid sedan. But it's time to move the needle just a little further toward the frivolity end of the scale. In this case, that means cutting off the top and letting the wind flow.

The fun doesn't preclude a bit of luxury. The power folding top features a full headliner, automatic-down power rear windows and a large glass rear window. It takes about 10 seconds to go from a quiet-riding closed car to the breezy experience of a convertible. The reasonable rear seat remains intact and the trunk loses just five cubic feet of room, leaving more cargo space than most ragtops.

You can even add a new 300-watt JBL audio system designed to rock you, top up or down. Available with four or six cylinders, and only with an automatic, the Solara convertible is expected to cost about $4,200 more than the hardtop. That puts base pricing in the mid- to high-$20,000 arena, perhaps passing $30,000 when fully optioned.

www.toyota.com

16 For years this Dutch-built Volvo has been sold in Europe with little indication it would cross the Atlantic. But as the Swedish-built Volvos sold here have climbed in price, the company saw fit to bring to the U.S. the more affordable S40 model. Prices begin at $22,900 and stay beneath $35,000. even with all the factory options. The S40 is the sedan model, while a wagon is available as the V40.

To get a Volvo at this price, the concession is interior room. Passenger accommodations are almost identical to those of the Hyundai Accent. Of course, Volvo gives you plenty more luxury, including power accessories, automatic air conditioning and multiadjustable driver's seat.

You can't get a manual transmission in the S40, but the 160-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine is rather peppy. The automatic also hides the turbo lag that plagues manual transmission Volvos. The small size makes this easily the most nimble of all Volvos and the S40 is actually fun to drive while it retains an ample amount of ride comfort.

www.car.volvo.se