2000 Winter Auto Guide.

Reviews of 16 new vehicles

On track to reach a new sales record for 1999, the automotive industry is also hauling in tremendous profits. Everybody seems fat and happy. Even companies such as Nissan and Mitsubishi, which lost millions during much of the 1990s, are back in the black. But the biggest winners are the biggest players, particularly those that have plenty of trucks and SUVs in their lineups. There seems to be no end in sight for the boom in the SUV and pickup truck markets, and forecasters expect this could last as long as relatively cheap gasoline continues to be a mainstay of the American economy.

Fortunately, that doesn't mean we'll see nothing but trucks. Cars will again grow taller to help buyers in a more affordable segment get a better view of the road in traffic. Witness new offerings like Toyota's Echo. But quick-moving brands are taking advantage of the booming economy by offering cars that may not he as practical but are certainly fun to drive. Honda's S2000 epitomizes this trend perfectly.

As protection against future downturns and the increasing expense of introducing new products to market, the industry continues to consolidate, DaimlerChrysler has completed its merger, putting Mercedes-Benz and all the former Chrysler brands under one German roof. Ford bought Volvo this year, and Nissan hooked up less formally with France's Renault.

Audi A6 www.audi.com

Though refined in almost every way, the A6 has often been criticized for being a bit anemic. For 2000, Audi is changing that in a big way. Those not wishing to pay for more power can still obtain the A6 2.8 in sedan or Avant (wagon) form, beginning at $33,950. Those wishing more motivation beneath the hood can obtain one of two new engines, a 250-horsepower bi-turbocharged 2.7T-liter V6 or a thunderous 300-horsepower 4.2-liter V8. Both engines have five valves per cylinder and are available solely in the sedan model with Audi's famed Quattro all-wheel drive system. The 2.7T is also available with a six-speed manual transmission. More typical--and standard with the V8--is the five-speed Tiptronic automatic with a semi-manual mode. The 2.7T begins at $38,550, the V8 at $48,900.

Either of these engines will turn the A6 into a rollicking good performance sedan. The V8-powered car is aimed a bit more toward the luxury market while the bi-turbo is for the performance-minded.

Cadillac DeVille www.cadillac.com

Cadillac is in a quandary right now. The DeVille, its best-selling car, has the oldest demographics, yet many of the automaker's buyers are so old they won't be purchasing another car. This means Cadillac must undertake careful changes that won't alienate the seniors who are its mainstay customers while seeking out younger buyers.

A new DeVille moves to the same platform as the Seville. This means it's a smaller car, losing a couple of inches here and there. The hope is customers will make the trade-off in reduced interior room for improved performance and driving feel. Although the V8 engines retain the same 275- and 300-horsepower ratings, Cadillac claims significant improvements within. The Concours name is gone, replaced by a trio of models: base, high-luxury and touring. Prices should remain in the same $40,000-and-up bracket. A new technology introduced in this car is Night Vision, an infrared system designed to provide a look beyond the headlamps at the road ahead.

Chevrolet Impala www.chevrolet.com

The Impala name returns to the Chevrolet line-up, although this time the model has a front-wheel drive platform with a V6 engine rather than the rear-wheel drive with a V8 that had been its legacy. This time the car is closely related to the also new Monte Carlo. With a starting price of $19,265, which can climb to a little over $25,000 when the car is fully loaded, the Impala is a full-size family sedan with interior room at a relatively reasonable price.

All Impalas include at least moderate levels of equipment, such as air conditioning, power door locks, AM/FM stereo, power windows and 4-wheel disc brakes. The LS is the upper trim level, and includes such features as side impact airbags, antilock brakes and traction control.

There are two engine choices, a 3.4- or 3.8-liter V6, providing either adequate or decent power. The car is intended to give buyers a step up from the Lumina, a car which will soon be discontinued.

Ford Focus www.fordvehicles.com

The Focus was originally intended to replace the Escort. Ford, however, is reluctant to put all of its small-car apples in one barrel, so the Escort got a late reprieve and remains on the market for at least one more model year.

The Focus was primarily designed for and first went on sale in Europe. Its tall, boxy shape--the car is 3 inches higher than an Escort--may look a bit odd, but Ford is not the only automaker to predict that this will be the shape of many small cars in the future. This "shrunken minivan" style provides greater interior room with a smaller footprint, a factor that is more of an issue in Europe than in the U.S.

The Focus will be offered in three body styles, a two-door hatchback, a four-door sedan and a station wagon. There are two engine choices (110 and 130 horsepower), both with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powerplants. Prices begin at $12,280 for the base hatchback and $15,580, before options, for the top sedan.

Ford Taurus www.fordvehicles.com

When Ford redesigned the Taurus in 1996, the avant-garde styling missed its marketing target and the car fell precipitously from its perch as the best-selling car in America. For the new millennium, the company is again changing the Taurus. It's unusual for an automaker to make such drastic changes to a three-year-old design, but such measures were deemed necessary by Ford to protect its bottom line.

The new car looks more like the 1996-98 generation, having lost much of the ovoid appearance. Rear headroom is still a bit short, but entry and exit are much easier. A welcome new feature is the power adjustable brake and throttle pedals, which will improve comfort and safety for shorter drivers.

Most underpinnings change little, although the base engine gets more horsepower, now reaching 153. There is still no larger engine than a 3.0-liter V6. Traction control and side impact airbags are available for the first time in a Taurus.

Honda S2000 www.honda1999.com

Vying for the title King of Grins, the S2000 is pure sports car. Representing the first rear-drive Honda automobile since the S800 of 1973, this

240-horsepower thrill ride is easily among the most pure pleasure machines on the road. Technical credentials are impressive. The-20-literr 4-cylinder VTEC engine produces more horsepower per liter than any other normally aspirated car engine. The X-bone design supplies the stiffest, most unshakable open top chassis on the market. A truly race car-inspired suspension design. massive brakes and Formula 1-style instruments give this car phenomenal performance credentials.

Despite the racing lineage, there's more than enough luxury for a $30,000 two-seater. The power top goes up or down in six seconds. Leather upholstery, climate control, HID headlamps and CD audio system are all standard. Even the ride is quite tolerable by sports car standards.

Jaguar S-Type www.us.jaguar.com

As the first new Jaguar to be co-developed with new owner Ford, the S-Type shares some underpinnings with the Lincoln LS. However, the Jaguar certainly has the looks in the family, and the power, too, with its 3.0-1iter V6 and 4.0-liter V8 pumping out 240 and 281 horsepower, respectively. The idea is a smaller, more affordable sedan that harkens back to Jaguar's classic 1960s design leadership. The company hopes to aim the S-Type at those who might otherwise consider owning a BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS or Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Although the S-Type may not offer credentials equal to those cars in all areas, it supplies a host of its own. Front-end styling is gorgeous in a classical sense and the interior is filled with wood and chrome. Prices begin at $43,080 for the 3.0-liter and $48,580 for the 4.0-liter, and several thousands dollars more can potentially be spent on options, like a satellite navigation system or a communications package.

Jeep Grand Cherokee www.jeepunpaved.com

The Grand Cherokee stands as one of the most profitable cash cows in DaimlerChrysler's Jeep division. It received its only redesign last year, and stands pat for 2000. There are two trim levels available: the Laredo and the Limited. Both are available in either rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The Laredo's base 4WD system is the Selec-Trac system. Optional on Laredo and standard on Limited 4WD models is the Quadra-Drive II. This system can quickly sense when a wheel is slipping and transfer torque to whichever wheel has the most traction.

Among the Grand Cherokee's best traits is its ability to go off-road without greatly reducing on-pavement handling.

Base models are equipped with a slightly modified version of the in-line-6 engine that has powered Jeeps since the vehicle's American Motors days. Prices start near $28,000 and can reach to around $40,000 for a fully equipped model.

Lincoln LS www.lincolnvehicles.com

The LS represents a number of unique developments at Lincoln It is the first car jointly developed with Jaguar, with which it shares the basic. S-Type platform. This is also the first Lincoln in decades to offer a manual transmission, although very few will actually be equipped this way. With it, Lincoln hopes to take better aim at buyers who tend toward European cars. The smaller LS sacrifices room and comfort for greater agility.

The LS is 14 inches shorter than the next smallest Lincoln sedan. It is equipped with the division's smallest engine, a 210-horsepower V6 that's similar to the one found in the Ford Taurus. The V6 can be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission or an automatic. Those seeking more power can't have a manual transmission, but can choose a 3.9-liter V8 with 252 horsepower. Prices begin at $31,450 and rise to around $40,000 for a fully loaded model.

Mazda MPV www.mazdausa.com

Although it retains the same name as the old rear-drive minivan, the new front-drive MPV is an entirely different vehicle. Still smaller than most minivans on the market, this one has acquired all the latest tricks of the trade in minivan innovations. Like most current minivans, the MPV has four doors. But Mazda has the first sliding doors that include windows that roll down, a boon to the comfort of second-row occupants.

Not unique but still very thoughtful features include a third-row seat that pops into or out of the floor, a center seat that splits apart in the middle to become separate bucket seats and an available in-dash six-disc CD changer.

The engine is built by Mazda's majority holder, Ford. The 2.5-liter engine is the smallest V6 offered in a minivan, and the 170 horsepower is rather underwhelming. Fortunately, it runs smoothly, and the automatic transmission shifts precisely.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class www.mbusa.com

Representing the Mercedes-Benz interpretation of state-of-the-art in luxury sedans, the S430 and S500 manage to feel lightweight and nimble despite pressing down upon the Earth with more than two tons of steel, aluminum, leather, rubber and wood. Powerful V8 engines produce either 275 or 302 horsepower, and the computer-controlled suspension holds the road firmly in its grip while also ensuring occupant comfort. Starting out at $70,295, the S430 is priced about $4,000 cheaper than the car it replaces. The S500 begins at $79,445 (including the $1,000 gas-guzzler tax) and can still see many thousands more in options.

If there's a failing in the S-Class, it's that the car is overinfused with technical wizardry. The COMAND System--intended to relieve designers of having to add too many buttons--serves more to confuse and draw attention from the driving task. Fortunately, driving this car is pure delight.

Mitsubishi Eclipse www.mitsucars.com

The redesigned Eclipse remains a rather swoopy-looking car. No longer part of the lineup are the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. The top model now gets a potent 3.0-liter V6 engine. The convertible model is absent temporarily, but is anticipated to return by next spring. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is also gone, so the choice is between a 154-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or the 205-horsepower V6, making the Eclipse one of the quickest cars in its category. Both engines are available with either manual or automatic transmission. In all but the base model, the automatic includes a Sportronic semi-manual mode. Ride and handling vary according to trim, but choices range from comfortable to firm but much more sporty.

The new interior is well designed and ergonomically friendly. Prices begin at $18,312 and should top out just below $25,000 for a fully loaded V6 model.

Nissan Maxima www.nissan-usa.com

Nissan's flagship sedan is new and once again worthy of its eminent position. Of greatest interest is a large boost in horsepower, from 190 to 222. The 3.0-liter V6 is ready to take the car to greater speed whenever asked. An improved platform makes good use of the engine, with an interior that remains quiet and a suspension ready to handle whatever task is requested. Three trim levels vary the competence. At $21,049, the most affordable GXE is comfortable and capable, while the sporting SE sacrifices a bit of ride for much improved cornering finesse. At $26,249, plus options, the GLE is the most luxurious, with a pliant ride that gives up a bit of handling ability. It's not available with a manual transmission.

Standard features are plentiful, with comfortably supportive seats and practical ergonomics. The underpinnings share duty with the more expensive Infiniti 130, but the Maxima seems to provide as much ability for less outlay.

Nissan Xterra www.nissan-usa.com

A couple of decades ago, before the term SUV was coined, such vehicles were simply pickup trucks with a covered rear end. By producing the Xterra, Nissan has taken this archetypal idea and brought it up to date. Less luxurious than Nissan's Pathfinder, Xterra is intended for more rugged use. Styling reflects this intent to attract those who need a real truck, or think they do.

A basic 143-horsepower 4-cylinder rear-drive model begins at $17,349, but you'll quickly graduate to $20,499 with a 170-horsepower V6 4x4. Although prices can reach well into the upper $20,000 arena, the Xterra still represents good value compared to other, equally capable SUVs. The Xterra is heavy, so it's not particularly quick, and the part-time 4WD system may be rugged but lacks sophistication. You can't have such luxuries as leather upholstery. Despite the rudimentary appeal, the Xterra is quiet, fairly comfortable and cleverly designed.

Toyota Avalon www.toyota.com

Just like its predecessor, the second-generation Avalon retains the same basic platform as the Camry. But this time, the structure and entire vehicle are so enhanced, you'd have to conduct an engineering study to tell. Already the first Japanese-brand car to be classified in the full-size category; the new Avalon is larger and better in virtually every way. Styling has gone from mundane to outright handsome. Serene ride comfort places this car firmly in the luxury category, and the features list would seem appropriate for cars costing more than the estimated $25,000 to $30,000.

Available items include Vehicle Skid Control and Brake Assist, assets in active safety. The 210-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine gives a smooth and invigorating fide. Even the base audio system is an aural delight, while a JBL upgrade will tempt you to live in the car. The Avalon is the kind of car that could really worry some high-priced competitors.

Toyota Echo www.toyota.com

Although Toyota enjoys its position as the largest and one of the most highly regarded Japanese brands in America. the company is worried about its conservative image. To retain its reputation for another generation, Toyota is reaching out to the youth market, and the Echo represents the first effort aimed at a new and younger car-buying audience. Although the Echo takes the place of the Tercel, it's nothing like that car save for a frugal, yet peppy 108-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.

This is a tall car, able to pack in as much interior room as the Corolla with a foot less overall length and 6 inches more height. Available with either two or four doors, this car should sell with starting prices near $10,000 and moderately well-equipped models for trader $13,000. Unusual features include the offset instrument cluster in the center of the dashboard. Although not a sporty car, the Echo is fun because it's unique and absolutely practical when it comes to function and features.

Keep these items in your glove compartment

1 Sign reading "Call Police"

2 Bright cloth or handkerchief

3 Telephone numbers of the people that should be called in an emergency

4 Pen or marker and paper

5 Flashlight with extra batteries

6 Car registration

7 Insurance card

8 Health insurance card

If you get stopped by the police

1 Pull over immediately

2 Place your hands on the steering wheel

3 Insist your passengers keep their hands in a place where the police officer can see them

4 Follow the officer's directions

5 Don't make any sudden movements

6 Be polite

7 Provide your driver's license and registration to the officer

8 Stay in your car

Start Me Up

This emergency palm-size battery charger can help you replenish a drained battery from inside your car or light truck. Just plug the unit into your vehicle's cigarette lighter, wait until the red indicator light turns green and in about five minutes you can be on your way. The downside is that the product, which costs $19.95, can only be used once, but it certainly beats paying for a tow truck. Call 800-888-StartMe to purchase your own.