By Jill Cueni-Cohen
Are you in the market for a new car? Deciding among the many different makes and models currently in showrooms across the area can be a daunting task. So we’ve decided to make things a little easier on you by asking local dealerships which cars they think will be popular this year and what’s coming down the pike in the near future.
The biggest car news this year is that energy-conscious drivers will have more of a selection, since the government is giving automakers incentives to make hybrid models. However, cars that run on a combination of gas and electric power are still being introduced into the marketplace, so their availability in this part of the country is somewhat limited. But it’s exciting to see that the future of fuel-efficient vehicles is arriving.
Automakers have a peculiar way of discontinuing the names of their most popular models and re-issuing the same types of cars in later years with new names.
Why do they bother?
“In the beginning, I think the US manufacturers wanted to let people think that they were coming out with completely new and different cars to be more competitive with the [large influx of] foreign manufacturers, so they changed the vehicles and changed the names,” says Louis “Skip” Colussy of Colussy Chevrolet in South Fayette.
“I’m not sure that was a good philosophy, because a lot of the names dropped by GM have come back, like the Monte Carlo and the Impala. So I don’t think it was 100 percent successful.”
Marketing strategies aside, automakers have always had an important role in our nation’s economy, and we’ve all heard the old adage, “As GM goes, so goes the nation.”
“When the economy is down, our business is the first to show evidence of that,” says assistant sales manager Jeff Bezusko of Washington Ford. “We’re the gauge of industry in our economy, because we affect so many things. When the market’s off, we’re off, and the industry has been in a funk for the past four years. After 2001, we had a boom because automakers brought out a lot of financing specials, which spurred a lot of business, but it’s a stagnant industry right now.”
So if you can afford to buy a new car in the near future, there’s no time like the present. August and September is when everything’s in full swing for the new model year, so let’s start shopping!
CADILLAC Website
What’s Out Now: The sumptuous mid-sized 2005 Seville Touring Sedan has a brand new body style for 2005, says Bill McCready of Bowser Cadillac. Available in rear-wheel or AWD, the STS starts at $41,220 and is at the top of its game in handling and performance. The STS is being touted as having surpassed anything Cadillac has ever offered by way of a
luxurious interior.
Starting at $76,650 MSRP, the sultry 2005 XLR takes it's top off with ease. "By just pushing a button, The XLR is able to go from a coupe to a convertible in less than 30 seconds," says McCready. Innovative technology that literally lets you talk to your car in spoken commands and Adaptive Cruise Control that senses the distance of the car in front of you makes it the top of the line in luxury 2-door roadsters.
What’s Coming Soon: The powerful 2006 XLR-V was first previewed at this year’s Super Bowl and is equipped with a 440 horsepower V-8 engine. An exact price is not yet available, but the XLR-V is expected to cost upwards of $80,000.
FORD Website
What’s Out Now: Ford is leading the environmentally-friendly pack with its 2005 Escape – the first SUV in the country to go hybrid. “There’s a lot of excitement about the Escape, but there’s limited availability,” says Bezusko. “Unlike New York and California, our area is not a hotbed for these types of cars.” Nevertheless, he acknowledges that he is selling Escapes to
customers sight-unseen.
When traveling under the speed of 25 mph, the hybrid runs on electricity. With a base MSRP of $27,445, Ford estimates that a front-wheel drive model (Escape also comes in 4WD) will get 35-40 mpg in city conditions. “When you stop at a traffic light, the electric motor takes over, and the gas shuts off,” explained Bezusko, adding that this will benefit city drivers, but those who travel primarily in rural or highway scenarios might want to steer clear.
“One of the things people neglect to look at is how much it takes to make up that distance,” Bezusko points out. “You have to look at the benefits. When manufacturers can make it a benefit in savings for people to own it for three to four years, it will become more than a fad. You’ll see more availability in different models in the next four or five years, and that will be the biggest trend.”
What’s old is new again with the completely redesigned 2005 Mustang Convertible, which Bezusko says is the current hot prospect in the showroom. The starting MSRP for the Mustang is $19,770, and the V-8 version can crank out a hefty 300 horsepower.
What’s Coming Soon: Ford enthusiasts will want to keep an eye out for the new Fusion in 2006. “A little smaller than a Ford 500, and a little bigger than the Focus, the Fusion is going to be our new midsize sedan,” says Bezusko. With a projected price of under $20,000, Ford’s first fully digital car with sporty appeal will be the ride of choice for young adults.
The re-styled 2005 Ford Explorer probably won’t pull in until late fall, but if you often find yourself traveling in extreme conditions, you might be interested in the Explorer’s AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC). An industry exclusive, RSC helps reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle. The Explorer has a base MSRP of $27,490.
PONTIAC Website
What’s Out Now: Grand Am enthusiasts are now being steered toward the 2005 G-6 Coupe. According to Bob Arnold of Arnold Pontiac in Houston, customers like the G-6 for its reasonable price (base MSRP $21,300) roominess and great handling.
What’s Coming Soon: You’ll be able to put the top down and let it all hang out (and fly behind you) in the 2006 G-6 convertible, which is reported as having the world’s largest retractable hardtop. With a base MSRP of $21,555, the 2006 G-6 will offer a GTP turbo-charged model, a coupe and a 4-cylinder model.
This fall Pontiac will begin offering the Torrent, a mid-size SUV available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
But the most buzz has been about the 2006 Pontiac Solstice 2-seater convertible that made its debut on season three of NBC’s The Apprentice. “There have been a lot of inquiries about the Solstice,” Arnold said. “It's a unique two-passenger roadster and there’s a lot of interest in the type of car today.” At a base MSRP of $19,995, it’s no wonder Donald Trump looked so happy to bestow one upon his newest apprentice, Kendra.
BUICK Website
What’s Out Now: The all-new 2005 Buick LaCrosse has been selling well at Budd Baer, says Cron. As Buick’s newest four-door, six-passenger luxury sedan, the LaCrosse is a reincarnation of the previously popular Century and Regal models. Hoping to attract younger customers (ranging in age from 40-50) with its fresher appearance, the LaCrosse has a base MSRP of $23,495 and was designed to provide an especially quiet ride.
What’s Coming Soon: The 2006 Lucerne will replace the LeSabre and the Park Avenue as Buick’s most luxurious full-sized sedan. Reported to be coming out this fall, the Lucerne is anticipated as the first premium V-8 to be designed by Buick in over a century.
SUBARU Website
What’s Out Now: The king of all-wheel drive has come out with a thoroughly redesigned 2005 Legacy line-up. Legacy offers two different types of models; the 2.5i, which is the standard (base MSRP $21,445) and turbo-charged GT, which has more power and a sporty design (base MSRP $26,245). Both are available as a sedan or a wagon.
Subaru improved their Outback series this year with four different models: the Outback Sport (base MSRP $19,145), a rugged hatchback; the 2.5i wagon (base MSRP $24,445), which offers a more stylish exterior and luxurious interior; the turbo-charged 2.5 XT (base MSRP $28,245), which has bigger wheels and more muscle; finally, the 3.0 R (base MSRP $32,445) is also turbo-charged and available in three different styles, including an L.L. Bean edition wagon.
Since 1997, all Subaru models are AWD. “Subaru is a niche market,” explained Cron.
“As AWD vehicles become more popular, they’ve perfected the technology to stay one step ahead. Four-wheel drive has more pulling power, like for a truck. But all-wheel gives you better handling in wet or snowy conditions.”
Starting at $30,695, the turbo-charged 2005 B9 Tribeca elicited a lot of buzz and excitement in its first week at Budd Baer, says Cron. He anticipates Subaru’s first full-sized five-or seven-passenger SUV to be a big seller this season.
What’s Coming Soon: Subaru is freshening up the Forester SUV and Impreza sedan for 2006.
ACURA Website
What’s Out Now: In 2005, Acura unveiled the new version of their top-of-the-line luxury car, the RL sedan (base MSRP $49,100). According to Rick Ford of Spitzer Acura, “The RL runs against BMW and Lexus, and it does a nice job.” The RL is AWD and comes with a standard navigation system and wide variety of options. Ford says that this car appeals to drivers ages 45 and up.
The 275 hp 3.2 liter 2005 TL sedan (base MSRP $33,100) includes Bluetooth wireless cell phone technology and has a premium eight-speaker surround sound system.
What’s Coming Soon: Designed as a combination sedan/SUV, the 2006 RD-X will be built on a light-truck platform, coupled with super-handling AWD. Cameras will take the place of side-view mirrors, and drivers will be able to shift without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
VOLVO Website
What’s Out Now: Ranked number-one in SUV re-sale value, and with safety scores to match, the XC90 is one of the most popular vehicles at Bill Gray Volvo on West Liberty Avenue.
“You can seat seven passengers comfortably, without having the size of a Suburban or Yukon,” said manager John Oswald. “It’s been incredibly popular since the day it came out.”
The XC90 retails at $35,640, with the standard 2.5-liter, 208 horsepower turbocharged engine. A V-8 engine and all-wheel-drive are optional.
In keeping with Volvo’s commitment to safety, the XC90 includes a gyroscopic roll-over prevention system, and side “curtain” airbags that drop from the roof lining in case a rollover is inevitable.
Built on the platform of Volvo’s S80 luxury sedan, the XC90 offers a car-like ride, but with a wider-SUV wheelbase.
What’s Coming Soon: Though details are still murky, it’s known that Volvo is planning to launch a hardtop convertible sometime next year.
“I’ve seen preliminary pictures, and it’s sharp,” Oswald said.
The new car, which will replace Volvo’s current C70 convertible, features a three-piece roof that lowers into convertible mode with the push of a button. The vehicle will compete with similar convertibles offered by Audi, BMW and Mercedes, while costing a few thousand dollars less.
TOYOTA Website
What’s Out Now: Toyota is one of the leaders in hybrid technology, and their 2006 SUV Highlander hybrid ($24,280 MSRP) has gained much attention since it hit the showroom in June. “The Highlander is the hottest, newest vehicle that Toyota has,” says John Laschinsky of the Washington Auto Mall. The 4-cylinder, 2WD version gets mpg estimates of 22 in the city and 27 on the highway.
Since it came out in 2005, Laschinsky says he can’t keep the hybrid Prius sedan ($20,975 MSRP) in stock. “People are absolutely receptive to driving hybrids,” he adds, noting that any hybrid that would hit ground unsold inevitably gets snapped up in a few days.
As one of the most fuel efficient cars on the market today, the Prius has an EPA-estimated combined city/highway average rating of 55.
Toyota’s flagship sedan, the Avalon, was redesigned for 2005. Equipped with rain-sensing windshield wipers that turn on automatically and a flat rear floor that provides plenty of leg-room for all three people in the back seat, the Avalon starts at $26,350 MSRP. Heated and ventilated front seats keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer –what will they think of next?
What’s Coming Soon: In the next 18 months, Toyota will be offering 12 new or redesigned vehicles coming out, including trucks, SUV’s, and a makeover on the Camry, which is the number-one selling car in America.
HYUNDAI Website
What’s Out Now: Currently on the lot at Washington Hyundai in the Washington Auto Mall, the 2006 Sonata sedan (base MSRP $17,895) has been totally re-designed from the bottom up. Says sales manager Dennis Caleffie, “The Sonata is more powerful, has more safety features and advanced [fuel-efficient] technology.”
The V6-powered 2005 Tucson (base MSRP $17,499) is a compact version of Hyundai’s SUV. Sporting five seats and plenty of cargo room, the Tucson is a get-up-and-go kind of car.
However, Hyundai has been most revved up over the recent opening of its $1.1 billion plant in Alabama, which is the Korean-based company’s first production plant in America. “There’s a lot of buzz about it right now,” says Caleffie, adding that great prices and an impressive warranty will give Hyundai a leg up on Honda and Toyota.
What’s Coming Soon: The next two years will be busy for the automaker. Caleffie explains, “Hyundai’s game plan is 7/24. This means that they will be coming out with 7 new or redesigned vehicles in the next 24 months.”
Starting with the introduction of the 2006 Avera, which will replace their flagship vehicle, the XG350, Hyundai plans to bring out new versions of the Accent, the Santa Fe and the Elantra. It’s also expecting to put out its first mini-van in 2007.
CHEVROLET Website
What’s Out Now: The 2005 Equinox ($21,885 base MSRP) has emerged as an extremely popular mid-sized SUV at Washington Chevrolet, says sales manager Dave McGrogan.
“It's a very sizable vehicle for larger individuals who need more head or legroom,” McGrogan said. The Equinox is designed for fun, with an adjustable tray in the rear cargo area that can be pulled out and used as a table for tailgate parties, but it’s also safe, as plenty of air bags helped the Equinox receive a five-star frontal and side-impact crash safety rating.
The redesigned 2005 Chevy Uplander has also taken a lead in sales as the mini-van that looks like an SUV. The kids especially will appreciate the Uplander
($24,350 base MSRP), as all models come standard with a DVD player.
The Cavalier was replaced by the 2005 Cobalt. Starting at $14,190 MSRP, the Cobalt is available in coupe or sedan and has more horsepower, new styling and gets a better crash-test rating than its predecessor. According to McGrogan, this sub-compact has proven just as popular as the Cavalier.
Sure to stir up memories in anyone who ever drooled over this car after it first appeared in 1953, the Corvette has been redesigned for 2005. The 6-liter V8 engine has increased its horsepower to 400, making it the most powerful standard Corvette ever. Offered in a convertible model (MSRP $52,245) and a coupe (base MSRP $44,510), Chevy rightfully promotes its new Corvette as “the official car of your dreams.”
What’s Coming Soon: Things will get even better for the Corvette next year, when Chevrolet comes out with the Z06. With 500 horsepower in a 7-liter V8 engine, the Z06 is reported to be the fastest, most powerful car ever offered by the automaker.
Look for the brand-new, retro-styled HHR this fall. “It’s a smaller SUV,” McGrogan said, “sort of like the PT Cruiser, but squared. It’s a striking look that’s being marketed to the younger crowd.”
CHRYSLER/JEEP Website
What’s Out Now: The award-winning 2005 300C has been driving sales at South Hills Chrysler Jeep, according to sales manager Larry Winter. “People like the body style, the performance and handling,” said Winter, “but most of all, they love the power.” Starting at $24,200, the 300C packs a whopping 340 horsepower 5.7 liter V-8
Hemi engine into a glamorous new design reminiscent of 1940’s-era gangster movies.
Starting at $27,050 MSRP, this Jeep isn’t cheap, but Winter says the 2005 Grand Cherokee has been pulling customers in off the street. And with its Electronic Stability Program, which automatically compensates for erratic driving, this car practically drives itself – and even lets you know if you’re about to back into something!
What’s Coming Soon: The all-new 2006 Jeep Commander 4x4, the first-ever seven-passenger Jeep SUV, will be arriving on the lot in September. Jeep took the Wagoneer and Cherokee models of yesteryear and combined them into a modern legionnaire for the off-road set. “Consumers have been asking for it,” notes Winter. “That car’s going to really do well.”
SATURN Website
What’s Out Now: Available with front-wheel drive or AWD, the 5-passenger 2005 Vue (starting at $17,630 MSRP) is no hybrid, but it’s got environmentally-friendly qualities. Saturn uses over 39,000 pounds of recycled plastic in the annual production of the Vue, avoided the use of approximately 5.5 million pounds of metal by using higher-strength steel, and has avoided painting its front fascia, saving about 1,150 gallons of paint, which would otherwise pollute the air.
According to Nate Goss of Saturn of Pleasant Hills and Wexford, Inc., it’s rumored that the Vue may eventually turn hybrid.
It’s easy to get into the Ion·3 quad coupe (base MSRP $15,495), because of what Goss called it’s “suicide doors” in the back, which open the opposite way to create a spacious entry for the underlings who have to sit in the back seat of this sporty pseudo-sedan.
What’s Coming Soon: The 2007 Aura Concept will arrive in showrooms in 2006 and according to Goss, this stylish
commuter sedan is the most anticipated GM car of 2007, showing Saturns . Early next year, Saturn will debut its first 2-seater convertible with the 2006 Sky.
DODGE Website
What’s Out Now: The 2006 Charger is already on the lot and attracting attention at Burgunder Dodge. According to sales manager Randy Smialek, “The Charger is a four-door sedan with a muscle-car feel, reminiscent of the 70’s vehicle. I think it just may be the most popular we sell this year.” The Charger starts at $22,995 MSRP, and it makes you feel like a youngster again.
Redesigned this year, the 2005 editions of the Durango and Dakota been well accepted, says Smialek. Starting at $28,215 MSRP, the Durango SUV is best-in-class room behind the second row and has a five-star frontal crash test rating. The Dakota truck starts at $19,310 MSRP and comes with a 3.7-liter Magnum V6 engine, or for even heavier towing capability, it’s also available with a 4.7 liter Magnum V-8.
What’s Coming Soon: Coming in September/October is a truck called the 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab, and it’s going to be the largest crew cab pick-up truck with interior volume, says Smialek. “This will be a 6-passenger cab, with a truck bed. The rear seat folds to two different positions, so you could put in a 60-inch TV and still carry three people up front. We’re pretty excited about it.”
HONDA Website
What’s Out Now: A major player in the hybrid game, Honda’s three-door Insight was the very first gasoline-electric car sold in the US in 1999. Since then, Honda has hybrid-ized its most popular models, the Accord and the Civic.
The 2005 Insight starts at $19,330 MSRP and gives you 670 miles on just one tank of gas, and it doesn’t ever need to be plugged in.
Starting at $30,140 MSRP, the luxurious 2005 Accord’s 255 horsepower V-6 engine gives you 37 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. Significantly cheaper, the Civic sedan starts at $19,900 MSRP and lets you drive 650 miles before having to visit a gas station. And as a bonus, hybrid customers are eligible to receive a clean-fuel tax deduction.
The Accord and Civic are also available in standard gas-guzzling models, which lowers the cost of these cars significantly – but you won’t get the government’s tax break.
What’s Coming Soon: In 2006, Honda will re-introduce the Civic as a sedan, a coupe and an even-more fuel-efficient hybrid, as well as a natural gas-powered GX. The new breed of Civics will combine added performance and the latest generation of intelligent i-VTEC engine technology.
Known as the FIT in Europe and Japan, the American name of this vehicle has not yet been released, but is an entry-level small car that should arrive in early 2006. Expected to be in the $12,000 price range, this car will be marketed towards younger buyers.
