What would a new model year be without new models, some of which (such as the ’97 Buick LeSabre) have been in showrooms for months; some of which (such as the ’97 Ford Expedition) are just arriving; and some of which (such as the ’97 Plymouth Prowler) aren’t due until mid-year.
After three to five years of designing, developing and building, it’s time for the automakers to conduct their fall ritual by putting their new fashion finery on the runway to let consumers judge what will be hot, what not, in the model year that begins Oct. 1.
Here’s a brief rundown on what’s new for ’97:
GENERAL MOTORS
– Buick
General Manager Ed Mertz says 1997 is “the year Buick is putting it all together,” which must mean 1998 is the year Buick “takes it apart,” when it reportedly drops the compact Skylark.
The LeSabre (Cartalk, March 17) has undergone a minor design change, and the full-size Park Avenue and its companion Ultra along with the midsize Century have been redesigned.
Century (Cartalk, Aug. 11) has been a Buick stalwart for, well, it seems like a century, though it has been around for only 15 years. It has been redesigned on a larger, roomier platform–the same as the Oldsmobile Intrigue due next year as a 1998-with dramatically improved suspension and steering systems. Only a 3.1-liter V-6 is offered because Buick says 4-bangers are more apropos for Chevys.
Park Avenue (Cartalk, Sept. 22) and its supercharged Ultra version rest on an Olds Aurora platform, which means a little more room, a lot more comfort with improved ride and handling thrown in for good measure.
Riviera’s suspension was refined for a bit softer ride while the brakes were beefed up for quicker, surer stops. Skylark adds such items as traction control, AM/FM radio, power door locks and power windows and rear-window defogger as standard.
Regal is a carry over, awaiting a new ’98 version in the spring off the same platform as the Intrigue.
– Cadillac
Cadillac’s newest offering for ’97 is an interloper–the Catera, built off the Omega platform from GM’s Opel subsidiary in Europe. The same Opel subsidiary will supply Saturn with a new midsize sedan for 1999.
The rear-wheel-drive midsize Catera (Cartalk, Dec. 10, 1995) offers sporty behavior similar to that of the Seville before the latter got a little heavy–and big. Dual air bags, anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard, along with a rather responsive 3-liter V-6. Catera is Caddy’s entry-level $30,000 car that will take on the likes of the ES300 from Lexus until Lincoln-Mercury has an entry-level domestic rival in 1999.
Other Cadillac changes find a new Integrated Chassis Control and Stability Enhancement system (call it StabiliTrak but whatever you call it, be sure to buy it) in the DeVille Concours, Seville STS (Cartalk, June 23) and Eldorado Touring Coupe. It’s a long name for a nifty system that means virtually total control of the car by regulating not only up and down, but also sideways movement regardless of road surface–or the absence of road.
Also, the OnStar satellite tracking system ties you via cellular phone to a center if you need mechanical or medical help and will summon an emergency crew whenever an air bag in your car deploys. It is offered in all but Catera for $895, plus $22.50 per month for the phone service.
DeVille/Concours get minor restyling in an attempt to make the cars look smaller at a time when young luxury-car buyers insist success shouldn’t mean excess. Concours also is now a five-passenger model.
Coming soon, Seville (’98), Eldorado (’99) and DeVille downsizing (’99) with each sharing a version of the Aurora platform.
– Chevrolet
You’ll find a little bit of everything at Chevrolet. There’s the Cavalier Rally sport coupe in the subcompact economy lineup. A passenger-side air bag has been added to the full-size C/K pickup truck (a new truck arrives for 1999) as well as Tahoe and Suburban sport-utilities. A sporty version of the midsize Lumina called the LTZ offers a 215-horsepower V-6. The sporty Camaro celebrates with a 30th anniversary edition. Regular- and extended-length Venture (Cartalk, Sept. 8) metal-body mini-vans with optional sliding doors on passenger (power)/driver side replace the plastic-body Lumina. A larger midsize Malibu, an old name, replaces the Corsica, an old compact, complete with such goodies as dual air bags, ABS, air conditioning and a 4-cylinder engine for high mileage or a V-6 for peppier performance.
The big news, of course, is that an all-new Corvette with a 340-h.p. V-8 and a you-can-only-dream-about suspension system is coming late this year. A convertible will be added for 1998, followed by a lower-cost coupe for ‘Vette wannabes.
– Oldsmobile
Olds asks you to be patient for a few months as it offers two cars called Cutlass, one an all-new model that shares the a platform with the Chevy Malibu and replaces Ciera, and the other Cutlass Supreme that sticks around until spring, when the new 1998 Intrigue replaces it. Olds started its house-cleaning with Aurora a couple of years ago and won’t stop until all models are replaced or dramatically upgraded.
Cutlass (Cartalk, Aug. 11) is offered with only a 3.1-liter V-6, but features much improved ssuuspension and steering systems. Dual air bags and ABS are standard. You’ll also find the ignition switch moved off the column and onto the instrument panel. Rain spats (mudflaps) and a cupholder that pulls from the dash to the left of the steering wheel for the driver are standard.
Aurora gets an in-dash CD player and, like Riviera, a passenger-side mirror that tilts curbward when you engage reverse so you don’t back into anyone or thing.
The 88 continues in the lineup, but only through 1998. For 1999 the 88 is replaced by a new sedan based on the Aurora platform that will be called Antares or Aurora 6 (for its V-6 engine).
The 98 has been dropped, but the look remains for those choosing the Regency decor package on the 88, with the 98 grille.
A major change finds the Silhouette mini-van (Cartalk, Sept. 8) restyled to eliminate the ski nose and plastic body. It will be offered in regular- and extended-length versions and with optional power passenger-side sliding door or optional driver-side manual slide-open door (on extended-length versions only at first.)
Achieva is loaded with ABS, traction control and air conditioning as standard, often the case just before a model is discontinued, as Achieva will be after a full ’97 but short ’98 model run before it’s replaced by Alero for ’99.
– Pontiac
The focus for 1997 is on the redesigned and longer Grand Prix and restyled and no longer plastic-body Trans Sport mini-van.
Grand Prix (Cartalk, July 7) brings back wide tracking introduced by John DeLorean, which means moving the wheels out as far as possible for optimum road holding. Wide tracking turns what had become an economy sedan into a sports sedan. Also contributing is a revised engine lineup in which a normally aspirated 195-h.p. and supercharged 240-h.p. 3.8-liter V-6 replace the 3.4-liter V-6. Pontiac plans Ram Air induction on the 3.8 for even more h.p.
Trans Sport, like the Chevy Venture and Olds Silhouette, loses the long nose look for ’97, the styling feature that has kept GM from being a serious contender with Chrysler in the mini-van market. Trans Sport, unlike Venture/ Silhouette, offers a Montana version with a sports suspension package. Regular- and extended-length versions with optional passenger (power) and driver side (manual) sliding doors (extended-length only and more cupholders for occupants than seats to hold those occupants).
Grand Am, Sunfire, Firebird and Bonneville get few changes other than air conditioning now being standard in Grand Am and Firebird, and Sunfire (convertible) and Bonneville getting new 4-speed automatic transmissions.
– Saturn
At Saturn, the SC1 and SC2 coupes (Cartalk, Aug. 25) were restyled and are built off the larger SL1 and SL2 sedan platform. In addition to being bigger, the coupes are also quieter. Styling changes include exposed headlamps in both replacing popup lamps on the SC2 for 1996.
At selected California and Arizona Saturn dealerships is the EV-1, GM’s first battery-powered, two-seat electric car (Cartalk, Sept. 15) that can only be leased in those states. Range before recharge, however, is limited to 70 miles in the city, 90 on the highway. In the Snow Belt, make that about 12 miles at zero degrees because lead-acid batteries don’t take well to cold climates, which is why you can’t lease one here.
FORD
– Ford
New for ’97, the Expedition (Cartalk, Aug. 4) succeeds the full-size, two-door Ford Bronco sport-utility vehicle. The four-door Expedition takes on the Tahoe/Suburban from Chevrolet.
Expedition (a Mercury version called Navigator arrives for ’98) is 15 inches shorter than a Suburban and 6 inches longer than Tahoe. But it seats nine, like Suburban.
It owes its heritage to the Ford F-150 truck, meaning it also offers dual air bags and four-wheel ABS as standard. It comes in two- or four-wheel-drive in XLT or Eddie Bauer editions. Two engines, a 4.6-liter, 215-h.p. V-8 or a 5.4-liter, 230-h.p. V-8, are available. The 5.4 will be the only one in Navigator.
There are three suspension systems, basically offering a choice of harsh to heavenly (four-wheel air suspension) and two tire choices–16- or 17-inch.
The new F-250 shares the styling overhaul previously given to the F-150. The F-250 is the heavy hauler version of the F-150 and will be joined in a year by the last member of the F-Series trio, the F-350. The F-250 and F-350 are rumored to eventually add the V-10 offered in the redesigned 1997 Econoline. For the first time the F-250 offers an extended cab in 4×2 or 4×4 version plus dual air bags with a switch to deactivate the passenger-side bag when the seat isn’t occupied.
Also in the truck line, the Econoline van/club wagon offers a V-10 engine for the first time, along with dual air bags.
In mini-vans, the Windstar will add a wider opening driver-side door early next year to make up for the fact that, unlike Chrysler and GM, it has no driver-side slide-open door and won’t add one for a couple more years.
The Ford Escort/Mercury Tracer (Cartalk, May 5) arrived early with a fresh redesign that makes them look like miniature versions of the compact Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique, but other than that there are few major changes throughout Ford’s car lineup for ’97.
The Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis are the only full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedans now that GM has dropped Caprice, Roadmaster and Fleetwood. To allow the old relics to maneuver more youthfully, Ford tinkered with the steering system to reduce vagueness and provide better center-line feel.
– Mercury
Mountaineer (Cartalk, April 14) is a thinly disguised version of the Ford Explorer in a Mercury badge. Grille, wheels, bodyside moldings, rear bumper and logo fixed to the seats is all that separates the Ford and Mercury versions for now.
It is available in two-wheel or all-wheel drive and features two bags and ABS. The only engine is a 5-liter V-8 that’s long on power, not long enough on mileage.
– Lincoln
A cost-cutting move leaves Continental without its previously standard umbrella that had been awarded to owners.
The sleeper is the Mark VIII, with a quieter, yet more responsive engine; firmer yet more nimble suspension with noticeably less float and lean; and more comfortable seats with greater thigh support. And the ignition switch has been moved from the column to the instrument panel.
CHRYSLER
– Chrysler
The LHS and Concorde drop the 3.3-liter V-6 in favor of the 3.5-liter V-6. The New Yorker is gone, so the LHS takes over as top-of-the-line sedan.
Concorde gets a power driver’s seat, LHS leather seats and traction control. Cirrus adds a travel computer and rear cupholders.
Traction control is available in all mini-vans and all-wheel-drive in the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan but not the Plymouth Voyager. The Sebring convertible gets Autostick, the transmission that combines automatic and manual shifting without a clutch.
– Dodge
Also new for ’97 is the Dodge Dakota (Cartalk, Aug. 18), featuring styling similar to that of the larger Ram pickup and the availability of a V-8 engine.
Intrepid gets a new sports package with the 3.5-liter V-6 and Autostick. Dodge/Plymouth Neons add four-wheel disc brakes, plus air conditioning and rear defroster as standard on Highline models.
– Jeep/Eagle
Wrangler (Cartalk, May 12) has been redesigned and civilized. The bone-jarring, teeth-rattling suspension has been refined so you no longer feel as if driving off-road when you’re on smooth pavement. And the long-awaited addition of dual air bags and anti-lock brakes has been accomplished. Plus, you get four-wheel-drive.
Wrangler’s larger cousin, the Cherokee, also is new for 1997. Cherokee debuted as the industry’s first compact four-door sport-utility in 1984 amid charges by its rivals that if folks wanted four doors they’d buy a station wagon. The critics were proved wrong.
Like Wrangler, Cherokee very much looks like its predecessor model. Refinements include the addition of a passenger-side air bag, a new rear tailgate, improved heating/air conditioning and reduced noise and vibration.
Eagle Talon boasts new front- and rear-end cosmetic changes and a new low-cost, 4-cylinder base model.
– Plymouth
The big news is that the long-awaited Prowler (Cartalk, Sept. 1) arrives after the first of the year. Only 3,000 will be built, despite the fact that, at last count, at least 90,000 people wanted one. Prowler is a two-seat, ’50s-looking hot rod for the ’90s, powered by a 3.5-liter, 214-h.p. V-6 with 4-speed automatic with Autostick. It’s available only in purple and, if you need to haul a bag of groceries or a golf club, you’ll have to get the optional mini-trailer.
Breeze adds a floor console and rear seat cupholders.
TOYOTA
– Toyota
Among the foreign nameplates, Toyota brings out the next generation Camry, a longer, quieter but not very stylish car that could displace the Ford Taurus as the industry’s top-selling model.
There are few other changes at Toyota, where the Corolla offers a special Classic Edition loaded with power equipment plus, for the first time, an integrated child safety seat in the rear (ditto Camry). Tercel is offered now only in a single CE version. The RAV4 mini sport-ute adds a power moonroof on four-door versions and a slide forward front seat for easy access to the rear on two-door models.
This may be the last year for the Previa mini-van. A new front-wheel-drive version built off the Camry platform is due next fall.
– Lexus
The ES300, also built off the Camry platform, has been redesigned for 1997. It, too, is longer and more spacious. Toyota says it also shares less componentry with Camry than last year, 20 percent down from more than 30 percent. The 3-liter V-6 gets a 12-h.p. boost to 200 h.p. Suspension and steering systems also were re-engineered to provide more responsive and less vague handling.
The top-of-the-line LS400 adds side air bags upfront and an engine immobilizer for theft prevention. The SC300/400 coupes add a driver monitor, offering information on average speed, fuel consumption and outside temperature. The LX450 sport-ute continues unchanged.
HONDA
– Honda
Honda brings out a new Prelude that promises a less confining interior and some trunk room. It also promises less grueling ride and handling.
Accord, Honda’s best seller, awaits a remake for 1998. Civic is a carryover, too, after its remake for 1996. Also carried over are the Del Sol, once rumored to be carried away for 1997.
Odyssey is yet another carryover, though it may not be carried for long as Honda prepares to bring out the CR-V, a compact sport-ute with a picnic table that lifts out of the rear cargo floor. Honda may not need two similar people haulers, especially with the CR-V due out in January reportedly in the $20,000 range.
– Acura
Honda’s luxury division has been quiet, too, introducing the 1997 CL coupe earlier this year and recently adding a more powerful V-6 version.
NISSAN
– Nissan
The newest addition to the line bows in November, the QX4 sport-
utility vehicle that comes off the Pathfinder platform.
For now, the Maxima gets a new grille and revised deck-lid spoiler and the 240SX minor front- and rear-end cosmetics and a new LE luxury edition.
– Infiniti
At Nissan’s luxury division, the top-of-the-line Q45 (Cartalk, Sept. 22) has been made over and is slightly smaller, slightly lighter and now sports a slightly less potent 4.1-liter V-8 replacing the 4.5-liter V-5 that had given it its name. The G20 entry-level sedan was dropped as the I30 built off the Nissan Maxima platform assumes that spot.
MITSUBISHI
Mitsubishi unveils a host of changes for ’97, including a new and larger Diamante sedan now built in Australia. It is powered by a 3.5-liter, 210-h.p. V-6, up from the 172-h.p. generated by the 3-liter V-6 that had powered the old version. A new 4-speed automatic “learns” your driving patterns and adjusts its shift points based on your driving habits.
There’s also a new longer, taller and wider Mirage coupe and sedan with dual air bags. The 3000GT sport coupe gets a new front facia and a new front-end design with a gaping air intake below the bumper. Montero adds a 3.5-liter, V-6. Later in the year Montero adds a smaller, lower-price Sport version.
ISUZU
Isuzu prepares to bring back the compact two-door Amigo sport-utility for 1998 to be built at its joint-venture plant with Subaru in Indiana.
HYUNDAI
After numerous auto show appearances as the HCDI and then HCDII, Hyundai brings out the production version for 1997 called the Tiburon built off the Elantra platform. Sonata gets new front- and rear-end styling.
SUZUKI
Suzuki adds a new low-priced Sidekick Sport SJ sport-utility.
SUBARU
Outback adds a Sport model, and all models will offer all-wheel-drive as standard.
AUDI
Audi rounds out its new A4 and A6 lineup with the top-of-the-line A8 sport sedan with 3.7- or 4.2-liter V-8s, front and side air bags (front and rear) and choice of a 5-speed automatic.
BMW
BMW brought out its redesigned 5-Series early (Cartalk, July 14) and now will tweak the front end of its 3-Series while adding the high-performance M3 sedan. The 7-Series brings back short wheelbase models, adds side-impact air bags and, as a concession to the fact so many women drive the car, has added break-resistant glass to all windows in the 750 model to keep intruders out.
MERCEDES
Mercedes offers a 5-speed automatic transmission on all its 1997 models as well as a front-seat occupancy-detection sensor that turns off the passenger-side air bag when the seat is vacant.
The C-220 gets a larger 2.3-liter engine and thus a C-230 designation. The E-Series added a V-8 powered 420 performance sedan in April. The S-Series adds side air bags and rain-sensing wipers (redesign coming for 1999). The SL roadsters get traction control as standard and the SL600 gets a portable phone. The all new $40,000 rear-wheel-drive SLK roadster bows early next year with dual air bags, side air bags, traction control and a 2.3-liter, 191-h.p., supercharged 4-cylinder.
Still to come from Mercedes are the CLK four-passenger coupe built off the C-Class sedan for 1998, the E-Class wagon for 1998 and the long-awaited M-Class (or AAV), for 1998.
ROLLS-ROYCE
There’s a new Bentley Continental T, which the automaker claims will travel from zero to 60 m.p.h. in less than 6 seconds and top out at 155 m.p.h. It starts at $324,500 and only 15 will be sent to the U.S. for 1997. All Rolls models will now offer cupholders.
JAGUAR
Goodbye XJS, hello XK8, its first new sports car in 21 years and the first Jaguar-designed V-8–a 4-liter, 290-h.p. engine mated to a 5-speed automatic. Coupe and convertible offer advance stability control for traction on slippery roads, and Jaguar boasts the convertible can be raised or lowered while traveling up to 10 m.p.h. The XK8 goes on sale Thursday.
PORSCHE
The world awaits the ’97 Boxster, which bows at the Detroit Auto Show in January before going on sale nationwide. Boxster is a mid-engine two-seater featuring a speed-dependent rear spoiler (extends at 75 m.p.h./retracts at less than 50 m.p.h.), a power top that retracts in 12 seconds and comes with an optional aluminum hardtop cover and has luggage compartments front and rear (holds two sets of golf clubs).
The 2.5-liter, 204-h.p. 6-cylinder claims zero- to 60-m.p.h. in less than 7 seconds and a top speed of 150 m.p.h. A 5-speed manual will be standard, a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic (like Chrysler’s Autostick you can manually shift through the gears, but without a clutch) will be optional. Boxster will be priced at $39,980 with manual, $43,130 with Tiptronic.
