This package is your one-stop guide to the 1998 Chicago Auto Show. If you are going, we can help you get there with maps and online ticket ordering. Or we can take you straight to the Big Show, and you won’t even have to leave your chair.
CARS
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle, MSRP: $15,200
It began just over four years ago as a concept car. To hear VW tell it, the response was almost universally positive. “Build it,” the people said, so build it they did.
This isn’t your father’s Bug. The engine is in front, the heat works in the winter and you can hear the stereo with the motor running.
(Gasoline base model)
Engine: 2-liter 115-h.p. 4-cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 98.9 inches
Length: 161.1 inches
Doors: 2
Seating capacity: 4
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 23/29
1999 Acura TL
The TL-X concept (pictured) is designed to preview the ’99 TL, which will hit showrooms this fall. It will be the second Acura designed, engineered and produced in the United States.
The TL will incorporate the styling of the TL-X and many of its features.
Engine: V-6
Transmission: Automatic
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: N/A
Length: N/A
Doors: 4
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
1998 Audi A6, MSRP: $35,400 (Quattro model)
Completely redesigned for 1998, the A-6 was a finalist for North American Car of the Year and comes with dozens of standard safety and convenience features.
Audi buyers can personalize the interior of their new A-6 by choosing from three different “atmospheres” at no extra charge.
Engine: 2.8-liter, 200-h.p. V-6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive: Full-time AWD
Wheelbase: 108.7 inches
Length: 192.0 inches
Doors: 4
0-60: 9.3 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway):
1998 BMW M coupe, MSRP: N/A
The M-Car line, BMW’s high-perfomance “brand within a brand,” expands this year with the introduction of the M coupe (pictured) and the M roadster.
Equipped with the same 240-h.p. engine as the M3, the M coupe is designed to transport two people in comfort — and in a hurry.
Engine: 3.2-liter, 240-h.p. 6-cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 96.3 inches
Length: N/A
Doors: 2
Seating capacity: 2
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
1998 Cadillac Seville, MSRP: $46,995 (STS)
Cadillac has always been about luxury, and the Seville Touring Sedan (STS) is no exception.
It boasts a 300-h.p. Northstar engine, 19 storage compartments and an optional adaptive seating package that automatically adjusts to fit the unique contours of whoever happens to be in the front seats.
Engine: 4.6-liter, 300-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 112 inches
Length: 201 inches
0-60 mph: 7.64 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 17/26
1998 Chevrolet Corvette, MSRP: $37,495
Voted North American Car of the Year by a panel of 48 independent auto writers, the fifth-generation Corvette might be the best yet.
New for 1998 is a true convertible model ($44,425) and two new exterior colors: Medium Purple Pearl Metallic and Light Pewter Metallic.
Engine: 5.7-liter, 345-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 104.5 inches
Length: 179.7 inches
Top speed: 175 mph
0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds*
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 17/25
— With optional 6-speed manual transmission
1998 Hyundai Tiburon, MSRP: $13,599
The Tiburon, Hyundai’s economical sports car, comes with a 2-liter, 140-h.p. motor and fully independent suspension.
Based on the HCD-II concept car seen in Chicago in 1993, Tiburon maintains the “windswept, rounded design” behind the popular show car.
Engine: 2-liter, 140-h.p. 4 cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 97.4 inches
Length: 170.9 inches
Doors: 2
Seating capacity: 4
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
1998 Jaguar XK-8, MSRP: $69,900 (convertible)
The XK8 is a study in advanced technology. The soft top features one-button operation with automatic latching. It can be deployed at speeds up to 10 m.p.h.
Its suspension features anti-squat geometry, which reduces the tendency for the rear end to dip during hard acceleration.
Engine: 4-liter, 290-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 101.9 inches
Length: 184.7 inches
Doors: 2
Top speed: 155 mph
0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 17/24
1999 Mazda Miata
Already the best-selling two-seat roadster in the world, the Miata returns for ’99 with new styling and a more powerful engine.
The engine gets seven more horses out of its 1.8-liter engine, and both the body and interior have been redesigned.
Engine: 1.8-liter, 140-h.p. 4-cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 89.2 inches
Length: 155.3 inches
Doors: 2
Seating capacity: 2
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
1999 Mercury Cougar
After a one-year hiatus, the Cat is back. The Cougar, an all-new model, is based on the Mystique/Ford Contour platform.
Due in showrooms this spring and aimed at a youthful market, the Cougar will sport features such as a optional bike or snowboard rack.
Engine: 2-liter, 125-h.p. 4 cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 106.4 inches
Length: 185 inches
Doors: 2
Seating capacity: 4
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
1999 Oldsmobile Alero
The Alero, an all-new model due out in showrooms sometime in the second half of 1998, is available as a coupe or sedan with a four- or six-cylinder engine.
Targeted at import-oriented buyers, each model in the seven-car line will come equipped with air conditioning, automatic transmission and ABS brakes.
Engine: 2.4-liter, 150-h.p. 4-cyl.
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 107 inches
Length: 186.7 inches
Seating capacity: 5
0-60 mph: 10.6 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 21/30
1999 Pontiac Grand Am
Although it retains many of the design cues as its predecessor, the ’99 Grand Am, available as a coupe or sedan, is an all-new vehicle.
The wheelbase is 3.3 inches longer while the overall length is shorter for a more athletic stance. Also new is an optional 170-horsepower V-6.
Engine: 2.4-liter, 150-h.p. 4-cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 106.7
Length: 186.3
Doors: 2 or 4
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera, MSRP: $65,030 (base model)
It’s the first all-new 911 in the 34-year history of the model. It’s bigger. It’s sleeker. It’s faster. It’s (gasp!) water-cooled.
It’s still powered by a rear-engine horizontally opposed motor, but it’s more powerful (296 vs. 282 horsepower) and quieter than its predecessor.
Engine: 3.4-liter, 296-h.p. 6-cyl.
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 92.6 inches
Length: 175.4 inches
0-62 mph: 5.2 seconds
Top speed: 174 mph
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 19/32
1998 Saab 9-3
The 9-3, which evolved from the 900 series, is the newest member of the Saab family and is available as a coupe, sedan or convertible.
Saab also offers four engine choices, including 2.2-liter turbo diesel and the top-of-the-line 2-liter Econopower, a four-cylinder plant that churns out 185 horsepower.
With Ecopower engine/manual transmission
Engine: 2-liter, 185-h.p. 4-cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 104.2 inches
Length: 185.2 inches
Doors: 2 or 4
Top speed: 143 mph
0-60 mph: 8 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
GM/Saturn EV1, Calif. lease cost: $399/mo.
The electric EV1, produced by General Motors Co., is marketed by 26 Saturn dealers in Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix and Tucson.
Because batteries lose power faster in cold climates, electric vehicles aren’t yet practical in Chicago, but they are gaining popularity in the Southwest.
Engine: 3-phase AC induction, 102kW (137 h.p.)
Transmission: Single speed
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 98.9 inches
Length: 169.7 inches
Doors: 2
Seating capacity: 2
0-60 mph: less than 9 seconds
Estimated cruising range: 79 miles
Top speed: 80 mph
1999 Subaru Legacy Sport Utility Sedan
Dubbed by the manufacturer as the “world’s first sport utility sedan,” the ’99 Legacy is now available at Subaru Dealers nationwide.
The all-wheel drive vehicle with four-wheel independent suspension and anti-lock brakes is designed to be equally at home on-road or off.
Engine: 2.5-liter, 165-h.p. 4-cyl.
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: AWD
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Length: 182.5 inches
Doors: 4
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 21/26
1998 Suzuki Esteem Wagon, MSRP: $12,499 (base model)
The Esteem Wagon, a new model for 1998, is an inexpensive and practical companion to the Esteem Sedan.
It comes with a host of standard features including air conditioning, intermittent wipers, AM/FM cassette radio, daytime running lights and child safety locks.
Engine: 1.6-liter, 96-h.p. 4-cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 97.6 inches
Length: 171.1 inches
Seating capacity: 5
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 30/36
1998 Volvo S70, MSRP: $26,985 (base model)
The all-new S70 is the evolution of the 850 sedan.
The S70 has several safety features, including a dashboard light that warns the driver when ambient temperatures reach 32 degrees and the possibility for road icing exists.
Engine: 2.4-liter, 168-h.p. 5-cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 104.9 inches
Length: 185.9
Doors: 4
Seating capacity: 5
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 20/29
Mercedes-Benz F300 concept
Who says car and motorcycle DNA won’t splice? The radical F300 “Lifejet” concept proves it’s possible to combine the fun of a bike with some care-like conveniences.
Mercedes says it is considering the feasibility of a production version of the three-wheeled, aluminum-frame vehicle.
Engine: 1.6-liter, 100-h.p. 4-cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: Belt-driven single RWD
Wheelbase: 120.4 inches
Length: 156 inches
Doors: 2
Seating capacity: 2
Fuel economy: 40+ mpg
Isuzu VX2 concept
The VX2, spawned from the VehiCROSS and built for off-road racing and high-speed cruising, is Isuzu’s vision of the next-generation SUV.
Its innovative features include removable roof panels, an advanced 4WD system and full-size spare that’s mounted behind the rear hatch where would-be thieves can’t get at it.
Engine: 3.2-liter, 205-h.p. V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: 4WD
Wheelbase: N/A
Length: N/A
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
Honda J-VX concept
Intended as a “socially responsible sports car” the J-VX is Honda’s vision of a fun-to-drive car that addresses safety and environmental concerns.
A special hybrid engine and lightweight construction allow this sporty little concept to get up to 70 mpg.
Engine: 1-liter, electric-assisted 3-cyl.
Transmission: Continuously variable
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: N.A.
Length: N.A.
Doors: 2
Seating capacity: 4
0-60 mph: N.A.
Fuel economy: up to 70 mpg
Chrysler Chronos concept
Nothing on the road today even comes close to the Chronos concept. This elegant yet massive (205.4 inches long) two-door owes its inspiration to the 1953 Chrysler D’Elegance concept.
While the body clearly says “style,” the engine screams “performance.” Under the hood resides a 6-liter, V-10 estimated to churn out 350 horsepower.
Engine: 6-liter, 350-h.p. V-10
Transmission: 46RE 4-speed electronic automatic
Drive: Dana 44 RWD
Wheelbase: 131 inches
Length: 205.4 inches
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
Ford Libre concept
Ford’s Libre concept is a design experiment geared toward creating a four-door, four-seat convertible that looks like a sporty two-door.
It’s built off the same platform as Ford’s Fiesta, Ka and Puma, which helps cut development time and costs.
Engine: 1.25-liter Sigma engine
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Wheelbase: N.A. inches
Length: N.A. inches
Doors: 4
Seating capacity: 4
0-60 mph: N.A.
Fuel economy: About 40 mpg
Jeep Jeepster concept
The Jeepster, part roadster and all Jeep, is Chrysler’s effort at a vehicle that’s equally at home cruising the strip on Friday or racing the Rubicon Trail on Saturday.
An electronic suspension system raises the vehicle for off-road clearance of nearly 10 inches or drops it down to just 5 3/4 inches for an aerodynamic on-road ride.
Engine: 4.7-liter, 275-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 46RE 4-speed automatic
Drive: AWD
Wheelbase: 106 inches
Length: 147 inches
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
Plymouth Pronto Spyder concept
In auto parlance, “2-liter” usually has to do with engine size. In the case of Spyder, it could just as well be applied to the car’s body made of polyethylene terephthalate — the same stuff used to make plastic soft-drink bottles.
The recyclable material could knock as much as 80 percent off manufacturing costs, Chrylser says, making “exotic” and “affordable” a possibility.
Engine: 2.4-liter, 225 h.p. mid-engine transverse 4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 95 inches
Length: 156 inches
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
Mitsubishi SST concept
Mitsubishi calls the styling of SST “geo-mechanical” — that is, inspired by forms that represent “strength, power and motion.” We suspect, however, that the real strength and power is experienced behind the wheel.
Every aspect of the exterior design serves a purpose. The ribbed sides envelop the door beams while the grille houses cooling systems.
Engine: Turbocharged 210-h.p. 4-cyl.
Transmission: 4-speed automatic/manual
Drive: N/A
Wheelbase: N/A
Length: N/A
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
Oldsmobile Bravada X-Scape concept
Unlike most concepts, the Bravada X-Scape soon may be seen on showroom floors. Based on the ’98 Bravada, the X-Scape adds many features that not only are cleaner, but practical to produce.
The engine is supercharged for more power without compromising fuel efficiency, while the interior features enhanced storage and a mobile office.
Engine: 4.3-liter, 245-h.p. supercharged V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: Electronically controlled AWD
Wheelbase: 107 inches
Length: 183.7 inches
0-60 mph: Less than 8 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
Pontiac Montana Thunder concept
The Montana Thunder was designed to offer more style, power and functionality, all while producing less harmful tailpipe emissions.
Dubbed a “Performance Activity Vehicle,” Pontiac’s newest concept conforms to stringent 2003 Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle standards and introduces a style all its own.
Engine: 4-liter, 225-h.p. V-6
Transmission: Automatic
Drive: N/A
Wheelbase: 112 inches
Length: 182.1 inches
0-60 mph:
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
Buick Signia concept
Buick calls the Signia concept a multiple-activity vehicle, which is to say that it offers the seating flexibility of a mini-van, the ride of a luxury sedan and traction like an SUV.
Buick admits Signia will never make it to market in this form but describes it as a test platform for many ideas that will show up in future production cars.
Engine: Supercharged 3.8-liter, 240 h.p. V-6
Transmission: 4T65-E 4-speed electronic automatic
Drive: FWD with electric rear-wheel hubs
Wheelbase: 113.8 inches
Length: 185.25 inches
0-60 mph: N/A
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLES
1998 AM General Hummer, MSRP: $63,155 (open top model)
Evolved from a military vehicle, the Hummer has found a niche as a toy for the rich and famous as well as a marketing tool for several companies. Marcus Allen, Dennis Rodman, Ted Turner and Roseanne Barr all have purchased Hummers.
New for 98 is a Monsoon sound system. Owners now can be heard as well as they’re seen.
4-door base model
Engine: 6.5-liter, 170-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: AWD
Wheelbase: 130 inches
Length: 184.5 inches
0-60 mph: 19.5 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 13/17
1998 Dodge Durango, MSRP: $25,810 (base model)
The Durango is the biggest vehicle in the compact SUV class with seating for eight. Although available only in 4WD for ’98, a 2WD model is due in ’99.
An innovative raised roof, obscured by the roof rack, allows for “theater-style” seating for improved visibility and legroom for second- and third-row passengers.
Engine: Magnum 3.9-liter, 175-h.p. V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: On-demand 4WD
Wheelbase: 115.9 inches
Length: 193.2 inches
Max cargo space: 88 cubic feet
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 15/18
1999 GMC Denali, MSRP: $43,495
Denali, which borrows its name from the Alaskan national park that’s home to Mt. McKinley, is GMC’s entry into the premium, full-size SUV market.
Debuting as a 1999 model, Denali is loaded with luxury features and includes plenty of storage compartments and cupholders for both front- and rear-seat occupants.
Engine: 5.7-liter, 225-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: Electronically controlled 4WD
Wheelbase: 117.5 inches
Length: 201.4 inches
Max cargo space: 118.2
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
Infiniti QX4, MRSP: $35,550 (base model)
The QX4, a member of the compact SUV class, borrows from its cousin, the Nissan Pathfinder, but adds a more car-like ride and several comfort and convenience features.
Its All-Mode 4WD system allows the driver to choose 2WD, 4WD or let an onboard computer determine how much power to send to each of the wheels.
Engine:3.3-liter, 168-h.p. V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: All-Mode 4WD
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 183.9 inches
Max cargo space: 85 cubic feet
0-60 mph: 11.2 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 15/19
1998 Land Rover Discovery LE, MSRP: $34,500
For 1998, Land Rover, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, jettisoned one model from its trim line and bumped up the number of paint options and standard features on its base LE model. Most notably Rover has added 16-inch dished alloy wheels, a rear-seat center armrest and a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.
Engine: 4-liter, 182-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: Full-time 4WD
Wheelbase: 100 inches
Length: 178.7 inches
Max cargo space: 69.8 cubic feet
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 14/17
1999 Lexus RX 300, MSRP: $31,550 (4WD model)
Based on the Sport Luxury Vehicle concept, which debuted at a previous Chicago Auto Show, the RX 300 will be the first car-like luxury SUV to hit the market when it arrives in showrooms this March.
Although Lexus owners rarely drag race, 220 horses propel this model from Point A to Point B in a hurry — just over 16 seconds if A to B happens to be a quarter-mile.
Engine: 3-liter, 220-h.p. V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: Full-time 4WD
Wheelbase: 103 inches
Length: 180.1 inches
Max cargo space: 75.2 cubic feet
0-60 mph: 8.8 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 19/22
1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320, Base MSRP: $33,950
Voted 1998 North American Truck of The Year by a jury of 48 top automotive writers, the M-Class’s new design provides car-like handling and comfort. On the inside, it has all the luxury features of a Mercedes sedan.
Due out for 1999 is the ML430, big brother to the ML320.
Engine: 3.2-liter, 215-h.p. V-6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive: Full-time 4WD
Wheelbase: 111 inches
Length: 180.6 inches
Max cargo space: 85.4 cubic feet
0-60 mph: 9 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 17/21
1998 Lincoln Navigator, MSRP: $42,660 (4WD)
New for 1998, the Navigator is the upscale cousin of Ford’s Expedition. Although it’s based on a truck platform, engineers set out to give Navigator a ride befitting its Lincoln moniker.
That’s not to say Navigator is all for show — a 230-h.p. engine and available towing package gives it a trailering capacity of 8,000 pounds.
Engine: 5.4-liter, 230-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: 4WD
Wheelbase: 119 inches
Length: 204.8 inches
Max. cargo space: 116.4 cubic feet
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 12/16
TRUCKS
GMC Sierra Deuce concept
The Deuce, a concept first seen in Chicago, previews GMC’s 1999 sportside offering. Its counterpart, the Ace, is a wideside preview that debuted in Detroit.
Its round fog lights and expressive grille mark the line’s styling cues as GMC enters the 21st Century.
Engine: 5.3-liter, 265-h.p. V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 119.5 inches
Length: 203.3 inches
Torque (SAE net): 320@2800 rpm
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
1998 Dodge Dakota R/T, MSRP: $19,850 (regular cab)
Don’t let its pickup bed fool you, with the biggest engine available in a compact truck, lowered suspension and a limited slip rear end, the R/T is pure street machine.
It’s available in Club Cab or regular cab, but don’t look for a 4WD model — there isn’t one. The R/T leaves heavy hauling to its Dakota and Ram brethren.
Engine:5.9-liter, 250-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: RWD
Wheelbase: 131 inches
Length: 215.1 inches
0-60 mph: 8.1 seconds
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
1999 Ford F-Series SuperCab pickup
For 1999, all Ford pickups will offer a four-door SuperCab option. Scheduled to hit showrooms in October, the trucks employ a system by which the doors are mounted on the rear pillar.
The first 4-door SuperCabs to be sold will be the Super Duty (over 8,500-pound gross vehicle weight) F-250 and F-350, due out in March.
’98 F-250 SuperCab 4WD (’99 specs N/A)
Engine: 4.6-liter 210-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: 4WD
Wheelbase: 138.8 inches
Length: 222.3 inches
Torque (SAE net): 290@3250 rpm
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 14/17
1998 Nissan Frontier, MSRP: $18,190 (King Cab 4WD SE)
The all-new Nissan Frontier, the seventh generation of Nissan (formerly Datsun) trucks in the United States, is bigger, quieter and more powerful than its predecessor.
Available in several drive and cab configurations, the Frontier is the first Nissan pickup to bear a name, rather just a model number.
Engine: 2.4-liter, 143-h.p. 4-cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: Part-time 4WD
Wheelbase: 116.1 inches
Length: 196.1 inches
Torque (SAE net): 154@4,000 rpm
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 18/21
1998 Chevrolet C/K Truck, MSRP: $23,590 (K2500, ext. cab.)
Chevy’s venerable C/K series comes standard with a host of refinements and safety features for 1998. Anti-lock brakes, side door beams and dual airbags all are standard.
Chevy’s full-size truck nomenclature works like this: C’s are 2WD, K’s 4WD. The numbers denote payload: 1500 series is a “1/2-ton,” 2500 a “3/4-ton” and 3500 a “1-ton.”
Base K2500 extended cab
Engine: 5-liter 230-h.p. V-8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive: 4WD
Wheelbase: 155.5 inches
Length: 237.4 inches
Torque (SAE net): 285@2800 rpm
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 13/18
VANS
2000 Kia Minivan
Kia Motors chose Chicago to unveil its model-year 2000 minivan, the first Korean-made minivan to hit the U.S. market. Kia has yet to name the vehicle.
The Kia is powered by a dual overhead cam V6, developed jointly by Kia and Rover Group. Kia sales in Illinois are expected to begin in March.
Engine: 2.5-liter, 173-h.p. V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 114.6 inches
Length: 192.5 inches
Seating capacity: 8
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): N/A
1998 Ford Windstar, MSRP: $26,205 (LX model)
For 1998, Ford has added several new features and options to its Windstar line. Middle-row passengers can take advantage of a reclining backrest, and two new appearance packages, Gold and Northwoods, spruce up the exterior.
Windstar earned a five-star (highest) rating in government front crash tests, and depowered airbags are now standard on all models.
LX model
Engine: 3.8-liter, 200-h.p. V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 120.7 inches
Length: 201.2 inches
Max. cargo space: 144 cubic feet
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 17/24
1998 Mazda MPV All-Sport, MSRP: $28,895 (4WD ES)
The 4WD MPV All-Sport is equally at home on the open road or in rough, muddy conditions. With over 4,000 pounds towing capacity on load-leveling-equipped models, Mazda calls it a Sport Utility Minivan.
Among the All-Sport features are a grille guard, stone guard, fender flares, roof rack and protective rear bumper cover.
Engine: 3-liter, 155-h.p. V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: Shift-on-the-fly 4WD
Wheelbase: 110.4 inches
Length: 183.5 inches
Max. cargo space: 42.1 cubic feet
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 15/19
1998 Toyota Sienna, MSRP: $27,100 (XLE model)
Bigger, more powerful and much less expensive (base model) than its predecessor, the Previa, Toyota’s Sienna debuts as a 1998 model. It has front-wheel drive and rides on a modified Camry platform.
It also shares Camry’s powerful V-6 engine and automatic transmission and is available in three trim lines: CE, LE and top-of-the-line XLE (pictured).
Engine: 3-liter, 194-h.p. V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive: FWD
Wheelbase: 114.2
Length: 193.5
Max. cargo space: 143 cubic feet
Fuel economy (EPA city/highway): 18/24
