Buick Rainier: Buick will roll out it’s all new Rainier SUV at the Seattle Auto Show, which begins Nov. 6. Based on General Motors' award-winning midsize SUV architecture, the Rainier will debut as a 2004 model. Pricing has yet to be announced. |
The new, 2003 model year is upon us. For a comprehensive preview of what’s new, hot and exciting, check out the Seattle Auto Show, which runs from Nov. 6 to 10 in the Seahawks Exhibition Center across from Safeco Field and adjacent to Seahawks Stadium. If the weather here is getting your down, take a vacation and check out your next vehicle at the South Florida Auto Show in Miami which runs from Nov. 8 to 17. And don’t forget the Los Angeles Auto Show which starts on Jan. 2.
So what’s up this year? According to most manufacturers, the one thing that isn’t up is prices. Not only are they holding steady, but in some cases prices are actually dropping when you factor in extras that come standard. In addition to it being a buyers market for cars, trucks and SUV’s, most manufacturer’s are offering very attractive financing options, including rebates and low or no interest loans with terms longer than some previously offered.And who said there wasn’t anything good about a sluggish economy?
One of the main things you will find in this year’s offerings is a staggering array of choices for just about any kind of vehicle you might be interested in. Every segment of the market has something for everyone from just about every manufacturer.
The fastest growing segment of the market remains “light trucks.” That includes pickups, SUVs and minivans. According to a recent Harris Poll, more than half of the vehicles sold in the 2003 model year will come from that segment.
What else is store for 2003? There’s lots of eye-catching, high performance design, as well as technology being used more and more in both the safety and performance realms — not to mention advances in hybrid gas-electric vehicles which have hit the mainstream here in the environmentally-conscious Pacific Northwest.
The bevy of new models, better quality than ever before, big incentives and the sheer number of choices — more than has ever been available in our lifetime — make this the best time in history to buy a new vehicle. It’s time to hit the showrooms because you’re in the driver’s seat!
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Jeep Rubicon: Jeep improves on its already great Wrangler with the new Rubicon version — the ultimate off-road rig. It’s engineered to take on the most demanding terrain, including that previously reserved for highly-modified off-road vehicles.The Rock-Trac transfer case has 4:1 low range for more driver control and increased torque. |
Ford Thunderbird: After almost five years of anticipation, the new Ford Thunderbird is actually here. A high-tech marvel that shares its platform with the Lincoln LS and borrows heavily from the Jaguar S-Type, it offers performance, comfort and above all, style. |
Porsche Cayanne: It was only a matter of time before Porsche entered the SUV market. The fastest SUV on the planet, the S-model offers a 335 h.p. turbo and a 444 h.p. version that goes from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds. Prices go from $57,000 to $90,000. |
Chrysler Crossfire: This all-new, long slung sports coupe started out as a concept car and is due out next year. To be built in Germany it will feature a 215 h.p. Mercedes V6. Pricing is expected to start around $35,000. |
Mini Cooper S: After years of langishing in oblivion, the popular and fun Mini is back! Now built by BMW, the Mini began winning the hearts of new fans as well as those who know already what a great car this is. |
Dodge has updated the design of its 2003 heavy duty Ram trucks, such as the 1-ton, dual wheel Ram 3500 Quad Cab shown here to match the 2002 update of its light duty rigs. |
The all-new Lincoln Aviator is a mid-size luxury SUV with a third row seat, leather and walnut burl trimmed interior. premium sound and power everything. It comes with a 302 horsepower V8 and a 7,300 pound towing capacity. Available with all-wheel drive and DVD system, the Aviator is starts at $40,500. |
Set to debut next spring, Cadillac’s all new, edgy luxury roadster, the XLR, is expected to go from 0 to 60 mph in lass than 6 seconds. It will feature a retractable hardtop, eucalyptus, aluminum and leather trimmed interior, Bulgari-designed instrumentation and a 315 horsepower V8. Expected pricing is around $75,000. |
The new Ford Escape HEV may be the world’s first gas-electric hybrid SUV. Slated to go on sale next year, it’s powered by a combination of a 300 volt battery and a 4-cylinder gas engine. 40 mpg is a very realistic expectation. Pricing is not yet set. |
The new Subaru Baja is a carlike pickup designed specifically for people with an active lifestyle. It offers a roof rack with optional lights and rear bars with attachments for snowboards and kayaks.All-wheel drive is standard on the Indiana-built vehicle. Starts at $24,500. |
The new Mazda 6 will become the flagship of the Japanese automaker’s lineup. The slick new luxury sports sedan replaces the Mazda 626. |
The new Volvo XC90 is the Swedish automaker’s first SUV. It’s a mid-size with all-wheel drive, traction control, skid control and a rollover protection system — not to mention lost of standard amenities. It features with a choice of V6 or V8 power. Pricing starts at around $36,000. |
The Lincoln Navigator is an off-road wonder that can take you virtually anywhere, ‘burbs or the bush, in total comfort. Restyled inside and with added amenities like retractable running boards the Navigator starts around $50,000. |
“Break Through” with the hot new 2003 Cadillac CTS. It’s chiseled lines and awesome V6 power have helped bring about Cadillac’s revival. After a long time of languishing in old people’s garages, Cadillac is suddenly very cool again. |
Get in line early if you want one of Chevy’s hot-looking SSR’s. The retro looking “Super Sport Roadster:” is slated to hit showrooms next year. It will feature a retractable power hardtop. a 5-foot covered bed and a 290 h.p V8. Should start around $35,000. |
The Lexus GX 470 is a mid-size SUV scheduled for showrooms by the end of the year. It features 4-wheel drive, high-tech suspension, traction control, a 235 h.p V6 and premium sound as well as a 6,500 pound towing capacity. Prices start around $48,000. |
