2005-06 Automotive Preview
by Kevin Ferrell

While the onset of cloudy weather and cold temperatures may be depressing to many here in Michigan, there is at least one thing to look forward to…the 17th Annual North American International Auto Show. While Detroit has held an auto show since 1907, it wasn’t recognized as an international event until 1989. Over $200 million dollars worth of vehicles and exhibits will be on display; with thousands of visitors descending into Motown for the public showing from January 15th to the 23rd. And while other shows may have become larger in size, the NAIAS is still considered the premier event in the auto industry; with many new models and concept cars being unveiled first in Detroit. So lets look at some of the best being offered in the upcoming year.

Compact Cars
In the past a lot of introductory models being offered by auto manufactures were filled with just basic necessities to get you through your daily commute. Not any more. Many of the inexpensive brands now feature items that were traditionally found on more expensive luxury models. The 2005 Ford Focus has been restyled to give it more of an European sporty look. With base prices ranging from $13,775 to $18,475, you can get a lot of value for less cost. It also features a new interior and increased fuel efficiency of 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway.






Replacing the struggling (in terms of sales) Chevrolet Cavalier is the Chevy Cobalt; available as a sedan or coupe that is marketed to compete against the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. In fact, it looks as if GM took styling ideas from several companies to produce a car that should compete nicely in the compact car niche. And for the “Pimp My Ride” lovers, the Cobalt comes available with optional 18” rims.

Other new compacts for the future will include the larger Volkswagen Jetta (just in time to replace my aging one!).


Passenger Cars
The highlight for the New Year will be the introduction of the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima Hybrid vehicles. While hybrids have been very successful, they still only account for a very small percentage of overall vehicle sales. In fact, profits have been very low, if any for manufactures like Toyota and Honda who introduced the first vehicles to the mainstream market several years ago. This is due to cost of producing such vehicles; not because of sells. Here in Ann Arbor, there Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrids have been on back order for many months. However many are waiting to see if there is enough demand to produce more hybrid vehicles despite the higher prices. The Accord will be priced around $30,000 and should be out this December while the Altima will be introduced probably early 2006. Other future new models on the horizon will include the new 2006 Volkswagen Passat; which will have more of an Audi profile to it.





Sport Vehicles

The vehicle getting the most attention here in Michigan is the all new Ford Mustang. The new design takes cues from the late 60’s “fast back” models and updates them for 2005. Even if you’ve never had the chance to sit in the classic versions or seen it in the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds”, once you sit in the new version your understand why it is so popular. And with a base price around $20,000, it stays “reasonably” affordable for everyone to live their dreams.




If you’re looking for more of that James Dean/Porsche look at a cheaper price, try the 2006 Pontiac Solstice. The car has a 170-hp 2.4-liter engine and a 50/50 front-rear weight distribution (in case you’re trying some Duke of Hazard jumps…not recommended of course!).




Also look out for the new Chevy Corvette (with a redesigned front end), the Convertible Mini Cooper, and the incredibly gorgeous (and expensive) Mercedes-Benz SLR; which starts at a base price of $350,000!


SUV’s and Luxury Vehicles
While the prices may be out of the reach for the average consumer, luxury vehicles and higher end SUV’s are still the favorite of the auto shows. Here are a couple of the SUV’s and luxury vehicles that will be out for 2005.


The most anticipated of the new vehicles will be the Lexus RX 400h; which will combine a luxury sport-utility vehicle with a hybrid engine. The reason for all the attention is, despite its higher price, it will have 40 more horsepower then the standard V6 featured in the RX 330 with an overall average fuel economy of around 27 mpg. And Lexus is not the only company trying to merge the profitable SUV market with



environmentally friendlier engines. Ford will soon be introducing the new Escape Hybrid, Toyota will have a hybrid version of the Highlander in 2006, and GM will be introducing hybrid versions of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra soon.

However, even with higher gas prices, many consumers are still buying traditional SUV’s. This is evident from the number of new Nissan Armadas/Infiniti QXs that have been showing up on the road. These mammoth vehicles give you the feeling of driving a tank on the highway while providing very luxurious interiors complete with everything from individual climate controls, adjustable pedals, and heated seats.



For a similar experience but in a smaller package and less cost, check out the new Nissan Pathfinder or the Jeep Grand Cherokee.


Speaking of luxury, enough can’t be said about Chrysler 300c. This spring the SRT8 version will be introduced which includes a 425 horsepower Hemi V8 engine, a performance suspension package and 20-inch rims. And all for thousands of dollars less then the competition.



Also, look out for the redesigned Acura RL and Aston Martin AMV8 Vantage. There are many other models that will be introduced in the next year, so be sure to keep your eye out for them and take advantage of the low finance options still available! Or even better, take advantage of the many pre-owned models that will surely be hitting the dealerships due to the introduction of so many new models. Either way, you’re sure to find some good deals if you smartly shop for your next car!

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