There are a wide variety of products on the market that are of use to families. What is useful to you depends on the size of your family, the ages of your children and what you carry.
The automotive industry is very aware of the needs of families and always looks toward new products to serve this market. Here are a few new introductions and option not always considered.
Chevrolet Impala And Monte Carlo
Chevrolet is going back in their history and reviving names that brought them sales leadership in the sixties and seventies. For two decades, Impala meant a roomy, four-door sedan that provided "something extra." The V8 is history and the exterior is smaller, but there is just as much room inside.
The 2000 Impala is built around a comfortable, well-appointed full-size interior laid out with GM's RoomFirst design process. The true six-passenger cabin includes amenities that seem to belong on a much more pretentious car. Impala has a definite presence on the road largely due to the wheels that are widely placed, and located at the corners of the car, another feature that adds interior space.
There are few cars that have such an intense identification with stock car racing as the Monte Carlo coupe. LS and SS both have bold, NASCAR-inspired styling; extensive wind tunnel testing was a key part of the design process. Chevy included many of Monte Carlo's traditional styling cues of the '70s such as its long hood/short deck configuration and the trademark vertical taillamps.
By using the same basic underpinnings as the Impala sedan, Chevy keeps the price on the coupe down. Yet, by shifting the passenger compartment and seating positions, the vehicles have a totally different appearance and character.
Honda Civic
Honda has redefined the sub-compact car with its pace-setting Civic series. The latest Civics are longer, wider, roomier, and more aerodynamically efficient. There is more power available for those who want it and greater economy.
Honda has simplified their variety of Civic models. From the windshield forward, all are essentially similar in shape, but under the hood there is lots of variety.
The base DX has all the essentials, including a stereo radio and airbags. Going up to the HX provides stylish mag wheels and power accessories. Going up to the EX gets a/c, cruise control, moonroof and remote entry.
Si is the model of choice for the young at heart and still won't dent the wallet too badly. It only comes with five-speed manual and uses a upgraded suspension to handle the 160 hp engine.
All models but Si have both manual or automatic available. There is a continuously variable automatic in the Civic HX that maximizes acceleration and economy at the same time.
Ford Focus
Ford's newest small car comes here after winning the prestigious European Car of the Year award. The Ford Focus has a fully independent rear suspension, and a stiff, light body structure -- both combine to give Focus an edge in driving dynamics.
With its long wheelbase and higher roofline, the new Ford has an extremely spacious interior without increasing the car's external size. Soon it will replace both the Escort and Contour, since it is available as in 3-door, 4-door, 5-door and Wagon body styles.
Focus will set the trend toward cars that are taller and more people oriented. Stylists had responded to our desire for sleek, streamlined shapes by making cars lower, but the popularity of minivans and sport utes has filled the roads with tall vehicles. We now appreciate taller cars with higher driving positions.
The Ford Focus will give customers of all ages more car while still providing value. Its youthful attitude comes with a European rally-derived performance, making this new compact car one of the most exciting vehicles in its class. Teenagers and adults will find the zippy three-door ZX3 model appealing with curving arcs created by the roofline and high-mounted taillamps. All Focus models come with the SecuriLock anti-theft system and a CD player is standard in the ZX3 model. In addition, leather seats, power, and tilt and telescoping steering are available in most models. The Focus wagon starts at $15,795.
Volvo V40 and S40
Volvo's refined S40 sedans and V40 wagons are set to enter the U.S. market and are equipped with just about every convenience feature Americans desire. As an indication of its success, the Volvo V40 won the wagon class as "The Most Beautiful Car in the World," awarded by the Italian design organization and magazine, Automobila.
The 1.9-liter LPT (Light Pressure Turbo) inter-cooled engine responds very quickly. Maximum torque is available from 1,800 rpm and provides confident acceleration throughout the speed range.
The chassis combine a comfortable ride and the dynamic driving properties that give the S40 and the V40 their sporty touch.
Besides Volvo's famous safety-oriented structure, S/V40 models are equipped with second-generation side airbags with two trigger levels, depending on whether or not the occupant is belted. The front belts are fitted with explosive pre-tensioners, which tighten the belts in a frontal collision. Volvo Whiplash Protection seats allow the upper body and head to be cushioned in a rear-end collision.
Toyota ECHO
The ECHO was designed from the inside out for strong youth appeal. It has a road-commanding seating position and interior roominess; styling and packaging that clearly departs from convention. ECHO will be offered in both two- and four-door models and priced substantially below the Toyota Corolla, yet uses few components from that car or the Tercel that it is replacing.
The tall three-box design provides excellent interior space and the high roof provides exceptional headroom. This layout allows for reduced driver fatigue and better visibility and the low floor height greatly enhances ingress/egress. Much to rear-seat passenger's delight, the back windows roll all the way down. Expect the ECHO layout and attributes to be shared by other small vehicles from Toyota.
An all-new 1.5-liter twin cam 4-cylinder engine with Toyota's VVT-i variable-valve timing technology delivers a blend of power and fuel economy and is certified as a socially responsible low-emission vehicle (LEV). Buyers can expect city/highway mileage of 38/52 mpg and 43 mpg combined.
Clearly styled and appointed to appeal to young family buyers, ECHO will offer high quality audio system choices. ECHO also features a rare abundance of storage space that includes large door pockets, seatback pockets and convenient storage compartments surrounding the audio system, ideal for storage of cassette tapes and compact discs. ECHO also will offer a sports body-kit.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
We can see that the trend is toward smaller cars that are taller and have more room inside. The Chrysler PT Cruiser will be a stylish proponent of this layout, and now with Renault influencing Nissan, their European styling and designs will have more impact here.
The PT Cruiser designers went back to the thirties for their styling cues and it is a happy circumstance that the trend to taller cars and the passion for nostalgic designs are coinciding. It will be sold in both Europe and America, and combines the space and utility of a sport utility with the entry ease and comfort of a car.
It uses the basic mechanical components of the Neon that has proven itself well on the racetrack. Once again the American component of DaimlerChrysler proves that it is willing to expand their boundaries and take a chance. They many not appeal to everyone, but their designs get a lot of folks thrilled and excited.
