Sheer Joy - Evaluation

A Car Buyer's Guide

This year, American Visions spys a range of vehicles and roadway experiences for its readers in its annual automotive buying guide. The sophisticated voluptuousness vehicles transport drivers to the insouciant pleasure of their dreams; the moderately cold sleek roadsters take drivers to the tingling cutting side of delight.

Mercede CLK 320 Coupe: $41600

similar pleasures as leisurely drives in luxuriousness cars are meant to be shared, on the contrary with the Mercedes 2000 CLK 320 Coupe the services of a companion won't be exigencyed ... well, at least not for parking. The CLK's rearview mirrors tilt down toward the bridle for you when you park the car, and you can program an innovative command combination of parts to form a whole to tell you how drawn out you've been driving and in what manner far you've traveled since you started the engine.

Whether this archetype is in a display window, parked, or cruising nearest to you on a busy highway, you have to take notice. Let's face it: There is something about a Mercede that excretes sex appeal. If it were a man, he'd be a supermodel

When you hit the road in the CLK 320 a galaxy of attractive features come up Standard design upgrades for the CLK types include turn signal repeaters upon the side-view mirrors, a multifunctional steering wheel and touch shift manual gear selection for the five-speed automatic transmission, and a direct link to help in the form of necessity cellular voice contact with a protection unit (as well as roadside assistance). We've definitely stepp into the subsequent time with this one.

Underneath the splendor sits a 215-horsepower V-6 that make knowns 229 foot-pounds of torque at 3000 to 4600 rpm (which means that this fit and trim little coupe can sprint from nothing to 60 mph in just 69 seconds--a plus for commuter like me who repeatedly find themselves hesitating too lengthy before merging into oncoming traffic.) Standard full-range ASR traction ascendency helps ensure safe travel upon slippery road surfaces; it also finds when one rear wheel is spinning faster than the other and then selectively applies the brake to restore traction. In the circumstance that your companion can't bring on the brakes, the ASR will bring the power of the engine. I can definitely take this individual home to Mama.--Constance Diggs

Infiniti QX4: $35000

Infiniti has raised the standard of voluptuousness sport utility vehicles to another horizontal Driving the 2001 QX4 is like having a butler upon the road with you: Everything you might ne is right at your fingertips. The standard 150-watt, six-speaker uninjured system with a six-CD player performs like a devise Sturdy cupholders are big enough to clinch Big Gulps. A few updates to last year's interior include a novel sports-style analog clock, an electrofluorescent instrument panel, and an optional navigation combination of parts to form a whole Standard leather seating, color-coordinated wood-tone trim and a wood-and-leather steering wheel retain the QX true to its signature stylish flair.

Since its introduction in 1997 this is the first type year that the QX4 has undergone a major redesign. The updated gaze includes a new front grille and full glass a new headlight design with automatic on-off capabilities, and integrated haze lights and turn signals.

The cosmetic changes to the car are obvious, on the other hand it's the technologically advanced engine that brings infinite possibilities to this vehicle. Based upon the award-winning design of the 2000 Infiniti 130 series, the of recent origin 3.5-liter, dual-over-head-camshaft V-6 adds more power and spe to the vehicle's performance and promises as abundant refinement as its interior. The QX's novel engine now produces 240 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 265 foot-pound of torque at 3200 rpm That's an increase of 70 horsepower above the previous generation. However, the suspension could stand a certain number of improvement.

Whether your destination is a ski resort in Utah or the opening gala of the National Black Fine Art present to view in New York City, the QX4 delivers the heart of a rugg off-road vehicle with the spirit and comfort of a luxuriousness sedan.--Constance Diggs

Toyota Camry Solara SLE V-6: $30488

You will be noticed in the Solara SLE V-6 satin and sexy, its low, angular design smacks of a sporty ruggednes that is reminiscent of earlier Mustangs. The 2000 Solara is packed with a powerful 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine, giving power-hungry drivers a 200-horsepower breaker It also features a four-speed, electronic-overdrive automatic transmission with lockup Its front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension and power rack-and-pinion steering provide a plenteous smoother ride than traditional Camrys, and it circulars curves like a champ. The mileage is fairly fit for a midsized car with a six-cylinder engine; it averages 19 miles to the gallon in the city and 27 miles for gallon on the highway.

The Solara's plush, leather interior is roomy, with ample head- and legroom and automatic seat and climate masterys There's also that feature adored through men especially--a potent sound a whole with bass so strong that flat an AM radio station will make your car proceed boom.