Letters to the Editors
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Subject: The Work You Do
From: Jeff

I have used sites such as yours, and occasionally Kelley Blue Book (Who? — Ed), on the Internet to do preliminary research on vehicles I am considering [purchasing]. I have several friends and family members who know me as the computer guy that looks stuff up and finds information for them on these matters.

I just finished reading a review, and subsequently the review history of a particular vehicle, which I am currently considering as a new car for my mother. She was given a Volkswagen Beetle by my father as a present when they were first married. My brother and I grew up riding around in that car with my mother, and we have always had fond memories of the car.

I wanted to check out the New Beetle, and have used the information provided on your site to decide that I will be buying her a new one, today in fact. I have yet to come across a more thorough, unbiased and well-written review of a vehicle anywhere. I wanted to say thank you for everything your company does, and without you there would be a lot fewer satisfied consumers on the road today. There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a vehicle, and you really help open eyes and remind some of us about little everyday things that do make a difference in ownership and satisfaction. Thank you again for such a job well done.


Subject: Aztek Looks a Matter of Perception?
From: Robert

Here is just a little more hate mail for you, and please take me seriously. The Pontiac Aztek is awesome. Most of the information in your review was right on with what I believe the Aztek is. Your dislike with the exterior is what I'd like to focus on. You got your turn to voice your opinion and now it's mine. My father owns a Pontiac Aztek (yes, I'm in 8th grade, but I can voice my opinion too) and the exterior design is a combination of aggressive curves and angles that make the Aztek new and different, but NOT ugly. The design shows that many people in this world still take chances, no thanks to you. And when you really stop and look at the Aztek, you just might find, somewhere in your opinionated hearts, that the Aztek is truly a well-designed vehicle. And for those who took a look at your review, the pictures of the Aztek you chose do not show any great photos of the actual design. One looks like a picture from the rear-view mirror of a tractor trailer, and admit it, no car would honestly look its best from that angle. But after all, that picture only helped your opinion grow stronger. That's why I've included my own picture of the Aztek, since you may have shredded all the others so that there would be a lack of evidence that the Aztek is actually a good design. Anyway, if you read this, I applaud you because now you know what it was like for me to read through many paragraphs of your review.

Never let it be said that we won't go for the easy applause. — Ed
See the photo that acurately displays the Aztec's beauty by going here and clicking on "Photo Gallery."


Subject: Lexus LS 430 Video Road Test
From: Chris

As an owner of a 2001 Lexus LS 430 Ultra Lux I was very interested in the recent video road test. After viewing I feel you adequately covered the fine attributes of the car and how it measures up, even exceeds, the comparable models of MB and BMW. I had considered the S-Series MB, however, after driving the Ultra Lux and comparing dollar for dollar value, the Lexus won out easily.


Subject: Great Site
From: Rollen

I just wanted to let you know how much your site has helped me in choosing my car. Thanks a lot. Keep up the good work.


Subject: Dodge Caravan Bickering
From: Jim

We enjoyed all the sparring about the Dodge Caravans, as we've owned three of them. Our most recent is a 1989 Grand SE, now showing over 207,000 miles. I just returned from a trip to Florida, with the cruise set at 75 mph, while it blew cold air and gave us over 25 mpg. It hauls kids, luggage, bikes, dog kennels, and is ergonomically perfect, with armrests that actually rest your arms, for instance. We like it so much; we intend to purchase another one, if we can ever wear this one out. It ain't the perfect family vehicle, but it's close. Our 1965 Dodge Coronet 440 Station Wagon, now THAT was the perfect family car, V8 and all.

Since I'm a longtime Chrysler man, you don't have to convince me of how great those old Mopars were. Even more amazing is how Chrysler has kept much of its original "family car" philosophy in place over the past three decades. Those old torsion bar Coronet and Satellite wagons drove great, just like the modern Caravans and Voyagers. Then there were the excellent ergonomics and full instrumentation that even their 1960s cars possessed; ditto their latest minivans.

And, finally, how about those ultra-useful third-row seats that disappeared into the floor on Chrysler station wagons throughout the '60s and '70s?

Hmm, well, two outta three ain't bad. — Karl Brauer


Subject: What's the Scoop with an A4 Coupe
From: Edward

First of all, I think your web site is "tops" for automotive information. There's no need to look further than Edmunds.

I do have a question which I have wanted to ask for a while, and even more so after reading your recent preview of the A4 3.0.

I've become an Audi fan since my wife purchased a 2001 A4 1.8 quattro. The car has great features, handles well, and the price was reasonable. I think it's a sharp looking car, and the 2002 looks even better.

Here's my question: Why doesn't Audi produce an A4 coupe? This car would look great as a two-door, and might give them even greater leverage against some of their competitors ... principally, BMW. This question may have already been addressed by Edmunds. If so, please point me to the answer.

If not, I'd like to hear your opinions? What do you think? Does Audi have any plans to make the A4 in coupe form?

A shrewd observation, Edward. You'll be happy to hear that Audi is indeed toying with the idea of producing an A4 coupe, and convertible, as early as 2003. Watch our Future Cars section for more updates. — Ed


Subject: Site Design Poor, Compared to Before
From: Wade

A couple of years ago, your car reviews were on a single, concise, complete page.

Now, a review is scattered among eight or so pages, which all compete with the modern "Get a Personalized Foo" or "Download This Free Bar" or other types of ad clutter.

This is very hard to use, and distracting, and off-putting. Unlike www.kbb.com.

What can I say, Wade, one man's clutter is another man's creativity. The majority of our readers really appreciate the new site design. And, because we offer so much more content than we did two years ago, a "busier" site design is unavoidable. For instance, the "single page" road tests you refer to from way back only contained text, photos and maybe some rudimentary performance numbers integrated into the text. Now we have road tests with Second Opinions from three editors (this is in addition to the author who writes the road test), a performance/spec sheet, a stereo evaluation and commentary from our Town Hall users.

Obviously, if you find some of the additional information unnecessary, then skip it. But for those who want an in-depth review of a vehicle, we offer a far superior package compared to Kelley, or anyone else for that matter. — Ed


Subject: Great New Site Design!
From: Jason

Just looked at your web site after a lengthy hiatus. Wow! The new format is terrific. Love the tab for each car to compare it to other models. Price info layout is also vastly improved. If only everyone were so successful in his or her attempts at web site 'improvements.' Great job.

Hey Jason, maybe you could give Wade a call for us... — Ed


Subject: Complete Resource?

Your Web site touts the fact that Edmunds is a complete resource. You are not very complete given that a lot of vehicles are missing performance information.

The performance information we provide on our site comes either from the manufacturer or from our own testing. While we would prefer to have this data for every vehicle on our site, the logistics of generating performance numbers for every new vehicle sold makes that impossible. — Ed


Subject: Excellent Resource!
From: Paul

I just wanted to let you guys know how great your site is. I love the discussion forums and car reviews. Thanks for making a quality site. Keep up the good work.


Subject: Fueling The Need for Efficiency
From: Cheri

When reading your reviews of cars, I was surprised and disappointed at how little attention the writers devoted to fuel efficiency. Energy efficiency is on everyone's minds these days (and that's the way it should always be) and I truly believe that you are doing your readers a disservice by not including this information up front in your auto reviews. I'd like to see how a given car compares to others in its class in terms of fuel efficiency discussed in each and every car review. In addition to catering to your readers who think efficiency matters, you'll be helping to call attention to fuel efficiency (or inefficiency) for those readers who don't normally think about such things. Since our government isn't particularly interested in pushing the industry to increase efficiency, consumer interest is the only thing that will!

Fuel economy is certainly an important consideration in any vehicle purchase, and whenever we perform a road test or comparison test we always track fuel economy and report on it; you can find it on the "Specifications and Performance" page in a road test or in the charts that accompany a comparison test. We also discuss it in our long-term updates and videos. Finally, if you go to any vehicle detail page and hit the "Compare with Other Vehicles" tab and then the "See Full Comparison" button at the bottom of this page, you will get fuel economy ratings for every competing vehicle (along with lots of other information). — Karl Brauer


Subject: TMV
From: Arthur

Just wanted to thank you for your TMV and other fine articles. I just purchased a 2001 Audi S4 for $3,000 off MSRP. I couldn't have gotten such a deal without your help. It was a tough decision between the S4 and the BMW 330i. The deciding factor was the extremely sensitive steering on the BMW. One touch of the wheel and you found yourself on the other side of the road. To me it seemed as though this touchy steering could get you into more trouble than it could get you out of. But again, please keep up with your fine articles and thanks for your help.

Happy S4 owner thanks to you.

Plenty of people have shown dissatisfaction with BMW's "recalibration" of the 2001 3 Series. It reduced road feel in corners while adding twitchiness to the cars at highway speeds. We should note, however, that BMW has seen the error of its ways and is going back to a more "weighty" steering system for 2002. The company will even retrofit this updated system on 2001 models for customers who prefer performance driving to easy parking lot maneuvers. — Karl Brauer


Subject: Not So Proud To Be...
From: Thom

I first have to say that I enjoy Edmunds and check it out a couple times a month at least. There is great content and a lot of interesting opinions and facts.

On the other hand, I think that including two of THE most idiotic vehicles available in this country today (the Excursion and Hummer) as being among those that make one 'proud to be an American' is a disgrace. Virtually no one can honestly say they need either of these monsters. There is no reason to celebrate the availability of such irresponsible trucks in this country or anywhere else. It smacks of the arrogance that we, as Americans, proudly display to the rest of the world. It makes us look like fools, which, in many ways we are. We don't apparently know enough to be embarrassed by our actions. What a shame. I hope that someday we will learn that the rest of the planet doesn't revolve around the USA.

Remember, Thom, the Hummer played a key role in our last major military conflict. And the Excursion is an extremely capable vehicle at carrying people and cargo. That said, you might want to read the text of that particular Top 5 again, with an eye out for sarcasm. Not that we Edmunds.com editors are ever sarcastic. — Ed


Subject: 2001 Hyundai Elantra
From: James

I follow your site very closely and am following your long-term road test on the 2001 Hyundai Elantra. After about a year of debate I finally replaced my trusty 1991 Ford Escort. I chose the Elantra because of its good reviews, looks, economy and most important: LOW PRICE. I purchased it through a well-known Internet buying service and didn't even bother with dealers except to test drive a vehicle, find a color and waste the salespeople's time. Hyundai has a winner.

Anyway, your long-term road test is right on and I will follow it 'till the end. But you shouldn't be so fussy. The Elantra is an econocar designed to do one thing very well: provide reliable, economical transportation. And stop complaining about no CD player, who needs it? The standard radio cassette system with four speakers sounds good, plays loud and clear and treats my tapes like gold. What does it take to copy your favorite CD's to a tape anyway?

Besides, there are literally hundreds of different aftermarket car stereo models to choose from in every style and price range and format type. And the dealer I picked the car up from offered to put in a CD changer (6 disc) that utilized the stereo CD controls already built in for a mere $300. Installed. It has the Hyundai name on it but it looks like a Panasonic OEM unit. Probably the same manufacturer who made the factory sound system. It sounds great and everything is controlled by the tape deck.

If our long-term Elantra continues to hold up like it has for the past few months, we'll be ready to send all potential economy sedan buyers to their local Hyundai dealer ... even if it is just to waste the salespeople's time. — Ed


Subject: Get the Subies Straight
From: Marcus

For some reason, automotive journalists have a lot of trouble writing accurately about Subarus. Those boxer engines and AWD seem to trip you guys up. That's why I'm not that surprised by the following line from your recent (and good) review of the BMW 325xi:

"technically, it's full-time four-wheel drive on the Subie"

Technically, it's not. No Subies have true 4wd — they all use a viscous coupling or variable transfer clutch. However, in the same article, you did correctly pick up on BMW's increasing practice of nickel-diming customers.

Thanks for the great site and good writing.

You are absolutely right, Marcus. The offending editor has been tied to horizontally opposed pit bulls while the rest of the editorial team stands in a circle around him and dangles prime rib. — Ed


Subject: Customized Cars
From: Scott

I absolutely love your site, but have a suggestion to make reading it even more fun. There are a lot of companies out there that do special editions of cars. It would be great to see some road tests of these vehicles just to get a feel for how they compare to the regular production models.

I'm a Ford nut, but would enjoy reading write-ups on other vehicles, as well. For example, you've already road-tested the Roush Stage III Mustang, but what about the others out there — the Steeda supercharged Mustang GT, the Saleen SC281, Kenny Brown's supercharged Mustang. Steeda and Kenny Brown also have V-6 Mustang variants. Steeda has a customized Focus ZX3. SPO Motorsports works up a customized Subaru Legacy. There are many others that work with the Japanese cars, as well. Heck, this could really make your site interesting and give consumers even more options when looking for a car.

Thanks and keep up the great work!

Actually, our own Christian Wardlaw drove a Kenny Brown Mustang a few years back, and we'd welcome the opportunity to drive more tuner cars. (Hello? Steeda? SPO? HKS? Are you listening?) — Ed


Subject: Model Release Dates
From: Joseph

I was wondering if you would consider adding a new feature to your site. I would like to see a list or calendar detailing the release dates of all new models that are available. I ask this of your site only because I believe your site to be the best in automotive information, and the addition of the calendar would further solidify your position on top. Again, great site!

Such a calendar would only be as accurate as the source of information; in this case, the manufacturers. How accurate are they at predicting their own model release dates? Not very. However, our Future Cars section does contain our best guesses of a release date for a given model (which are sometimes more accurate than the manufacturer-supplied dates). — Ed


Subject: Entry-Level Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison Test
From: Dave

It is unfortunate that you did not know, or that you chose not to disclose, that BMW has made modifications to the 3 Series steering and has included power seats as standard equipment on the 330i. These changes, along with several others, were made to production vehicles several months ago. You are misguiding many people that trust your information as accurate and current.

Unlike other manufacturers it seems BMW listens (to its customers and the press). That is why this car is, and will continue to be, the Ultimate Driving Machine (and worth every penny).

Subject: Entry-Level Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison Test #2
From: C.T.

Just a quick note, mid-year 330i now has standard power seats, HK sound, and heavier steering feel. I think you guys do a disservice to the consumers looking at these cars.

Both Dave and C.T. are correct, but the car we got from BMW (and thousands of others produced in the 2001 model year) did not have the improved steering or standard power seats. We're glad that BMW has upped the content level of the 3 Series and fixed the steering that wasn't broken in the first place, but we can only test, and base our value equation on, what the manufacturer has given us. What if Honda were introducing an even more powerful version of the TL Type-S in a few weeks? And what about the availability of a manual shift version of the IS 300 that we know is coming? Should we review the vehicles based on ongoing improvements the manufacturer is making or base our evaluations on what we actually drove?

We should note that a discussion of the mid-year changes to the 2001 BMW 3 Series has been added to the text in the comparison test; however, we stand by our scoring and rankings. — Ed


Subject: Entry-Level Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison Test #3
From: Walter

Your "Entry level luxury sports sedan comparison tests" are the most accurate evaluations of all that I have read. Very thorough and well done.

Thanks!


Subject: Entry-Level Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison Test #4
From: Tom

One comment on the selection of cars for this test. While the title of the comparison is "Entry Level," there were many cars hovering near or above the $40,000 range. You did set a threshold of 200 hp, which excluded several potential entries. For example, the 325i and A4 1.8T are cars I would think of as "entry level" — available for under $30,000.

The comparison test was a great piece, but I think it would more appropriately be titled "step-up sports sedan comparison test." I think it would be interesting to also look at real "entry-level" sport sedans, limited to the $30,000 price point. Maybe a future comparison test?

Keep up the good work!


Subject: Entry-Level Luxury Sport Sedans Comparison Test #5
From: James

I posted this in the Lexus IS 300 Town Hall chat area and a couple of people (including the host) thought I should forward this to you guys to see what you'd say.

First of all, let me start out by saying I didn't read the entire article. With that out of the way, I didn't think this was a fair comparison due to the price range and layout.

A fully loaded 330i costs over $43K, but a comparable Millenia only costs around $35K. I don't think it's fair to compare vehicles that are $8,000 apart. When I think of entry level, I think of the 325i, IS 300, I30t, TL-S, C240, LS V6, mid-level S60 and maybe the Passat GLX. The S60 T5, 330i, C320 and LS V8 are over $40K and start getting closer to the Lexus GS, Saab 9-5, and BMW 528 range.

The layout is related to price. Instead of going with the Lincoln LS V8, you should've gone with the LS V6. The same with the Volvo, BMW and Mercedes. This way the cars would've had similar power and price. Lexus, Infiniti, Mazda, etc. shouldn't be punished because they don't make two "entry" level luxury sedans.

I'm sure (I hope) Edmunds thought of this before it did its comparison, but instead of comparing two levels of sedans and discounting the results by the cost of the vehicle, why not just compare comparable vehicles?

If you look closely at the scoring you will see that price is taken into account as part of the final ranking. In fact, it was price that kept the $40,000 BMW from beating the $33,730 Acura. When it comes to comparison tests, we consider which models are likely to be cross-shopped within a given market segment. From there, it's a matter of requesting the cars from a manufacturer and reviewing whatever they have available in the press pool.

The fact that the $33,730 Acura took first, the $39,735 BMW took second, and the $33,360 Mazda took last place is proof that price wasn't the only deciding factor. Build a great car for 40 grand and you can come within a frog's hair of taking first place. Build a balanced package for 33 grand and you do take first. Or build an outdated, low performance vehicle for that same 33 grand, and you lose. It's not the price, it's what you get for the price. — Ed


Subject: Entry-Level Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison Test #6
From: Colin

Actually, there are really two markets here. The front-wheel-drive vehicles: TL, ES 300, I30, Millenia S, S60, etc., all of which are automatic. (I know some of them, like the S60, are manual.)

Then we have the rear-wheel-drive and manual transmission cars: 325i, 330i, C240 are the real drivers' cars.

The Lexus IS 300 is kind of an oddball since its an automatic only! (for now)

I was all ready to ink a deal for an IS 300, but decided to wait and try the Acura TL-S. I ended up getting a TL-S. It came down to a 3 Series with manual or a TL-S. If I am gonna bother with a RWD car, it's gonna be manual! That is the whole point of a sports car, right? The IS 300 kept making me think Corolla. Too bad, since it was very sweet to drive. I decided the TL-S was a much better choice. For starters, it costs less and it fits four adults.

The 3 Series finished about the same as yours, just short.oh man it was close. If I lived where the roads are just a bit more open, I would have taken the 3 Series.

BTW, congratulations to the author, Liz Kim. I think this makes two articles I agree with her on! Even better, I agree with Mr. Wardlaw on the I30. What is the world coming to? :)

Is BMW gonna put a stop payment on that check? :) :) :)

Nope, but they've stopped flying us to Tahiti every third weekend. Sometimes journalistic integrity just isn't worth it. — Ed


Subject: Entry-Level Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison Test #7
From: Aziz

I would like to begin by thanking you for providing us with the excellent service of Edmunds.com. I have enjoyed hours of reading and wish you all the best for your success in the future.

My note to you today is with regards to the "entry level" sport/luxury sedan comparisons that you do. Although I do not always agree, I do enjoy reading your reports. Recently I was in the market for an entry-level luxury sport sedan and I test drove the following cars:

BMW 330i
Volvo S60 T5
Lexus IS 300
Acura 3.2 TL Type-S
Mercedes C320 Sport

AND...

Saab 9-5 Aero

The car I bought was the Saab! I have always been curious why Saabs are left out in these tests. And if they are included, why is it that it's always the 9-3 and not the 9-5? In my opinion the 9-3 is a car that competes with cars like the Jetta VR6 and BMW 325i, so including it to go against the above mentioned vehicles is unfair. Similarly, if the 9-5 is included in tests, they play with the 5 Series and E Classes...again unfair. Take a look at the price/dimensions/engine specs and you'll see that the 9-5, especially the Aero, is a good competitor for the likes of the 3 Series and S60s and so on. I'd really like to know how you (the professionals) feel about this matter, especially my decision to go with the Aero over the above-mentioned cars.

Thanks and keep up the excellent work.

We put a Saab 9-5 in our last Luxury Sedan Comparison Test two years ago, and it finished fifth out of eight. Since the car has undergone no major design upgrades since then, we decided not to include it in this test. However, if you drove five cars in this class and decided the Saab was the best one for you, then our opinion doesn't really matter. Enjoy that 9-5! — Ed