Letters to the Editors
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Subject: SUVs — The Trend That Needs to End?
From: Richard

I just read the article by Christian Wardlaw entitled "Why Are You Driving an SUV?" That article made a lot of valid points; I just wish its message could reach the right people. Unfortunately, I doubt that it does.

Consumers are always going to buy the "hot" item of the week. For now that happens to be SUVs. Maybe with more people educating the masses about their negative aspects, SUVs buyers will consider the purchase in a rational light. Thanks for the great and honest article.


Subject: Mitsubishi Needs to Evolve
From: Greg

I would like to be of any influence that I can on Mitsubishi Motors to offer the Evolution VI or VII models to the Southern California market. The only thing we are stuck with can't be the WRX. Please let me know what my friends and I can do to persuade them. So many people are looking for a great handling and reasonably priced sports car that there has to be a market out there that Mitsubishi just is unaware of.

The best thing you can do, Greg, is go to your local Mitsubishi dealer and ask to see their WRX competitor. Before leaving, make sure you mention that the Subaru dealer down the street will be getting your money. — Ed


Subject: Great Site!!!
From: Bryan

You guys have a great site!!!! I've been going on your site for about a year now and it definitely blows away the competition. You guys actually know what you're talking about. I especially love the specs page of all the cars because I like seeing how a car can handle, the weight, road handling index, and especially 0-60 times. Keep up the good work!! Now I just have to figure out what car I want to buy ... that is, what car I can afford.


Subject: What is a Car Salesman Really Worth?
From: Carl, "Sales Professional"

I am a sales professional at a very reputable and professional Chevrolet dealership in Nashville. And I'm very proud to be part of this dealership.

I find a lot of your information to be informative, but your numbers are very disturbing. As a professional I feel a professional income is what I deserve. And I do think what I read about the dealership in California was a bit much.

Most average professional incomes are anywhere from $70,000 to $120,000. I know Doctors, Lawyers, Pilots, Engineers and UNITED AUTO WORKERS of AMERICA that make much more than this. Why would it be so wrong for an automotive sales professional to make this much money? I work long and hard. Lets talk about your income. Consulting is one of the highest paid jobs today. Do you feel you are you worth these numbers? I think I am worth more.

Well, the facts are this: I evaluated many of the numbers you provide on all of the Chevrolets from the car and truck line because this is my line of expertise. Lets evaluate one of the most profitable and desirable product we have today, the Suburban. According to your information $688.00 gross profit is a fair profit to pay for a Suburban LT. So given that the average sales commission is 25% to 28% of the gross profit, and the average salesmen sells 8 to 10 cars a month according to current data, a sales professional is only worth $16,512.00 to $23,116.80 year.

Again, though I do not make $50,000 to $70,000 a year, I work long and hard, and feel that I am worth it, and that it is not an excessive income.

You say what you read in the Low Down, Low Payments "The Wheels of Justice" story "was a bit much"? You're right ... hard to believe it was all true.

So you want to equate car salesmen to lawyers and doctors? To my knowledge, a lawyer needs to complete seven years of schooling, plus pass a bar exam, to effectively practice his trade. Consider a career in medicine, and that number jumps to a minimum of 10 years in training. If you read our series "Confessions of a Car Salesman", you'll see that our editor was never asked about any college education. And most of the guys he worked with didn't have even a four-year degree. If money is your primary concern, I suggest you hit the books.

Which brings up my next point. As a "sales professional," you have direct control over what you make. The only limit to a car salesman's income is himself. Don't believe me? Check out Phil Reed's recent article, Make a Friend, Sell a Car. Instead of 8 to 10 cars a month, this gentlemen sells more than 30, which, by your own numbers, means he makes at least $60,000 a year, and I'm fairly certain he makes far more than that — without any required schooling.

Finally, remember that Edmunds.com is in the business of helping consumers get a fair deal on a car, not in making sure car salesman get paid "what they're worth." That's your job. — Ed


Subject: Your Near-Luxury Comparison Test
From: Blue Sky999

Having read the review of sports sedans that was recently published, I was quite impressed as the team did a thorough, sophisticated analysis and evaluation! Was glad that they included the "space" category, and picked up on such details as lackluster braking in the Acura TL — a pet peeve of mine.

I was also glad to see the TL compared to the 3-Series and Volvo. Often in the automotive press, for some reason they only compare the 3-Series to the Audi A4 and IS300. This is a big problem to readers, many of whom I'm sure are cross-shopping the 3-series and IS300 to the TL, such as myself! Also, the article was eminently readable, and the comparison to the Godfather type family war was an amusing twist — I liked it. Tell the team to keep up the good work!


Subject: Please Restrict Their Internet Access Time ...
From: PKane

your site stinks ... its horrible, useless and a total waste of time, getting a simple price is harder than getting a tooth pulled at the dentist, you are obviously a lackey for the worst car dealer in dade, broward county, maroone ....

your liars and hype artists ... all i wanted was a simple price on 1990 acura legend ... impossible to get .... hope you go out of business soon so you don't waste other peoples time with your garbage site ...

but don't feel bad, kelly bue book was almost as bad, why don't you just do what you say, whats the big deal on giving a price like you say, does maroone or the others listed think anyone will be motivated to buy after being aggravated to death ...

your cheats and ripoffs artists and i will email as many people as possible and tell them not to use your misserable site ....

don't even bother to answer this e ... i'd buy a bicycle before i'd look for a car thru you ...

Isn't this right before the big Indian guy rips the drinking fountain off the wall? — Ed


Subject: Why Turbo Charging Isn't So Cool
From: David

I just finished reading your article "Entry Level Luxury Sedan Comparison Test" and was struck by the following commentary buried in your review of the Mazda Millenia:

".....surmised that the supercharged engine was likely affected by weather conditions; the previous run was done on a chilly winter day of 49 degrees, whereas the runs for the comparison test were done on a day with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s. This is one of the shortcomings of a turbocharged or supercharged engine; optimum performance is dependant on cool temperatures.

As the owner of a VW Passat with the 1.8-liter turbo, this comment surprised me. I've never heard of such a problem before. I don't recall any previous articles from you that explained this in detail before, so I was surprised to see such a casual reference to it. I'd love more information on this; perhaps an entire article on the pros and cons of turbo- and supercharged engines?

Keep up the good work. I visit all of the car information sites regularly and you're the best by a mile!

The very act of compressing air, whether by turbocharger or supercharger, causes the air to heat up. If you've ever pumped up a bicycle tire with a hand pump, you may have noticed that the joints on the air hose can become quite hot. The same thing happens when you compress the intake charge.

The problem with heat and high intake charge temperatures is that the heat causes the intake charge to expand, thus reducing its density, and therefore, its horsepower potential. To combat this, many turbochargers use an "intercooler" to cool the intake charge after is it compressed but before it enters the intake manifold. This keeps the intake charge dense, providing a more powerful explosion in the combustion chamber.

While the Millenia's engine is supercharged rather than turbocharged, the same principals of air compression and heat build-up apply. This means that outside temperatures greatly affect the overall performance of the car because a higher ambient temperature is starting out that much hotter — even before the supercharger compresses it. Most turbo- and supercharged engines are highly susceptible to ambient temperatures when it comes to maximum performance. — Ed


Subject: That Takes Guts
From: Rick

I'd like to compliment you on having the guts to do a long-term test on a Hyundai Elantra.

So often car mags/Web sites are filled with elitist B.S. e.g. "this Chevy Malibu doesn't drive anything like a BMW 3-series that costs many $1000s more." Any idiot can evaluate in a "purchase-price and maintenance-cost and operating-cost is no object" environment and conclude that a really expensive (purchase and operating costs) vehicle is really great. Truly worthless reviews and professional lives spent, when you think of it.

Meanwhile, there's the bulk of the people who love cars who have to balance "need" against "indulgence" — where "need" includes the complete needs of other people, the environment, etc.. Like I said, this takes real guts to write down. I will be following your long-term test with great interest.

I think the "best sedan you can get for $20,000" comparisons are very good in this regards. "Price is no object" isn't the world we live in — excluding your wealthy or driving towards bankruptcy readership of course.

I would be VERY interested in a comparison of 1-2 year old cars within a "price category," as I'm sure many others would be. This could be organized/sponsored via one of those "multi-make, used car, retailing corporations": Car Canada, Forbes, Group 1 Automotive Inc., etc. A new Malibu compared to a new Accord/Taurus/Camry may not make sense — but in Canada we're seeing 20% depreciation for the first year on Malibus, which changes the "value for your dollar" equation considerably! (So, if EVERY Malibu required an engine rebuild and EVERY Accord/Taurus/Camry did NOT, this would make sense. Let's see I have a 3.1-liter GM pushrod V-6 with 130,000 miles on it, so I don't think that that holds much water. I think a used Malibu MIGHT be a pretty good value.)

That's just an example of course, there are other price categories/body styles where this also holds true.

As for evaluating cars in the real world, that's what Edmunds.com prides itself on. Sure, we'll do the occasional exotic story like a Porsche 911 or BMW Z8, but the overwhelming majority of our test vehicles cost less than $40,000, and most cost less than $30,000. — Ed


Subject: 2002 VW Eurovan vs. The Microbus Concept
From: Jim

Future Telling suggests that the 2002 VW Eurovan will be a long awaited design. It looks now, though, that the 2002 Eurovan will be the same as the 2001 (see VW web site press releases). Do you have any updated info the Microbus concept? The dealer tells me they will make them, but not until 12 to 18 months from now.

Your site is an absolute necessity for the educated consumer. Sometimes I just wonder how all this info can be free. It made more sense when I bought your new car-buying guides at the bookstore. Thanks for all of your good work.

The 2002 Eurovan will indeed be little changed, but the Microbus is coming. You can bet that with the success of the New Beetle, and of retro car design in general such as the PT Cruiser and Thunderbird, Volkswagen is not going to let this opportunity slip away. Don't expect to see a Microbus in showrooms for at least another year, probably closer to two. — Ed


Subject: Our Own Alicia Silverstone?
From: Don

I just finished reading Liz Kim's review of Volvo's SUV "concept vehicle." While it is nice to see pics of what will certainly be Volvo's newest entry into the SUV market, Ms. Kim is totally clueless (Like, totally? — Ed) and the information in her article is inaccurate and totally useless (Ah, totally! — Ed). This vehicle is not being used as a barometer to develop design, active and/or passive engineering features, and powertrain for Volvo's newest model. All of that is already done. This vehicle is an exercise for informal focus group feedback to finalize the details, especially since the vehicle will be debuted at the North American Auto Show in Detroit this coming January 2002 ... not in a couple of years as Ms. Kim assumed. In keeping with Edmunds current trends, perhaps you should hire all of your writers and editors from Marvel Comics. Better yet, why not start a new trend and trade Ms. Kim to Marvel for some cash and a future draft pick. Perhaps you'll manage to draw some editors that are real "car guys."

Ms. Kim wrote about the Adventure Concept Car after talking to Volvo representatives and reading through the press kit handed out when the car debuted. To take the statement "a mere barometer" and translate it into "she doesn't know what she's talking about" would be a leap of, well, comic proportions.

You say that the car is being used to test public reaction, which is essentially what Ms. Kim states, before also stating that a production version will be in showrooms in two years. A likely timeframe considering that this article was written several months ago and a production version is debuting in Detroit this January. — Ed


Subject: 2001 Prices & Reviews — NEW CARS
From: Patricia

I just had to write and express my heart felt thanks for starting this tiny little book packed with massive amounts of information. It was worth the $9.99; this was my very first one.

And its hard to believe that I've been buying new cars since 1972 (the 1972 Volvo 142S(?) was the first) and every 10 years or so after I/we drove it into the ground. We would then purchase another new car, and 2001 was the year I finally picked up one of your books. One of the problems might be the fact that we moved from New York to California. Here on the West Coast, they treat their cars like part of the family, which is pretty scary!

But you all did not stop there, your www.edmunds.com was even more amazing. I would consider myself more of a "cheese WHIZ" than a "computer WHIZ" and your site was almost painless. I have been known to blow up AOL, just by ".clicking.to download." To my astonishment and amazement, the information on your site was FREE!

So all I have to say is. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU ALL for a job well done.


Subject: Beauty is in the Eye of the World Rally Champs
From: Blake

A comment about the exterior styling of the new Impreza WRX: it seems as though everyone on your staff (and in other automotive press) HATES, DESPISES the way that the new WRX looks. I realize that opinions on exterior styling are opinions and opinions only, and that a car's "looks" are purely subjective.

But I just don't understand with this car. I really like the way it looks. I love the headlights. And I usually have very conservative opinions: give me the styling of a 1992 Toyota Corolla over a new Mercedes C-Class any day. And I usually agree with you guys on styling: I own a 2000 Mazda Protege, which you guys seemed to like the looks of pretty well. But you guys HATE the WRX. SO MUCH. Why? Nobody is complaining nearly as much about the new Celica, which I think is the most poorly designed car in history (that's exterior design — everything else about the new Celica sounds great).

I realize this is a trivial matter. I'm going to buy a WRX as soon as possible and sit and stare at it for hours, regardless of what others say. I've loved it since I first saw pictures of it months ago (it could be a little wider, but almost all modern cars are getting too tall and narrow for me). I just wonder why I'm hearing so many negative comments. Some samples from your own reviews: "it fails to offer aesthetically pleasing design," "The exterior styling is a bummer," "Would I ever purchase this car? No. I'd hate to start the morning by wrinkling my nose every time I approach the vehicle." Man, those are pretty strong comments. Can someone please explain why people hate it so much? And why don't they hate the new Celica? Or (yuck) the Focus?

Like you said, Blake, styling is subjective. For many of us, the bummer about the WRX is that we genuinely liked the previous version of the Impreza. Every time we see one on the road, all we can think is "give me one of those with the new WRX drivetrain." We find the previous version much cleaner, while the WRX looks too bulbous and busy, especially the headlights.

But as you know, we like everything else about the WRX, so if you like the styling, it sounds like you've found the perfect car. — Ed


Subject: Technically Speaking
From: Bill

I am writing to tell you how much I enjoy your website, but also offer some constructive criticism.

As a former car salesman I never cringed when someone walked in with a copy of Edmund's New Car Guide and a list of options they wanted. Many of my fellow salesmen called them "spiral notebook commandos." I welcomed the chance to deal with an informed consumer as opposed to someone who wanted a "great deal" but had no idea what that was. It saved a lot of time and resulted in repeat sales. Your website is a quantum leap forward from a consumer's standpoint. I have used it to help two of my sons get great deals in the last year, one new and one used.

Please consider this advice in the manner it is offered. I like the job you do, but think you can do better:

1. More technical info in your reviews. For instance, cam drives (does it have a chain or belt; if belt, what is the replacement interval?). Many cars have very desirable features that are never mentioned. Did you know that Saturns have a spin-on transmission filter? I didn't either until my son bought one. These sound like small things, but can make a difference in choosing from a field of cars that are all very good.

2. Less editorial comments on styling. We can all decide that for ourselves, and quite frankly, could care less what you or anyone else think. It takes up space that could be used for other information (see above and below).

3. More info on repair histories. You don't need to try to become Consumer's Union on this, I always felt they ignored their own info and recommended cars they just liked anyway. But, some info would be helpful.

Regardless, I will continue to read Edmunds first when friends or relatives need help buying a car, but I look forward to seeing improvements.

We appreciate the kind words and suggestions. It sounds like you want more information related to the ownership and maintenance of vehicles. Our Ownership section covers very basic maintenance and repair issues, and we are currently in the process of finalizing a vast database that users will be able to access. This database will provide service schedules and repair costs for nearly every car sold in the U.S. It's a great suggestion, Bill, making us wonder if you are psychic? — Ed


Subject: Incentives and Newsletters
From: Tom

Many thanks for the great site and the email newsletter updates. Thanks especially for the "incentives and rebates by zip code," which I just discovered for the first time this morning.

For those interested in learning more about the Edmunds.com Newsletter, and how it can help you save money when buying a car, go to our Newsletter page and simply enter your e-mail address. — Ed


Subject: Edmunds.com Sissified?
From: Jeannie

Located in the PT Cruiser long term review comments this month: "...effort required to push the exterior door handle buttons (you're not becoming a sissy, are you Brent?)..."

Don't you think that's a bit over the edge for a company of your otherwise professional stature??

Not when you consider that Brent was the author of said update. If he wants to call himself a sissy, we're not going to stop him; especially if we agree. — Ed


Subject: Get That Great Cavalier Feeling
From: Dave

You are continually "trashing" the Cavalier, but this car is one terrific value. (Just as a Chevy should be.) I bought a 2001 Cavalier Z24 in Illinois in April and drove it 2500 miles to California to take over a six months+ temporary assignment. This little car amazed me. It was quite comfortable for a trip done in 2 1/2 days. The power and torque of the Quad 4/150 hp engine let it charge up those mountain passes with the best of them. The mileage was in the 28-mpg range at speeds of 75 mph. (Wyoming is pretty desolate.) The car now has 5,000 miles on it and has been trouble free. The engine is a little noisy, but the performance will match anything in its class and beat most. The young Asian guys here in California love this car with its Ultra Silver paint and dark tinted windows. By the way I am 63 years old and a certified "gear head" who has owned about 90 cars, the first being a 50 Chevy. Looks like I'll be buried in my little Chevy. It's one heck of a car for the money. I own two other luxury cars I left in Illinois, but this Cavalier is really fun and loves to visit the local wineries. GM needs to learn how to market the Cavalier. It's one tough little car that performs in the Z24 package.

You might take a look at last year's Economy Sedan Comparison Test in which the 2000 Cavalier finished ahead of the Dodge Neon, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic of the same model year. Still, it finished behind the Daewoo Nubira, Mazda Protege, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra.

You're absolutely correct about the Z24 making great horsepower for its class, and we won't dispute your gas mileage figures. The problem with the Cavalier is that it's the oldest vehicle in this segment. The car hasn't seen a major upgrade since 1995. Horsepower and trunk space count for plenty, but so do seat comfort, interior ergonomics, build quality and rear disc brakes (that last item doesn't even come on your Z24 performance version of the Cavalier).

Chevy should be updating the car in 2003, at which time we'll re-evaluate how it stacks up to the competition. — Ed


Subject: Dude, Your Xterra Report So Bummed Me Out!
From: Xavier

I would like to point out a few reasons why Edmunds.com "reviews" mean nothing in terms of reality. I believe the problem starts with assigning road test editors like Liz Kim to review vehicles for which they have no perspective. Liz, like many people, is ignorant to the fact the Xterra was NOT designed with fetching groceries in mind. The Xterra is built to travel off-road, to haul gear and people away from those "around town errands."

I take offense to the comment that Xterra owners are greasy haired surfer retards or stuck up soccer moms from Napa. I am a professional in the Information Technology industry and I take my Xterra off-road nearly every weekend. Believe it or not, there are some people out there who are tired of the low-rider, leather and wood trim "utility" vehicles that wouldn't last an hour in the woods.

Wouldn't Liz have better served your readers by taking the truck to the mountains or the desert instead of driving her snotty clique down the freeway? Yes the Xterra is slow, and yes there is body roll and yes there is a high step up; but the reality is that the Xterra is a four T-H-O-U-S-A-N-D pound truck with actual ground clearance. It's not a racecar, but then again, it was not designed for that now was it?

Next time, get the SE model so Liz's friend can fix her make-up in the standard passenger vanity mirror.

No perspective, eh? Well, Liz had just completed a mini-SUV comparison test before driving the Xterra, which is probably what led her to the conclusion that, and I quote, "There are two types of people who buy them [mini-SUVS]. First, there are the ones for whom 'Duuuude, let's go rock climbing and have really greasy, unkempt hair' is a regular utterance, like in those Mountain Dew commercials. Then there are those buyers like her friend, who just purchased a Honda CR-V that will never see a dirt road rougher than the gravel driveway to a vineyard in Napa Valley." Note that she never refers to anyone as a retard.

She then goes on to explain that while the Xterra is quite capable off road, it's not a vehicle that she has any interest in, and suspects that the majority of mini-SUV buyers, like her friend in Napa Valley, would feel the same. The sales figures of the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape (two mini-SUVs that are far more car-like, or as you might say, "low-rider, leather and wood trim 'utility' vehicles that wouldn't last an hour in the woods") suggest that Ms. Kim's assertion is correct.

So, in answer to your question: No, it wouldn't have served our readers to drive the Xterra to the mountains. Several of our more off-road-oriented editors have already done that (see our December 1999 long-term update for one example). It was more effective for her to drive it the way a large percentage of potential mini-SUV buyers will (in-town errands, hauling people and the like) and then comment on the experience. — Ed


Subject: Thank You!
From: Christine

I just wanted to thank you so much for all the help your site has given me. Before purchasing a car, I spent lots of time on Edmunds.com researching the vehicle I wanted. Your articles on negotiation and the TMV calculator were a huge help! As of last night I am now a proud owner of a 2001 VW Jetta GLS. Not only that, I was able to get an awesome deal on the car — $851 below invoice price!