Acura TL Type-S

"...The car is extremely quiet, except for some tire noise on a short rough stretch of pavement on the interstate. I had a '99 Toyota Solara SLE V6 before this and a '98 Honda Accord EX V6 before that. Both were fine cars, but neither car compares to this TL-S, and I personally believe the price difference is worth it if you like a fast touring sedan that handles well. Reminds me a little of my brother's Seville STS except the TL-S handles so much better and is lot cheaper..."-- harleybiker, "Acura TL-S - New for 2002!", #220 of 337, March 29, 2001

"...I drove one and couldn't believe that it was as fast and handled as well as the CL-S. Main differences in my mind are that the CL's seats have more bolstering but [the cabin] has less headroom, and the CL rides a little firmer than the TL. The big hook for me was that I could lease a 2002 TL-S for less money than the 2001 CL-S!!?? The dealer said it had to do with the residuals; the TL would be worth more than the CL at the end of the lease (about $3K more)..."-- ltfitzgerald, "Acura TL-S - New for 2002!", #195 of 337, March 23, 2001

"...how 'bout lookin' at the odometer and seeing 110 on the dial...punch it (for a few seconds) and still have room to go aggressively? Had the 2000 TL...oh, what a difference....best $8,500 (plus tax, title and license) I have ever spent..." -- acuraman3, "Acura TL-S - New for 2002!", #330 of 337, April 30, 2001

"...Drove the 2001 TL first, and looking to upgrade from a 95 Maxima SE, decided that it was worse, and definitely not worth the extra money. Then, we drove the TL-S and it was a world of a difference, starting with the seats and suspension. The TL-S is actually a lot more comfortable [than the TL] going over bumps." -- antonk, "Acura TL-S - New for 2002!", #336 of 337, April 20, 2001

BMW 330i

"...My 330i (even hindered with the offending automatic transmission) flat-out hauls ass. I'm not racing it on weekends, or racing it anywhere for that matter, and the power I have underfoot is pretty damn impressive. Unless you're really into racing your car around, I'm not sure the manual is necessary. I, too, have driven cars with manual transmissions almost exclusively for nearly 20 years now, and I can honestly say that I don't miss it with this car. It's a VERY good automatic transmission and the Steptronic allows you the thrills of manual shifting when you want them..."-- ds2k1, "BMW 3-Series," #1546 of 2095, April 14, 2001

"...This is a machine, not a car. The precision with which this machine is built is awesome. I have to say that I did have a few minor irritating problems with the 323i, but the 330, wow.... How anybody can compare the Lexus to a BMW is still beyond me, but I guess some people have to root for the underdog." -- brandon15, "BMW 3-Series," #635 of 2098, Feb. 5, 2001

"...The car drives absolutely incredible. The seats in the sports package are way too comfortable. The engine power is there when needed. Putting the car in sport mode is a boost to the ego. Reaching 80 on the highway happens to soon. I highly suggest the optional Xenon headlights. There is a big difference from the regular headlights...The only negative so far is the front armrest. Not very long and very short on storage." -- dparis1, "BMW 3-Series," #29 of 2100, Oct. 12, 2000

"...I have a 330i five-speed, and while the clutch does require some more attention than that of, say, an Acura Integra, I have not noticed that it is 'fuzzy' or otherwise less than smooth. In fact, I had some friends riding in the back seat this past weekend, and one of them asked if the car was an automatic..." -- lexbarbara, "BMW 3-Series Research, Part 2," #590 of 1120, Dec. 4, 2000

Cadillac Catera Sport

"...this now 14-month old car has distinguished itself among the many, many new car purchases by family and friends over the last couple of decades as being the only car within that realm of experience to have been completely flawless, from delivery until now, 14 months later...Absolutely nothing has needed attention...." -- gearman, "Cadillac Catera," #247 of 388, Feb. 22, 2001

"...I have had this car for two months now and have loved every minute behind the wheel. My only problem is that my wife likes driving this car too!" -- rcoos, "Cadillac Catera," #388 of 388, April 22, 2001

"...Fell in love and have had four months of fun, trouble-free driving...I cannot wait for the CTS for the added power, but hey, if I wanted power I'd get a Vette! For luxury, style, safety, accommodations and adequate performance, the Catera is the car for me!" -- vader4, "Cadillac Catera," #44 of 388, Sept. 1, 2000

"...Been into the dealership for late upshifts.... It is also dangerous when it shifts out of first if you are on ice or snow. All of a sudden, all that torque that you really didn't want. The [automatic climate control] just flat doesn't hold a temp. [When the system is set] on auto, the fan won't blow at its highest position regardless of the temperature difference...For the first 10 or 15 miles, the car rumbles in cold weather. It is most pronounced at 25 to 30 mph. Already been in for the alignment and two new tires. Three times it has stalled when pulling into a parking place leaving me with no power steering. Five times it has hesitated when pulling into traffic to the point that folks honked at me for pulling out and then going slowly... One way or the other, I will rid myself of this car."-- dickb77, "Cadillac Catera," #197 of 388, Jan. 22, 2001

Infiniti I30t

"...Very happy with the car. I was comparing it to the Passat and Maxima and found the I30 very close in price, yet offering a lot more room and nicer appointments. I have not found one flaw; plus, it delivers great fuel economy, 27 on her first road trip. This one is a keeper." -- suedegreen, "Infiniti I30," #30 of 873, Sept. 9, 2000

"...When I told my partner at work I was going to buy an I30, she said, 'That is an old man car!' ...I like the car -- yet it does feel a bit heavy to me and less agile than some others... When I test-drove the I30 a couple of times, I really thought it was the right car -- stable, sturdy, quick and agile. After driving it for a month now, it has two out of the four. I don't know, could be a mid life crisis a year early -- will be 30 next year. Thinking I might have gotten something a little sportier...I am happy overall with the I30, but it's not as great a joy to drive at this point as I thought [it would be]...." -- hulkster2, "Infiniti I30," #329 of 874, Nov. 23, 2000

"...I thought the I30 was more luxurious, roomier and had a great Bose sound system and a more refined [interior]... The TL is definitely sportier, but I was more interested in the overall luxury feel of my next car. With that criteria, I believe the I30 wins hands-down. Also, the TL is cheaper, but the difference in luxury and quality made it a non-factor in my purchase."-- pql1, "Infiniti I30," #781 of 876, April 9, 2001

"...The I30 is for someone who doesn't feel the need to follow the pack. Someone who wants a reliable car, with little maintenance cost, nice performance, room, creature comforts, knows the car/engine will last for 15 years, and for a great price! You cannot find a similar car for less than 30K!!! ...The upkeep of this car is so simple. I just change my own oil, and that's it! No service costs to speak of. So don't concentrate on the little sounds or occasional rattle (we both don't have any significant ones), just drive the car and enjoy it -- knowing that you got a bargain!!" -- sascuderi, "Infiniti I30," #332 of 874, Nov. 23, 2000

Lexus IS 300

"...After sitting in the showroom model, I fell in love with the interior. It was a truly unique car, and the inside is really neat, especially for someone my age (23). After test driving the car, I found that the Lexus was right on par with the Bimmer's handling. It made for an unbelievably smooth ride and was a bit faster than the 325...It is more fun to drive than the 325, perhaps because it is a younger person's car. I simply love this car. The BMW 325 is probably a bit nicer in some areas, but it is a comparable car.... If you can't afford the 325 at $35-$37,000, the IS 300 is a great car at $32-35,000...The handling between the two vehicles is second to none. Lexus did an unbelievable job in making this car (it is not a old-man's Lexus) and what a great position to be in! If you are choosing between an IS 300 and a BMW... you can't go wrong! I would look at your age, though. As a young man, the Lexus is a bit more versatile and sportier feeling, whereas my sister's 325 feels more posh and sophisticated. It depends on what sort of car you want -- a fun high quality sporty car or a slightly less fun, more well groomed sporty car...." -- longhorn8, "Lexus IS 300," #443 of 586, March 2, 2001

"...It is a very well built, sporty looking car. The ride and performance are very impressive. Standard six-disc CD changer and Xenon lights (cost about 2-3K for a Bimmer or Mercedes as optional equipment). For a car that is around 35K out the door fully loaded, you can't beat that (except if you like the look of the Acura CL or TL). The downside for this car would be that it takes a lot of gas, but it is extremely fun...." -- cdm2, "Lexus IS 300," #466 of 586, March 15, 2001

"...The two cars are basically identical -- size, handling, performance, build quality. ...The Lexus dealer was willing to negotiate on the price, not so much at BMW. We felt the BMW was noisier during acceleration, and not quite as fast (both cars had the automatic transmission...Advantages for the BMW: Driver seat memory for the power seats; head curtain airbags; trip computer; center armrest and free scheduled maintenance for 36 months. Advantages for the Lexus: Automatic headlights; six-disc, in-dash CD changer ($600 more for BMW trunk-mounted changer); security system (BMW dealer-installed system is $450); six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty; Lexus quality reputation a bit better and quieter ride (lower DBA levels in tests)...But if you are anything like us, money doesn't come cheap, so I see no reason to pay about $4,000 more (actual buy prices) for the BMW. I think BMW has finally met its match!" -- scott155, "Lexus IS 300," #483 of 586, March 22, 2001

"...On the topic of BMW versus IS 300, I drove both the 330 and 325 and felt that the 330 cornered slightly better, and I liked the looks a little better, and it had a slightly more comfortable interior. Notice these were all slight advantages. Then, I looked at the sticker and concluded that the advantages were not worth the extra $9,000 or so. By the way, I thought the IS accelerated better, had a better transmission, and the 'Sport Shift' was light years better than the BMW's (IMO). If the 330 were the same price, I would probably have a BMW. But it is not, and so I had to compare the IS with the 325. No comparison...You have to be in the right market segment to like the IS. The interior is modern, comfortable, edgy, but not overly luxurious like a GS or ES. It is that way by design. One final thought. Due to its price, the 330 should be compared to the C320 and GS 300, not the IS. The IS should be compared to the 325. That is my opinion, because the cost of the car definitely matters to me." -- investormb, "Lexus IS 300," #235 of 586, Oct. 11, 2000

Lincoln LS V8 (2000 or 2001)

"...Don't get me wrong, I love my LS and really have few complaints. But when my lease is up, I'll need a few more goodies to keep me in one. (1) More horsepower and torque at lower rpm. Funny, but I rarely see the 6,100 (or 4,300) rpm required to get all 252 horsepower (or 267 foot-pounds of torque). (2) A new auto tranny, or a manual for the V8. The auto is OK most of the time, but sometimes it does something weird that just makes me scratch my head. (3) Improved fit and finish." -- dbossman, "Lincoln LS - Part X," #157 of 765, Sept. 29, 2000

"...The V8 has really 'long legs' and gets quite good gas mileage on the highway (24-27 mpg), but stoplight-to-stoplight traffic is its nemesis. Don't count on much over 15 mpg during stop-and-go driving. If you expect to take a lot of long trips, and especially, if you'll be driving on a lot of two-lane roads where high-speed passing acceleration is important, the V8 is in its element. The acceleration from 70 on up to triple-digit speeds feels like an airliner on take-off. It makes difficult overtaking situations much safer. Out here in the West, the extra power also shows up on those long mountain grades, and when the air gets thin, the V8's extra power makes up for the loss of power experienced by normally aspirated engines that starts to become noticeable above 7000 feet...In contrast with the LS V8 which seems to get more excited the faster it goes..." -- reneleblanc, "Lincoln LS - Part IX," #563 of 848, Sept. 21, 2000

"...She then said to take the car on an extended test drive up some twisty roads at speed to check out the neutral handling characteristics. All the time I was in the car I kept telling myself, 'This can't be a Lincoln.' I bought the car that night, two hours later. Since October, I have logged 24,000 miles in my daily from Canyon Lake to Irvine going over Ortega Highway, which is a very curvy road. I have not regretted buying the LS instead of the BMW, Lexus or Mercedes. The LS is fine for 9/10 of the driving I do and definitely more than adequate for the daily drive that I have to put up with. I love manual transmission cars and have had nothing but manuals up to now, but I wouldn't trade the automatic for a manual. Shifting this automatic through the turns works for me (used to race SCCA Showroom Stock in the old days). Do wish the LS had more power and I can't stand the Firehawk tires. I'll be replacing them soon with Pirelli Pzeros, which should improve the road holding immensely...Most of us would be willing to pay an extra $10 grand to get a higher-end performance model, along the lines of an M-car. Let the folks at SVT have some time with the LS. Maybe they can come up with a LSS model (Lincoln SUPER Sport)." -- ls1bmw0, "Lincoln LS - Part IX," #24 of 848, Sept. 1, 2000

"...The LS handles wonderfully. In many ways, it's put together like the cheapest car Ford makes, but the handling is impeccable...." -- cdnpinhead, "Lincoln LS - Part XI," #132 of 820, Oct. 23, 2000

Mazda Millenia S

"...I would personally suggest the '01 Millenia S, because it has a few extra goodies that will be worth your while. I have thoroughly test driven the 3.2 TL, ES 300 and I30 and can attest that each vehicle is more or less comparable to one another for the most part. However, the Millenia's Miller Cycle Engine provided stronger and smoother highway throttle response than the other cars I mentioned, as a result of it utilizing a centrifugal supercharger...The last thing to keep in mind is that Millenias tend to have a lower trade-in/resale value in comparison the other vehicles I compared it to. Besides that, it's an all-around excellent vehicle." -- acabral1, "Mitsubishi Diamante vs. Mazda Millenia," #7 of 10, April 2, 2001

"...This is one of the nicest looking car on the road today (RX-7 is the best looking). Haven't had many problems with the car other than: (1) Small rattling noise on the rear roof areas.... (2) The materials on the door handle are chipped. (3) The auto-tilt steering wheel doesn't tilt up sometimes.... Other than that, the car is perfect. I love the attention I'm getting while driving this car, it's not a 'me too' car like Lexus ES (Camry twins) or Acura TL (ahem, Accord on steroids). The 17-inch wheels really make this car looks even more like a sport sedan..."-- csuftitans, "Mazda Millenia," #350 of 659, Dec. 29, 2000

"...It's a great car, superb pickup and all. The interior is pretty good as well. Wish they had a compass in there and a subwoofer for the stereo! The ride is brilliant, smooth and quiet, even when I'm doing 85-90. Impressive...." -- cepheuus, "Mazda Millenia," #645 of 659, April 25, 2001

Mercedes-Benz C320

"...This is the tightest, quietest car I have ever owned. Makes the 2000 model seem down right crude. (I owned a 2000 C280)." -- djasonw, "Mercedes-Benz C-Class," #2880 of 2912, May 1, 2001

"...On paper, the 240 has an adequate 177 foot-pounds of torque, but it peaks at a rather high 4,500 rpm. That would require a bit of patience in city driving like coming out of a corner. With three months of driving experience, I have found the 320 has more power than it needs for US driving. Starting from rest, the car can be a rocket if you push. At 80 mph with top gear, the engine has just reached 3,000 rpm where the peak torque plateau starts. With that much reserve power, passing is never a struggle. The downside is I am only getting around 20 mpg...At freeway speeds, the cabin is quiet. There isn't much engine or wind noise. The leather seats provide the best support we have ever experienced. They are supportive and yet soft. Overall driving visibility from inside is good, except the A and B pillars are too thick...Think most of the new C owners are first attracted by the C's headlight design, and, indeed, the headlights are one of the best I have used. They are bright, even and with good cutoff points. It provides seamless light pattern when switched between low and high beam...I don't find the steering wheel control buttons (up/down, page up/down) very useful while driving, because they control too many features. [Using them] requires constant monitoring of the display panel and is a serious driving distraction..."-- tlam625, "Mercedes-Benz C-Class," #1514 of 2912, Feb. 27, 2001

"...I love it. It is made extremely well. I have about 500 miles on it, and I've had no problems with it whatsoever. The breaks do squeak for about 15 or 20 minutes when it's really cold, and then, they are fine. I live in the Detroit area, so it's been very cold, thus putting my brakes to the test. I've not been in any real big snow yet, but it seems to hold the road reasonably well on the snowy roads I've been on...The car is a little smaller inside than I remembered from my test drives (four or five of them), but it is a very personal driving experience that I'm enjoying. I can't wait for better weather to more fully enjoy what the car has to offer. Just like most of you, I tried BMW, Volvo, Saab, Jaguar, Lexus, Audi and Acura, but MB was the best for my personal taste. I liked the way the dealership treated me, I like the confidence that friends have in the product (four current owners of MB products), and I like the car. When I sat it one for the first time, I knew it was right for me." -- pszilagyi, "Mercedes-Benz C-Class," #491 of 2912, Jan. 4, 2001

"...Just passed the six-month point with my C320. 4,800 miles. Absolutely no problems with anything, except the '12:03 steering wheel' which came with the car and was promptly realigned by the dealer...I was truly impressed with the 330i's (sport model) acceleration, handling, and braking, but on the other hand, I've never driven my car as hard (and won't). When it was all over, I was happy to drive away in my MB...." -- sandiegotom, "Mercedes-Benz C-Class," #2726 of 2912, April 24, 2001

Volvo S60

"...Cheers: High-rpm kick-in-the-butt turbo boost. Excellent fit and finish, almost like an Audi, better than small Bimmers. Feel of solidness, Bimmer-like thump going over expansion joints. Luxurious leather, comfortable seats. Cool color -- no one else here has golden cars. Silent, but not quite as silent as a Toyota. ECC works like a dream. Jeers: No rear legroom, No visibility to left hindquarters. Windshield gets scratched very easily. Imprecise steering, too much boost. High-frequency vibration from engine. No low-end torque whatsoever. Turbo lag. Quite useless manumatic -- the automatic mode cannot be beat. I would prefer the 2.4T's transmission, or selectable shift modes. Standard speakers are only so-so. FM radio sound quality." -- inssi, "The new Volvo S60 sedan," #260 of 377, Feb. 3, 2001

"...Prior to the S60, I was involved in a very serious car accident. I have two young children and I wanted a safe but sporty car. This fit the need. I have had no problems with the car. I have been impressed with the pick-up, ride and brakes. No rattles or thumping. I have found that there is understeer when I push its limits (which I rarely do). The interior has a nice, refined feel to it, and the stereo is different but once I read the owner's manual, I had no problems. This car is different from the BMW and Lexus. Basically, it doesn't have the true sports car feel that the BMW has, but it won't punish you like the BMW does with daily driving. It has a more luxurious feel than the Lexus, and I think it looks better inside and out." -- david167, "The new Volvo S60 sedan," #355 of 377, March 20, 2001

"...When the engine speed drops below 2,000 rpm, you will experience turbo lag. I mostly notice this when going around slow corners, or when accelerating from a stop -- not a problem really, just takes getting used to. The T5 really comes into its own at higher speeds. Regarding turbo-whine: I only notice that when first getting up to speed on a cold engine, and it is not very noticeable. Coming from a Maxima SE, I think my T5 (17-inch wheels) rides smoother. I was concerned about the ride, since I felt that the Maxima's was too harsh, and I almost went the 2.4T route. However, I am pleased with the T5's ride. Great trunk space: I have been very pleased with the trunk capacity on a couple of shopping trips lately. Folding the rear seats allows large boxes to be handled rather easily." -- john151, "The new Volvo S60 sedan," #348 of 377, March 18, 2001

"...What I like about the car: (1) Styling: I've always loved the styling of the S80 and I think the S60 looks even better. (2) Comfort: I've driven lots of cars and when it comes to long distance comfort, the Volvo seats are the best. This car is extremely comfortable. The S60's seats are infinitely adjustable, and with the tilt/telescoping wheel, it is easy to get into a supremely comfortable all-day driving position. (3) Value: Many people claim Volvos are expensive, but the value of the S60 is quite good. The Acura TL is a little better, but the Acura doesn't offer the whiplash reducing seats or the side inflatable curtains. All the other cars BMW, Audi, Benz were about $3,000 to $4,000 more expensive when equipped with close to the same options. (4) The handling of the car: The Volvo really feels sporty and unlike Volvos I've driven in the past, this car is actually fun to drive on twisty back roads...fast. (5) Safety: This car feels very substantial...(6) Front-wheel drive: I live in the hilly Northeast, and rear-wheel-drive cars are best left at home when the snow falls...(7) Power: Believe it or not, the base 168-horsepower engine is no slouch. If you are a drag racer, go with the 2.4T or T5. If you drive with passengers or kids, you'll be fine. What I don't like about the car: (1) The rear seat legroom was reduced from the older S70 model that the S60 replaces. It's not terrible, but it would be nice to have more rear seat stretch room. It's on par with the C-Class and the BMW 3 Series. (2) The armrest should be covered in leather or fabric, rather than plastic. (3) The brakes are very strong -- almost too strong -- and take an adjustment period to modulate properly. On the plus side, this car stops...fast..." -- mike1123, "The new Volvo S60 sedan," #367 of 377, April 2, 2001

--Edited by Erin Riches