Monthly Archives: February 2003

Test Drive: 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS

Posted on February 28, 2003 by Chris

Photo: Mitsubishi, Click image to enlarge by Greg Wilson Comfortable, easy to drive compact SUV is appealing It doesn’t seem that long ago that the only compact sport-utility vehicles on the market were the venerable Jeep YJ and the way-ahead-of-its-time … Continue reading →

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Auto Tech: PAX run-flat tires

Posted on February 26, 2003 by Paul Williams

by Jim Kerr PAX. The word may not mean much now, but if the tire manufacturers are right, this word may become as common in our vocabulary as Kleenex is. PAX is a tire system that offers several advantages over … Continue reading →

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Test Drive: 2003 Mazda Protegé5

Posted on February 25, 2003 by Chris

Photo: Laurance Yap. Click image to enlarge by Haney Louka Sport Mode almost makes automatic fun You’ll rarely find me endorsing a small car equipped with an automatic transmission, but in the case of this Protegé5, Mazda has done a … Continue reading →

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Careful makeover aims to keep F-150 the world’s top-selling vehicle

Posted on February 24, 2003 by Autos

2004 Ford F-150 XLT. Click image to enlarge by Craig M. Lee If you like pickup trucks, you’re among the largest, most loyal and conservative customer base in all of auto-dom. Large? Consider that Ford’s F-150 has been the best-selling … Continue reading →

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Test Drive: 2003 Volvo XC90

Posted on February 21, 2003 by Chris

Photo: Laurance Yap. Click image to enlarge by Greg Wilson Pricey XC90 is a luxury wagon for all seasons Though a bit late to the party, Volvo has joined the ranks of other luxury automakers such as BMW, Mercedes, and … Continue reading →

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Used Vehicle Review: Toyota Avalon, 2000-2003

Posted on February 20, 2003 by Chris

Few used cars are as likely to be trouble-free as the Toyota Avalon, which last received a complete makeover for 2000. Some have called the Avalon a Lexus with Toyota badging, and I think it’s a relative bargain. With a little work, you should be able to find a three- or four-year-old Avalon for about half its original sticker price. Continue reading →

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Feature: Autos readers choose their Dream Cars!

Posted on February 20, 2003 by Chris

BMW M5, the practical dream car of choice. Click image to enlarge By Paul Williams In January’s dream car article, we asked, “What is the car you’d most like to own?” This is a question that car nuts wrestle with … Continue reading →

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Auto Tech: Installing windshield glass

Posted on February 19, 2003 by Paul Williams

by Jim Kerr I just had a new windshield put in my truck. Last summer a big stone had a disagreement with the windshield and now cracks were starting to spread across my field of vision. Not only were the … Continue reading →

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First Drive: 2004 Nissan Maxima

Posted on February 19, 2003 by Autos

Photo: Laurance Yap, Click image to enlarge by Paul Williams photos by Paul Williams and Laurance Yap Los Angeles, California – Peeling around corners in an orange 2004 Maxima is a great way to test the new Nissan’s handling, and … Continue reading →

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First Drive: 2004 Chrysler Pacifica

Posted on February 19, 2003 by Autos

Click image to enlarge by Paul Williams photos by Paul Williams San Diego, California – “The new face of Chrysler.” It’s a term you’ll be hearing a lot, and it refers to more than the restyled grille and headlights that … Continue reading →

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Used Vehicle Review: Porsche Boxster, 1997-2003

Posted on February 19, 2003 by Chris

Since Boxster production began in late 1996, Porsche has documented a number of niggling issues – from clicking noises in the instrument panel to cranky door locks, seat cushion covers that become uneven, cracking oil filler hoses, vibrating rear windows, scratchy clutch pedals, and so on. Yet the fundamentals appear to have remained sound as this mid-engine roadster carries on into its eighth year of production. Continue reading →

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Used Vehicle Review: Pontiac Grand Am, 1999-2003

Posted on February 19, 2003 by Chris

For the 1999 model year, Pontiac made sweeping structural changes to its top-selling car, the Grand Am – including a wider and stiffer body platform with a longer wheelbase. The structural changes allowed more interior room, especially for rear passengers and improved its ride and handling characteristics. Used car shoppers can pick up this sporty looking car at bargain basement prices today. Continue reading →

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Used Vehicle Review: Pontiac Aztek, 2001-2003

Posted on February 19, 2003 by Chris

It had been three years since I first drove the Pontiac Aztek, so when the chance came to take the wheel I jumped. And you know, the oft-maligned Aztek is not a bad new vehicle at all. It’s spacious inside, quite versatile, delivers a reasonably comfortable ride, offers good towing capacity for its class and the 3.4-litre V6 engine (185 horsepower) mated to a four-speed automatic transmission delivers peppy performance. Continue reading →

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