Consumer Reports: What's Coming For 2004

A look ahead at new or redesigned models coming this year.

Lexus RX330

Most new models emphasize versatility, performance, or both. About 30 new or significantly redesigned models were introduced for 2003, about 20 of which were sport-utility vehicles. For 2004, there’s a more balanced spread of new SUVs, minivans, pickups, and cars coming to market. A move to more fuel-efficient hybrids and diesels is also budding, but those models will likely continue to be niche players for now. While we can’t rate vehicles we haven’t tested, we can give you a look at some noteworthy models that will be appearing in the coming months. Watch for full road tests of many of the following vehicles in future reports.

SUVs: THE CAR-BASED ADVANTAGE

Chrysler Pacifica

Car-based SUVs and similar crossover-type wagons make up the fastest-growing segment of the auto market. In our testing, we’ve found that in typical everyday driving--how most owners use SUVs--car-based models are notably better than traditional truck-based SUVs in ride comfort, handling, fuel economy, and ease of access. In fact, car-based models occupy all the top spots in our SUV Ratings.

New car-based SUVs include the wagonlike Chrysler Pacifica and Infiniti FX and the midsized Mitsubishi Endeavor. The Lexus RX300 is getting its first major redesign and will be designated the RX330 to reflect its larger 3.3-liter V6. Due to go on sale in April, the RX330 will offer a number of advanced safety features. These will include a rear-mounted video camera for backing up, driver-side knee air bags to keep the driver’s legs from hitting the dash in a collision, and adaptive headlights, which swivel while the vehicle is cornering to cast more illumination into the turn.

MINIVANS: NEW STYLING & FEATURES

The Nissan Quest's dash and exterior exhibit radical styling.

As a whole, minivans are the most space-efficient, versatile vehicles on the market. But for many people, they have a dull, domesticated image. Nissan is trying to change that perception with its revived Quest, which will go on sale this summer. Based on the same platform as the Nissan Altima sedan, the Quest will use bold, edgy styling that seems radical compared with other minivans.

Inside, the transmission shifter and controls for the audio and climate-control system will be located in a large, round, nearly horizontal center console. According to Nissan, a center-mounted gauge cluster allows a lower dash line in front of the driver for better visibility and makes room for a shallow storage area.

The redesigned Toyota Sienna is more conventional in styling but incorporates many good ideas from other vehicles. Its second-row seat includes a separate center section that can slide forward individually, allowing parents to position a child seat within easier reach of the front seats. Other options include a rear-mounted video camera, run-flat tires, and adaptive cruise control.

PICKUPS: BIG NEWS IN BIG TRUCKS

Ford F-150

There are two significant pickups coming in the next few months. The first, due this summer, will be Ford’s redesigned F-150, the country’s best-selling vehicle for the past two decades. Notable changes will include new styling, roomier cabins for the standard- and extended-cab versions, and adjustable pedals to help shorter drivers find a safe, comfortable driving position.

Nissan’s first full-sized truck, the Titan, is due late this fall. Available with an extended cab or crew cab, the Titan will offer a powerful 300-plus-hp, 5.6-liter V8 and be able to tow up to 9,400 pounds. The extended cab will provide a relatively roomy rear-seat area and rear doors that swing out nearly 180 degrees for easier access. A floor-mounted shifter will be offered in both the F-150 and the Titan.

SEDANS: EXTRA PERFORMANCE

While sedans are still the largest single segment of the auto market, with more than 80 models available, the percentage of overall sales has been gradually dropping as more buyers have moved to SUVs, minivans, and other light trucks. To increase their sedans’ appeal, automakers are spicing them up with better handling and more performance, and giving them improved driving positions. One example is the redesigned Honda Accord; the redesigned Nissan Maxima is expected to provide similar improvements.

The new Acura TSX, meanwhile, is a sports sedan intended to compete with the BMW 3-Series, and the Subaru WRX STi is essentially a street-legal rally car, with 300 hp, race-car handling, and all-wheel drive. Better handling not only makes a sedan more fun to drive, but typically adds to its safety by improving its accident-avoidance capabilities.

SPORTY CARS: MORE THAN SKIN DEEP?

Notable new sport coupes include the Chrysler Crossfire (which is based on the Mercedes-Benz SLK), the redesigned Ford Mustang, and the revived Pontiac GTO. They all offer sporty styling, but we’ll have to do full tests before we know how they compete in their class.

HYBRIDS: GATHERING MOMENTUM

In the next few years, gas/electric hybrid powertrains will begin to show up in a greater range of models. This fall, Ford will introduce its Escape Hybrid, the first hybrid SUV, which the company says will get about 40 mpg in city driving. In tests with current hybrids, however, our fuel-economy figures have been significantly lower than those claimed by the automakers and by the Environmental Protection Agency.

In January 2003, both General Motors and Toyota announced major hybrid programs. GM has developed three different hybrid systems, which will be offered in models such as the 2004 full-sized Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups and the 2005 Saturn VUE SUV.

In 2004, Toyota will offer a hybrid system in the Lexus RX330, which will use front and rear electric motors to supplement its gasoline-powered V6 and provide the benefits of all-wheel drive without the weight and drag of a conventional system.

Current hybrids cost about $3,000 more than similarly equipped conventional counterparts, although government incentives, including a $2,000 IRS tax deduction, help defray the cost.

DIESELS: MAKING A COMEBACK?

While diesel-powered passenger cars are common in Europe, Volkswagen is the only automaker selling them in the U.S. Next year, however, DaimlerChrysler will reintroduce a diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and Jeep Liberty SUV. Diesels typically get about 25 to 30 percent better fuel economy than a similar-sized gasoline engine and help automakers meet federal fuel-economy standards by offsetting larger, less fuel-efficient models. New technology is making diesel emissions cleaner, but they still produce more smog-causing emissions, such as particulates and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), than comparable gasoline engines.

HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS: A LONG WAIT

The best long-range alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles are ones that are powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Such cars produce water vapor or very low emissions. In January 2003, President Bush reiterated his commitment to spend millions of dollars on fuel-cell development. Don’t look for fuel-cell vehicles in the short term, however. Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota now have very limited sales or leasing programs for a few early-production fuel-cell models, but affordable versions for everyday use are still at least a decade away.