Teresa’s View
It was a good year to be an automotive journalist. Manufacturers introduced new cars, trucks and SUVs at a dizzying pace while giving some of the standbys major redesigns. From the newest of the new offerings to the slickest of the redesigns, 2005 was one for the record books.
Trucks seemed to be making a big comeback. A quarter of the all-new vehicles we reviewed last year were trucks — all of them midsize. Mitsubishi and Honda launched the Raider and Ridgeline, respectively. Although the Raider is Mitsubishi’s only truck offering, they have sold compact rigs in this country previously. However, the Ridgeline represents Honda’s first foray into the truck market and they did it in typical Honda fashion, introducing many innovative features.
The manufacturers of sport-utes seemed to concentrate on refreshing rather than expanding their lineups. We reviewed three new SUVs — the Hyundai Tucson, Land Rover LR3 and the Pontiac Torrent, plus updated models from Jeep, Ford, Kia and Mercedes.
The Car Geek word of the Year had to be “hybrid.” This year we witnessed the first hybrid sport-ute. Based on the RX 330, the RX 400h from Lexus is powered by an advanced hybrid technology that combines a V-6 engine and an electric drive motor-generator for improved gas mileage and lower emissions than conventional models. We also learned that just because a vehicle is a hybrid doesn’t mean it’s a wimp. The Toyota Highlander hybrid, for example, is more powerful than the gas-only version.
Surprise of the Year: One of my favs for 2005 was the revised Ford Mustang. From its distinctive fastback profile to the three-element lights on its tail, the car’s first serious redesign in over 40 years is not just a nod to Mustangs of the past. The ‘Stang is faster, safer and more agile than ever.
Most Improved: My vote is the Suzuki Grand Vitara for its improved fit-and-finish, attention to detail and tasteful touches.
Best Imitation of a Minivan: The Pontiac Torrent’s minivan-esque interior features sliding rear seats that can be moved back for maximum passenger space or forward for increased cargo room.
Best Use of Electricity: Toyota engineers put that electric energy to work on the Highlander hybrid, introducing the world’s first application of electric four-wheel-drive, electronic air conditioning and power steering.
Favorite Feature: I was absolutely enthralled with the heated windshield wipers on the retooled Subaru Outback.
Best Accessory: HUMMER eau de toilette.
Best Acronym: The name of Chevy’s HHR stands for “Heritage High Roof,” referring to its distinctive, delivery van-style roofline and Suburban heritage.
What’s Your Name?: The roadster formerly known as the Mazda Miata, now goes by a trendy alphanumeric designation: MX-5. There’s still no storage space in it.