That makes the 230-horsepower High Output turbo feel like a bigger engine, even though it isn't. Some clever car writer, in search of a colorful metaphor to describe a particularly dull vehicle, called it an appliance. The vehicle weighs 3300 pounds and drives and feels heavy, in fact it has a truck chassis. Exterior styling is revised with new front and rear fascias, as well as new wheel designs. The office… A disservice was once done to a great friend of mankind, the appliance. We'd describe it as peppy.
A more affordable 180-horsepower turbo is also available. The Limited ups the ante with upgraded seats with six-way power adjustment for the driver , side airbags, a moonroof, cruise control and chrome wheels. In short, we like the manual better than the automatic. Finally traced problem to corroded evaporator. The rear suspension design maximizes cargo space, but the twist-beam rear axle bounces a bit on rough pavement and the chassis does not feel rigid. Current statistics show that a large percentage of all cars on the road have a negative history.
Leather sport seats are also standard. Suitcase handles and steel wheels make it easier to stash the rear seats in the garage and move them about. Yet with 63 inches from the pavement to the highest point of its roof, the Cruiser sedan is also 7 inches taller than the Neon, and nearly as tall as some minivans. A bonus of the Cruiser's tall profile is its upright seating position, with a fairly high view ahead, somewhat like a sport-utility vehicle or minivan. Drop the top and the gangstermobile turns into a chick car. Some clever car writer, in search of a colorful metaphor to describe a particularly dull vehicle, called it an appliance.
A Neon is a much better choice for lapping road circuits or blasting down country roads. Although some of the earlier models have had their share of problems I've had almost none. Its affordability increases its appeal. Optional on Touring and Limited models is a turbocharged version of that engine, which puts out 180 hp. A revised interior features newly upholstered seats, a restyled instrument panel with larger gauges, rotating air vents, an analog clock, and a larger glove box. These are just two examples.
It's more composed than the typical sport-utility or minivan in sudden lane-change maneuvers, but it really is more of a cruiser than a sports machine. The engine's peak torque is reached at a relatively high 4000 rpm. Roominess is a virtue in the Cruiser. With properly timed dips of the accelerator, there's enough power for safe, clean overtaking on two-lane roads. It looks like a chopped-top gangster-mobile with the top up and puts the wind in your hair with the top down. It doesn't fit within existing automotive marketing segments.
Radiator fan, then the radiator, then hoses, then control arm and bearing - now rear sway bar. The glove box capacity is increased, and the door has a dampened movement. The front belts have pyrotechnically charged tensioners, just like in luxury cars, to tighten the belts for the initial stages of an impact. However, its steering felt slow, and while handling was secure it was not agile. The roof rises toward the rear like on a chopped-top hot rod. Pricier turbocharged models add fire under the hood.
With properly timed dips of the accelerator, there's enough power for safe, clean overtaking on two-lane roads. The automatic isn't as effective as the five-speed at getting the base Cruiser cruising, because the engine's power is biased toward higher rpm, which is not where automatics work best. It's available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Roomy seats make it great for four passengers, but its trunk is tiny and awkward. A mountain bike fits with the rear seats removed; take the front wheel of the bike and you can leave the rear seats in place. Accessory switches are concentrated in the center panel, with radial-type climate control dials at the bottom. That improves performance with the automatic considerably.
They had to drive for two weeks. And its practicality often closes the deal with a roomy, versatile interior that makes the price easy to justify. It was very clean and only had 48000 mi. The front seats in the three lower-line models have a reasonable amount of bolstering to keep driver and passenger from sliding side to side. The five-door model's tall body boasts lots of room for people and cargo. Therewith, they are able to protect themselves against used vehicle fraud and especially against mileage inconsistencies.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle. I started to hear a noise in the front end and the engine was shaking so, I figured I would have it looked at when I got my next check. A new body-color spoiler on the liftgate provides improved aerodynamics. Window switches are still high in the center stack, inconvenient for quick operation, forcing the driver to search for them. I swear, we've paid more in repairs at this point than we paid for the car. Mechanic says the plastic inside is probably cracked. The front seats in the three lower-line models have a reasonable amount of bolstering to keep driver and passenger from sliding side to side.