New cars for 2003: automakers upgrade safety and technology features - Automobiles - Buyers Guide

Ebony, Nov, 2002

FROM DVD entertainment systems to electronic traction control to James Bond-like tracking features, the 2003 cars are hi-tech delights, and automakers are betting that new safety and security features, greater performance and added goodies will make them irresistible to buyers.

Chrysler, Ford and General Motors continue to make strides in safety features, including standard features like heightened traction control, theft-deterrent systems, front and side air bags and the OnStar safety and security network system.

Foreign and domestic car manufacturers offer various financing offers, including lease programs and extended warranties that give buyers the chance to choose from a wide variety of makes and models.

So look inside. You might just find the car of your dreams.

The Chrysler 300M is the most powerful version of the car to date with a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 255 horsepower. Enhances safety features include next-generation driver and front passenger air bags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, vehicle theft-deterrent system with engine immobilizer and optional fron and side air bags.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Lincoln LS, redesigned for 2003, sports a standard 3.0-liter V8, power-adjustable pedals, an electronic parking brake and a fuel tank capacity of 18 gallons. Available options include a DVD-navigation system and new LucasFilm THX[TM] premium audio system.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Cadillac CTS is the new sports sedan for the 21st century. The CTS sports a 3.2-liter V6 engine, a lean, chiseled body with sharp edges and crisp intersecting lines, an information display and a six-speaker Bose audio system. The Luxury and Luxury Sport packages come with an eight-way, power-adjustable passenger seat, a memory system that manages seat adjustments and steering wheel with four fingertip-control programmable buttons.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Dodge Neon SRT-4, second only to the Viper in quickness, takes compact sport sedans to a whole new level. The SRT-4 includes a 2-4 liter turbocharged engine, 17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a pronounced rear spoiler and leather steering wheel.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The classic Chevy Impala includes a 3.4-liter V6 engine, 16-inch wheels and 18.6 cubic feet of trunk space. The LS model features a driver's side-impact air bag, remote keyless entry, traction control, tire-inflation monitoring system and antilock brakes.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The reliable Ford Taurus comes with a 3.0-liter engine, award-winning safety features and an AM/FM stereo with cassette deck. The sportier SES model includes a V6 engine, a rear spoiler and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The smart, mid-size Chevy Malibu features a 3.l-liter V6 engine, programmable power door locks, an electric rear window defogger and AM/FM stereo radio with CD player. LS customers also get cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry, custom cloth bucket seats, split-folding rear seat, fog lamps and 15-inch cast aluminum wheels.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The all-new 2003 Pontiac Grand Am includes a sporty new redesign to appeal to younger buyers. A 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine comes standard and can be upgraded to a 3.4-liter Ram Air V6 on the GT models. All models include programmable door locks with lockout protection, battery rundown protection, an electric remote trunk release, a sealed-for-life transmission and illuminated entry with theater dimming.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The full-size Pontiac Grand Prix comes with a 3.1-liter V6 engine, four-wheel independent suspension and standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. A trip computer and head-up display comes standard on the GTP Sedan, which features readouts for speedometer and indicators for turn signals, hi-beam, low fuel, check gauges, radio frequency and disc/track display.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The award-winning Ford Thunderbird continues to turn heads with its tuned-up 286-horsepower, 3.9-liter V8 engine. New features for 2003 include standard all-speed traction control, full leather saddle seats and new exterior colors: Mountain Shadow Grey and Desert Sky Blue.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Chrysler PT Cruiser now includes a 215-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine, four-wheel disc brakes and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels. An AM/FM radio with in-dash six-disc CD changer is optional on all PT Cruiser models.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Mercedes S430 sedan uses a 275-horsepower, 4.3-liter V8 engine and comes fully equipped with Airmatic air suspension, GPS navigation, Tele Aid, full leather upholstery, Bose audio system, ESP Stability Program and sunroof.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Volvo S60, a mid-size sports sedan, includes a 2.4-liter engine, leather steering wheel and gearshift knob and AM/FM radio with CD and cassette deck. The S60 comes in three new colors: Titanium Grey, Ruby Red and Crystal Green.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The all-new Jaguar S-Type comes with a revised 3.0-liter V6 engine and a completely redesigned interior, including an optional touch screen display and enhanced safety features. Drivers looking for more power can upgrade to the supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engine, which produces up to 400 horsepower.