1999 Ad

Ebony, Nov, 1998

Refined. That's the catchword for the 1999 model year, as car companies for the most part have foregone wholesale changes to their vehicles, choosing instead to improve existing makes and models.

As a result, 1999 cars offer much more than the 1998 versions, and are even more exciting and satisfying to drive. At the top of the list of changes are performance and comfort improvements. Engines in many cars also have been pepped up for the 1999 model year. Optimizing horsepower and torque, motors now have more muscle and quicker acceleration than ever. At the same time automakers have attempted to make engines quieter than previous models.

This model year, more car companies are touting their cars as sleek, agile vehicles that are sporty and fun to drive. In other words, these cars look -- and feel -- like they can move.

Another new trend is cars that look similar to predecessors decades ago. Classic long hoods, more defined wheel arches and sculptured side are geared to consumers who long for cars of yesteryear.

With the family in mind, many improvements have been made to this year's fleet of minivans, including more car-like handling, dual sliding doors on many models, more cargo space and larger engines, which now make them perfect for cruising around town or towing a boat. Imports such as the Honda Odyssey and the Nissan Quest promise to make an impact on this very lucrative segment of the automobile industry.

Cadillac enters the highly lucrative sport-utility market with the Escalade luxury SUV. Meanwhile, GMC adds another vehicle to its SUV list with the introduction of the Denali.

Chrysler hopes to build on its recent success with the Sebring and Cirrus with the introduction of the 300M, the latest in the car company's historic series of 300 vehicles.

Lincoln adds another car to its long list of luxury vehicles with the introduction of the LS 2000, designed to appeal to drivers who want a classic, yet sporty-looking car. The imports also have exciting cars for the coming year. The Mitsubishi Galant is all-new for 1999, as is the Toyota Camry Solara

With car companies offering incentives, low interest-rate financing, cash back and a host of leasing options, getting into the ride of your dreams might be easier than you think.