Efficient compacts - Black Enterprise 1993 Auto Guide - Buyers Guide

Black Enterprise, Nov, 1992 by Jay Koblenz

The Prizm and Corolla are built in a jointly owned factory in California, although additional Corollas come from Japan and Ontario, Canada.

Unique to Toyota, however, is a luxurious little station wagon model. It's available only in the DX level. The sedan is available as base, DX and LE. The base includes a 105-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine and a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic. DX and LE get the 1.8-liter and a five-speed manual (not available in LE) or four-speed automatic. The larger engine adds only 10 horsepower, but it performs better at low and mid-range speeds. Prices go from $11,198 to $15,218 with options, making the Corolla a mini-luxury car.

DODGE SPIRIT

Dodge is returning to the Spirit of the a family sedan. Last year's super-high-performance model, the R/T, is gone. In its stead is something from the other end of the spectrum, a flexible-fuel version that can run on a mix of methanol and gasoline. Most of these will go to governmental agencies.

There are two sedans: base and ES. The base has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an anemic 100 horsepower. A 3.0-liter V-6 is optional on the ES and offers a good boost in power and smoothness. A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the four and a three-speed automatic available with either engine. A smoother shifting four-speed automatic is also available; it aids performance and economy.

Styling is plainly utilitarian, but there's plenty of room inside for five adults (or six in a pinch with the optional front bench seat). There's value, not excitement in this car, which starts under $12,000 and tops out at around $15,000.

PLYMOUTH LASER

Built by Mitsubishi's Diamond Star plant in Illinois, the Laser is a near-clone in of the Eagle Talon and Mitsubishi eclipse. While mechanically the same, the Laser sells for less, making it the best deal. Four versions are offered: base model, RS, RS Turbo and RS Turbo AWD. Starting out around $11,500, it's a sporty looking car with economy performance. But spend around $17,000 and you get resounding performance.

Base engine is the 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 92 horsepower. The RS gets a 2.0-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine and 135 horsepower. Add turbocharging and you hit an impressive 195 horsepower, although you also have to put up with front-drive torque steer. The ultimate Laser includes the turbo with all-wheel drive, making this a super performer in any weather.

Because of the Mitsubishi heritage, there's no air bag; all Chrysler cars, however, have standard air bags.

MERCURY TOPAZ

Bringing up the affordable end of the compact segment, the Topaz and its identical twin, the Ford Tempo, are comfortable and utilitarian. The biggest change is a reduction in the number of models: The LS, LTS and XR5 are gone, leaving only the Topaz GS, as a two- or four-door. In this case, consolidation means value, as the Topaz is likely to be marketed with discount packages. Prices start out at $10,296, giving the Topaz a price advantage over most competitors.