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Black Enterprise, April, 1996 by Jay Koblenz

Interior design elements do change a bit more than the exterior, but the traditional Buick theme continues. Ergonomics play a bigger role this time, with larger instruments and more accessible buttons. Under the hood, nothing changes at all. The 3800 Series II V-6 is already a stout runner, pumping out 205 horsepower; a supercharged option will continue offering 240 horsepower.

With the on-sale date still many months away, Buick hasn't set pricing for its flagship sedan. With 1996 prices ranging from $28,205 to the mid-$30,000 range, expect a mild increase. The list of standard features will grow with items like dual power seats and remote keyless entry and, for the Ultra, genuine wood trim.

GMC SAVANA VAN

Full-size vans are a market segment that hasn't really been hot since the '70s. Yet as minivans grow larger, the differences are dwindling. For '96, GMC completely revised its full-size van for the first time in 25 years, even giving it a new name. (You can also find the exact same vehicle at your Chevrolet dealer under the name Express Van.)

Minivans have become more comfortable and car-like, which has been GMC's goal for the Savana. It's still based upon a tough, truck platform with a ladder-type frame and separate body. There are two sizes available with differing wheelbases.

Although exterior styling remains similar, with more rounded shapes, the interior is more functional and ergonomic. You can choose from a wide assortment of amenities and get a quiet ride in a roomy vehicle.

Prices for stripped models begin around $18,700 and fully equipped models cost as much as $30,000.

The new construction will also make it a lot easier for custom builders to create a greater diversity of artistic creations on this automotive canvas.

LEXUS LX 450

Just like Acura, Lexus is watching the SUV market soar, and wants in. But unlike Acura, Lexus is part of Toyota which already builds a very suitable luxury SUV. Take the Toyota Land Cruiser and add more standard features and such luxuries as automatic climate control, fake wood, remote entry system, more powerful audio system and a new grille--and voila, you get a Lexus. The LX 450 also has a softer suspension, the same type of leather as the LS 400 sedan and the optional CD changer is in center console.

For $47,500, you get a huge 5,000-pound truck that seats seven with its foldaway third seat. The 212-horsepower, 4.5-liter six-cylinder engine provides enough power to put it somewhere between slow and not so slow. A full-time four-wheel-drive system is both convenient and sophisticated. Of the three options, locking differentials enable the LX 450 to challenge some of the toughest terrain. The other two options are creature comforts: CD changer and power moon roof.

The list of standard features runs to arm's length, and the net result is a seriously tough truck with a soft interior and very steep price tag.

FORD ESCORT

Ford is bringing out a completely revised version of its smallest car, the Escort, as an early '97 model year release. Expected to arrive in dealerships this spring, the new vehicle finally does away with those annoying motorized seatbelts. Adjustable shoulder height manual belts combine with dual airbags to bring safety up to snuff.