What attracts people to a nice car? Is it the nice paint job, the cool rims or the fact that it's newly redesigned? Consumers place different values on different features, such as safety, reliability and appearance. But the 2005 auto industry is sure to showcase a car for every consumer's need. An Indiana Daily Student reporter gives her review of selected favorites for the upcoming season.
FORD\nBloomington Ford sales-employee Randy Kennedy said he believes the strength of the company is enough to attract customers to his dealership. But when it comes to new models, such as the Five Hundred and Freestyle, the design and appearance are what consumers consider. \nThe Five Hundred is Ford's new, sleek sedan that features all-wheel drive and boasts the largest trunk space of any sedan, according to Ford's Web site. Critics have compared it to the Taurus, but say it is more luxurious. Its new command seating system is made to appeal to sport utility vehicle fans. \nThe Freestyle is Ford's other brand-new vehicle for 2005. The Freestyle has car-like handling, but resembles an SUV. The back offers SUV-style space, while the front has theater-style seating and the vehicle has enough room to seat seven passengers.
PONTIAC\nFor people who want an SUV without the truck ride, the Pontiac Montana SV6 is a popular choice. \n"It's for new parents that want something like a mini-van, but (it) doesn't look like one," said Curry's Buick/Cadillac/Pontiac/GMC Truck sales and leasing consultant Kevin King. \nThe new SV6 will offer an optional roof rack for more of an "SUV feel." It still retains its "mini-van ambiance," with sliding passenger doors. The Montana SV6 has a more rugged look, with a bigger front end as well. \n"It's a crossover of a car and an SUV," King said.\nKing said the new model Pontiac Montana SV6 will be available at the local Bloomington dealership in a few weeks. \nAs for brand-new cars, the Pontiac G6 -- the car given away by Oprah Winfrey on her show earlier this year -- has just been received but in a sedan-form only. Next year Pontiac will come out with its two-door, convertible version. The seats were modeled to resemble racecars and the exterior of the car was inspired by European design, the Pontiac Web site said.
BUICK\nBuick's brand-new LaCrosse is a full-size sedan that will replace the Regal and the Century, according to www.nctd.com, a car review Web site. With its quiet ride and luxurious exterior, the LaCrosse will give competitors something to worry about. \nFor consumers wanting a sedan, appearance and power seem to be main concerns. For consumers interested in vans, utility is the number one feature inquired about. \nThe best-selling car in 2005 will most likely be the new G6 from Pontiac, mostly because of its appearance and price. But the most popular sellers so far have been the Chevrolet Envoy and the Buick LaSabre.
CADILLAC\nIf style is on the top of a consumer's list, Wil Johnston, a sales employee at Curry's Buick/Cadillac/Pontiac/GMC Truck, said he knows the Cadillac STS will be the right car for that consumer. \nThe STS is the new version of the old Cadillac Seville and has been completely redesigned. It comes with two different engine options -- either the V6 or the V8, Johnston said. A new feature is a remote-start engine, as opposed to a key ignition start. \nThe STS also boasts a sports transmission and all-wheel drive, according to Cadillac's Web site. \nA clever innovation is the IntelliBeam, a lighting system that automatically switches between high and low beams so the driver doesn't have to.
CONSUMER PREFERENCES\nGeorge Dreher, IU business management professor and a self-professed car enthusiast, said he thinks the most interesting aspect of the car industry is how it is so segmented.\n"There's so much variety, depending on if people want new, cutting edge technology and high performance," he said. "Others are fuel conscious. Others want 500-pound SUVs." \nDreher said he is more interested in technology, such as fuel-efficient cars and performance issues. He said there's so much variety in the industry that it equates with the variety of people's interests. \nWhen considering cost, Dreher said to be cautious. \n"Think carefully of the cost. U.S. automakers are in a tough position compared to foreign automakers due to legacy," he said, explaining that cost structure is different here in the United States than in other countries that make automobiles.\n-- Contact staff writer Laila Hayat at lhayat@indiana.edu.
