Archive for January, 2002
Quick Look: 2002 Toyota Solara
2002 Toyota Solara
Toyota’s midsize coupe and convertible gain a new engine for 2002 but retain the foundation of the 1997-2001 Camry sedan. Solara is an offshoot of the far-better-selling Camry, which for 2002 is redesigned on a new, slightly larger platform. Solara styling is freshened inside and out for ’02, and 4-cyl models switch to the new Camry 2.4-liter engine, which has 21 hp more than the 2.2 it replaces. V6 Solaras retain a 200-hp 3.0. Coupes are available with manual or automatic transmission regardless of engine; all convertibles have automatic. Convertibles come with a power folding top with heated glass rear window. Front side airbags are a Solara option. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and leather upholstery are among features standard on the uplevel Solara SLE and optional on the base SE model.
Quick Look: 2002 Daewoo Nubira
2002 Daewoo Nubira CDX Wagon
ABS is no longer available on the larger of Daewoo’s two subcompact cars. Nubira comes as the SE sedan and CDX wagon.
Quick Look: 2002 Infiniti G20
2002 Infiniti G20
Infiniti’s entry-level sedan drops its sporty “Touring” model in favor of a new Sport option package for 2002. G20’s only engine is a 4 cyl that comes with manual or optional automatic transmission. Standard are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags. Available are several option groups, including the new Sport package, which adds leather upholstery, sunroof, and 16-inch wheels instead of 15s. The G20, one of the oldest near-luxury designs, will not return for 2003.
Quick Look: 2002 Daewoo Lanos
2002 Daewoo Lanos
General Motors now owns a controlling interest in Daewoo, but at the time of this report, the future of the South Korean manufacturer’s U.S. operations was uncertain. Lanos is Daewoo’s smallest U.S. offering. It comes as a 2-dr hatchback in S and Sport trim and as the S 4-dr sedan. All have a 4-cyl engine and manual or optional automatic transmission. The Sport comes with air conditioning and leather upholstery, but Lanos and Daewoo’s slightly larger Nubira (see separate report) are among the few cars that do not offer ABS. For 2002, power steering is optional rather than standard on Lanos S models, and alloy wheels are no longer available on the Sport.
