URBAN PICKS
By L. Conrad Bell
O.K., here's the
deal: You can have any
car you want, as long
as it costs $ I 3,000 or
less, so what do you
buy?
Shopping in this price
range used to be as
appealing as a root canal.
Fortunately, times have
changed. Economy does
n't necessarily mean sacri
fice anymore. You know that a cars speed through the pylon cones
o f the slalom is a good measure of its handling. W hat if I told you that
one o f our Urban Picks is faster through the slalom than a BMW
3 18ti?
Got your attention? Good!
Before we get off into it. let's talk about what these cars have in
common other than a low price tag, four tires and a steering wheel.
After all, Jazz & Hip-Hop are both music, but what sets them apart is
the tastes and values o f the listener
The same holds true when shopping for a new car W e all have dif
ferent priorities. However, whether it's style and performance, or
com fort and spaciousness, there is truly something here for nearly
everyone.
To be sure, this represents a diverse group o f buyers. Some are
parents purchasing a vehicle for high school or college students.
Some are recent graduates. Others are urban commuters looking to
get maximum mileage. And others may be budget-minded buyers. It
may be the lone car o r one o f three sharing space with a SUV and
luxury car
“This sub-compact category is constantly evolving," says Editor-in-
Chief Jacqueline Mitchell. “ For decades, it has been a category that
the Japanese auto companies have dominated. In recent years, the
so-called domestic auto companies have tried, many times unsuc
cessfully, to make strides in this market. But the top five Urban Picks
reflect a diverse mix, showing that the entry-level vehicle market has
become much more competitive."
Still, don't expect a whole lot in this category. Expect to sacrifice
performance for size. W ith the exception o f the three-cylinder
Chevrolet Metro, you WILL get a four-cylinder engine: there are no
V’s in this category. The least expensive vehicle in this group is the
Daewoo Lanos S Hatchback at $8,749. It's a little smaller than the
Mazda Protégé, but has the same size engine ( 1,6-liter) and horse
power (105).The most expensive in the group is the Pontiac Sunfire
SE Sedan at $ 12,745. It has a 2.2-liter engine cranking I 15 horse
power: ABS is standard.
Additionally, all o f our Urban Picks come with five-speed trans
missions. Automatics are generally offered as an option in the $600
to $800 range. ABS is optional or only available on more expensive
trim levels for most o f the models in this category.
40
AFRICAN AMERICANS O N WHEELS
FIRST PLACE:
HONDA CIVIC
HATCHBACK
The Honda Civic Hatchback practically invented
this category. Remember the cute little Honda Civics
o f the 70s that looked like high top tennis shoes? They
are still around and better than ever. Honda is known
for infusing even their most basic cars with excep
tional technology. For example, the Civic was the first
Honda sold in the U.S. to qualify as a Low Emissions
Vehicle.The Civic H X with the Continuously Variable
Transmission is the only car sold in America equipped
with an automatic transmission that is one o f the
EPA's top fuel misers.
A t a base price o f $10,650, all o f our writers
agreed that the Civic represents an excellent value.
Senior Editor Winfred Cross said, "This is truly a
fine entry level car. It has all o f the goodness o f larger
Hondas at a reasonable price." So agreed Senior
Editor Warren Brown, who said the Civic is an
"exceptionally made little commuter...high quality in
a small efficient package." According to Senior
Editor Paul Eisenstein the Civic is "solid and depend
able...when you're plunking down your hard earned
cash, you want a vehicle you can count on."
Hey, if I have to drive an inexpensive car, I don't
want to be reminded every time I walk up to it.
Apparently a lot o f people agree. The Honda Civic
has been the best selling small car in America for the
last tw o years running. In California, Honda Civics are
the car o f choice among the young hot rodders,
which only demonstrates the versatility o f the pack
age. All o f these factors have given Civics an immense
popularity that, in turn, gives them terrific resale value.