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.