New Car Reviews - Long-Term Update

'96Ford TaurusLXThe dolphin-slippery Ford Taurus promises to remain distinctive in a market niche that inspires me-too styling. We've received many favorable comments about the new look from fellow four-door-driving motorists. In addition to its unique exterior, the Taurus delivers a winning combination of solid performance from the 3.0-liter/200-horse V-6 and roomy accommodations for five adults. Our staff stays divided over the seat comfort, as the curve of the leather front buckets doesn't match that of all spines. After the car's first month with us, the ashtray stuck shut like a stubborn clam, cutting off access to the all-important power point used to keep our cellular phones and radar detectors working. Shortly thereafter, the passenger-side windshield wiper became inoperative due to a stripped gear. After the car sat at a Ford dealer for a few days without being repaired, we tried a second, equally busy dealer. A week rolled by as they waited on parts. Finally, after numerous phone calls and pleas, the dealer corrected the problems by "borrowing" wiper parts from a new, showroom vehicle.

'96 Gmc Sierra Club CoupeAs the monster truck of our long-term stable, the GMC Sierra 4x4 pickup has earned its keep by pulling trailers, hauling furniture, and transporting people without complaint. Even an off-road romp couldn't upset the 4x4's civilized demeanor-though the excursion did expose the drawbacks of a multistate turning radius. Additionally, its parking-space-swallowing size demands careful tight-quarters navigation, and it physically overwhelms smaller garages. Almost every logbook entry thus far praises the comfort provided by the reclining buckets, which compromise back-seat riders' elbowroom. The third door has proved to be a popular feature. One editor wrote, "The extra door is much more useful than I thought it would be. It redefines the purpose of the extended cab." On the other hand, rear passengers remain captive until the door is opened for them; an interior handle to allow unassisted egress would be appreciated. The GMC recently returned from its first scheduled service, a simple $95.57 oil/filter change, fluids check, and tire rotation.

'96 Oldsmobile BravadaThe Oldsmobile Bravada seemed like a natural replacement in our long-term fleet for the recently relinquished Chevrolet Blazer. Adapting the Blazer platform to its premium brand image, Olds slathered the interior with leather and a high level of standard equipment. Both four-door vehicles have a 4.3-liter/190-horse OHV V-6 and four-speed automatic transmission, but the Bravada employs a standard full-time all-wheel-drive system that distributes power where it's most needed for maximum traction. Other package niceties include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, power windows/mirrors/door locks, an overhead console with trip computer, power lumbar adjusters, air conditioning, cruise control, a luggage rack, a trailer-towing wire harness, a retractable rear cargo cover, and a six-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo. Among the five available options, we chose only the $124 CD stereo upgrade. The $29,505 base price was raised to only $30,119 with the options and destination charge. Staff opinion is split regarding the appearance "enhancement" of the interior faux-wood appliqus.