1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
They were slow, ungainly, noisy, cramped and uncomfortable. Passengers froze on cold days. But people loved them. For countless American Baby Boomers growing up in the turbulent 1960s, the Beetle was not just a piece of transportation. It was an obsession. To some, its worst traits only made it more endearing.
The Volkswagen Beetle could have been a cult car, had it not been for its huge popularity. Nearly 21 million Beetles were produced during the past 59 years--more than any other automobile in history. That's in spite of the fact that there hasn't been a Bug legally imported into America since 1979. But if you've dreamed of buying one or longed to own another, your opportunity has arrived.
The Beetle's Back.
Well, not precisely. Volkswagen officials take great pains to point out that this is the "New Beetle," far more than just an update of the car that helped define an American generation.
The New Beetle is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf. As a result, it's far roomier than the original. The engine is up front powering the front wheels, not the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration of the old Bug. Two new engines are available, both water-cooled, not air-cooled.
But some traits remain: Just as with the original, Volkswagen put a premium on reliability. But definitions have changed over the years: The original Beetle would seemingly run forever-if you didn't mind getting your fingernails dirty fixing a loose wire or adjusting the valves. Today's buyers expect a bulletproof Beetle that starts every time they turn the key; no one, it seems, has time to carry around a tool kit any more.
Purists will lament all the changes. Yet even they are likely to be won over by the roominess, ride and creature comforts of the New Beetle. At least that's the way it's been shaping up.
2001 Ford Focus
Introduced last year, the Ford Focus is one of the most enjoyable compacts in its price range. It's fun, it's practical, and it's safer than most, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Wild New Edge styling helps it stand out from the crowd.
An available twin-cam engine give the ZX3 hatchback, ZTS sedan and SE wagon enthusiastic response. Yet all models deliver good fuel economy.
Model Lineup 2001 Ford Focus
Ford Focus comes in three body styles: three-door hatchback, four-door sedan and five-door wagon.
Two 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines are available (a 110-horsepower single overhead-cam and a 130-horsepower double overhead-cam Zetec). There's also a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The sedan comprises the bulk of Focus sales and is available in three trim levels, an entry level LX ($12,385), an upgrade SE ($14,040), and the fully-equipped ZTS ($15,260). ZTS comes with the more powerful twin-cam Zetec engine.
The hatchback is available as one model, the ZX3 ($12,125). This is a sport compact, and comes with all the requisite hardware: a more powerful 130-horsepower twin-cam engine, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and fog lights. Its wild styling makes the hatchback look sportier and even more distinctive than the sedan. Power windows, mirrors and locks, and keyless entry are now available ($740), along with optional cruise control.
The wagon is available only in the SE trim level ($16,235) and offers the largest cargo capacity in its class. For 2001, it comes standard with the 130-horsepower dohc Zetec engine. Also new, is the availability of the 5-speed manual transmission in addition to the automatic.
For 2001, Ford has added its AdvanceTrac ($1225) vehicle dynamics system to the option list. Described below, AdvanceTrac includes rear disc brakes and traction control, but requires ordering the optional anti-lock brakes ($400).
Other optional safety equipment includes side-impact air bags ($350). Cruise control, which was not available last year, has been added to the options list.
