The all-new 2001 Dodge Stratus sedan provides an unmatched combination of bold design, strong performance, safety and affordability. It represents Dodge’s latest effort to bring more unexpected attributes to its segment.

Not only does the Stratus sedan offer overall refinement for 2001, it also maintains a great package of standard equipment.

The Stratus SE sedans’ lengthy list of standard equipment includes: air conditioning, premium AM/FM stereo cassette, power windows with driver express down feature, customer-programmable rolling locks, power outside mirrors, tilt steering column, power trunk release, a center front armrest/console with two storage bins, front and rear floor mats, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, front map pockets, dual visor vanity mirrors, rear window defroster, variable intermittent windshield wipers and headlamp off delay.

The Stratus ES sedan features all of the above items, plus the 2.7 liter DOHC V6 engine, 16-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, AM/FM CD premium sound radio, fog lamps, eight-way power driver seat, leather seat trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, remote keyless/illuminated entry, trip computer including compass and outside temperature readings, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors and front reading lights.

The all-new design of the Stratus sedan reflects the performance philosophy of the brand, creating a powerful position in the mid-size segment.

"We’re delivering on everything customers demand from a sedan — roominess, safety, convenience and affordability and we’ve added elements that they would never expect, namely performance and bold design" said Jim Holden, President and CEO, DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

A new interpretation of the bold "cross-hair" grille, first seen on the Dodge Ram pickup, adorns the front of the vehicle along with new, more angular headlamps that are complemented by chromed parabolas. Dodge Viper-inspired road lamps complete the racing-inspired appearance of the Stratus sedan, while still maintaining it’s "family" look.

A significant amount of time and energy were dedicated to changing the body structure to reduce wind and road noise, using the best acoustic applications to dampen unwanted sound and powertrain refinements to prevent noise. The result is a mid-sized sedan that is significantly quieter for even greater customer enjoyment.

The newly available all-aluminum 2.7-liter DOHC 24-valve SMPI V-6 engine, which delivers 32 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque than the engine it replaces, makes the Stratus even more powerful and efficient. A revised 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve SMPI 4-cylinder engine that produces 150-hp at 5200 rpm and 167 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm is standard. The 2.4-liter benefits from engine refinements that focus on quieter operation throughout all driving conditions.

Safety doesn’t take a backseat to style and performance in the all-new 2001 Stratus sedan. Safety features include: improved best-in-class brakes, new advanced occupant restraint systems, optional side air bag curtains, upgraded structure and trim for improved impact protection, brighter headlamps and a new internal trunk latch release.

New, standard multi-stage driver and passenger frontal air bags are designed to deploy at three different levels — depending on crash severity and seat belt usage — so occupants won’t be exposed to a more powerful airbag than needed. This impact sensing system varies the inflation output to provide less output for lower speed crashes and higher output for more severe crashes, reducing possible air bag-related injuries.

To improve side-impact protection, an additional horizontal, angled front door beam was added. In addition, the B-pillar, sill and roof bow were reinforced. Enhancements that offer added protection in the event of a frontal impact include more robust underbody rails and an all-new stamped suspension crossmember incorporated into the chassis.

"We knew that safety was a major concern for our customers in the mid-size sedan segment so we clearly focused our safety efforts in the overall design and engineering of the car," said Tony Richards, Vice President, Passenger Car Operations.

The MSRP for the 2001 Stratus SE sedan is $17,800 and the Stratus ES sedan has an MSRP of $20,435. A fleet incentive of $1,000 is offered on both.

The Dodge Stratus sedans are built at the DaimlerChrysler Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan.

August 18, 2000 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., released manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for its 2001 model year 4Runner and Land Cruiser sport utility vehicles (SUV), ECHO entry-level sedan, Celica sport coupe and MR2 Spyder roadster.

The Toyota 4Runner for 2001 includes updated exterior and interior styling. The Limited model is further enhanced with a HomeLink™ universal garage door opener system, driver and front passenger heated seats, wood grain-style trim and an available six-disc in-dash CD changer. All 4Runners feature standard Vehicle Skid Control with traction control and 4x4 models will receive standard multi-mode four-wheel-drive and four-wheel traction control.

The MSRP for the 2001 4Runner ranges from $26,355 for the SR5 4x2, to $37,605 for the Limited 4x4 model. Compared to the 2000 model year, 4Runner MSRP will increase by 1.5 percent, or $457. However, on a comparably equipped basis, 4Runner prices decrease by 1.6 percent, or $466.

For the '01 model year, the legendary Land Cruiser receives several new standard features including a premium JBL three-in-one six-disc in-dash CD changer with seven speakers, auto up/down power windows on all four doors and an auto dimming rear view mirror with an integrated compass. New for 2001, an available DVD-ROM navigation system includes a six-disc DVD changer, which allows DVD videos to be viewed on the navigation monitor while the Land Cruiser is at rest. The DVD changer can also be used to play CDs.

The MSRP for the 2001 Land Cruiser is $52,895, an increase of 2.3 percent, or $1,167. On a comparably equipped basis, the price of the Land Cruiser increases only 0.8 percent, or $422.

Introduced last fall as an all-new model, the youth-oriented Toyota ECHO entry-level sedan receives a minimal price increase. The MSRP for the ECHO will range from $9,995 for the two-door, five-speed manual transmission model (unchanged from 2000 model year), to $11,325 for the four-door, four-speed automatic model. The overall price increase for ECHO will be 0.8 percent, or $90.

The seventh-generation Toyota Celica also receives a minimal price increase. The MSRP for Celica will range from $16,985 for the GT with a five-speed manual transmission, to $22,155 for the GT-S with a four-speed automatic transmission. The overall price increase for Celica will be only 0.6 percent, or $110.

The Toyota MR2 Spyder two-seat roadster enters its second model year with a new keyless entry system as standard equipment. The MSRP for the MR2 Spyder will be $23,585, an increase of 2.1 percent, or $487. However, on a comparably equipped basis, the price increases by only 1.2 percent, or $267.

August 28, 2000 — Torrance CA — Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. released manufacturer suggested retail prices for its 2001 model year Camry sedan, Camry Solara coupe, Avalon full-size sedan and regular and Xtracab Tacoma compact pickup trucks.

The Camry sedan, America’s best-selling passenger car for the past three years, offers a special edition Gallery Series package on all LE models for 2001. The Gallery Series package includes a two-tone exterior finish, unique wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust, premium two-tone fabric seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Gallery Series badging and logoed floor mats.

The MSRP for the 2001 Camry sedan ranges from $17,675 for the CE model with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, to $26,225 for the premium XLE model with a V6 engine and automatic transmission. Compared to the 2000 model year, the Camry sedan MSRP will increase by 0.3 percent or $56. On a comparably equipped basis, Camry sedan prices increase by only 0.1 percent or $27.

The sporty Camry Solara coupe and the recently introduced Camry Solara convertible enter the 2001 model year with a slight overall price decrease. The MSRP for the 2001 Camry Solara ranges from $18,965 for the SE coupe with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, to $30,515 for the SLE convertible with a V6 engine and automatic transmission. Compared to the 2001 model year, the Camry Solara MSRP will decrease by 0.5 percent or $118.

The second-generation Avalon full-size sedan receives a minimal price increase. The MSRP for Avalon will range from $25,845 for the XL model with bucket seats to $30,405 for the premium XLS grade with bucket seats. The overall price increase for the Avalon will be $300 or 1.1 percent.

The popular Tacoma regular and Xtracab compact pickup trucks offer aggressive new styling for 2001. All Tacoma models receive a new front fascia design, which features a vertical grille and raised hood, new multi-reflector headlamps and jeweled tail lamps.

Tacoma also introduces the all-new S-Runner 4x2 Xtracab five-speed manual V6 to its diverse lineup. S-Runner features a performance-enhanced sport-tuned suspension matched to a muscular full color-keyed exterior that includes 16-inch aluminum wheels, an aluminum muffler and tailpipe and unique badging.

The MSRP for the 2001 Tacoma regular and Xtracab pickup ranges from $11,845 for the 4x2 regular cab with a five-speed manual transmission, to $20,365 for the 4x4 Xtracab V6 with a four-speed automatic transmission. Compared to the 2000 model year, the overall Tacoma MSRP will increase by 2.2 percent or $361. However, on a comparably equipped basis, Tacoma prices decrease by $414, or 2.5 percent.

Pebble Beach, Ca. - August 18 - General Motors today announced its plans to produce a low-volume, two-seat Cadillac luxury roadster for the 2003 model year on a dedicated assembly line at the Corporation's assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The Cadillac luxury roadster is the third production program announced this year by GM that was developed from a GM Design Center concept vehicle. It is yet one more example of how GM intends to lead in product innovation and technology by moving quickly to market with high impact designs. The rear-wheel-drive roadster is inspired by the acclaimed Evoq concept car, which debuted in January, 1999.

The new Cadillac flagship will be developed on the next generation of GM's performance car architecture, which is specifically designed for convertible applications. The vehicle architecture features advanced steel hydroforming, an aluminum cockpit structure and cored composite floors, making it exceptionally stiff, crashworthy and lightweight.

The Evoq concept dramatically demonstrated the promise of Cadillac's "art and science" vision. "The production version delivers on that promise," said Michael J. O'Malley, Cadillac General Manager.

While strongly influenced by the Evoq concept, the production version picks up many technology and styling enhancements not featured in the concept. Chief among these is a one-button fully automatic folding hard-top developed by Car Top Systems GmbH of Germany, which has designed roof architectures for some of the most celebrated convertibles in the industry. The interior will also feature instrumentation fashioned by Bvlgari, the renowned Italian jeweler.

The luxury roadster will feature several exclusive Cadillac technologies, including the vaunted 4.6-liter Northstar V8 in its first production rear-wheel-drive configuration, mated to an electronic five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode in a trans-axle configuration.

Other elements of the Northstar System, such as MagneRide active suspension damping and the StabiliTrak yaw control system will be standard on the vehicle as well as Michelin's revolutionary run-flat PAX tire system. Night Vision, a Cadillac technological-first, will also be available.

While it's still premature to announce pricing, the price is expected to be competitive with other upscale, low volume roadsters in the luxury segment such as the Mercedes SL 500, the Jaguar XK8 and the forthcoming Lexus SC 430.

Pebble Beach, Ca.- With a unique blend of power, performance, comfort and sophisticated technologies, the all-new 2002 Cadillac Escalade creates a new standard for luxury sport-utilities.

The 2002 Escalade builds on Cadillac's heritage of design leadership with a bold new shape, while pioneering meaningful technologies that customers want and use. The new-from-the-ground-up, second-generation, full-size Escalade is the first Cadillac to reflect the divisions’ fusion of art and science philosophy by blending forward-thinking technology with an expressive new design.

The Escalade's bold design is the first in a series of future Cadillac models. Crisp, tailored lines are set off by Escalade's prominent, powerful front end, displaying Cadillac's new wreath and crest.

Leveraging years of award-winning GM truck experience and a new architecture, the 2002 Escalade expands, now with a choice of all-wheel drive and two-wheel-drive versions, each offering distinct performance differences.

In 2002, the AWD and 2WD Escalade each receive a new engine, delivering strong acceleration, a smooth ride and quiet operation. With Cadillac's exclusive version of the best-in-class Vortec 6000, the AWD Escalade now has more horsepower and torque per liter than any GM SUV. This high compression engine generates 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine links to a new Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD (heavy-duty) electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Larger 17-inch wheels and tires offer a smoother ride and better handling.

Also new on the AWD model is StabiliTrak(tm), which is standard equipment on the Escalade. With StabiliTrak comes the computer-controlled road sensing suspension package, improving body stability, ride comfort and wheel control.

The rear-wheel drive model is powered by the Vortec 5300 V8, which makes 285 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 325 lb.-ft. at 4000 rpm, resulting in 30 more horsepower than the previous Vortec 5700. Plus, the 5300 delivers 90 percent of its peak torque over a wide band from 1600 to 5000 rpm. The engine is coupled with a standard Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, combined with improved lighting and braking, safer seat designs, side impact air bags and premium level OnStar, complete the Escalade safety and security package.

Escalade's interior is more comfortable, luxurious and practical for 2002. The redesigned cabin provides more head, hip and second and third-row leg room than before, without an increase in overall width and slight decreases in height and length.

Seating has been expanded to eight passengers through the addition of a standard third-row and testing shows the seats offer best-in-class comfort. The addition of the removable, 50/50 split third-row seats gives the Escalade a new level of flexibility and utility, an important factor to customers.

The seats are supportive and covered with Soft Nuance leather. The first two rows of seats are heated.

The interior also has best-in-class climate control, a spacious floor console that flows up into the instrument panel, and a state-of-the-art Driver Information Center. A new best-in-class 11-speaker Bose(r) Acoustimass(r) audio system debuts on the Escalade, along with an in-dash, single-load six CD changer. A special acoustic package delivers a quieter ride.

Availability for the 2002 Cadillac Escalade will be detailed in an upcoming issue of the Purchasing News.

The highly influential Consumer Reports magazine has rated the Ford Focus the top small car in the U.S.

In its September issue, the publication praised the Focus saying it "breaks new ground" in the small car class and is "outscoring many more expensive mid-size sedans" in testing.

The magazine was especially complimentary of the cars’ road manners and interior spaciousness in rating it ahead of such notables as the Toyota Corolla, Volkswagon Jetta and Nissan Sentra.

"Consumer Reports is a highly regarded independent source of product information and to be at the top of their list is very gratifying to us," said Bob Fesmire, Focus marketing manager. "It also confirms what we’ve known for a long time, and that is that Focus is a great product."

With a new sophisticated appearance, highly versatile interior, comfortable ride, responsive car-like handling and revised suspension, the 2001 Nissan Quest is among the leaders in the import-brand minivan segment.

Like the first generation, the four door second-generation 2001 Quest offers an exceptional combination of minivan utility including seven-passenger seating, flexible cargo space, sedan-like comfort, performance, safety and amenities.

Among the changes for the 2001 model year are the additions of a new front fascia with new headlamp and front combination lamp lenses, new grille, new front fog lamps (SE), new rear finisher and rear combination lamp lenses, a standard rear stabilizer bar for the GXE (a rear stabilizer bar is also standard on SE and GLE), new suspension tuning for SE models including acceleration sensitive strut valving and strut tower brace, 16-inch alloy wheels on GXE (up from 15-inch), new 16-inch alloy wheel designs for SE and GLE, and the addition of three new exterior colors.

Inside, Quest offers new gauge and control layouts, new seat fabric for GXE and SE models, heated front seats (GLE, SE with leather package), standard 130-watt Super Sound system on SE and GLE, new message center with outside temperature display, available cloth power memory seat on SE, and improved interior content on GLE, including an in-dash 6 CD changer, rear cargo shelf and wood and leather wrapped steering wheel.

Also new for 2001 is a factory-installed Family Entertainment System (FES) with a ceiling-mounted 6.4-inch LCD screen, concealed video cassette player and rear seat remote control, which is available in all models without sunroofs. A traditional floor-mounted video entertainment system, previously available in the 2000 Quest, is optional on SE and GLE Quests with the Sunroof Package.

The front-wheel drive Quest’s standard 3.3-liter SOHC V6 engine produces 170 horsepower and 200 ft-lbs of torque. The engine is mated to a standard 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission.

New on all Quests for 2001 are front seat belt pre-tensioners. Other standard equipment includes dual front supplemental air bags, three-point outboard seat belts in second and third rows, optional integrated second-row child seats (bench seat), energy absorbing steering column, front crumple zones, hood buckling creases and safety stops, pipe-style steel side-door guard beams and knee bolsters.

For 2001, the new Quest is offered in three well-equipped models, the fully-equipped GXE, luxurious GLE, and sporty SE.

When a "stock purchase" is desired, you may consider using a vehicle from the ARI "pool"
to save money and time.

Call your ARI representative for details!