| OCR Text |
E-2 TheSalt Lake Tribune Friday, May28, 1999 AUTOMOTIVE _ New Ford Contouris shapingupas a winner By TOM INCANTALUPO c) 1989. Newspay BY Jim MATEJA Ciicaco TRIBUNE Q. I’mlooking for a reliable lations on beingable to read now that you are approaching 70. Q. In responseto one of your Contour’s rear seat and sold it as a readers, who didn't like license two-seater with four doors. its com- Maybe if Ford just removed the domestic four-door sedan big enough to hold twochild seats in back, a V6 for highway driving plates marring the appearanceof pact sedan might her car and who suggested respect. But arear seat scant in legroom,in . Yes, kick yourself in the behind for not coming to the Chicago Auto Show last month to see any and every sedan in that Price range suchasthe Pontiac mouse-like device could read the numbers: Next time some loser bops her on the skull, lifis her instead that coin-sized computer and a $15,000 to $17,000 price chips be embedded in rear winraneAnysuggestions? dows so police using a computer what is offered as a family car, is guaranteed to drawcritical fire and the Contourgets dumpedonalot. Whichis kind of a shame because, properly equipped, the Contour can purse and drives away, [ hope the be a very nicecar for a very reason mugger has the courtesy to stop ableprice, offering a combinationof driving fun andeveryday practicality Grand Am, Chevy Malibu and so she can pull out her mouse Plymouth Breeze — give ortake a few dollars. Q. Once again you have insult ed a portion ofyour readership. First it was catlovers, which Lcan accept because 1 don't care for device and get the car's license number. A, Of course, if she is 70 and carrying a carbine, your sympa- cai here where live. PS. Didn't my letter with a 5x7 A. Just what this world needs, another card-carrying NRA member with a carbine. But congratu- tantraffic. The tester had just one option, unless you 0 engine blockheater, soits final know that it’s a member of Ford’s carbine while in Korea andfor and amableto rea ular amenities such as power windows and remote-control power locking, an alarm, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, leather seating a sticker price of $23,220 was not 200;wider, high-speed-rated tires on jarger (16-inch) wheels; and a four- moonroot and astereo with a CD muchhigher than this model’s base “Mondeo” family of cars and was wheel disc braking system whose player rice. that might surprise you gested the computer chips men- In 1984, after observing theatti- The '99 Contour SVT features various amenities such as leather seating, a moonroofand cruise control. per cylinder V6engine anda stick shift. Then they makeit better, with an extra 30 hp, bringing thetotal to The Contour has a European flair thies should be with the mugger. Q.That samereader who sus cats. But you nowhaveinsulted many years have owned weapons — particularly for those of you who don’t often carry adults in your rear seal, anyway gun owners and NRA members. In tioned “chasma” and you asked 1951 Lwaspresentedwith an M-2 what chasmawas. It is a formof tude of people, | joined the NRA. To sumup, Lam approaching 70 get a little more designed mostly in Europe. (I's for sale there as well as here.) Andthe best Contour of all is the front dises are larger than those in lesser Contours. Yes, The SVT’s engine sounds as good that’s kinda steep for an Ameronsidering how much Thetires, from B.F. Goodrich, are asit performs. Zero to 60 mph happens in 7.6 seconds, according to The SVTContouralso gets its own bucket seats, offering greater lateral ing — both without a downshift. Second-gear starts are a breeze and BMW.it begins to make moresense. for the driver’s sea And the SVT version includes pop- test during my week with the Con- the knee room,tell them to take the tour bus next time. morecar you can buyforthat money — from Ford and from many other one designed by Ford’s Special Vehi- new for "99, and the SVT people Ford. Just asenjoyable is the en; manufacturers. But, if you viewit as cle Team. As much as [ like the SVT claim they offer a superior road grip ability to maintain speed on an thanthetires they replace. upgradeandincrease speedfor pass- a suitable alternative to a small Kodaolor of mearrive? unit's V8 powered Mustang, the A. “hanksfor the definition of chasina. And we got the color Contour SVT photo. Hungit next to the poster of Martha Stewart on our wall, has become my ayorite Ford I think you enthusiasttypes in par- The SVT people, who also do a support thanthose in other Contours, rumble-free andthe five-speedstick ticular will like this onea lot. Andif version of the F-150 pickup. start along with 10-way power operation andclutch easily passedtheultimate rear sealers give you any grief about the one in which she’s holding a carbine. with whatis,otherwise. the best Contour to buy — one withafour-valve weekday midtown Manhat Safety innovations play well with automakers, motorists — until something goes wrong By JIM MATEJA CHICAGO TRIBUNE Are motorvehicles safe’ Considerthe systemsin today’s vehicles: * Air bags, antilock brakes andtraction con- trol. + Air curtains that drop fromtheroof to prote ct your headin a collision. * Computers that apply the brakes and reduce engine speed whenthey sense you're taking a comertoofast. * Sonar sensors in rear bumpers to detect means constant traction even in a foot of injuredor killed,will the family sue the gov- snow; or that air bags will offsettheill effects emmentor the automaker? Automakers com- Such perceptions and expectations have plain they've become the motorists’ insurance company because they are paying the settlements in product-liability suits. door openedand hewas thrown out, Though Robert Clifford of Clifford Law Offices in * When a womanran over a bumpin the road in her van, her plastic water bottle popped out of the cupholder andfell on the floor. She bent overtoretrieveit, ran off the of an impact at spe been fostered by the government, industry Some safety devices, such as seat belts have been governmentinspired; someindustry inspired, such as ABS; somesalety-advo- When safety advocates demandedairbags, for example, 1980s TV commercials showed Chicago, past president of the Illinois Trial them in slow-motion deployment so. they Lawyers Association and most recently the no mentionthat if you were unbelted or too dragged under a Metra train Consumers, it seems, expect that when they agree to make 48 monthly payments for a vehicle loaded with safety systems, they've fixed barrier. The perception is that in a five: tract is void o1 Car Group. When someonein a five-star vehicle is em, failed to fasion his safety belt, admitted falling asleep at the wheel, crashed and was. \ Ferony sti oe ac EXCLUSIVE Cantey we 98 BUCK Av gry,bot ereseatte sh 14 ook AG pnckon RHO aso. ot att oat tabseao 208) : aan aaa Kar 8 BUCK LeSabre Custern P7415, SAVE 26433200. * A pregnant woman and her unbom child were saved in a frontal collision by the air of that type few beers, Heleft thetav consumer be givena reasonably safe vehicle to betransportedin,” said Clifford. Class actions often | 98 CHRYSLER'SEBRING,CONVERT JXi 98 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE $48,995».9333" $49,995 «12m 9352 98 DODGE NEON 2 DR Highline, Auto 98 DODGE RAM 3500 VAN $8,995 som 9470" 98 CHRYSLER CIRRUS LX! Gold Pkg, Loaded, Several $42,995 2:11 m0 9237 98 DODGE STRATUS ES loredo, Loaded 15 Pass, Loaded, Rear Air/Heat $48,995 2m $333 So 42,995oun. 9237 96 CHRYSLER CIRRUS LX Miles, Looded. V6 TERRYSEINER Oldsmobile 1999 ALERO Au Cond Absolutely Wonderful $46,495 «12m 9287 95 FORD EXPLORER XLT 94 CHRYSLER CONCORDE Seat 4, Low Miles 88 995. ~-92032 $45 995«0.rrr 9349" a fenertarrererres HINCKLEY DODG ee tt)Te)ot) 484-8755 eea ASN ed Lo ton nes F219 299 pialie per month jus tax ase TOP CAR OF THE MA 0 DOWN SECURITY DEPOSIT aa. loosesSex $47 CHEV Mess, ereal lo 7chocwe amVong4 Col29) 400 Ken G nOR wedongoon S'tbeeVo17913 ay ado arte pw ob, ABS 512.992 DAIAC.2,980Tieetwaad, joaded. Ok 2490 266127) Wewisn CHRY Lurrina Bove ty 114908 AIY SEER CAV 97D.8AN1 By Oldsmobile per month plus tax lease Pwr Doon, Windows 95 CADILLAC DEVILLE wen THIS OFFER ENDS bielel {Ti Thinking About Buying Honda,Toyota,Nissan... THINK AGAIN! 98 GRAND CARAVAN SE $49,995 om 9352 "Ena ar CAEa eves |Samamas. Bereaee “NelWode Subaru oe CHEVROLET $1978 96 FORD F350 4X4 Pwr Stroke Diesel, XLT, Auto, CD, 39,000 Miles Emoeebotmcom _ ADVERTISING. 53 MORE THINGS ‘MORE PEOPLE TWANANT ORR FORM GHEY Malibu. coded #77382 “a | 98 PLYMOUTH BREEZE $40,995»... 9227 4x4, 4 Shoot 5hat come adon| “uaa IrGA ne CADAIAC ine. Husry down bole i me V6, Loaded, Only 4 Left ssenger, Low Miles, Air | Ya SATURN ayfrom gt2014980 Lumina, "Wepock« CHEV top ofthe wo loaded white woh tow tow per me hetCHEYROLEI HMBOCK 298000 BEGY ta 5. ad Con tase CatenaZale sae nunca! $42,995 osm 9237 na, CARAVAN USED CARS yeu.fom SATURN, CRY Coven ade corel(9, pore owe 510995. 43078, 576-440 fo oor 8.660 Auto, Tilt, Cruise, Tape, Stk #A1683 $40,995oss io CplsonCale cage 107080 MeanSeo Samyrae| 7%CARIAC Seyi3 bape earns yclean,bewcutClacrance air usar WE cco CADIAC ert 9S. thi car wl bo fendbye A 848000ohoonweston a Pak %6 on. CADEIAG Devi Navy bbe ™ Hop, siowoo heated acts 7 Gy Fy perfect shape sce$2998 9454" 900—Domestic Cars 98 CHEV Cavalier Sodan. oo, of ‘Cass, cerlted, waranty, $9950 Sordoss i CADUAC Ado Tight =a) Deve | 95 at ond kn gongIS en, veeTaosory hoowe ot ont Cadillac 4 Condor 298-2868 107030 Mansteot 82144 5 CHORTAC Nr Fwd Bahan| eee| eleFree cht Ths wockondinh Io AapBute, feoronty FAROOCK CHEVRCAE 296-8090 925,495 But whilethe consumershould expect safe transport, where doesthe obligation end? immediately follow S00—Domestic Cars_| 900—Domestic Cars_| 900—Domestic Cars é arryH.ail TT Wo)ateLey NICEST TRADE- INS IN TOWN! $40,495 osm 9487" “IT think there’s an implied contractthat the motorists could suffer hand bums when the bay deploys. Thejury awarded the woman |. 900—Domestic Cars “5 MANTESGN LEY Cran! 6, BUCK BUCK Cortuydoa Custom, | 97 “eran 32 loadoct 98 DODGE DURANGO SLI V8, 18,800 Mies No one disputesthe needfor safe cars vehicle, charging that $50 million, \ | SeaucK Cortay 4 | pw excel $56 he TQ RACE your ‘boas hos ave 31 CASSIFAD TRY S08 MOVE 206-38 237-2000A | SeuCrm9.409 A. cam 165MICK Pow Aw et Mati Meters ae Yo 510800 265-45 aneof 1409 "oeshi energy 99 NEON 4 DR fees on the woman's hands. A suit wasfiled and becamea class-action on behalf of all owners ¥7 BACK Park Avenue Uma, tre | Aulo, Air, 13,000 Miles, 2 Left Goldfarb said, adding that a judge will soon bag, but the nylonsack left some burn marks rule on whetherthe lawyers are entitled to * A man who reportedly hadn’t slept in 22 900—Domestic Cars | 900—Domestic Cars | 900—Domestic Cars BUCK Lesa sade 13.975 8 BUICK Is ease, wt | ‘YeRUCK ParkAiHa SALT LAKE | VALLEY GMC wersaitakn vatagC 98 BUCK retrieve the item. The verdict and possible Consider a few examples of expectation hours stopped fora “A few years ago there was a recall to inspect our early-generation antilock brakes, class-action suits were filed while the National Highway Traffic Saftty Administration investigation was going on. When the judge ruled a class-action suit couldn't be brought, the lawyers dropped the suits but saidthey werethe catalysts.for the investigation and wantedto be paid attorneyfees, award are pending. motorist gets behind the wheel. star vehicle, you can run into a barrier. dust to tailgate becauseit helps thecar stop quick: ly inastraight line: or that four-wheel-drive 6 ACURA 39ater, CO rie counsel for DaimlerChrysler Corp. should foresee that motorists are subject to a careless or impaired Some consumers think ABS makes it OK % FOR CotoG. 4.3. $7450 $e profession and piggyback on government recalls,” said Lou Goldfarb,associate general tents of cupholders pop out, andif they do, Theindustry, however, argues that any con- ability to withstand a 35-mph impact into a exceeding reality and who pays thetab: Domestic ] 900—Domestic Cars Ca that I'mnot proud of because they exploit the accident and injury when bending over to also accepted an implied contract from the vehicle-maker that they won't get hurt which vehicles can earfivestars for their “Ina violent collision it’s not unusual to get hurt.” said William Kemp, director of legal affairs for General Motors North Amencan or won't — get hurt “There's a segmentofthe legal profession was thrown out an open window, the jury lookedlikebillowy pillows. Youdidn’t see attomey who represented violinist Rachel bags deploy with a bang, at 200 mph,or hear Barton, who was awarded $29 million in road, rolled over and was injured. Her suit metal crinkling or glass cracking. There was damages after losing her leg when she was alleged that the automaker shouldn’t let con- cate inspired, such as air bags. Yet all raise the yourself off and walk away unharmed expectations of consumers that they can’t for and repair a problem whenan investig; tion by the government or the automaker determines one couldexist. the automaker arguedthat the unbelted man “That's sour grapes by sore losers.” said awardedthe driver $150 million. andsafety advocates, whether an object is behind you andsoundan close to the bag, you couldget injured or alarm as youapproach. killed * Infrared imaging to “see” objects, animals Expectations also were raised in the govor people in the road eveninrain, snow or emment five-star crash ratings of the ‘90s in fog, so you don’t hit them. mediareports ofautomotiverecalls toins} paralyzed. He sued, alleging that because the door latch on his uck was defective, the a\ _ ABS Sipsinen : tae SALT LAKE | 7indies.8 CRY$13,998. Malibu 1. Vo oo, ow #9103 8764840 | WGABARON mae Cae a Ta | [ = Loot MesonaT a Seaton mut | i |g fab itetonn some seca Hon RIVERTON Soa arate aes ae WOW Ren Gada ite 1a em Fis bares RIVERTON EGRRa aie wa 444455 Stohe. 283-1004 3 miV6, roded. Toee wn ae 2043200 sau CHEVROLET Leno Meebostitmcom. WE ORY Tiien Sean, ado, a mae 9h Saab) SNISsAN WayPowerSent WSR Raneg aoa ‘ee FIRST MONTHLY PAYMENT M6 morn tease, 12K/ywar, 0 down, 0 wmcurtty dep 0 1m monenty payment, Tas. Tithe, & Regitration are extra 790 West 2100 South 972-8411 Ca Welt, Toadiedafar vobe. amuiasazn dastony aaah AYMr ant 3 |
