Japanese add performance, hybrids and SUVs to their fortress

By GLENNA BLAKE
GlenMoor Enterprises Media Group

Acura
Acura flows into 2001 by adding a new sport utility that is theirs alone and a redesigned CL. More will come as we move further into the 21st century.

3.2 CL: Recently launched, the all-new 3.2 CL offers luxury and value. It is available in two models, the CL coupe and the high-performance 3.2 CL Type S. Both models offer state-of-the-art technology, advanced safety engineering and an extensive list of luxury features.

Integra: In 2001, the Integra lineup adds carpeted floor mats as standard equipment and four new exterior colors. Thankfully, the high-revving Type R returns after a year off. The Integra line continues to woo younger buyers into the Acura fold.

3.2 TL: The 2001 3.2 TL performance sedan returns with its 255 horsepower, all-aluminum V-6 engine, coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Acura adds carpeted floor mats and a new emergency trunk release for ’01 model year, as it has to other models.

RL: Acura’s flagship luxury, performance sedan, the 3.5 RL, features many of Acura’s most advanced technologies such as Vehicle Stability Assist and traction control, which will carry over for 2001.

MDX: Acura’s all-new, fully featured luxury SUV arrives for 2001 with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a new, fully automatic four-wheel-drive system. The MDX enters the market with class-leading fuel-economy and uniquely transformable seven-passenger seating. The MDX achieves a 50-state ultra-low vehicle emissions (ULEV) rating.

NSX: The NSX continues its legacy as a premier two-passenger, mid-engine sports car as it carries over into the new millennium.

Honda
Civic: The big news at Honda is that the car manufacturer continues to look at redesigning vehicles for a new millennia starting with the all-new, seventh-generation Civic. The 2001 model makes the Civic an even smarter selection. Larger interiors than the preceding generation, the Civic sedan and coupe move up into the Compact Class. These versions get larger, more fuel efficient and cleaner burning engines.

Insight: Honda’s gasoline-electric hybrid adds a CVT transmission in 2001. Accord: The 2001 Accord receives numerous changes, including enhanced safety features and greater refinement, along with new styling highlights.

Prelude: No changes in the 2001 model year, continuing as another Honda representative for driving excitement. S2000: Honda’s roadster, introduced as a 2000 model, adds a removable hardtop for 2001. It continues to be a sought after, hard-to-get roadster.

CR-V: The CR-V will carry over from last year’s model relatively unchanged. Passport and Odyssey: The Passport and Odyssey both carry on in 2001 with enhanced safety features.

Infiniti
G20: For 2001 Infiniti’s entry-level sedan, the G20, carries forward with a long list of luxury features and amenities.

I30: The second-generation I30 enters the 2001 model year with new interior features that include an automatic anti-glare rear view mirror with an integrated compass, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, emergency inside trunk release and two new exterior colors. The I30 continues in 2001 with a 3.3-liter, V-6 engine producing 227 hp, and increase of 37 hp from the first generation I30 and 217 pounds-feet of torque, an increase of 12 pounds-feet.

Q45: Changes for the 2001 Infiniti Q45 include the reintroduction of the Luxury Model, replacing the Anniversary Edition, body color door handles, genuine bird’s eye wood trim on all models, and a leather and wood (simulated) steering wheel. Touring Models receive standard bright-finish 17-inch wheels and the three-dimensional Birdview navigational system is now an optional feature on all models.

QX4: The QX4 gets a power charge with the 240 hp V-6 engine in 2001. The SUV also receives a new front grille and bumper, plus a new rear fascia and bumper. New high- intensity discharge headlights with auto on/off feature, and new fog lights with integrated turn signals are offered. QX4 is available in a 2-wheel-drive model for the first time.

Isuzu
Hombre: It ended with the 2000 model. At this time, no new replacement has been announced. Rodeo/Rodeo Sport: The Rodeo will continue to offer a list of options and accessories at a substantial savings in 2001. Isuzu’s two-door sub-compact, the Amigo, is re-introduced as the Rodeo Sport in 2001. The Rodeo Sport will feature revised packages and two new exterior colors, and two models will be available with a hardtop or as a convertible.

Trooper: The Isuzu Trooper caries over to the 2001 model year. The Trooper introduces the Anniversary Edition in 2001 with an Anniversary Package that includes, exclusive limited exterior paint, leather and wood grain trim and an upgraded audio system.

VehiCross: With an in your face, techno-design, Isuzu’s VehiCross enters the 21st century. Advanced four-wheel-drive technology, coupled with a V-6 engine offering 215 hp and 230 pounds-feet of torque, makes it a perfect vehicle for cutting through rough and varied terrain. Interior features are plentiful, with special Recaro front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Lexus
ES 300: Aside from the emergency interior trunk release handle (glow in the dark), no changes have been made to this entry luxury sedan for 2001.

IS 300: This all-new sport sedan enters the market challenging the power and features of its European competition, but is far easier on the bottom line. Equipped with a 215-horsepower, six-cylinder engine, rear-wheel-drive and double-wishbone independent suspension, the IS 3000 has the ammunition needed to meet the challenge. The new instrument panel design has received as much attention as the entire vehicle.

GS 300/430: Both GS sedans receive significant enhancements for 2001.The V-8-powered GS400 becomes the GS 430 with a larger 4.3-liter engine. The GS 300 stays with its 3.0-liter, 220-horsepowered inline-six engine and gains E Shift steering-wheel controls. Both models feature front- and rear-design detail revisions.

SC 430: Like the LS 430, the Lexus luxury coupe receives the new larger V-8 engine. The 4.3-liter engine adds performance with 300 horsepower. LX 470: Changes for 2001 include such items as high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, navigation-system, alloy wheels and Mark Levinson Audio systems as an option.

LS 430: Lexus redesigned the LS 430 to be three inches longer than its predecessor, giving it increased interior room. New safety technology includes variable-force front air bags and front- and rear-side curtain air bags. The 4.3-liter V-8 generates 290 hp and 320 pounds-feet of torque. Lexus claims the car can go 0-to-60 mph in 6.2 seconds. New luxury items include higher grades of leather and wood, and a climate-control system with temperature and sun-sensing articulating air registers.

RX 300: The 2001 RX 300 receives a multitude of enhancements for greater safety, luxury and convenience, plus revised front- and rear-styling details. Other new options for 2001 are high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights and a DVD ROM-based navigation system. A water-repellent front glass is an interesting addition.

Mazda Protege: An all-new vehicle will be introduced at the end of the year with more power and substantial body redesign. It will, however, retain the existing platform.

626: Since it went through a major reworking last year, the 626 for 2001 will carry on with only a few minor refinements.

MPV: Redesigned in 2000, Mazda’s MPV carries forward for 2001.

Millenia: The 2001 Millenia has been updated with more aggressive styling, a new hood, front fenders, grille and bumper. A restyled interior, improved handling and ride quality, and a quieter, more luxurious feel add to the advantages brought forth by the new Millenia.

Miata: For 2001, the Miata receives the largest horsepower since its introduction 12 years ago, a jump of 15 horsepower, to155 hp. The 2001 Miata is available with 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speed manual transmission, more aggressive styling and an updated interior trim.

Tribute: Mazda introduces its all-new sport-utility, the Tribute, in 2001. Powered by an optional 21-valve, 200 hp V-6 engine, the Tribute is dressed-out with many features normally found on luxury SUVs, such as leather seating surfaces, an in-dash six-disc CD changer and a spacious interior.

B-Series: For 2001, Mazda’s B-Series lineup boasts increased engine performance in all three engine choices. The B-Series gets a freshened front-end design. The 2001 B-Series sports a revised interior with new seat design, door panel trim, gauges and steering wheel.

Mitsubishi
Mirage: Little has changed for 2001 with the Mirage coupe or sedan. The coupe offers tether anchors for child seats, and a power sunroof is available now with the Sports Package.

The 2001 Mirage Sedan now offers two trim levels with a new ES model, which features air conditioning, AM/FM/CD and seating for five with a split-folding rear seat. Both models include tether anchors for child seats. Galant: The 2001 Galant offers the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for child seats and also meets LEV standards. A new All-Weather Package includes heated sideview mirrors and traction control system for the ES V6.

Eclipse/Spyder: The redesigned Eclipse is sleeker looking and more sophisticated. Available only in front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive is gone, and the car is lighter and more responsive. Powered by two available engines, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V-6, you have your choice of powerful and more powerful. The restyling gives the Eclipse a more contemporary and expensive look.

Diamante: Diamante in 2001 offers tether anchors for child seats, fog lights on the LS, and new seat fabric and wheel covers for the ES. It also meets LEV standards for all states. Montero Sport: The Montero Sport receives numerous safety features, including structural enhancements designed to help deflect the force of an offset crash away from the vehicle’s occupants. All Montero Sports also offer a driver’s side seat belt pretensioner, the LATCH system for child seats and LEV exhaust levels. 2001 also sees the introduction of an ES 4WD, featuring a 3.0L V-6 engine, air conditioning, power windows, door locks, and mirrors plus ABS brakes, and 5-passenger seating with a folding rear seat.

A new limited edition, XS Sport, will be introduced to bring the Montero Sport into range for more buyers. It will be equipped with the 3.5 V-6 engine, special wheels and come in only two colors, red and black.

Montero: This redesigned SUV is introduced in 2001. The Montero offers higher ground clearance, four-wheel-drive independent suspension, a wheelbase that is four inches longer than last year’s model, and more engine torque at lower speed. The 2001 Montero offers more interior room, while the third row seat folds into the cargo-area floor, and the front seats are fitted with side-impact air bags.

Nissan
Sentra: For 2001, the Sentra comes in two new exterior colors, receives a redesign that offers a more powerful base engine, a larger interior with more front and rear headroom, and added storage compartments. The Sentra has a crisp, new look.

Altima: The Altima receives minor changes for 2001 following its redesign last year. A new Limited Edition package, which offers an 8-way power driver’s seat, remote keyless entry, floor mats and a vehicle security system, is available.

Maxima: To celebrate the Maxima’s 20th anniversary, a special SE 20th Anniversary Edition is added to the model lineup, which offers numerous interior and exterior upgrades. This includes a more powerful engine, front and rear spoilers drilled metal pedals.

Quest: The Quest enters 2001 with a number of interior and exterior refinements, including safety and comfort updates, and a redesigned front fascia and rear finisher.

Frontier: For 2001, the Frontier gets an aggressive-looking exterior styling, restyled interior with optional leather seating, a new audio-system lineup, and an optional factory installed supercharged 210-hp, 3.3-liter, V-6 engine.

Xterra: The 2001 Xterra is a carry-over form of the 2000 model introduced in 1999. New 16-inch wheels are fitted to the SE model.

Pathfinder: The Pathfinder gets the power it deserves for 2001, a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine. Other changes include a restyled instrument panel with an available navigation system and an enhanced entertainment system.

Subaru
Impreza/Outback: 2.5 RS gets new interior trim, CD player and embroidered floor mats. Other models remain as they are on 2000 models.

Outback H-6-3.0 / L.L. Bean Edition: Equipped with Subaru’s new, more powerful six-cylinder engine, this popular sport wagon is sure to gain visibility. H-6-3.0 version receives all sorts of upgrades including new alloy wheels, wood and leather steering wheel, and a powered eight-way driver’s seat. Of course, the L.L. Bean Edition gets the up-level outdoors treatment that makes you want to go on an adventure. First class, of course.

Legacy/Outback: Limited slip deferential becomes standard equipment in all but vehicles equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control. All get dual-stage air bags while the Outback receives larger brakes. The L trim is now the entry-level model. The GT model carries over.

Forester: Restyled for 2001, the Forester gets a new Premium Package as an option. A new grille, bumper and headlights update the Forester. The S model gets new wheels and rear viscous limited-slip differential.

Suzuki
Swift: One of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road, the Swift continues on into 2001 sporting new, bright colors.

Esteem: In 2001, the Esteem sedan and Wagon receive interior improvements, including a larger AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD, floor mats, and a fresh front-grille design and seat fabric. Vitara/Grand Vitara: All Vitara models get a larger audio unit with in-dash CD player. Grand Vitara gets adjustable front-seat armrests and new head restraints. A number of fresh color choices, new seat fabric and restyled front grille also are added.

Toyota
Echo: With the exception of one new color, the Echo carries over unchanged for 2001. Corolla: The 2001 Corolla’s exterior has been enhanced with a fresh front fascia, giving it a more expressive and aggressive image. The 2001 Corolla is the first Toyota model to offer a safety inside-trunk release.

Celica, Avalon & MR2 Spyder: These models were introduced in 2000 and carry over with no changes in 2001.

Camry: The Camry offers a special “Gallery Series edition on the Camry LE for 2001 that will feature an array of special amenities including two-tone exterior paint and seat fabric.

Camry Solara: The Camry Solara coupe carries over with no changes, while the convertible receives a new paint color for 2001. Understandably, since the convertible recently arrived at dealers.

Prius: New in 2001 is Toyota’s mass-produced gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle, the Pirus. This four-door, five passenger sedan runs on either electricity or gasoline alone, or a combination of both, with batteries that never need to be recharged from an external source.

RAV4: Toyota introduces its second-generation RAV4 in 2001. The redesigned RAV4 is roomier, with a more aggressive, aerodynamic appearance. The overall length, width and wheelbase have been increased by about an inch for greater room, inside and out. An all-new and lighter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 hp and 143 pounds-feet of torque powers the RAV4.

Sienna: The 2001 Sienna exterior receives a new front fascia that includes a redesigned front grille and bumper, and numerous interior enhancements, plus four new exterior colors. Tacoma: Toyota’s pickup will receive Double Cab and StepSide versions for 2001. New wheels are offered on select models. Tacoma gets a new model — the S-Runner with performance enhancements.

4Runner: The 2001 4Runner carries forward for 2001. The exterior features a new front grille, taillamps and three colors, while the interior features several additions, including seat patterns and fabrics.

Tundra: The Tundra carries on offering two new color choices and sound system upgrades in 2001.

Sequoia: Toyota’s newest full-sized sport-utility vehicle is the largest, most versatile SUV in the lineup. The Sequoia is equipped with the same 4.7-liter, V8 engine that powers the Tundra. Offered in two-wheel and four-wheel-drive, the Tundra will transport eight passengers in three rows of seating. The Sequoia is meant to fill the position between the 4Runner and Land Cruiser. Land Cruiser: With the exception of a new exterior color and few other additions, the Land Cruiser enters the 2001 model year unchanged.

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