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COPYRIGHT 2002 Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News
By Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Jun. 30--Jim's Driveway is capsules of Jim Mateja's auto reviews that appear in the Chicago Tribune. The vehicles will be grouped by model year and listed alphabetically. The digested version of the most recent reviews will replace older ones each week. The date at the end of the capsule indicates when the full review ran in the Tribune.
2002
--BMW 745i: Base price: $67,850; Engine: 4.4-liter, 325-h.p. V-8; Fuel economy: 18 m.p.g. city/26 highway. Critics having field day over the rear end on this redesigned machine, specifically that it stands too high. But the behind is not the only area of concern. Way too many gadgets and gizmos aimed at dot.com sophisticate. Do you really need a reading of your latitude and longitude? Push-button start, and you must press the brake pedal first to start; micromini gearshift lever; more power seat controls than seats; and computer mouse dial to adjust radio and climate. Too much gets in the way of getting in and simply driving--though quick and quiet when you do with excellent road manners. A V-12 later this year.
--CADILLAC ESCALADE 4WD: Base price: $49,290; Engine: 6-liter, 345-h.p. V-8; Fuel economy: 12 m.p.g. city/15 highway. Redesigned so it doesn't look like a thinly disguised derivative of the GMC Yukon/Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs that it has been. Sports the look of the future for the division. Loaded with goodies--StabiliTrak stability control, road-sensing suspension, responsive steering and OnStar in case you need mechanical or medical help. Plus three rows of seats, though with all in use, cargo room suffers. Smooth, potent V-8, but fuel economy suffers.
--CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT: Base price: $49,245; Engine: 6-liter, 345-h.p. V-8; Fuel economy: 12 m.p.g. city/15 highway. Sometimes you feel like a truck, sometimes you don't. Here's the solution, a multipurpose sport-ute/pickup to carry family upfront, plywood in back. Midgate, or fold-down rear cabin wall,...
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