Letters to Motor Trend Magazine

The New 911-Love It Or Hate ItI must admit that before your November article on the '99 Porsche 911, I was a bit skeptical. From the spy photos, the 996 looked too much like a Boxster, taking away some of its elegance and prestige. Now I see that the new sheetmetal gives it a distinct and more elegant look than ever before. The new interior looks more user-friendly yet still has the traditional Porsche styling. The performance does not seem to be that much of an improvement, but then again this is only the beginning. The car still does not blow everything off the road, however, when you consider that an NSX with only 3.2 liters will still outperform it. These two cars are quite comparable; both have water-cooled six-cylinder engines with variable valve timing. I would still have to buy Porsche because of its heritage and the back seat, and enjoy an extra Volkswagen with the money I saved.Jason LanierLexington, N.C.via Motor Trend Online

Wow and double wow! That is all I have to say about the '99 Porsche 911 Carrera. It is just an awesome car, as expected from Porsche. At 300 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque, this baby can really let it all go, go, go.Chad RodeeAmerican Fork, Utahvia Motor Trend Online

Porsche made a big mistake by changing the 911. The 993 was a classic, timeless design that never should have been tampered with. The distinct way that the 993 handled should have been left alone, too. The styling and mechanical changes Porsche has made with the 996 are coming close to killing an automotive classic.John KachanoffSt-Laz-Vaud, Quebecvia Motor Trend Online

Let me congratulate Porsche on its outstanding '99 Porsche 911 Carrera. It's a beautiful car inside and out. Porsche is doing a great job in producing extremely wonderful cars. I just have one quick question: What's with the back seat? It's too bad more people see Porsches as "cars" when it's apparent that both the Porsche designers and I see them as works of art. Porsche should have a little more differentiation between the 911 and Boxster to keep consumers happy. Why pay $70,000 for a coupe when you can spend $50,000 on a convertible version of the same platform?James TurnerMilton, Vt.via Motor Trend Online

The minuscule rear seats help the most by keeping the car's insurance classification out of the frightfully expensive "two-seat sports car" class.-Ed.

World's Best Sport/Utility?I was a bit skeptical about Dodge's new look for the Dakota and the Durango sport/ute. That is, until I saw the new small pickups from Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC. The Dodge looks much better than those ugly ducklings. I'll think again before doubting the styling crew at Chrysler.B.G. RobelenNew Castle, Del.via Motor Trend Online

Clearly, beauty is in the eye of the check holder.-Ed.

I couldn't believe it when I saw the cover story of your November issue. I had been waiting for this test since I first saw the Durango feature earlier in the year. The Explorer's mediocre power and good looks have finally been beaten by a vehicle from none other than Dodge. And the price of the Durango is amazing. Fully loaded, it stays well under $35K. I can't wait for the two-wheel-drive version to come out next year.Chris PhelpsTampa, Fla.via Motor Trend Online

I was shocked to see that you chose the Durango as the better sport/ute. The Ford Explorer is still King of the Hill, and Durango is just a Dakota with three rows of seats. Clearly, by both looks and value, the Explorer reigns supreme.Bob DiGregorioHackettstown, N.J.