Toyota Land Cruiser/Lexus LX 470A substantial makeover for '98 restored the Toyota Land Cruiser and its Lexus LX 470 sibling to the luxo- SUV lead draft. A highlight: Replacing the old 4.5-liter inline six is an iron-blocked, 4.7-liter/230-horse version of the LS 400's silky 4.0-liter V-8. Excellence isn't cheap: The Land Cruiser starts at $46,000, while the LX 470 can top $57,000. The LX 470 went on sale in at the same time as the RX 300, but government regs require the former to be a '98 because it's a continuing model, while allowing the later new nameplate to be a '99.
| Body type: | 4-dr., 5- to 8-pass. |
| Drivetrain: | Front engine, 4WD |
| Airbag: | Driver/passenger |
| Base curb weight, lb: | 4834 |
| Base engine: | 4.7-liter V-8, DOHC, 230 hp |
| Opt. engine: | None |
| Brakes, f/r: | Discs/discs, ABS std. |
| Price range: | $46,000-$58,000 |
| Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: | 13/17 |
Ford Expedition/Lincoln NavigatorThink of the Lincoln Navigator as a late '90s interpretation of a Town Car but with a serious attitude: A big, comfortable freeway cruiser that won't be pushed around in city traffic. Its Ford Expedition sibling is less ostentatious but, in up-level trim, every bit as comfortable and boasts an equally commanding presence among lesser vehicles. These heavyweights need every bit of power offered by the 5.4-liter/230-horse, SOHC V-8. The Expedition starts under $30,000, but loaded versions race past $35,000. The Navigator carries the buck almost to $50,000.
| Body type: | 4-dr., 4- to 9-pass. |
| Drivetrain: | Front engine, rear drive/4WD |
| Airbag: | Driver/passenger |
| Base curb weight, lb: | 4808 |
| Base engine, FORD | 4.6-liter V-8, SOHC, 215 hp |
| Base engine, LINCOLN | 5.4-liter V-8, SOHC, 230 hp |
| Opt. engine: | None |
| Brakes, f/r: | Discs/discs, ABS std. |
| Price range: | $28,225-$47,000 |
| Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: | 13/17 |
Sport/Utes in '99 and BeyondWhile it appears the Big Three will continue to play the game of "Mine's bigger," don't be surprised to see some other faces in the hot sport/utility segment, although you might not recognize them at first.
Although SUVs are so hot right now, and seem to be replacing wagons and minivans as fast as you can say, "Environmental Protection Agency," it looks like the automakers will have to begin thinking of methods to package and power their SUVs in ways that are more environmentally and collision friendly. In fear of another insurance and oil supply backlash, (you remember what happened to the musclecar in the '70s, don't you?), creative engineering has already produced smaller, cleaner, and more powerful engines for the ever-growing SUV market, while styling and manufacturing appear to be headed toward more car-based methods like those being employed in the increasingly popular compact and sub-compact segments. Which brings up an interesting point: For those manufacturers who currently lack an SUV in the lineup, wouldn't it make sense to toss their hats in the ring by spinning one off a current (and popular) car platform?
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