Mitsubishi 3000GTBrawny and broad, the Mitsubishi 3000GT, especially its 320-horsepower twin-turbo all-wheel-drive VR-4 variant, digests the road. Few cars are such able all-weather continent spanners. Changes for '96 are limited to new interior trim, new seat materials, some new paint colors, and OBD-II engine electronics. All three 3000GT models (Standard, SL, and VR-4) are powered by a 3.0-liter 24-valve DOHC V-6. The front-drive Standard and SL do without the VR-4's turbos and therefore get 222 horsepower from their engines. Topping the range is the retractable-hardtop Spyder, available as either an SL or VR-4. The marvel of watching the top retract is alone nearly worth the extra cost.
Body type: Coupe, convertibleDrivetrain: Front engine, front drive/AWDAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 3197Base engine: 3.0-liter V-6, DOHC, 222 hpOpt. engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, DOHC, 320 hpBrakes, f/r: Discs/discs, ABS opt.Price range: $26,000-$60,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 18/24
Mitsubishi DiamanteGone are the Diamante LS and Diamante wagon; what remains is the front-drive, five-passenger Diamante ES sedan, powered by Mitsubishi's 3.0-liter/175-horsepower 12-valve SOHC V-6. Behind it is your choice of transmissions, as long as it's a four-speed automatic. Everything else is identical to the base-level (but still really nice) Diamante ES that was available only to rental-car fleets during '95, except for the inclusion of new OBD-II engine electronics. The next Diamante, featuring a revised platform, new engines, and a five-speed automatic transmission, will be built in Australia to temper the effect of a strong yen and thwart any trade-friction shenanigans.
Body type: SedanDrivetrain: Front engine, front driveAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 3428Base engine: 3.0-liter V-6, SOHC, 175 hpOpt. engine: NoneBrakes, f/r: Discs/discs, ABS opt.Price range: $23,000-$26,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 18/24
Mitsubishi EclipseBuilt in Normal, Illinois, at Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America, Inc. alongside its Eagle Talon twin, sedan brother Mitsubishi Galant, and coupe cousins Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, the Eclipse coupe enters '96 indistinguishable from when it was all-new in '95. Four variations are available, ranging from the base front-drive RS powered by Chrysler's 2.0-liter/140-horsepower 16-valve DOHC Neon four, to the midlevel GS, to the 210-horsepower turbocharged GS-T, and beyond to the tasty turbo and all-wheel-drive of the GSX. In either the GS-T or GSX, 0-60 comes in only 6.4 seconds, though the more costly all-wheel-driver has less torque steer and is easier to manage.
Body type: CoupeDrivetrain: Front engine, front drive/AWDAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 2822Base engine: 2.0-liter I-4, DOHC, 140 hpOpt. engines: 2.0-liter turbo I-4, DOHC, 205/210 hp (auto./manual)Brakes, f/r: Discs/discs, ABS opt.Price range: $15,000-$26,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 22/32
Mitsubishi GalantMitsubishi's current Galant sedan gallops into its third year of battle in the toughest segment of the new-car market against competition like the Honda Accord, Mazda 626, and Toyota Camry. Whether in S, ES, or LS trim, all Galant four-doors come standard with a 2.4-liter/141-horsepower SOHC four. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional on the S model, and standard on ES and LS Galants. Sitting in the elegant ether atop the range, the Galant LS is available with a smooth 2.5-liter/155-horsepower V-6 and comes packed with four-wheel disc brakes, automatic air conditioning, a new Infinity audio system, and a new "panic" feature on its keyless-entry system.
Body type: SedanDrivetrain: Front engine, front driveAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 2755Base engine: 2.4-liter I-4, SOHC, 141 hpOpt. engine: 2.5-liter V-6, SOHC, 155 hpBrakes, f/r: Discs/drums, ABS opt.Price range: $14,000-$23,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 23/30
Mitsubishi MirageMitsubishi's hypereconomical subcompact Mirage Coupe enters the new year almost unchanged except for colors and updated engine electronics. Two-door Mirages come with either base S or upgraded LS trim. Power for Mirage S models comes from a 1.5-liter/92-horsepower SOHC four. The LS, meanwhile, gets 113 horsepower from its 1.8-liter 16-valve SOHC four. New Mirage S options include power steering on manual-transmission models, tinted glass, a day/night rearview mirror, and the all-important cupholder (all four items are also available as a package). Want a '96 Mirage S four-door? Well, then, you'd better want a fleet of them, as that's the only way they're available.
Body type: CoupeDrivetrain: Front engine, front driveAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 2100Base engine: 1.5-liter I-4, SOHC, 92 hpOpt. engine: 1.8-liter I-4, SOHC, 113 hpBrakes, f/r: Discs/drums, ABS opt.Price range: $8500-$14,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 31/39
Nissan 200SXIt shares its structure and base powerplant with the Sentra, but the 200SX coupe gets its attitude and ability from a line of Nissan sporting two-doors that started with the first Datsun 510. While even the basic 1.6-liter/110-horsepower four-powered 200SX is a great lifestyle companion, it's the 2.0-liter/140-horsepower SE-R version that engages the sporting soul. Taking up where the loved and missed '94 Sentra SE-R left off, the 200SX SE-R merges riveting performance with amazingly smooth power delivery and the absolute confidence of a refined front-drive chassis. Only body-color door handles and mirrors on SE and SE-R models differentiate the '96 200SX from the debut '95 model.
Body type: CoupeDrivetrain: Front engine, front driveAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 2320Base engine: 1.6-liter I-4, DOHC, 110 hp Opt. engine: 2.0-liter I-4, DOHC, 140 hpBrakes, f/r: Discs/drums, ABS opt.Price range: $13,000-$17,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 24/32
Nissan 240SXDesigned with luxury more than sporting character in mind, Nissan's 240SX coupe enters '96 with a new grille texture to differentiate it from the then-all-new '95. As one of the few remaining rear-drive coupes around, the 240SX in either base or SE trim is a delightfully balanced driving machine whose sophisticated all-independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes could handle more than the 155 horsepower they get from its 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC four (no other engine is available). The meticulous, mature theme continues inside, where the intimate cockpit is elegantly appointed and absolutely comfortable, with an airbag for both the driver and front passenger.
Body type: CoupeDrivetrain: Front engine, rear driveAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 2760Base engine: 2.4-liter I-4, DOHC, 155 hpOpt. engine: NoneBrakes, f/r: Discs/discs, ABS opt.Price range: $21,500-$26,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 22/28
Nissan 300ZXExcept for the addition of an OBD-II engine-control computer, Nissan's '96 lineup of two-passenger and extended-wheelbase four-passenger 300ZXs is wholly unchanged from '95. All 300ZXs are powered by a 3.0-liter 24-valve DOHC V-6 which, when breathing on its own, generates 222 horsepower. Forced inhalation through a twin-turbocharger system swells output to an inspiring 300 horsepower. While the two-passenger coupe is available with either powerplant, both the convertible and 2+2 come packing only the normally aspirated engine. Common to all 300ZXs are dual airbags, one of the best-handling chassis in the world, a ravishing exterior, and a dazzling interior.
Body type: Coupe, convertibleDrivetrain: Front engine, rear driveAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 3186Base engine: 3.0-liter V-6, DOHC, 222 hpOpt. engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, DOHC, 300 hpBrakes, f/r: Discs/discs, ABS std.Price range: $32,000-$41,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 18/24
Nissan AltimaAlthough the only engine available is a 2.4-liter/150-horsepower 16-valve DOHC four, the Nissan Altima feels powerful and confident. Combine that with an excellent front-drive chassis and the result is a small but roomy four-door sedan that feels like a sport coupe. Especially in sporty SE trim, the Altima drives like its blazing-quick big brother, the Maxima-and that's high praise. Changes to the four-year-old Altima are limited to new wheel covers on XE and GXE models, new interior trim on the GXE, and revised logic for the power door locks on cars so equipped. In a crowded market segment, this is one of those cars that's easy to overlook, but it deserves a prominent spot on your shopping list.
Body type: SedanDrivetrain: Front engine, front driveAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 2765Base engine: 2.4-liter I-4, DOHC, 150 hpOpt. engine: NoneBrakes, f/r: Discs/drums, ABS opt.Price range: $14,500-$22,500Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 24/30
Nissan MaximaIn 1995 the Nissan Maxima was our Import Car of the Year, and we still fight over the keys to our long-term tester. Besides being roomy, comfortable, and handsome, the Maxima offers intoxicating performance. Given half a chance, its 3.0-liter/190-horsepower 24-valve DOHC V-6 will boil the tread right off the car's front tires. The latest Maxima enters its sophomore season with only two new exterior colors and a new cupholder to differentiate it from the '95 model. Though most Maximas leave dealer lots equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission in either GXE or GLE trim, our favorite is the sport-flavored five-speed SE, whose extra chassis composure best matches the epic power.
Body type: SedanDrivetrain: Front engine, front driveAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 3010Base engine: 3.0-liter V-6, DOHC, 190 hpOpt. engine: NoneBrakes, f/r: Discs/discs, ABS opt.Price range: $20,000- $28,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 22/27
Nissan QuestWhile Japan and the U.S. teetered on the brink of a potentially disastrous trade war, the Quest minivan was popping off the end of a Ford assembly line-a paragon of Japanese-American cooperation. For '96 the Quest (and its Mercury Villager twin) has been redesigned with a new dual-airbag-equipped interior, a new grille, new bumpers, new bodyside moldings, and new taillamps. Inside, even with the new integrated child seats, the front-drive Quest's charm is its friendly compactness, its excellent handling, and the assured performance of its 3.0-liter/151-horsepower SOHC V-6. There were plenty of cupholders in the old interior; it'd take an afternoon to count the vast number in the new one. (Pictured is the '95 model.)
Body type: MinivanDrivetrain: Front engine, front driveAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 3782Base engine: 3.0-liter V-6, SOHC, 151 hpOpt. engine: NoneBrakes, f/r: Discs/drums, ABS std.Price range: $18,000-$29,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 17/25 (est.)
Nissan SentraIt's the entry-level Nissan, but the Tennessee-built Sentra is surprisingly sophisticated. In tough competition with the all-new Honda Civic, Mazda Proteg, and Toyota Corolla, it has to be. All new in '95, the '96 Sentra gets one new exterior color and a new engine-control module, and is available only as a four-door sedan. Power for all Sentras comes from a 1.6-liter/110-horsepower 16-valve DOHC four that combines with a standard five-speed manual (or optional four-speed automatic) transmission to produce lively performance. The square-cut styling is handsome and contemporary, if a bit anonymous, and the top-of-the-line GXE model is particularly comfortable for this class.
Body type: SedanDrivetrain: Front engine, front driveAirbag: Driver/passengerBase curb weight, lb: 2300Base engine: 1.6-liter I-4, DOHC, 110 hpOpt. engine: NoneBrakes, f/r: Discs/drums, ABS opt.Price range: $11,000-$17,000Fuel economy, city/hwy, mpg: 30/40
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