PONTIAC SUNFIRE and Pontiac Trans Sport

PONTIAC SUNFIREPontiac is positioned as a step-up make in General Motors hierarchy, so some of the features optional on competitive cars are standard in Pontiacs. Know this when you're casually scanning the bottom line. Even the entry-level Sunfire comes standard with ABS-something the other guys may charge up to 1000 bucks extra for. The Sunfire is well-equipped in other respects too, and is a worthwhile alternative to cars like the Honda Civic on the practical side; it even comes in coupe and convertible form if you're so inclined. New this year is a modest horsepower increase for the 2.2-liter base engine. The 2.4-liter/150-horsepower four in the GT coupe will get you to 60 mph in a brisk 7.9 seconds.

Pontiac Trans SportHere's a minivan that offers all the latest advances and conveniences. It can be had in a sport/utility-themed version called the Montana for those who need the convenience of a minivan, but find utterly repugnant the idea of being seen in one. Built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Venture and Oldsmobile Silhouette, the Pontiac Trans Sport comes in two different lengths with seating layouts to accommodate up to eight passengers. You can even get an optional left-side sliding door to match the right one-which can be operated remotely-a boon to loaded-down shoppers. Only one engine is offered, but it's a good one-a 3.4-liter/180-horsepower V-6.