'99 Audi A6 Avant QuattroPast experience has shown that Audi produced an exceptional sedan with the A6, and the Avant improves on the notchback's virtues by increasing cargo capacity and overall versatility. We ordered a Quattro-equipped Avant, bringing the surefooted security of seamless all-wheel drive. The $36,600 base price includes a generous list of standards with the five-speed Tiptronic transmission at the top of the list, followed by anti-lock brakes, headlight washer system, dual-zone climate control, 12-way power seats, subwoofer, and remote keyless entry. We upgraded the tire/wheel package to Goodyear Eagle RS-A 205/55HR16s on 16-inch aluminum wheels for a reasonable $225. The $1500 Convenience Package brought power moonroof, seat/mirror memory system, HomeLink transmitter, and auto-dimming mirrors. An additional $1500 wrapped the interior in cowhide. An early logbook entry reads, "The Europeans have had it right all along: A sport wagon with all-wheel drive is the true definition of a sport/utility vehicle." Initial criticism has targeted modest acceleration, challenging audio controls, and shiny shift gate surround.
| Base price | $36,600 |
| Price as tested | $40,375 |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-pass. |
| Engine size/type | 2.8-liter V-6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed auto. |
| Driveline configuration | Front engine,all-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph, sec. | 9.8 |
| EPA mpg, city/hwy. | 17/26 |
| Total mileage | 4016 |
| Test mileage | 3950 |
| Fuel consumed, gal | 221.9 |
| Fuel cost | $268.94 |
| Average mpg | 17.8 |
| Additional oil/cost | None |
| Routine maint. | None |
| Additional maint. | None |
| Previous maint. | None |
| Problem areas | None |
| Total operating cost | $268.94 |
| Operating cost/mile | 6.8 |
'98 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleAs expected, the staff has relished its time in the pewter-hued convertible Corvette, citing sleek appearance, sonorous OHV V-8, balanced handling, and masterful interior as the main kudo winners. While the six-speed manual in our red long-term coupe may be the most efficient and enjoyable way to harness the potent LS1's power, we've come to favor the automatic-equipped convertible for traffic-plagued urban duties. Logbook entries praise the four-speed's non-abusive, yet firm, shifts and quick response to throttle input. Inside, the strangely rubberized door switchgear seems prepped for scuba divers, but a few passes through the local car wash showed the real reason: seepage. However, the softtop Vette has proven watertight during heavy rains. Cargo space to rival a sedan trunk's has made the convertible a good candidate for weekend escapes, swallowing luggage and camera gear with ease. And yet few cars fuel excitement like the muscular Vette.