Multi-car

'99 BMW 328iOur tester is trimmed to the nines with sport package, leather, and myriad electric goodies, including a navigation system to assist our male editors who refuse to ask for directions. The nav system has been criticized for waiting too long to recognize that the driver has changed course and needs the route replotted. One frequent BMW pilot has gripped that when the map is displayed large enough to read street names, the view is limited to one or two blocks. (That myopic scribe is serving penance as soap boy at the local car wash.) Gizmos and features only serve to dress up a solid enthusiast's car. In typical BMW style, the essentials are all in place and work commendably well. The pedals are positioned for effective heel-toe driving, steering feel is firm, and the communicative suspension is responsive with moderate harshness. A logbook entry reads, "As usual in a BMW, everything feels as if there is a hard, rubber grommet between you and the machine--solid yet pliable, firm not jarring." Match this platform with an eager 2.8-liter/193-horsepower inline six commanded via 5-speed shifter, and you have a potent performance recipe and a well-loved long-termer.

2000 {{{{{{Nissan Maxima}}}}}} SEWe've long been diehard fans of the Maxima equation: size, power, luxury, and value, adding up to an affordable 5 Series alternative. It was a natural to order a new Maxima to see if the 2000 model could hold up to our much-loved '95 Import Car of the Year winner over the long haul. As before, we homed in on the SE model with its sport-tuned suspension, white-face gauges, 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, and decklid spoiler-just for Van. The $23,649 base price includes all the prerequisite power amenities, but we indulged in a couple option groups anyhow. Comfort and Convenience package set us back $1799 for a one-touch moonroof, 17-inch wheels, power driver's seat, HomeLink, and variable intermittent wipers. Meridian Edition brought heated front seats and mirrors, side airbags, and trunk lid trim for $539. Leather package netted cowhide upholstery and trim, power passenger seat, auto temperature control, and other goodies. The finishing touch was the 200-watt Bose stereo upgrade for $899. Initial praise has focused on the powerplant, interior comfort, and handling, but not the rear styling.