1997 Chevy Malibu, 1997 Ford Escort, and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK

1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS
This award-winning import-fighter has continued to impress the staff with its solid platform, admirable packaging, and value equation. One of the most appreciated elements of the car has become its outstanding transmission; the four-speed automatic extracts maximum performance by providing crisp, precise shifts. Although the 3.1-liter/155-horsepower OHV V-6 becomes rough at high rpm in contrast to several competitors' OHC engines, the pushrod six is much stronger than rival powerplants in the same price category. Long trips have increased MT's average fuel economy from 21.1 mpg at our last report to 23.8 mpg. A bald spot in the carpeting has appeared where the sedan's most frequent driver rests his lead foot while cruising, and it has not responded to Minoxidil treatments, yet. The otherwise well-conceived interior with good control placement and decent seat sculpting makes the Malibu quite comfortable for triple-digit-mileage trips. A squeak in the front suspension was traced by our dealer to an assembly problem, necessitating replacement lower control arm bushings.

1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Sport
The Ford Escort GT has grown up to become the ZX2, a sport-minded budget coupe that delivers "pocket-rocket" performance for reasonable bucks. Base priced at $13,145, our bright-red long-term ZX2 packs a 2.0-liter/130-horsepower DOHC four cylinder capable of propelling the 2478-pound coupe 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The sticker price climbed by $4110 as we gorged on a feast of options, including a sport group with 15-inch aluminum wheels, foglamps, and rear spoiler ($595); anti-lock brakes ($570); six-disc CD changer ($515); comfort group with tilt steering column and speed control ($415); and a power package including air conditioning, rear defroster, power windows/door locks/mirrors, and remote keyless entry ($1825). Our content gluttony raised the price to a $17,255 grand total. Mysteriously, our long-term car doesn't feel as good as previous ZX2s we've tested, most notably lacking the tight construction that had earlier impressed us. Initial logbook entries express disappointment in powertrain vibration, as well as the transmission and clutch action. However, its flashy styling, sure-footed handling, and thrifty fuel economy hit the designers' mark.