I have a friend driving an ancient '92 Honda Civic, and he is looking for something to replace it. He plans to keep the civic for winter beatings, but wants a "sports car" for daily use.

First stop was Toyta, to look at the 2000 Celica. I have to admit, I have never liked the look of the new Celica(never actually walked up and looked at one, just see them on the streets), but I soon loved the design. We were handed the keys to get in, and go for a drive. The interior is VERY nice. The dash has a very nice wrap around look, and is very futuristic looking. We took out the GT, salesman said the GTS is faster(duh),but all the power is on the top end, and not real useable for everyday driving. The little I-4 has a nice growl under hard acceleration, and is quite peppy, but nothing like the a torquey v-6. I was not impressed with power. Note: Toyota is sticking very close to sticker with the Celica.

Next stop was Mitsubishi, to look at the 2000 Eclipse. We took out the RS coupe(I-4), and GT Spyder(v-6). The I-4 felt very similar to the Celica GT I-4. Some power on top end, but nothing really worth bragging about. The v-6 was smooth, and somewhat torquey, and was fun to drive. Not the "fast car" fun to drive, but the "top down car" fun to drive. I was also unimpressed with the new GT Eclipse(but would take any Eclipse over the Celica, Celica has a HUGE blind-spot, the entire rear of the car).

We also headed over to Honda, to try out a 2000 Civic, but they were closed as it was getting late, and it was Sunday.

I would take my Fiero anytime over a new Celica or Eclipse, although the Eclipse is pretty close. There are very few cars I would take over my Fiero. And only one or two new cars I might take, would have to think about it(vette, NSX, etc).

I agree with you on your assessments....although I think the GTS is much better than the salesman let on. It has 180 HP....not sure what the GT has for an engine (don't think it's the same as the GTS).

I personally hate the new Eclipse, but to each his own.

My favorite new car is the Honda S-2000 convertible. I've seen a few cruising around Denver and I always crane my neck whenever one goes by. Of course a C-5 Vette would be nice too.

I love the look (inside and out) of the 99/00 Mercury Cougar...Just a suggestion

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About a month ago my son's girlfriend stopped over to pick him up to go out to a movie. As I looked over the fence to see them drive away my son was driving her dad's new 2001 Corvette conv. I'm not much for blue cars but that one sure was purdy. Kids now-days.

mrfiero, I don't know what the HP difference is either, but seemed like even the GTs power was only on the top end too. Maybe he should try out GTS for comparison. One "cool factor" about the Celica was that everyone and their brother craned their necks to get a better look at the car. That didn't happen with the Eclipse.

The Eclipse GT is a bigger car(3,100lbs), and has 205HP. I was expecting more kick in the pants from it, but it was more than adequate when compared to the old Civic we drove in with. The Eclipse had much more interior room, was easier to see out of any direction than the Celica, and had much more usable power lower in the rpm band than the Celica. The convertible top was nice too. The 2000 Celica we looked at was priced at $20,000 exactly. The Eclipse GT Spyder, was priced at a couple bucks under $30,000. He gave himself a $30,000 limit, and the Eclipse was preferred, but we still have several dealerships to go to first.

godsend: The 2000 Cougar is next up on the list.

My friend is only 20 years old, but has come into quite a large sum of money, and makes some pretty big bucks. Kinda' makes me wish I had stayed with that company, but never want to when I remeber why I left.

56,

He might want to wait a few months for the Focus R Code.... turbo I-4 with around 200 bhp for around 20... It is not a definite go though

William T. Thorn, III

Drew: I'm assuming he needs a back seat which would explain why he hasn't looked at a Miata. I'm also assuming he's shying away from American-made cars because $30,000 would get him a new 305 horsepower Trans Am. I'm also assuming he's staying away from used cars because $30,000 would get him a beautiful used Vette! I'm making a lot of assumptions, aren't I!?

Mike: Next time you're out this way, we'll go cruise in a C5 for awhile! I still owe you for those molding screws you sent me!

He has a different view on cars than myself or most people I know. His view of a sporty car is something that looks cool, isn't too small(like a Miata, I mentioned that one), is front wheel drive(I mentioned f-body, he shot it down), and looks very cool(cool to him is anything that looks "spacey"). Plus, he only wants something new(he's that type of person). I never thought of the vette. He might go for it(even though its RWD), but I think he would get into WAY too much trouble with a v-8.

well think Archie will make a 2.8 kit for a vette.. i'll trade the 8 for my 6... i'll even pay for the swap kit!