My Truck: '98 Ford Ranger
Best-selling of the compact pickups, the Ford Ranger was reworked for 1998, again similar to Mazda's B-Series. The next-generation Ranger got a larger regular cab, a revamped 4-wheel-drive system, and a bigger (2.5-liter) standard engine. Adding three inches to the regular cab allowed an extra inch of rearward seat travel, variable backrest adjustment, and more storage space behind the seat. In a coup for its class, two optional rear doors were added to extended-cab models. Hinged at the back, those doors did not open independently of the front doors. Dual airbags were depowered to deploy with less force, and a dashboard cutoff switch could disable the passenger-side bar. XL and uplevel XLT Rangers went on sale, with 2- or 4-wheel drive and a regular cab or extended cab (SuperCab). SuperCab models also had a pair of fold-down rear jump seats. In addition, a special Splash edition featured bright bodyside graphics, color-keyed grille, and other dress-up items. Rangers with 4-wheel drive now wore a different grille.
:UPDATE: My Girlfriend's '04 Hyundai Tiburon
The Tiburon has been traded in and exchanged for the new 2007 Eclipse. We went to Bedford Heights to obtain the new car and traded the Tiburon back to Rick Case Hyundai/Mitsubishi, the same dealer we had purchased it from. The Tiburon was a great car, and always ran well. It gave us no problems and never failed when it came time for a little extra power needed. The only problem I had with the car was the fact that if you wanted to replace the tires, it would cost you $1000. Four low profile run flat Michelin tire are insanely expensive. I know because I had to replace one of them, however the run flat came in handy in the middle of Youngstown at 2 in the morning. All in all the driving the car was a fun and satisfying experience.
My Next Car: Mazda RX-7 Twin Turbo
Launched as an early '93 model, the third-generation RX-7 adopted a back-to basics approach that was reminiscent of the original 1978-85 model. The convertible and the closed 2+2 coupe were gone, leaving a lighter, more-potent hatchback coupe with fresh styling. The rear-wheel-drive layout and 1.3-liter rotary engine were retained from the second generation, but twin turbochargers boosted horsepower to 255. Either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission could be installed. The RX-7's wheelbase was little-changed, but overall length shrunk by 1.4 inches. The car was 2.4 inches wider and 1.4 inches lower than before. Base curb weight dropped by some 190 pounds, compared to the old Turbo. A driver's airbag, all-disc antilock braking, and limited-slip differential were standard. The performance-minded R-1 option added dual oil coolers and body spoilers, but was not available with the luxury-oriented Touring Package. That option group included leather seats, a power sunroof, Bose speakers, and cruise controls in the steering-wheel hub.
:UPDATE: My Girlfriend's New Car: 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
Mitsubishi touts its U.S. cars and trucks as "Driven to Thrill," and its boldly-sculpted 2007 Eclipse Spyder as the "attainable exotic." Based on the all-new for 2006 fourth-generation Eclipse coupe, the Spyder is available as the four-cylinder GS or V6 GT, and features a standard premium audio and a power cloth top that tucks away under a flush tonneau in about 19 seconds. It looks great and is pleasant to drive, especially the 260-horsepower V6 GT, but it's also bigger and heavier than before. And, unlike some previous generations, it's front-wheel drive only—there's no available all-wheel drive.