1997 Acura 3.0CL

In selecting the 1997 Motor Trend Car of the Year, we considered every all-new or significantly changed EPA-rated domestic automobile and minivan that met the on-sale date criterion. While only one could be singled out as the winner, it's fair to say that, collectively, this home-grown Class of '97 is one of the finest ever to put tire to pavement. Here, in alphabetical order, are the other vehicles we feel are particularly deserving of special recognition.

The first "premium channel" vehicles to be designed and built in the U.S.-specifically to please American buyers-the value-priced Acura 2.2CL/3.0CL coupes come loaded with standard features and comfortably seat four adults. Based on a revised Accord platform, the 2.2CL uses the same 145-horse SOHC four-cylinder found in its Honda kin. The top-line 3.0CL is fitted with an all-new 200-horse SOHC V-6, which, like all CLs, also is made in Ohio.

Bigger inside and out than its predecessor, the '97 Buick Park Avenue benefits from major structural upgrades that enhance ride quality and passenger compartment isolation. The base engine is a 3.8-liter/205-horsepower V-6, while the high-end Ultra is motivated by a 240-horse supercharged variant. Both are coupled to a new electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Other new standards include PASS Key III anti-theft protection and daytime running lights.

New sheetmetal, an extensively restyled interior, and a stouter unibody structure are key changes across the entire Cadillac DeVille line for '97. The standard DeVille and premium d'Elegance models pack a 4.6-liter/275-horse DOHC Northstar V-8 underhood, while the 300-horse version carries over in the sport-oriented Concours. All three DeVilles receive side airbags in the front doors and offer the "OnStar" driver-assistance system as an option. Only the Concours comes with the new (and quite impressive) StabiliTrak all-weather vehicle-stability system.

As the "clean-sheet" replacement for the Lumina Minivan, the Chevrolet Venture gives the General's highest-volume division a solidly competitive entry into the people-hauler market. Forsaking the old plastic body panels for steel sheetmetal, the Venture is available in standard and stretch wheelbase configurations and offers a choice of three or four (on long-wheelbase models) doors-including a power-operated second door on the passenger side. This front-driver is powered by a 3.4-liter/180-horse OHV V-6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Seating for seven is standard, as are anti-lock brakes, heat-rejecting solar glass, and dual airbags.

An even more potent variation of the original Viper RT/10 roadster, the new Dodge Viper GTS coupe offers greater creature comfort than its open-air counterpart (more-supportive bucket seats, real roll-up windows, and a standard CD player to name but a few refinements) along with a slightly retuned suspension for better ride compliance. Underhood is a stronger, lighter, 450-horse version of Dodge's killer 8.0-liter V-10 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. That combo lets this street screamer run 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds!

Perennially popular, the Ford Escort received a comprehensive makeover for '97, gaining a more sophisticated look and feel. Available in sedan or station-wagon body styles and in base or LX trim, the smart new bodywork on this compact front-driver is properly complemented by a comfortable, well-designed interior. Rated at 110 horsepower, the Escort's new, ultraclean Split Port Induction 2000 2.0-liter SOHC four-cylinder engine can be paired with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission.