2000 Sport/Utility Buyer's Guide
Infiniti QX4For those who like to be coddled and pampered in a luxury vehicle, but be able to venture off road, as well, Infiniti offers its versatile QX4. Big changes are coming mid-year 2000, and although Infiniti is somewhat circumspect about the details, a few hints have been dropped. A new 3.5-liter/240-horsepower V-6 is expected to take the place of the current 3.3-liter/168-horse engine. In addition to 72 more ponies, expect new interior styling as well (the '99 is pictured here). Carrying over are the magnum loady luxo standards, including power leather seats, Bose audio system, the clever All-Mode 4WD that powers up when traction's down, and the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience.
| Body type: | 4-dr., 5-pass. |
| Drivetrain: | Front engine, 4WD |
| Airbag: | Driver/passenger |
| Base curb weight, lb: | 4275 (est.) |
| Base engine: | 3.5-liter V-6, SOHC, 240 hp |
| Opt. engine: | None |
| Brakes, f/r: | Disc/drum, ABS std. |
| Price range: | $38,000 (est.) |
| Fuel economy, city/hwy., mpg: | 15/19 (est.) |
Honda PassportReceiving a major rework in '98, Honda's Passport motors into 2000 with new front and rear fascias, new wheels and tires, and a new trim level. The cosmetic changes should give it a more aggressive look, similar to its mechanical sibling, the {{{Isuzu Rodeo}}}. Also like the Rodeo, the Passport features a 3.2-liter/205-horsepower V-6 that produces 8.3-second 0-60-mph times, provides a 4500-pound towing capacity, and delivers plenty of climbing power. New up-level EX-L trim will feature leather seating, two-tone paint, body side moldings, fender flares, and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Base LX trim gets new wheels, while mid-level EX trim carries over intact.
| Body type: | 4-dr., 5-pass. |
| Drivetrain: | Front engine, rear drive/4WD |
| Airbag: | Driver/passenger |
| Base curb weight, lb: | 3589 |
| Base engine: | 3.2-liter V-6, DOHC, 205 hp |
| Opt. engine: | None |
| Brakes, f/r: | Disc/disc, ABS |
| Price range: | $23,000-$30,000 |
| Fuel economy, city/hwy., mpg: | 18/20 |
Isuzu AmigoLooking for a distinctively styled, fun, compact SUV, but not quite ready to go all the way to a VehiCross? Then consider the Amigo. This iconoclastic Isuzu is essentially a cropped two-door Rodeo with a removable rear softtop or hardtop. Despite about 10 inches less wheelbase, the Amigo still has plenty of room for five and their gear. Freshened exterior styling and an optional Intelligent Suspension Control system highlight the changes for 2000. Also new is an Ironman package that features an AM/FM/cassette/CD changer, unique badging, and more. A 2.2-liter/130-horsepower inline-four is standard on all two-wheel-drive models, while four-wheel drives get a 3.2-liter/205-horse V-6.