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Presents

1999 Car of the Year Winners

The Auto Channel is pleased to present the twelve winning vehicles of its 1999 Golden Tachometer Awards. The Golden Tachometer Awards, or Goldies, are being presented to those cars and trucks that TACH's editorial staff believes are the best of the year. Due to an abundance of 'early release' model-year 2000 vehicles, which began arriving in December 1998, The Auto Channel decided to accept nominations for all models that were released on or before May 15, 1999.

All of The Auto Channel's correspondents and contributing editors were polled for their opinions. The final results represent the vehicles with the highest votes in each of the twelve respective classification categories: Luxury; Coupe; Convertible; Sedan; Compact; Truck; Sport Utility; Minivan; Wagon; Sportscar; Fantasy; and Best Overall. Judgement criteria included price, design, comfort, handling, performance, technological advancement, brand positioning, and overall value. Vehicle price (MSRP) played a major role in the decision making process. With the exception of one category, The Auto Channel tried to limit the nominees to vehicles that are easily accessible to the average consumer.

Below is the list of 1999 Goldie winners with links to vehicle information, reviews, photographs, and streaming video clips. To view the video clips you will need the Windows Media Player, which can be downloaded without charge by clicking on the WMP button. Please follow the installation instructions..


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Luxury

Winner

  • 2000 Mercedes S-Class - Stylishly svelte and safe, the all-new Mercedes S-Class sets new standards for the luxury class. A technological wonderland, the S-Class exemplifies intelligence, elegance, and indulgence. Competitively priced and comfortable enough to lull our scrupulous European Bureau Chief to sleep, the S-Class was our unanimous pick for 1999 Luxury Vehicle-of-the-Year.

Other Nominees

 

Convertible

Winner

Other Nominees

 

SUV

Winner

  • Lexus RX300 - Whether towing a boat to the mountains, or valet parking at a posh party, the RX300 affords its driver unparalleled flexibility. Described as "a tall, luxurious, all-weather station wagon with lots of ground clearance," by TACH writers Matt and Bob Hagin, the Lexus RX300 delivers exemplary versatility and reliability at a reasonable price.

Other Nominees

 

Coupe

Winner

Other Nominees

 

Sedan

Winner

Other Nominees

 

Minivan

Winner

Other Nominees

 

Wagon

Winner

  • 1999 Volvo V70 AWD - Able to climb the tallest mountain, cross the swiftest stream, and protect all occupants from the most frightening of accidents, the 1999 V70 does it in style. Sporting a signature Volvo body design, the V70 is an all-purpose vehicle with exceptional ride, unparalleled safety features, abundant creature comforts, and a very fair price.

Other Nominees

 

Truck

Winner

  • GMC Sierra - Large and in charge. The Sierra’s "numerous new technical features give all more towing and hauling power, more passenger and cargo room, and more comfort amenities than earlier versions", proclaimed TACH's Carey Russ. A new and more efficient engine makes for better gas mileage; a stiffer frame provides a quieter sturdy ride; and standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes affords safer, quicker stopping ability. Whether driving through the city or hauling horses, the 1999 Sierra provides its occupants with superior comfort, safety, reliability, and overall value.

Other Nominees

 

Sports Car

Winner

  • BMW M Coupe - "Designed by true enthusiasts for true enthusiasts" touts European Bureau Chief, Andrew Frankl. The M-Coupe is the one of the most uniquely styled vehicles on the road today. It is uncompromisingly fast, aggressive, and stylish. Its performance on the test-track was the clincher in winning our highly competitive 1999 Golden Tachometer Sportscar-of-the-Year award.

Other Nominees

 

Compact

Winner

  • Volkswagen Jetta - Cute and compact, the redesigned Jetta is fast, fun, and fashionable. As exciting to drive, as it is to look at, the 1999 Jetta is the most practical eye-candy on the market! Its ultra-chic design houses a myriad of standard features, a surprisingly spacious interior, and an engine that hauls. The Jetta is both fun and practical. Our Compact-of-the-Year will have no problems finding the drivers it so much wants.

Other Nominees

 

Best Fantasy Vehicle

Delta Flyer- For best Fantasy vehicle, the award goes to the USS Voyager's Delta Flyer.
PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Star Trek's Delta Flyer
Truly testing imaginations and creativity, the TACH team of journalists offered many ernstwhile nominees. However, none were as fanciful as the Flyer. For those not familiar with the Delta Flyer, this 50's influenced speedster can frequently be seen in the Star Trek Voyager television series. "What made this vehicle outshine the competition, in my mind, was the use of enhanced Borg technology, " declares Mark Fulmer, TACH’s Editor-in-Chief.

 

Best Overall

Volvo S80- Sleek, stylish, and sexy...the all new S80...a Volvo? The S80 flaunts curves worthy of a pin-up calendar. It’s equipped with a powerful engine, a wealth of creature comforts, and a price tag significantly less than its competitors'. More passive and active safety features than any other vehicle on the market, make the S80 Volvo’s "safest car ever," and The Auto Channel’s choice for Best Overall Car-of-the-Year for 1999!

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