Presents
First Annual Cars of the Year
For the first time in its eleven-year history, The Auto Channel has named twelve vehicles as winners of the Golden Tachometer Award. The Goldies were presented to the cars and trucks that The Auto Channel believes were the best of the 1998 new model year.
Each of The Auto Channel's twenty correspondents and contributing editors were polled for their opinions on twelve classifications. The final results represent the highest number of votes in each class. Judgement criteria included design, comfort, handling, performance, technological advancement, and overall value. Vehicle price (MSRP) played a major role in the decision making process.
The categories are: luxury, convertible, SUV, coupe, minivan, wagon, truck, sports car, sedan, economy, ultra luxury, and best overall.
Below is the list of "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 and
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Luxury
Winner
- Infiniti Q45 - Although, somewhat left in the shadows of its more well-known
competitors, the Infiniti Q45 is like the girl next door - you don't really notice how
wonderful it is until you are actually face to face. The elegant exterior, luxurious
interior and powerful yet silky ride elevates it to the top of the category.
- 1998 Factory Footage 28.8k 56k
- Infiniti Photo Gallery
Other Nominees
Convertible
Winner
- Volvo C70 - Labeled "the Volvo to fall in love with" by The Auto Channel's co-publisher Marc Rauch, it exemplifies power, beauty, and safety. The un-Volvoish sleek lines and smooth curves hide a frame and Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) that would protect all passengers in any situation. With four seats comfortably accommodating full sized adults and a powerhouse strong enough to handle the steepest of grades, the Volvo is the essence of convertible superiority.
Other Nominees
SUV
Winner
- Mercedes ML320 - The first American built Mercedes delivered above and beyond
what was expected. As contributing editor John Heilig noted "it is solid, capable,
roadworthy and off-roadworthy." Its compact minivanish appearance fooled all: inside
the driver, passenger, and cargo room are expansive and roomy. The most notable fact
is that this is Mercedes' second least expensive vehicle. All in all, you get a whole
lot of Mercedes for a VERY good price.
- 1998 Factory Footage 28.8k 56k
- Mercedes-Benz ML320 versus Mitsubishi Montero - a battle royal! by Andrew Frankl
- Mercedes-Benz ML320 review by Marc Rauch
- Mercedes-Benz ML320 review by John Heilig
- Mercedes-Benz ML320 review by Carey Russ
- Audio Review by Mark Fulmer
- Inside Track Video Review
- Mercedes-Benz Photo Gallery
Other Nominees
Coupe
Winner
- Honda Accord - "Although the sedan and coupe share mechanical and chassis components, they are completely different in sheet metal and character" testified TACH correspondent Carey Russ. With a wide sporty stance, luxurious interior, powerful V6 engine, and competitive price, the all-new Accord epitomizes value, sensibility, and style.
Other Nominees
Sedan
Winner
- Saab 9-5 - "The airplane with no wings", as labeled by Editor-in-Chief Mark Fulmer, the Saab 9-5 is the ultimate family sport sedan. The 9-5 offers the ultimate in luxury for a reasonable price. Spacious and subtle décor highlighted with such luxuries as ventilated seats, made this vehicle our winner.
Other Nominees
Minivan
Winner
- Toyota Sienna - Dubbed the "Camry of Minivans", Toyota has set the standard for style, comfort, and safety. It drives like a car with agility and power, yet has the passenger and cargo space to haul half the soccer team. The Sienna has all of the amenities and Toyota's well earned reputation for reliability.
Other Nominees
Wagon
Winner
- Audi A4 Avant - The "sport sedan with a fanny pack", as tagged by Audi itself, describes the wagon that broke the boundaries. As TACH correspondent Carey Russ describes, the Avant "is a fine example of old world elegance, handsome and functional with no gimmickry." It has a safety-cage construction, 4-wheel antilock disk brakes, 4 passenger 3-point safety harness, and front and side airbags. Fuel economy, creature comforts and overall price place the Audi Avant at the top.
Other Nominees
Truck
Winner
- Ford F150 - For 16 straight years Ford's F series has been the highest selling vehicle on the market, and for good reason. Reliability, body style, interior comfort, and engine power are the foundations of a great truck. With a multitude of engine choices and cab options, a competitive price tag, and more than ample creature comforts, the F-150 not only makes a superior work truck, but also comfortable family transportation.
Other Nominees
Sports Car
Winner
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder - A shapely exterior coupled with a stylishly simple interior and enough horsepower to pin the passengers to the seat. It is not simply a coupe with the top cut off. With numerous amenities, a sporty look combined with a solid feel, a large enough engine to satisfy those who crave performance, and a value oriented price tag, the Eclipse Spyder will provide guaranteed satisfaction.
Other Nominees
Compact
Winner
- Volkswagen Beetle - The New Beetle "is just so cute!" However, its looks aren't
the only reason it won a Goldie. The creature comforts and horsepower surpassed all
expectations. While skepticism and a great love for the original Beetle ran rampant,
all who drove the next generation "bug" came away with sentiments similar to correspondent
Carey Russ, "I can't stop grinning". Contributing Editor John Heilig predicts that
"Volkswagen will probably sell a bazillion of them. "
- The New Beetle Introduction live at the Detroit Auto Show
- The LA Auto Show live Introduction
- Old Versus New: A Beetle Comparison by Carey Russ
- New Beetle review by Carey Russ
- Volkswagen New Beetle review by John Heilig
- Volkswagen, The New Beetle: A First Look by Carey Russ
- Audio Review of the VW Beetle by Mark Fulmer
- Volkswagen Photo Gallery
Other Nominees
Best Ultra Luxury
Bentley Azure- While the price is still a little steep for the TACH staff, it is a unanimous decision that as soon as our salary permitts, we will buy coordinating Azure's...we can always dream. Bentley has managed to create one of the finest displays of craftsmanship in the world. Classic curves, phenomenal power, and impeccable detail create the ultimate in driving pleasure.
Best Overall
Buick Regal - Everything seems to come standard on both models of the Regal. High horsepower, a myriad of creature comforts, rigid safety standards, and generous interior room. The styling is sleek, and the interior is comfortable. Its drivability and interior design, coupled with a very affordable price make Regal, dollar for dollar, the best buy in the new car market.