Consumer Reports Tests Sexy Roadsters

YONKERS, NY – The Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche Boxster easily outpointed three competitive models—the Mercedes-Benz SLK320, Audi TT, and Ford Thunderbird—in performance tests of five roadsters conducted by Consumer Reports’ auto engineers for the June 2002 issue. The five roadsters are priced between $40,000 and $55,000.

The Corvette and Boxster tied at the top of the ratings for this test group with “excellent” overall scores—even though they have very different designs and handling characteristics. The muscular Corvette is big, relatively roomy, and very fast. The Boxster is designed more for driving precision and is great fun to drive even when it’s not being driven fast. .

The long-awaited 2002 Ford Thunderbird, styled after the original 1955 Thunderbird, has caused such a stir that dealers have long waiting lists of buyers. Six months after its introduction, the car was still commanding as much as $10,000 over the sticker price. Consumer Reports’ auto engineers gave it a “very good” score overall. Designed to be more of a quiet cruiser, the Thunderbird was out-performed by the other roadsters tested for this issue. .

“The retro-styled T-Bird is a lovely, relaxed cruiser for routine driving. But it’s heavy and lacks the precision handling and responsiveness of a true sports car," said David Champion, director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Facility in East Haddam, Connecticut. .

All five vehicles in the test group have their own strengths and are rated highly; they posted overall scores of either “very good” or excellent” from CR’s team of six trained engineers. .

The Mercedes-Benz SLK320 earned a “Recommended” rating from Consumer Reports because it performed well in the magazine’s tests and is expected to have at least average reliability based on the latest survey data from CR’s readers. Even though they performed well, the Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche Boxster, and Audi TT could not be recommended because they have below-average reliability. The Ford Thunderbird is too new to predict its reliability. .

Full tests and ratings of the five vehicles appear in the June issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale everywhere magazines are sold beginning May 14. The complete report is also available to subscribers of ConsumerReports.org. .

The current, fifth-generation Chevrolet Corvette set a new acceleration record in CR’s tests, rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. It’s equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that pumps out 350-hp. The optional six-speed manual transmission shifts crisply and has well-chosen gear ratios. The base Corvette ($55,465 as tested) has handling that is both nimble and secure, a tolerable ride, and enough room in the trunk for two golf bags. Braking performance was exceptional overall, with stops from 60 mph on dry pavement in 121 feet—the best of the group. The Corvette has had much-worse-than-average reliability. .

Introduced in 1998, the mid-engined Boxster tied the Corvette in overall score, but drives very differently. The base Boxster ($49,105 as tested) provides nimble, secure, and effortless handling that instills driver confidence. The 217-hp, 2.7-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine provides smooth, strong performance, and the five-speed manual transmission shifts accurately. Braking performance was excellent. The Boxster has had much-worse-than-average reliability. .

The Mercedes-Benz SLK320 is a deftly executed compromise between highway cruiser and sports car. It features a power-retractable hardtop that hides itself in the trunk neatly and quickly—but takes up luggage space when down. The SLK320 ($46,080 as tested), handles and accelerates well but isn’t as sporty feeling as the Corvette or Boxster. The 215-hp, 3.2-liter V6 is mated to a standard, six-speed manual transmission. The engine delivers plenty of refined performance and the transmission shifts competently. Braking performance was excellent overall. The SLK has an average reliability record. .

The Audi TT is an artfully-designed car with a well-crafted interior. The TT Quattro convertible ($42,275 as tested) handles securely and is the only car in this test group to offer all-wheel-drive. But its stiff ride is the least comfortable of these five cars. The 225-hp, 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers lively performance; the six-speed manual transmission has well-chosen ratios but its shifter feels vague. Braking performance was excellent overall. The TT has a worse-than-average reliability record. .

The Ford Thunderbird is a modern car styled to resemble the classic original. With a relatively quiet interior and a supple ride, it is a relaxed cruiser rather than a sporty roadster. The Thunderbird Premium ($40,245 as tested) handles reasonably well and has plenty of power, but the body twists and shakes on rough roads. The 252-hp 3.9-liter V8 delivers lively performance, and the five-speed automatic transmission shifts quite smoothly. (The Thunderbird is the only car in the group that doesn’t offer a manual transmission.) Braking was excellent overall. The Thunderbird is too new to predict its reliability. .

Editors Note: I have always thought that if your sexy new toy can't carry enough luggage for a weekend away for two, or golf clubs for two, then get a car that can.

When I ask the manufacturers what gives with these "no trunk at all models" they tell me that their model is really a 3rd or 4th car

Puleese...cut the bull...my 1988 RX7 convertible (with 170,000 miles thank you)is designed with both a trunk that is large enough to fit two sets of golf clubs into

and space behind the seats to fit two large pieces of luggage(with the top up)...so quite frankly it's impossible for me to chuck a car that "works" for one that has too many limitations.

I call those trunkless wonders "Fun At Home Only" cars...in fact you can't even run up to the supermarket and buy more than a pound of grapes

Enough already...here are the trunk sizes (as listed in the TACH New Car Buyers Guide Body Style COMPAR-A-GRAPH).

------------------------------------Trunk Space(Cu.Ft)

Chevrolet Corvette-------------------------13.9

Audi TT------------------------------------13.8

Jaguar XK8---------------------------------11.4

Mercedes SLK(Top up)------------------------9.5

Porsche Boxter------------------------------9.1

Lexus SC430(Top up)Plus Rear Seat Area------9.4

BMW Z3--------------------------------------9.0

Thunderbird (Top Up)------------------------6.9

Dodge Viper---------------------------------6.8

Mazda Miata---------------------------------5.1

Honda S2000---------------------------------5.0

Mercedes SLK (Top down)---------------------3.6

Toyota MR2 Spyder---------------------------1.9

Lexus SC430(Top Down)Plus Rear Seat Area----0

Thunderbird (Top Down)Plus Area Behind Seat-0