Home     New Car Reviews     New Cars of 2003

Hot New Cars of 2003

Every new year is cause for excitement in the automotive world, and this year has been no exception. There has been a trend towards creating brand new designs, breaking traditions and bringing concept cars to life. We've showcased eight of our favorite new cars here.

Arguably the best looking car Chrysler has produced in recent years, the 2004 Pacifica combines elements of passenger car, SUV, and station wagon for across-the-board appeal. Though a bit pricey at $31,230 (MSRP), we have a feeling that this car will become wildly popular. It has been said that the Pacifica is the evolution of the PT Cruiser: timeless and elegant, with a blend of retro and ultra-modern elements to make it stand out in any crowd.

Sport Luxury has its price. In the case of the brand new RS6, that price is $82,700 (MSRP). But if you think that's a small price to pay for a twin turbo V8, 450 horsepower, AWD luxury sedan, then you might just be tempted to sell your BMW.

Is this the reincarnation of the El Camino? Well, not really. Chevy prefers to think of it as a combination of classic step-side pickup and 2-seat roadster. Call it what you will, it sports a 290 horsepower V8 borrowed from the TrailBlazer and leather bucket seats - standard. Speaking of borrowing, you may have to do a bit of it yourself if you want to be the first kid on the block to own one of these. List price is $41,370 and supplies are limited.

Yes, it's true. Porsche has entered the SUV market with its spicy new Cayenne. The newest addition to the Porsche family is everything you'd expect from them: Precision engineering, style, luxury, and a price tag high enough to give you a nosebleed.

Infiniti's brand-new baby Ute is another of those "we like where this is going" cars. Designed more for on-road than off (we'd frankly be afraid to take it on anything rougher than well-packed dirt), it offers cargo capacity, ample power, and luxury without killing you at the gas pump.

For 2003, Subaru offers its much-touted AWD system with a truck bed. The Baja is very similar to what they call 'Utes' in Australia and New Zealand: off-road capable cars with a bit of open bed space. Perfect for mountain biking trips, Subaru expects the Baja to become popular with younger males.

We've waited for this day since the first of the new Beetles hit the shores of America, and it's finally here. The Beetle convertible is back from its long slumber, and it's as good as we hoped for. Note the convertible top that doesn't disappear into the back - just like the original.

Playing the role of kid sister to the Infiniti FX, the '03 Murano offers a scaled-down version of the new almost-SUV. Advertising has been aimed at young couples for good reason. This is a car that will not be quickly outgrown. Heck, even the grille is starting to grow on us.