There are a number of vehicles set to be introduced to the US market for the
first time as 2006 models. A few old names bow out of production at the end
of 2005, making the way for shier newer, hiper replacements. Several manufacturers
are also taking the opportunity to fill voids in their lineups for the first
time, attempting to diversify shier offerings so that they can better cater
to the wide variety of needs and interests of today's car buyers. From economy
crossovers and compact pickups to luxury hybrids and sport sedans, car companies
show they still have a lot to contribute to a market that continues to blur
the lines of traditional vehicle classification.
Audi A3
($24,740 to $26,220)
A new subcompact hatchback sedan, this premium offering is the only vehicle
in Audi's 2006 lineup not available with Quattro all wheel drive.
Buick Lucerne
($26,265 to $35,265)
This full-size sedan shares its underpinnings with the Cadillac DTS and takes
over for the recently retired LeSabre.
Chevrolet
HHR ($15,425 to $16,425)
A new entry-level vehicle that takes styling cues from the Chevrolet Suburban
of the late 1940s. This small SUV/wagon features modest fuel economy and a
versatile interior that competes head-to-head with the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Honda Ridgeline
($27,700 to $34,640)
The first pickup truck from Honda... ever. Based on the reliable Honda Pilot
chassis, the Ridgeline has seating for five and features a unique in-bed trunk
for added practicality and utility.
HUMMER H3 ($28,935)
Flashy sheetmetal covering the Chevrolet Colorado makes this the third and
smallest offering from GM's luxury SUV division.
Isuzu i-280
/ i-350
($16,989 to $27,358)
Attempting to broaden Isuzu's limited market, this pair of compact pickups
shares its platform with the Chevrolet Colorado.
Jeep Commander
($25,128 to $38,205)
Jeep offroad performance taken to the extreme, the Commander is a full-size
offering aimed at competing in the utility side of the suv market against
the likes of the HUMMER H2.
Land
Rover Range Rover Sport ($56,750 to $69,750)
An extreme SUV not meant for off-road adventures but rather a eye-catching
way to navigate city streets. The Supercharged 4.2 Liter V8 engine produces
390 horsepower.
Lexus RX
400h ($48,410)
The first luxury hybrid to appear in the US market, buyers pay a premium for
the RX 400h which is essentially the same vehicle as current RX 330 models,
though fuel efficiency is greatly improved.
Lincoln
Mark LT ($38,680 to $42,235)
A rebadged Ford F-150, the Mark LT is Lincoln's second attempt to compete
with the popular Cadillac Escalade EXT in the luxury pickup truck market.
Lincoln
Zephyr ($28,995)
Sharing the new Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan chassis, the Zephyr brings back
a historic name with hopes of reviving Lincoln's aging image.
Mazda MAZDA5
($17,435 to $18,950)
A new compact minivan meets sedan meets wagon tries to carve a niche in the
American entry-level market.
Mazda
MAZDASPEED6 ($27,995 to $29,925)
More power, improved handling, aggressive styling, and all wheel drive are
fitted to the MAZDA6 to create a formidable opponent to entry-level luxury
sport sedans at a less-than-luxury price.
Mercury Milan
($18,345 to $22,845)
Cousin to the Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr, the Milan is set to replace
the aging Mercury Sable and hopes to bring youth back to Mercury's consumer
base.
Mitsubishi
Raider ($19,180 to $33,920)
This new pickup truck features a much better warranty and more youthful styling
than its sibling, the Dodge Dakota. Otherwise, they're identical vehicles.
Pontiac
Solstice ($19,420)
An exciting new two-seat convertible from GM's sport division. Attractive
pricing and styling will have them lining up at Pontiac dealership doors in
2006.
Pontiac
Torrent ($22,400 to $24,300)
A step larger than the Vibe wagon, the new Torrent presents a more SUV-like
outward appearance while maintaining car-like performance and interior appointments.
The Torrent is quite similar in concept to the Subaru Forester.
Subaru
B9 Tribeca ($30,695 to $33,895)
The B9 Tribeca features friendly on-road mannerisms and is Subaru's answer
to the thriving citygoing SUV market.
In addition to the flurry of all-new 2006 vehicles, some 2005 carryovers are
set to release new configurations and performance options for the 2006 model
year. These additions are likely to make just as much of an impact on the market
as their all-new counterparts.
Audi A6 Avant
($46,870)
The first wagon based on the newest A6 platform that spawned a redeveloped
sedan in 2005.
BMW 525xi
/ 530xi ($44,700 to $49,000)
An all wheel drive version of BMW's midsize sedan can now compete directly
with Audi's A6.
BMW M5 ($81,200)
Though technically the fourth generation of the M5, this newest luxury sport
vehicle based on the 5-Series sedan returns the model to the pinnacle of performance
after a one year production hiatus.
Cadillac STS
V (UNK)
The second of Cadillac's "V" models, this new STS pumps out 469
horsepower to accelerate the midsize sedan to 60 miles per hour in under five
seconds.
Honda Pilot
2WD ($29,545 to $34,045)
The first time Honda's midsize SUV is offered with the option of two wheel
drive. The reduced weight of only one driveline will cause improved handling
and better fuel efficiency which should benefit those in mild climates.
Mercury
Mariner Hybrid ($29,225)
One of just three hybrid SUVs in the US market, this rebadged Ford Escape
Hybrid will help bring folks to Mercury dealers this year.
Pontiac G6 Coupe
($22,330 to $23,985)
The initial two-door offering of Pontiac's new compact car, the G6 now fully
replaces the retired Grand Am.
Saab 9-3 Wagon
($27,620 - $33,620)
A more utilitarian version of the Swedish car maker's most popular product,
the 9-3. This configuration may phase out the 9-2X now that GM is relinquishing
it's majority ownership of Subaru, the smaller wagon's maker.
Saturn VUE Redline
($26,145)
A sportier, more powerful version of the popular compact SUV.
