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2004 Auto Show: Chicago
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| Get the latest from one of the world's largest consumer auto showcases |
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| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 32 ( -6 -18.75% ) | | Author | Brian Chee |
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Description:
When it began in 1901, the Chicago Automobile Show was by today's standards little more than a large neighborhood get-together. But the 4,000 people who attended that first-ever year were enthusiastic, and the idea of an automobile show in Chicago stuck. Since then, it has become one of the largest shows in the nation, one which automakers consistently use to showcase and debut new vehicles.
Features
Debuts
Vehicles introduced
2004 North American Car
and Truck
Ford F-150
Toyota Prius
The Lucky Three
Our Best Bets for Success
Vehicle Debuts
Buick
LaCrosse replaces Regal and Century
Dodge
A new Dakota
Hyundai
Tucson
Jaguar
XK-RS concept
Toyota
Tacoma X-Runner
Solara Convertible
Mazda
Ibuki
Mercury
Montego
This year is no different. The latest rendition of the Chicago Auto Show, at the sprawling McCormick Convention Center, featured news about a new Dodge Dakota, a Buick sedan, a new Hyundai and a Chevrolet minivan, among other notable new cars and redesigns.
Perhaps the most important was the introduction of two trucks, the Dakota and the redesigned Toyota Tacoma, mid-sized trucks with a new, large-sized flavor. Both are bigger, and, according to their respective makers, more in tune with the hauling and ruggedness requirements that truck buyers demand.
And though General Motors did not introduce a truck -- the Colorado taking its bow last year at the 2004 North American International Auto Show -- they continued to launch product designed to replace existing models, and add new versatility to their existing vehicle lineups. The new Buick LaCrosse will replace the Century and Regal, and is due out this fall. Notable features will include an all-new exterior and interior design, along with two engine choices. The Chevrolet Uplander, a "crossover sport van," otherwise known as a "minivan", will debut in Chicago, along with a new Pontiac Montana SV6. Both vehicles will be built alongside the Saturn Relay and Buick Terraza at the Doraville Assembly Plant, near Atlanta, Georgia. Click here for more...
Additional debuts included:
Hyundai
Hyundai unveiled a new crossover named Tucson. Based on the Kia Sephia, the Tucson shares a 3.5 liter V6 with the Santa Fe, and will be offered in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive. Click here for more...
Toyota
Toyota debuted the all-new Camry Solara Convertible and Tacoma X-Runner pickup truck. The Solara Convertible joins the all-new second generation Solara Coupe. The X-Runner will be among a number of models and configurations offered in the Tacoma lineup when it goes on sale this fall. Click here for more about the Solara...
Click here for more about the Tacoma...
2004 Auto Show Gallery
More Show Photos...
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