The standard engine is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 136 horsepower. LE V6 and XLE V6 are equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 194 horsepower. LE and XLE models come with a high level of standard equipment, but the CE offers plenty of comfort, convenience and performance at a lower price.

CE ($17,675) comes standard with a five-speed manual gearbox; an automatic brings the price to $18,475. CE does not come standard with air conditioning, so you may want Value Package #1 ($778), which adds air conditioning, variable intermittent wipers, floor mats, and power windows, door locks and mirrors.

The mid-range LE ($20,425) has proven to be the most popular of the three models. It comes standard with an automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, intermittent wipers, power door locks, mirrors and windows. LE also offers a wide range of options open to buyers. Like other models, it can be equipped with either the four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine; LE V6 retails for $23,185 and comes with antilock brakes. You can also get an LE V6 with a five-speed manual transmission for $22,385.

New for 2001 is the Gallery Series for the LE. It includes unique two-tone paint and seat fabric, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, carbon fiber interior trim, chrome door lock levers and interior vents, chrome-tipped exhaust, special badging, and five-spoke aluminum wheels.

The flagship XLE ($24,095) and XLE V6 ($26,225) models add a premium JBL AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, immobilizing anti-theft device, remote keyless entry and aluminum alloy wheels. A more elegant interior with premium cloth upholstery is a big part of the XLE attraction. Value Package #2 adds leather seating surfaces and trim, a power driver's seat, an in-dash six-CD changer, side-impact air bags and a power moonroof to the XLE for $1,606 or to the XLE V6 for $1,106. XLE V6 comes with 16-inch wheels and tires in place of the 14- and 15-inch rubber on the other models.