For the third time, a dramatic oil price spike has thrown the auto industry a curve ball. And once again, after years of supersizing, manufacturers are lacking the right-sized, economical products for which the market is desperate. Instead of spending three to five years developing new cars from scratch, it’s time to dust off the best from the past and put them back into production. An air bag here and some updated engines and technology there, and these seven classics are ready to save the day in each of the major categories:
SUV/CUV: Gen1 xB. When a “compact” CUV weighs 4200lbs (Saturn Vue) a radical gastric bypass is the only solution for this whole bloated category. The classic xB equals or exceeds the front and rear leg/headroom of the Tahoe, weighs half as much, and gets almost three times the mileage. It will happily carry four oversized Americans on their rounds. Towing? The ski boat got repossessed (along with the Tahoe and the house), and it cost too much to run anyway. Throw in the 128hp 1.8-liter engine from the xD, and freeway ramps won’t seem quite so intimidating, especially when the occupants haven’t had their bypasses yet.
Pickup Truck: Toyota T-100. In this new era, pickups will be for serious but economical work only. The original T-100 long-bed with the torquey 2.7-liter four and five-speed stick is still in great demand with professionals who make an honest living with their trucks: landscapers, carpenters, farmers, and other sober folks who never bought into the Mega-truck fad. It can haul a load of gravel, and hit 25mpg. It’s the spiritual successor to the rugged, simple six-cylinder pickups of yore.
Sporty two-seater: Honda CRX-Insight. The CRX was a category buster. It created its own new genre of fast, economical and cheap fun. The Insight was Honda’s not-so hot too-small hybrid. But it was absurdly light (1850lbs) with extensive use of aluminum and magnesium and had super aerodynamics. Drop in a Civic Si engine with 197hp, and you’re looking at a wicked power-to-weight ratio, better than an STI. And mid-40mpg fuel economy to boot, if you can stay away from that 8,000rpm redline. The prototype has already been built.
Upscale Sedan: W-124 Mercedes. The 300E/W-124 from 1985 through 1995 was the last Mercedes to be “over-engineered.” The streets are still full of them, the last standard bearers of Mercedes’ one-hundred year tradition of ultra-solid, reliable and economical transportation. It has the potential to restore MB’s tarnished image. And with a little updating under the hood, it can be leading-edge economical too. Drop in MB’s latest 1.8-liter direct-injection Kompressor gasoline four, and combined with the W-124’s almost Prius-like aero cD of .28, mileage in the mid to upper thirties is unvermeidbar.
4 X 4: Suzuki Samurai. The Suzuki LJ and SJ series were/are the Jeep Wrangler for the rest of the world, where gas was never that cheap. The little Suzukis gained a cult following with their serious off-road capability, reliability and efficiency. A Samurai holds the Guinness world record for highest elevation (21,942 feet). In the US, the Samurai was vilified by Consumer Reports for its tippy tendencies through the slalom. Slap on ESC (with an off switch), an updated 1.6-liter engine, and it’s ready take on the Rubicon at twice the mileage of that pig Wrangler.
Minivan: Chevrolet Lumina (aka “dustbuster”). OK, you can get up off the floor now. Seriously, the Lumina was just a decade behind, or ahead of the times, depending on your perspective. It was aerodynamic, low, light, and its looks were…controversial. Just like the Prius. And therein is its redemption: the first hybrid aerodynamic van. Drop in the two-mode hybrid transmission from the upcoming Saturn Vue, team it up with the 1.4-liter turbo Eco-Tec, and the future is… on GM’s shelves, waiting to be assembled (lovingly, we can hope). Bob Lutz, this is your last chance to “leave our well-thought-of Asian competitors in the dust(buster)"
RWD Ponycar: Mustang SVO. GM may be dropping hints about a forced-induction four in the new Camaro, but Ford has already plowed that field. After the 1981 oil shock, Ford set out to create a new paradigm for the traditional V8 ponycar. Starting with a light-weight (3,000 lbs.) Fox-body Mustang shell, it bestowed the SVO with state of the art components: ventilated four-wheel discs, Koni adjustable suspension, 16” wheels, and an intercooled turbo four that cranked out 200hp. It was ahead of the times, yet behind too. By the time it saw the light of day in 1984, gas was cheap again, and so was the 5.0-liter liter V8 Mustang GT. Drop in a twin-turbo 330hp four, and say goodbye to turbo lag and hello to the perfect drifter, with a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
Any other nominations (four cylinders or less)?
89 Comments on “Seven Classics Reissued for Today...”
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A W124 in good condition still looks very good, more so than the W210 that replaced it i think. The W210 hasn’t aged particularly well, and i suspect the current designs will feel old really fast as well.
Why not a classic 1984 Chrysler minivan with a modern 4 banger and DSG transmission? I’ve heard complaints about the 4+ATX, but how about a 4+MTX? If you don’t loose all that power through the transmission it might not be so bad? Maybe a small supercharger to cover the need for power at low revs…
The 84 minivan came only with 4 bangers with the 2.2l standard and the 2.6l was the option. And you could buy a manual tranny as an option.
Ok, technically this is cheating but… How about the Ford Ranger being re-vamped? It’s the perfect time for a Ford Ranger with an interior that’s not pure grossness.
Porsche has also made 4-cylinder cars, haven’t they?
Bring back the 80’s Toyota Hilux. The T-100 is still too big for me. My Hilux with 262,000 miles still gets over 20 mpg on war-lord quality roads. Updated with a little new technology that’d be great.
The W124 in the photograph is the blindingly quick, Porsche-built 500E.
Every Mercedes-Benz sport sedan after the 500E has just been a tremor resulting in the giant’s slow, painful descent downhill.
Ditto on the 300E…. BUT with the 2.5L Turbo Diesel. A guy in my BD co-op has one and it regularly gets 30 MPG… IN TOWN. Not bad for a very comfortable luxury sedan!
If I could get a small two seater with a small (sub 2L) Diesel engine I’d buy it in a heartbeat. The problem with most of the proposed oil burners for the US market in 2010 (if they ever get here) is bigger motors, not smaller. That insight you talk about might get 50 MPG on gasoline… with a small Diesel you would likely see 70+.
I’d love to transplant my 1.9L TDI out of my Jetta and into something small, light, and open… like a Lotus Elise. Sure I won’t win any stoplight grand prix races, but I’ll enjoy my commute a whole lot more and likely burn pints of fuel every few miles.
–chuck
http://chuck.goolsbee.org
Bring back the E30 3-series. i’d take it over the current 3-series.
Paul, you are saying what has been obvious but overlooked in the hope for a alchemy solution from some lab. The cars and trucks must lose weight. This is job one as I think Ford said. If you had no new powerplant technology but could take 500-1000 pounds out of everything the designers of cars would see a quantum leap in mpg. Then, if better or different powertrains arrive, you add them to the lighter chassis and presto we could be at that 50+ mpg that people talk about. I know, there would have to be breakthroughs in safety features. But look Minis and tiny Hondas & toyotas get 4&5 star crash ratings it’s doable. When SUV’s hit 5000+ pounds and large sedans crossed 4000, you just knew there would be an end to this type of building cars and light trucks. Paul you are right that if they dusted off some old designs and then built them out of say light weight steel and aluminum or composits, people would buy them. What they won’t buy is what is now rusting on the dealers front lot even with $2.99 gas on the windshield.
Pickup Truck- Dodge Dakota, It’s still being made. it’s still the right size. It’s a truck that’s the same size as the base trucks of the 60s and early 70s.
I was not a huge fan of the W124. I liked the W126 S class better. My neighbor bought a 300SE after his Grand Wagoneer self-immolated. It was a very sweet car. Checking the dimensions on the W126 vs subsequent S cars is an eye-opener.
Mercedes-Benz W126 (1979–1987):
Engine(s): L5 diesel, L6 and V8 gas
Wheelbase
2935 mm (115.6 in) (SE)
3075 mm (121.1 in) (SEL)
Length
4995 mm (196.7 in) (SE)
5160 mm (203.1 in) (SEL)
Width
1820 mm (71.7 in)
Height
1430 mm (56.3 in) (SE)
1440 mm (56.7 in) (SEL)
Curb weight
1560 kg (3439 lb) (SE 6)
1655 kg (3649 lb) (SEL V8)
The successor model W140 (1991 – 1998) porked up a lot and was ugly to boot:
Sedan: 1880 kg (4145 lb) — 2190 kg (4828 lb)
The W220 (1999 – 2005) was slimmer than the W140 but still pretty heavy:
1770 kg (3902 lb) (S320) to 1855 kg (4090 lb) (S500)
The current W221 has thrown all caution to the wind.
It is a real beast.
Engines: V6 and V8 gas and diesel
Wheelbase: 3035 mm (119.5 in)
LWB: 3165 mm (124.6 in)
Length: 5076 mm (199.8 in)
LWB: 5206 mm (205 in)
Width: 1871 mm (73.7 in)
Height: 1473 mm (58 in)
Curb weight: from 1955 kg (4310 lb) [S320 CDI] to to 2270 kg (5004 lb) [S65 AMG]!!!
I love the L6. It is so much smoother than the V engines. please bring it back.
The original minivan was a remarkable bit of design. We owned a 1986 Voyager. After that we owned Chrysler Town and Countries. When the baby went off to college, my wife was ready for something smaller. What she really wanted was the Voyager, what she wound up with was a RAV4. Please bring back the Voyager.
A Brief History of the Chrysler Minivan from Allpar.Com:
Dimensions of the 1st Generation Voyager:
WB 112
Length 175.9
Width 69.6
Min. cargo width: 48
Rear seats out:
Cargo volume: 125 cu ft
Cargo bay ln: 82
There was a 5-speed manual, turbo 2.5 four 1st genration (facelifted late 80’s edition) Chrysler minivan. Save for the fact it was probably Detriot unreliable, was quite a pretty sweet vehicle for what it was.
The Suzuki Jimny is out there in other markets, I’d love one of those, a capable off roader with a 1.3 liter four. How about a turbodiesel version?
Still scratching my head as to why Honda abandoned the CRX.
An honest re-incarnation of the BMW 2002,
not a overwieght ridiculously fast monster six cyl 1-series as offered here in the States. A very peppy four with far more suspenson than motor, like the 2002, would rock! BMW makes available more modest affordable models in other markets why not ours?
How about a modern porsche 912? A 912 turbo perhaps?
Oh yea… the classic W124 platform. I’ve always felt that MB created the perfect car with that one. I owned the 260E, the lowest end W124 sold on the US. I’ve always considered the line and functionality to be perfect on that car. Just the right everything.
But MB screwed them up at the end when they replaced the glove box with a passenger air bag, then tried to create a fake glove box in the center.
And MikeD has it right… bring back the classic little 4-Cyl/5-speed stick Hilux pickup.
I say: Bring back the Jeep Cherokee XJ and the Volvo 240 Station Wagon.
Bring back the following vehicles with EFI and power front disc brakes as up dates. The 47 GMC, just ’cause I like their looks. Any 50-60s 1/2 ton pick up. The majority of these were I 6, 3 on the tree. The car version of the same drive line, the Dodge Dart/ Plymouth Valiant, the Falcon, and the ChevyII.
The Mustang SVO should not be on that list, the Buick Grand National should be on there instead.
The SVO was never a popular model and remain unpopular today, just like the four cylinder Camaros GM messed around with in the 1980s.
Cars like that don’t stand for four cylinder power, their heritage is V8s and V6s are tolerated but the idea of putting a whoofing four cylinder in the next Camaro has been universally panned and with good reason. GM already has the Cobalt, Solstice and Sky as their four cylinder performance cars, they need to keep that crap out of the Camaro to keep from diluting it.
The Grand National is different because it was a fresh new name on a fresh car that did not have a prior history or ghosts to live up to. It was it’s own machine with sinister styling and a high-tech, high-power V6 that was infinitely hot roddable just like a proper V8. Also like a proper V8 it used a ton of fuel when driven as intended. I owned mine for 9 years and in averages in the teens per tank, just like my current LS2 V8 car. But it was mucho fun.
If any model could make Buick relevent again and be relevent for the times it’s the Grand National.
Haven’t we’ve had enough of retro Mustangs, Beetles, and Minis?
The retro craze must be taken out back and shot. Leave these cars in the past and focus on making today’s cars better.
chuckgoolsbee my brother is considering putting a used TDI engine into his 914. Talk about light fast AND efficient. Now all he has to do is figure out how to put a FWD engine into a RWD mid-engine car and make the transmission work.
at the gas pump this morning, I ran into a fellow member of the class 0f ‘69. He was driving his wife’s new car. A ‘46 Dodge PU mounted on a Ranger chassis. Suh-weet l’il grocery getter.
Yipee! 500E on the front page. You can tell it’s the 5.0 from two unique features: fender flares to accommodate the wider tires and the unique lower running lights (well, they are unique in the USA). You can tell it is the 1992 or 1993 because the chrome grill wraps around the top of the hood and holds the MB symbol; thus 500E instead of E500. 1994 model, called E500, had the slight facelift where the grill didn’t wrap around the top; instead, the MB symbol was plugged directly into the painted part of the hood.
I had a 1986 USA-spec 300E with the stick shift. That engine was more than adequate in the power department (less so when running on California Reformulated Gasoline version 2) and very smooth. Highway driving at 70 MPH gave 30 MPG. Just imagine what an engine with modern electronics could do.
TriShield- The Grand National may not have had the exact name but it was definitely in the same spirit as the Skylark GS and GSX of the 60s and 70s
I would buy a low power V8 version of the Mustang over a turbo 4. It’s all about the sound.
How about the 1st generation Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Just bring back the CRX.
I got a consistent 48 MPG in suburban driving; and got 55-60 on long trips. Mine finally died after about 182K miles (my fault, should have changed out the head gasket..).
Of course, there were no air bags, no ABS, no A/C, manual transmission, manual windows/door locks, etc. That’s probably why no one can make a car like that today.
Boy, the xB made it into “classic” territory a lot sooner than I expected – I bought mine new and there’s barely 40k on it :)
It still irritates me that the xB was axed in favor of something Toyota hoped would sell better. With 2nd-gen xBs still woefully short of the original’s sales peaks (by some 25 percent), hopefully they’ll wake up and resume making the one that actually sold.
I still can’t wrap my head around the logic involved in THAT decision. “A smaller cabin AND worse fuel economy?! In exchange for a barely-noticeable gain in power I don’t actually need anyway? SIGN ME UP!”
I have the smallest car on the lot, yet I get asked to help people move more often than anyone else. And if they buy me dinner to reimburse me for gas, I actually come out ahead. What exactly was wrong with this car, again?
Here’s my nomination for Sporty Two-Seater:
A Suzuki Cappuccino, with the 657cc turbocharged engine (officially rated at 64 hp) replaced with the GSX-R1000’s 999cc engine (rated at 185 bhp). Given the Cappuccino’s curb weight of only 1545 pounds, the GSX-R1000’s engine should provide plenty of excitement, even if the Cappuccino requires added weight to meet current safety regulations.
As a bonus, if 185 bhp isn’t enough for you, there’s always the ‘Busa option….
Bring back spritual successors of several cars to fill-out the marketplace with super-efficient post-peak oil vehicles.
Citroen 2CV. I had a Dyane in the UK. Two cylinders, air cooled, it sat up to 5, had a trunk, had a rollback roof, went 80 mile per hour (eventually), had a smooth ride, was not unduly noise, was light, handled well, super cheap to run, etc. Oops, hey, I wonder whether the Tata Nano is already there?
Citroen DS. Super smooth ride (on compressed nitrogen “springs”), super efficient, super aerodynamic, roomy, luxurious, unique, did 100 mph and only ever ran four cylinder engines, originally starting with one developed in the 1930’s. A modern engine, a modern construction and safety equipment… and wow. There was even a station wagon version. And 2 door a convertible too.
Continuing with the French, Peugeot should modernize the 404 sedan and wagon with a modern diesel and direct-injection gas engine. Yep, the actual car introduced in 1961, brought back. Modernize the construction to make it safe. Don’t forget the Pininfarina 2 door hardtop and convertible. Simple, super-sturdy, good riding, comfortable, rear wheel drive, reliable enough to be one of the best cars no matter how bad the roads (Hey, cut me a break, I live in Michigan where roads are nearly like driving off-road), then build it near all the markets where it is sold. Perhaps with the collaboration between Mitsubishi and Peugeot on other matters, Mitu’s Normal, Illinois plant could churn them out for we ‘murcans and cannucks too. I hear there are an awful lot of dealers which may not have any franchises (cough-Dodge-cough-Chrysler-cough-Jeep) before long. They’d go for the Lion, I bet.
Headed north to Stuttgart, let us see….
A new Porsche 911L (”Licht” for “light”) with all alloy bodywork, downsized turbocharged 2.0 litre (122 cubic inch) opposed six. The “original” 1965 Porsche 911 did fine with 2 litres. A terrific power to weight ratio and lots of fun could be had with a lightened car.
Finally back south to Munich, to consider a new BMW 2002. Say no more.
Then, let’s take a trip to Japan and consider the original Datsun 510. Yep, bring it back, Datsun name and all. Nissan can stay the “brand” but the series can be “Datsun 510″.
The original Datsun 240Z. 2.4 litres is plenty, heck, make it 2.0 litres (which the original had for some markets – still 6 cylinders) and turbocharge it to give the 911 a run for IT’s money. Likewise sell it as a Nissan, “Datsun Z”.
SUV/CUV: The Xb is not practical as an off-road alternative. In terms of how people actually use it, the Xb is more of a minivan than anything else. My vote would go to a 5-speed Cherokee although obviously you would have to go past the Chrysler bin to find a good 4-banger. Maybe a Renault diesel would do?
Pickup Truck: T100 is a great choice. I also liked the S10 4 door version and thought it would have done extremely well if the interior had been upgraded a bit.
Sporty two-seater: Honda CRX-Insight…. have to agree with you. A GM EV would also be a worthwhile offering in today’s market, even if it were only for lease.
Upscale Sedan: W-124 Mercedes… definitely. I’ve owned seven of them over the last few years and they are still more fun to drive than the majority of midsized cars in today’s markets. A seven seat wagon with the rear facing the right way would be especially nice with the old school 2.5 and 3.0 diesels.
4 X 4: I like the Samurai, but a Tracker with a healthy level of weight loss and material quality would probably be better choice for most Americans. The Samurai is more for the Costa Rican countryside than the wide open country of the States. Hmmm… does Suzuki make a quality diesel?
Minivan: Yep, you’re wrong on this one. As someone who has bought three of these rat bastards, I can tell you that there is absolutely nothing worthy about these vehicles. The awful interior design, pricey exoskeleton, and woeful complexity of it’s overall assembly made it the equivalent of a frying turd in the used car market.
You would be better off either modifying an Xb to accomodate rear sliding doors, or reconsider a 1991-1995 Chrysler style design that is not too large and has plenty of cheap replacement parts. I know a fellow who has a dozen of them and so long as you get a 3.3L and change the tranny fluid once a year, they’re surprisingly durable.
RWD Ponycar: Screw that. You may have fond memories of the Mustang but the car had worse structural integrity than limp spaghetti and wore itself out over the course of time. A second generation MR2 turbo would be an awful lot of fun, but I would personally opt for an NSX type of vehicle that exemplifies how a supercar could be fuel efficient as well.
Hmmm… a cross comparo between an NSX and the Vette would be quite an interesting possibility.
Finally, I’m going to throw something in for ‘Compact Commuter’ that may be as far off the beaten path as it gets. Early 90’s Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 Turbo. Amazingly fun to drive compact that gives you all the benefits of a four door, and all the hoonery factor of a loaded up 1st gen Eclipse. One owner summed it best, “Imagine an Evo, but smaller, lighter, way more luxurious, and with no stupid electronic controls to get in the way of driving fun.”
Steve Lang: Minivan: Yep, you’re wrong on this one.
I know, I was just waiting for someone to bust me. It was just a wacky idea because of its aerodynamic shape.
Fiat 124 spyder with improved reliability and rust proofing.
I knew a guy with an 84 Mustang.
Please god do not bring those back. Christ, it looked like a geo metro but uglier.
240Z
I’ll second Menno’s vote for the Citroen DS. A weird and wonderful car, and so very French. I think I’ll rent “Day of the Jackal” again just to see the big shots rolling out in their chauffeur-driven DS’s.
Now on the practical side–definitely the Datsun 510. Poor man’s BMW, indeed.
Notice how so many of the nominations exemplify the motto “less is more”?
Revised EPA ratings for the 2nd generation Chrysler minivans compared to today’s vans:
1995 Dodge Caravan 2.5L 4cyl 5-speed: 19/26
1995 Dodge Caravan 2.5L 4cyl 3AT: 18/23
1995 Honda Odyssey 2.3L 4AT: 18/22
1995 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1L 4AT: 17/21
2008 Mazda5 2.3L 5MT: 22/28 (a smaller, heavier vehicle)
2008 Mazda5 2.3L 5AT: 21/27
2008 Kia Rondo 2.4L 4AT: 19/26
2008 Honda Odyssey 3.5L VCM 5AT: 17/25
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L V6 4AT: 17/24
2008 Toyota Sienna 3.5L 5AT: 17/23
Despite having grown a couple feet and half a ton, the newer, bigger vans aren’t doing all that badly. They do all have Cd’s of about 0.30, just like the Dustbuster vans did.
Steven Lang : SUV/CUV: The xB is not practical as an off-road alternative.
He didn’t say off-road alternative; he said SUV alternative. Need I refer you to the last fifteen years of grocery-getting to explain the distinction?
Until Wal-Mart and McDonald’s take out their parking lots and put in mudpits, an xB would suit 95% of SUV-driving Americans just fine. And I think the 31 MPG would suit them BETTER than fine, provided they can quit pretending we live in the jungle and purchase accordingly.
Personally I’d like to see a return to simplistic engineering and packaging (but with modern power train and handling) like we had with such humble cars as the K-car. The combination of max space efficiency, light weight and trim size seems like a winning formula to me.
For some reason not too long ago I began to wonder what it would be like to have a K-car or even better, an early 90’s Chrysler short-wheelbase minivan (K-car based, remember?) that had the complete drive train from a Mitsu Evo stuffed into it. I mean think about it, it would be the ultimate sleeper! For me I’d want it to be like a short-wheelbase AWD Caravan LE, in Black Cherry with the wood-grain option, white wall tires, with quad captain seating and the Infinity stereo…NO BODY would EVER expect it!!! I guess I was thinking back to when it was quite common to find Mitsu engine options in those, so it seemed like it could work….
But I digress.
I’d also love to see the early 90’s Accord make a comeback, along with the Camry from ‘92-’96. Heck, every now and then I see a first gen Altima and get to missing those. Smooth organic styling and great economy, sounds good to me!!!
I liked the T-100. I really like the idea of that de-hybridized Insight.
SVO: I’d like to see Ford (and others) make an affordable small RWD/4-cylinder coupe but you can’t sell it as a Mustang.
240SX?
Civic HX?
Richard: the second gen Voyager was a much bigger vehicle than the first gen. It is the first gen that I want back.
This old merc is one hell of an ugly machine, made without curves , chiseled like your grandmas ass( not that I had seen it ), with shoddy fit and finish. before considering it have you seen the gap between the front grille and headlights where they cover each other? tremendous. Ditto the prices for parts at dealer`s
Concerning the W124 and its overengineered-ness, MB is spending like a gazillion on R&D right now more than the last years, so I bet MBs of 2013+ will be engineered like they used to be.
The VW 1.9 TDI is a popular engine swap for the Suzuki Samuari. More torque and improved mpg. I know of a guy in Truckee CA who is in the process of doing one right now.
I’d like so see a hybridized 1st gen xB.
Where I live in Reno you see them used as Taxi Cabs, a hybrid version would be quite popular with taxi fleets. You could also give it the e-AWD from the Nissan Cube for snow country. The perfect post SUV for $5/gal gas.
You could also go the other way with the Insight and make it a pure electric vehicle.
GM should definitely dust off the plans for the EV1 and start cranking them out. They would move like hotcakes for $500/month lease.
You could argue that BMW already makes a spiritual heir to the 2002, it just says “Mini” on the grille.
My vote for the minivan: 80s Toyota Van or the Previa. If it’s the aerodynamic shape that got you, why not pick one of these? Same on the hybrid front?
You could get these with a 5 MT, 4×4 (or AWD on the Previa), and their 4 cylinder engines were pretty fuel efficient. Get the supercharged engine in the Previa and you’re in business (sadly, no 5 MT on that engine, but you could get AWD at least). Other markets get turbodiesels, so that’s a possibility as well.
As warlords have shown with the Hilux, the Hiaces last a long time too. They’re still being made elsewhere. Same with the Previa (aka Estima).
I’ll have to dig up mpg numbers, but 24 years with our 1984 Van (5MT) tells me high teens – low 20s in the city and 26-28 on the highway.
menno good choices, esp the Datsuns and the 2002. And no, Red Stapler, whatever the new Mini is, a foot larger in every dimension than its namesake, it is no 2002. The engine is turning the wrong wheels
“He didn’t say off-road alternative; he said SUV alternative. Need I refer you to the last fifteen years of grocery-getting to explain the distinction?”
Using the same methodology, you an say the very same thing about any minivan or wagon. Sorry, but to me and many others ‘SUV’ implies a degree of ground clearance and towing capability that the Xb simply does not have.
With very minor modifications the 2nd Gen Chrysler minivans could tow close to 4000 pounds and had AWD available to boot (along with 5-speed and 4-cylinder configurations).
I like the Xb… a lot. But I could see it more as a seven seat vehicle with a slight bit more power than anything which tows or clears anything of substance.
The W124 is a good choice, but I’d probably go with a W123.
Lots of good suggestions, I’ll place my order for a Lexus SC200h please, don’t touch a thing from the old sc300/400 exterior, minor interior updates, and the drivetrain from the 3rd gen prius should make for a winner I’d think.
Have any of you who are so in love with the gen1 xB seen it’s side impact scores?
There’s a reason Toyota migrated it to the Corolla’s platform.
I’ve bought two cars in a row that were replaced with big bloated blandness. I had a ‘99 Tracker four-door with the 4 Cylinder engine which was a great little SUV that got replaced with the Chevy Equinox. Since I didn’t want something as crappy as the Equinox, I bought a 1st generation Scion XB which was immediately replaced with the bloated 2nd gen.
AFAIK, the first gen Xb is still produced in Japan for domestic use, so they could easily start selling them to the US again. Call them Xb-Classic.
Toyota already sells a hybrid minivan in Japan that’s of similar size to the old US Previa. They haven’t brought it here so far because of old business-school nonsense about never bringing in a smaller vehicle than the one you replace (stupid American fatties won’t buy it, right?).
Hopefully they’ll reconsider now. It supposedly gets in the mid 30s overall.
I know a guy who is taking clapped out Samurais and turning them into a Gator-like vehicle for farm and construction use. He unbolts the bed and puts an electric dumping mechanism on it among some other minor mods and good off road tires. Guys with far flung operations like them because they can load it up and haul butt down the road then off into the fields to do whatever. Clever idea.