Posts from ‘Review Flashback!’
Review Flashback! 1974 Dodge Monaco
1974 Dodge Monaco Brougham
All things considered, 1974 was a pretty big year for Dodge’s large cars. In addition to a complete redesign, the Polara name was dropped from the lineup. Monaco, previously the top trim level, was now the base and midlevel moniker, while the new Monaco Brougham capped the lineup.
2004 Mercury Marauder
If you didn’t think about it too hard, you might have predicted at the time that the 2003 Mercury Marauder would have been a hit with the car-buying public. The car had a lot going for it: a powerful V8, decent handling, cop-car lineage via its Ford Crown Victoria corporate cousin, and stealthy good looks. Plus, the Marauder should have filled the void in muscle-car enthusiasts’ hearts created when the popular V8-powered Chevrolet Impala SS was discontinued in 1996.
Review Flashback! 2000 Honda Insight
2000 Honda Insight
Being first to market is no guarantee of success. Social-media platform Myspace arrived on the scene almost a year before Facebook came online, but as of this week, Myspace doesn’t rank among the top 2000 most-popular websites globally; Facebook ranks number 4.
I was born in 1965, and at no point in my life—as much as I can remember at least—have I not been a car guy. I admit to being more into trains at the beginning, but a healthy dose of Speed Racer helped me through that awkward period.
Review Flashback! 2012 Lexus LFA
2012 Lexus LFA
Lexus sold just over 1200 of its LC 500 and LC 500h grand-touring coupes in 2019. Relative to the popular Lexus RX crossover SUV, which racked up more than 110,000 sales, the LC may seem rare and exclusive. But all things are relative. If you think the LC is a rare sight—and it sort of is–then you’ve probably forgotten about the Lexus LFA.
1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z
What price, performance? That’s the question sporty-car shoppers were forced to ask themselves when considering the purchase of a 1987 Dodge Daytona. And by price, I’m not talking about money.
I have never read Frank Herbert’s science fiction epic Dune, but by the time I became aware that the 800-page novel was being adapted for the silver screen, I was pretty well versed on the story.
Review Flashback! 2011 Dodge Dakota
2011 Dodge Dakota
Marketing executives use the term “white space” to refer to an area of a given market segment (say, pickup trucks) in which no product yet exists. If you think about 3M’s 1977 rollout of the Post-it Note, you’ll get the idea.
2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
From its inaugural model year of 2001 through the 2006 model year, the Chrysler PT Cruiser enjoyed the distinction of being a Consumer Guide Best Buy. The spunky compact “vanlet” hit all the right buttons to earn our favor, counting among its virtues excellent space utilization, respectable fuel economy, and attractive pricing, as well as the undeniable appeal of its nostalgic design.
2005 Buick Park Avenue
Among the storied model names of Buick’s past, the Park Avenue nameplate falls somewhat short of legendary. Buick monikers with richer histories and longer production runs include Century, Electra, LeSabre, Riviera, and Roadmaster.
