This post goes straight into the Car Talk Hall of Fame. Especially the photos of the four almost identical-looking cars by four different manufacturers.
Thanks much.
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Today, what it driving the “look-alikes” with all the different car manufacturers is aerodynamics and the quest to get the most miles per gallon… the only real differences are the speciality types; all truck look alike, all busses look alike… it’s aerodynamics…
Perhaps a better example for aerodynamics is to look at aircraft, the major difference in their design is mostly driven by purpose… Small aircraft look almost identical, cargo aircraft look almost he same and passenger aircraft the same; it’s aerodynamics…
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Guess I’m old. I’m not fond of current cars. Too much tech that beeps at you for this, that, and the other, and too little attention to basics like steering feedback and being able to actually see out of the car. I’m a little weird because I’ve got nothing against CVT transmissions, start-stop technology, and hybrids. But give me big side mirrors, C pillars that DON’T block my entire view out the back, and real buttons over complicated touch screen menus (or worse, some kind of weird touch pad thingy–an otherwise very nice Acura RDX I test drove recently eliminated itself from consideration for that reason alone). And you might sometime google how the world is becoming monochromatic. Yeah, fewer, and much less exciting car colors than before–and it’s not just cars. Essentially manufacturers of all goods are putting in less color to more cheaply reach a wider audience.
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Too true. I play around with “build” on various vehicles. Nearly every color except white, grey, or black is extra cost. My preferences are often not even available, dark red metallic, dark green metallic, even any shade blue may not be available.
Some colors a limited to certain trim lines. If graphics are offer, often, in my opinion, are horrible.
Interior colors are extremely limited, some vehicles are cloth only, I prefer ventilated leather.
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Ford was especially good at building trucks for the Nazi when it’s own country was at war with germany…
I believe all of the plants were nationalized and under the control of the German government after war was declared. Of course used slave labor same as Japan. Other companies too like coke lost control with the national socialistic German workers party takeover.
No, they were NOT. Just like ibm’s. And, yes, coke’s. Make no mistake about it - corp mafia will end life on earth for a dime or - in case with ford - Nazi-like convictions. Just google “ford hitler” if in doubt.
Back to the topic of this thread. When was the last time that different manufacturers offered unique models in affordable price points? I was looking on Craigslist for entertainment purposes, and I saw this…the Saturn 3-door sports car.
I remember when these were somewhat common, and I really liked the look. To the best of my knowledge, no one else ever made anything like this, and no one sells anything like it today.
The gaps around that door panel are wide enough to fit a thumb between!
I think that’s to allow expansion of the plastic panels in hot weather.
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Heh heh. I’ve been watching some of the old twilight zone shows and the most fun is seeing the old brand new 57,58,59 fords, chevys, olds. Then tonight on Perry mason, an absolutely beautiful 59 ford convert. I just love the designs and just nothing like them today. They had a distinctive smell to them when brand new that still comes back to me.
Now seeing a nice restored one is just not the same as one that was brand new.
I saw an article on the simplicity and utility of the 60 falcon. We used to have one and later a 62. At any rate then ford said they were working on a new concept pick up with a price point of $10,000. A few days later Gm said they were working on one too that would sell for $8000.
I’m sure small and stripped but isn’t that what people have been looking for? At least for a second or third utility vehicle? Who needs these giant trucks? Thought it was interesting anyway. Probably made in Mexico and a union busting move, as the electrics hit the skids.
This resulted in the Chevrolet S10 and Ford Ranger in 1980?
My wife does not like my 2001 Dodge Ram 2500, 4x4, Diesel at all… If anyone offered the equivalent of a 1980 Ford Ranger, or Chevy S10, with rubber mats and roll down windows today, there would be no stopping her from buying one…
I am not sure what model or year this Dodge Truck is in the photo. After re-reading my posting, I can see where there might be a misunderstanding… When I wrote " If anyone offered the equivalent of a 1980 Ford Ranger, or Chevy S10, with rubber mats and roll down windows today, . . ." I was referring to a new truck, a small truck, one with a simple, small engine, an automatic I have often written about my wife’s little “Eleonore” her '85 Toyota Corolla and because of her age (the car’s age…), my wife only takes her out on nice sunny days. My wife wants a new, dependable truck that she knows will start, is easy to drive, and park, and she can handle… So if this photo is of an older truck, she is not interested, but thanks for the reply.
Just buy the most base trim level new(or just off lease)Ranger or Colorado she can find. Assuming it is a midsized pickup she’s into.
I think even the most basic Colorado has power windows and locks
The interior is low quality and does NOT hold up very well
This is based on professional experience, as we have tons of base model Colorados in our fleet
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