In Plain Sight: A Guide to New York City's Taxis, Part II

"area man" (hurrburgring)
09/13/2013 at 11:45 • Filed to: In Plain Sight, Taxi, Taxi of Tomorrow, New York

Welcome back to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , where we’re doing something a little different this week – celebrating the taxis of New York. We’ve already taken a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! of these yellow people movers and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! that make up the majority of the official fleet. Today we’re talking about everyone else, from Nissan to Mercedes.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Mercedes ML 350 BlueTEC

Yes, your eyes don’t deceive you – that is a Mercedes ML taxi. And according to the TLC website, it’s a BlueTEC diesel! Awesome. As of January, there were only two in service in the city, and given that only the 2011 model year is allowed, it’s unlikely there will be more. Since I’ve never had the pleasure of riding in it I can’t tell you how the partition is handled, but I can’t imagine they managed to ruin the feeling of being chauffeured around Manhattan in a Mercedes SUV for the same price as a Camry. It must be amazing. I know some people in Europe, especially Germany, will yawn at this. But remember it’s a domestic car there, and thus much more economical to turn into a taxi. Don’t rain on our parade – we like shiny things over here, and few things on a car shine brighter than Mercedes’ three-pointed star.

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Some might think it wasteful to turn one of these, even a base model, into a taxi, and doesn’t really make much economic sense – unless the owner is some taxi baron who wants his fleet to have a flagship because of his small penis. When you need a taxi, you don’t think “Golly, it would be just grand if we could take the Benz today” and go hunting for a unicorn. You stick your arm out and hold your breath as you get into the first yellow thing that stops. But then again, it makes people stop and stare and probably attracts a fair amount of joyrides. If I wasn’t on my lunch break when I saw it, I would’ve hailed it on the spot and taken it wherever I felt like just for the experience. Maybe through Times Square, where tourists would point and take pictures of me as I hang out the window. WHY YES, I AM A BALLER, THANKS FOR NOTICING ME.

Taxi Rating: 9/10, but come on

Mercedes E350 BlueTEC

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

As a rule, ballers (and trophy wives) are also fond of the other taxi offering from MB – the E350. Unlike its stablemate, it is 1 of 1 currently in service in the city, so your chances of ever riding in this are slim to none, with a little extra dash of none. Again, its existence begs the question why. Yes, the TLC approved it for some reason, but they also thought that Taxi TV was a grand old plan, so you can never really tell where the fuck their head is at. The car starts at above $50,000, so it’s not exactly… practical. And while simpler sedans usually have their suspension systems ripped apart and strengthened for cab duty, I find it hard to believe the same was done to this finely tuned German machine. So not only are you placing a stock car that’s expensive to maintain, repair, and insure into a rough-and-tumble environment, you don’t even get to sell it for a decent amount when it’s retired because who wants a newish Benz that’s been beat to hell?

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

But I digress. We’re supposed to talking about what makes a great cab, and despite the arguments above the E350 actually looks pretty good in that respect. Let’s not forget that Mercedes has been the brand of choice for millions of cabbies over the last 50 years, and despite the price tag, this one checks all the important boxes – it’s a massive sedan, it’s got decent fuel economy thanks to the BlueTEC diesel, and it’s quite comfortable. It’s also not the first Mercedes sedan to ply the roads around here – a pilot program in the late 1990s tested a few 300D’s – but it’s simply not the bulletproof W115 that your Uncle Christos used to hack all around Athens in the 1970s (yes, you’re Greek). So far, it seems ze Germans are just not destined to conquer our streets.

Taxi Rating: 9/10 until the suspension collapses

Volkswagen Jetta TDI/Wagon/Hybrid

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

But then again, you gotta hand it to ze Germans – when at first they don’t succeed at something, they try again. And so despite the impracticality of the Benzes, we’ve seen a secondary invasion by a small platoon of Jettas, which are likewise destined to fail. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve always been a fan of the clean and simple (and boring?) design ethos that Volkswagen often embodies, but these cars are simply too small to hack it as cabs in New York. Yeah, they’re decently comfortable and attractive in a ubiquitous sort of way, but if you have legs there probably isn’t enough room for them. You can keep your data-stealing USB chargers and stupid touchscreens – I think most New Yorkers have leg room at the top of their wish list for an ideal cab. Anyway, apart from having tiny backseats, small cars are more vulnerable to road damage here thanks to a DOT that just does not give a shit. It’s possible your Jetta could lose a wheel five minutes out from the taxi stand at La Guardia. Do you want to chance it? Well, tough shit, it’s the first car in the line and the people behind you are getting pissed and the driver has already grabbed your bags. You’re in for a treat .

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

THAT SAID, let’s get real, the diesel wagon is a thing of beauty.

Taxi Rating: 6/10, 7/10 (wagon)

Lexus RX Hybrid

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

But say you don’t need something so ostentatious, something quite so upper crust. You want to travel in luxury, but you’re just a middle manager at Ernst & Young with a tract house on Long Island who appreciates consistent execution. Well, have I got a cab for you. There are six Lexus RX Hybrids roaming the streets around here, all offering to take you to your destination on a wave of Japanese reliability. It basically offers the same advantages as the Highlander (although slightly less cargo space and legroom), but like I said, there’s a certain feeling one gets when riding in a Lexus taxi that makes it worth it.

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

It’s so captivating that the New York Times !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! in an article couple years ago, in which we learn that passengers sometimes tip 50-100% just for the hell of it after a ride in one of these. They are supremely comfortable, and the lack of an ugly partition completes the experience. You shouldn’t be able to afford it, but here you are, being chauffeured.

Taxi Rating: 9/10 (-1 for impracticality)

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Even though the Impala is currently approved by the TLC, the only yellow Chevy currently ferrying people around the city is the seventh-generation Malibu, which according to Wikipedia was built on the same platform as the Pontiac G6. Hear that? Like a G6! Plus, it shares a name with one of the best/worst party spirits around. The kids should love it! Except, it’s definitely not like either G6, and it’s not even as cool as your grandfather’s Malibu. It’s really just another front-wheel-drive people mover with a stiff back seat where young children, people with compromised immune systems, and the elderly are at risk of dying of boredom. Not even five-spoke alloys can save you.

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

On a practical note, because this is essential learning right here, the Malibu performs its taxi duties like the Camry, Altima, and Sonata. That is, it is a perfectly average sedan that stands out in absolutely zero categories. It gets points for having wheels, a trunk, and a backseat – the rest is really up to the man (or woman!) behind the wheel. Will he bless you with a completely forgettable ride, giving you an opportunity to read this article without vomiting? Or will he coax every ounce of vigor from those 160-odd horses and get you home faster than you thought possible? You can never tell.

Taxi Rating: 5/10

Nissan Altima/Altima Hybrid

The Nissan Altima, the only offering currently in the works by our future taxi overlord, has both hybrids and non-hybrids approved, although like the Camry I’ve never seen a non-hybrid one in service. And in fact, it’s almost exactly like the Camry on the inside, save a neat trick of using the partition to eliminate EVEN MORE legroom. Additionally, since Nissan never intended bitches in the back seat of an Altima to need their own air conditioning vents, the Mickey Mouse workaround NEVER does its job. And while my opinion of the Camry has been influenced by the energetic drivers I’ve had, I’ve never had a fun experience in the back of one of these (go ahead, make the jokes). They are simply devoid of character and comfort. So I’m going to stop writing about this now, because in a couple years these will be off the streets and no one will even remember the fact that the Altima ever donned the noble yellow cloak.

Taxi Rating: 5/10

Hyundai Sonata

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Late to the New York taxi game is the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, which is basically a Toyota Camry. I kid, I kid, you crazy Koreans (but seriously, they are the exact same length and height). Obviously the Sonata has come a long way in the last decade and is a very capable car for moving people and things, but if we’ve learned one thing here today (unlikely), it’s that it takes more than respectable mediocrity to make it as a taxi in the Big Apple. The minute differences in legroom, head room, cargo space, and comfort are going to be imperceptible to the tourist clinging to his fanny pack as he rockets down Fifth Ave or the drunken frat bros coming back from a night of ruining Williamsburg for the rest of us. With no standout capabilities to recommend, we must turn to its looks, and then we must turn away before it starts to hurt. I’m not a fan. I know everything is getting all curvy these days, but I think New York’s taxi should retain some straight lines; it just fits the city and its grid better. I guess it’s not too ugly, but it has always reminded me of a face that has been lifted one too many times. My eighth grade math teacher was like that – her eyes were on the side of her head, I shit you not.

Taxi Rating: 5/10

Toyota Avalon Hybrid (forgot about this one yesterday)

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

I spent my senior year of high school tootling around in an Avalon, and while I do have fond memories related to the occasional Scandinavian Flick (you would not believe the body roll) and friends piling in the couch-like back seat, let’s be real, it’s a boring car. It’s gotten better, and the latest generation is a far cry from my old ’98 in terms of handling and shiny bits, but it still looks and acts like the forgettable spawn of a Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata. That said, it’s certainly a capable cab – I sat in the back of one at an auto show last year and the back seat is nice and expansive, offering great legroom, seats with something at least approaching lumbar support, and air-conditioning vents that were actually designed by the manufacturer to be there. On top of that, it’s classified as a full-size sedan, so we have to give it props for carrying that banner as the Crown Victoria continues to fade away.

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

So it checks the important boxes, but is it good enough to make it as a yellow taxi here? Basically, but it’s just not special enough! All it has is physical size – no gravitas, no pedigree as a global taxi, no V8 – and nothing to distinguish it from any other full-size sedan that could potentially get conscripted into service. Except, that is, the hybrid motor. Since the lack of a hybrid NV (so far) is one of the main sticking points with opponents, I’m hoping the next mayor sees fit to let this one serve alongside the Highlander and Prius as an eco-friendly alternative. Keep the sedan game alive!

Taxi Rating: 7/10

MV1 Accessible

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

I don’t have anything snarky to say about the MV1. It’s a purpose-built handicap cab, and given how awful the transportation options for the disabled are in this city it’s a crying shame that there are only two of these in service and the manufacturer is out of business. I’ve never been in one, but it apparently does its job quite well. The side-mounted wheelchair ramp needs a clear path to the sidewalk or empty parking space, but it doesn’t require sending a disabled person out into traffic like the Sienna’s trunk ramp. Hopefully a few MV1s are still waiting in the wings, as the Nissan NV will only have a handful of handicap accessible versions for the first few years. I mentioned earlier that some opponents are trying to block its introduction by saying that any mandated Taxi of Tomorrow legally needs to be 100% handicap accessible. In the meantime, these two will soldier on, hopelessly outnumbered, fighting the good fight.

Taxi Rating: 10/10 to those who need it and can somehow magically find it

Dodge Caravan Accessible

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Here we have another small team of taxis that are solely handicap accessible, and that should be a great thing – except that all of the ones currently on the road entered service in 2007, which means they have been abused for six solid years. Seriously, these things are jaaaanky. They’re generally dirty as hell, the wheels are always mismatched, and it is one rattling sonofabitch on the inside. Steer clear, although you won’t have to much longer – they’ll all be off the road next year. Of course, that’s also a bad thing unless more handicap cabs replace them, which is unlikely in the short term. In the meantime, surely we can do better for our disabled population than six-year-old Caravans where the wheelchair ramp assembly is worth more than the van itself.

Taxi Rating: 3/10

The One-Offs: Lincoln MKZ and Ford Taurus

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Technically the Mercedes E350 is a one-off too, but it’s special enough that it gets its own section – this lonely duo, sadly, is not. We’ll start with the Lincoln – first of all, in a city that has more Town Cars per capita than anywhere else (scientific estimate), you can’t rely solely on the novelty of seeing a Lincoln dressed in yellow to make a great taxi. The 2012 MKZ is just so… pointless. Yeah, the back seat is decently comfortable, if a little small. Sure, the fit and finish on the inside is kind of surprising. But it has no identity, no pedigree to make it interesting. It’s a tarted up first-gen Ford Fusion, an exercise in semi-luxury badge engineering that betrayed the brand’s history of carrying people in a cloud-like tank. If you want a Lincoln to get from A to B, do yourself a favor and find a Town Car.

Photo credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

The Ford Taurus is similarly unremarkable, but at least it’s kind of handsome and larger than the MKZ. And slower – I assume the one currently in service is rocking a four cylinder EcoBoost engine, meaning it has 240 horses to drag around two tons of metal. But despite the fact that these will never catch on, it seems the most able to pick up where the Crown Vic left off. It’s roughly the same size, it’s from the same manufacturer, and it has a distinctive look that New York could own if they were to flood the streets here (although wow, that belt line is SO high). Regardless of what happens with the Taxi of Tomorrow, concerns over accessibility will likely squeeze sedans out of the taxi industry over the next decade, but this one could’ve been a contender .

Taxi Rating: 6/10 (MKZ), 7/10 (Taurus)

Believe it or not, the VW Golf and Touareg and Audi Q7 are all approved for service as well, but there are none on the streets and likely never will be. So that's it! I hope you enjoyed this little guide, but remember, time may be running out to enjoy this remarkable diversity in person. Catch them while you can!

DISCUSSION (100)

Nibby > area man
09/13/2013 at 08:53

You can usually find an MV1 around Union Square

Hoccy > area man
09/13/2013 at 09:01

While it might be rare in NY, the Mercedes E-Class diesel are the most popular here in Oslo.

Kinja'd!!!

area man > Hoccy
09/13/2013 at 11:46

I'm guessing your roads are in much better shape.

8166UY > Hoccy
09/13/2013 at 12:49

They also are in the Netherlands. Probably in all of the wealthier countries in Europe.

duurtlang > Hoccy
09/13/2013 at 12:53

In the Netherlands as well. It's the most popular taxi, and has been for many decades.

the7thearlofgrey > area man
09/13/2013 at 12:54

you don't need fancy cabs , listen to Latka

PanchoVilleneuve ST > area man
09/13/2013 at 12:59

The MV1 is all over the place in central Connecticut of all places, doing taxi duty. I see several of them in the Hartford area all the time.

Ltd783 > Hoccy
09/13/2013 at 12:59

It's the same all over Europe, where you can get E-Classes in poverty spec (No nav, leather, air suspension, etc) with a 4 cylinder diesel.

Here in the US Mercedes are sold one way, loaded, and usually with only the top end engine choices available in Europe (i.e. the 2 biggest gas engines available and possibly the largest diesel). This results in Mercedes being about twice as much as a comparably sized American car, and therefore, makes no sense financially as a taxi in the US.

When I went to Paris in the 90's, I only took a cab once, and was excited to get my first ride in a Mercedes, since every cab visible was a E220, hailed a cab, and lo and behold, I got the only Peugeot 405 cab in the whole city...

Car-less Car Guy > Hoccy
09/13/2013 at 13:01

From what I can read of the badges those are E220s (?). It makes more sense when you have access to a more base model. I'm guessing those would be equivalent in price to something like a Taurus here in the states ($30-35k).

Pcleez > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:01

Anytime I'm in NYC I get so pumped to get a different taxi, even though I love the crown vics. I would love to get one of those benzes or lexuses. Even the avalaon would be cool just because it's different.

My first impression getting the VW was: awesome, a VW taxi! Second was: I am going to die.

Triborough > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:06

Kinja'd!!!

You missed the one off Mercury Crown Victoria.

Hooniverse K > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:06

The Taurus is really tight inside for its size.

I was going to comment on the first post but forgot... The Ford Escape, which I rode shotgun in because I was tallest of all my frat bros, had almost no leg room in the front or in the back.

hatbob > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:09

This is one of the most popular in Ireland and its actually an excellent car.

Kinja'd!!!

area man > duurtlang
09/13/2013 at 13:21

Well the Dutch know a thing or two about public works.

The Parts Guy > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:21

Mercedes diesels are especially common in Germany of course, they've been there since the beginning. Yes, I see the two VW Euro Vans in the back, but the rest are Mercs.

Kinja'd!!!

The Parts Guy > hatbob
09/13/2013 at 13:21

Ford?

area man > Hooniverse K
09/13/2013 at 13:23

That's true. And look how tiny the windows are!

Some other people mentioned the lack of legroom in the Escape... it's definitely tight, but I'm 5-11 and my legs fit OK if I sit upright. And it's better when the driver box is installed instead of a full partition.

area man > PanchoVilleneuve ST
09/13/2013 at 13:23

Where do you see them? I'm from CT as well.

area man > Nibby
09/13/2013 at 13:24

It probably deals drugs.

ezeolla > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:24

I spent Labor Day weekend in Chicago and there are a ton of those MV1 cabs there

area man > the7thearlofgrey
09/13/2013 at 13:25

Tank you veddy much!

PanchoVilleneuve ST > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:26

I see lots of them doing the run to Bradley, especially along 91.

Awesomooo > Hoccy
09/13/2013 at 13:26

Also in Stockholm. Plenty of S-class in Copenhagen, pretty much the best cab ride of my life.

area man > Pcleez
09/13/2013 at 13:26

Haha, glad to hear I'm not the only one who's afraid of it. Hope you get to catch a fancy one!

Formula4speed > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:29

Wow, I rode in the E-class the last time I was in town and had no idea it was 1 of 1. Only thought I had was "oh, hey, suddenly I'm in europe again. Neat."

As I recall, it was nice. I dunno, I was drunk and had just been broken up with.

area man > The Parts Guy
09/13/2013 at 13:29

Well, yeah. It's the equivalent of the Crown Vic over there basically. I think every young car enthusiast has that moment where they first find out that Mercedes are used as taxis everywhere in Europe and think "OMG SO COOL," only to later learn the boring economic realities that make it so.

area man > ezeolla
09/13/2013 at 13:30

Yeah, they're all around the country. I'm curious as to why the manufacturer went bankrupt - seemed like a popular idea.

area man > Formula4speed
09/13/2013 at 13:31

Whaaaat. That's crazy! I assume there was no partition?

(Sorry to hear the circumstances)

area man > Triborough
09/13/2013 at 13:31

Mercury lives!

area man > hatbob
09/13/2013 at 13:32

Is that a Skoda?

area man > PanchoVilleneuve ST
09/13/2013 at 13:32

Interesting. I hope the winters don't kill them too quickly.

Arneby > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:36

The MB E-class (sedan or wagon) is the most common taxi in northern Europe, but also in other places around the globe. Since a german taxi operator are only allowed to run the car for 3-5 years these MBs often get exported to far away places like africa, central america and so on. Like cruise ships these cars often get a second (and sometimes third) life.

TheSergeMeister > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:37

Bro, im dying at the baller line again.

Side note in europe getting a mercedes taxi is really really common, during my vacation in croatia every other cab was MB

CSphotography > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:37

Still a few first-gen Escape Hybrids, just for nerdy points.

I remember riding in what must have been the last Caprice taxi a few years ago. It was CNG-converted and a ruin, but it felt like a real throwback when it pulled up. Don't really take cabs anymore between biking and transit though.

There are some really funky cars being painted that bright green for Boro Taxis, basically any car that was approved as a limo. Bunch of bright green Lincoln Town Cars, saw an Expedition today, odd stuff.

Formula4speed > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:38

I'm honestly trying to remember, but it's a very blurry memory haha. I'm pissed that I can't. I do remember that the legroom was disappointing, but I'm 6'3 so that happens to me in 90% of cabs. Or maybe the legroom was so bad when I rode in the front of one of the escape hybrids? I dunno, I'm almost exclusively drunk when I'm in New York. I've spent too much time outside to tolerate the idiosyncrasies sober anymore.

And don't be, it was one of those where you look back and realize what you thought was a sad moment was actually dodging bullets like neo, haha

Kinja'd!!!

Highbury > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:41

Kinja'd!!!

You ain't got nothing on our fleet of totally modern-day taxis.

BATC42 > The Parts Guy
09/13/2013 at 13:43

Those vans are not from Volkswagen, they are Mercedes vans. Behold the Vito :

Kinja'd!!!

dogisbadob > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:44

The Mv1 is awesome. I've seen a couple around as like security cars or something

N@tedog > PanchoVilleneuve ST
09/13/2013 at 13:54

They're all over Chicago too. I took one just yesterday.

mrgamebox > Hoccy
09/13/2013 at 13:55

In Poland as well. A lot of the vehicles produced in the 90s are still in service! Most importantly, Polish roads aren't in a very good shape compared to Oslo :p

area man > TheSergeMeister
09/13/2013 at 13:56

Haha glad you like it. Europe does many things a little worse but some things a hell of a lot better than America, and Mercedes taxis is one of them.

Also Croatia is No. 1 on my travel list.

XJguy > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:56

Blown away by the NYC cab Benzes....

hatbob > area man
09/13/2013 at 13:57

Superb

area man > CSphotography
09/13/2013 at 13:57

Yeah, I saw my first green cab today on the way to work. It's a brave new world.

I remember coming to the city as a kid in the mid-90s and seeing Caprices literally everywhere. I like them better than the Crown Vic, if you couldn't tell :)

area man > hatbob
09/13/2013 at 13:58

Big fan of Skodas. I studied abroad in the Czech Republic and loved seeing and riding in them.

area man > Highbury
09/13/2013 at 13:59

That would never fly here. Too small!

Zack Danger > PanchoVilleneuve ST
09/13/2013 at 13:59

New Haven is packed with them as well.

area man > dogisbadob
09/13/2013 at 14:00

They definitely have a presence.

area man > N@tedog
09/13/2013 at 14:00

What was it like?

area man > Ltd783
09/13/2013 at 14:02

Great points on the economics. Too bad you didn't catch the Benz, but the Peugeot is the true French experience!

area man > Car-less Car Guy
09/13/2013 at 14:02

Exactly.

hatbob > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:02

They are fantastic but aren't as cheap anymore. Still, load up a Superb with all the extras and it makes an fantastic limo. I love the umbrellas in the door frames.

area man > mrgamebox
09/13/2013 at 14:03

Even 90's Benz's are more durable than the ones made today.

area man > Formula4speed
09/13/2013 at 14:03

Haha, glad to hear it. New York is definitely better drunk, and I live here!

hatbob > The Parts Guy
09/13/2013 at 14:03

Skoda. Resistance is futile, join us, VAG is a benevolent ruler.

area man > BATC42
09/13/2013 at 14:04

They just make so many different cars worldwide. It's kind of insane

area man > XJguy
09/13/2013 at 14:05

It's a questionable investment, but at least the rest of us can enjoy it.

nmce > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:05

Do Odyssey cabs not actually exist?

Kinja'd!!!

boomere30 > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:06

What about the Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, Ford Transit, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna, and of course the Crown Vic....

boomere30 > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:07

Here is the full list:

2014- Toyota Camry Hybrid

2013- Ford C-Max
2013- Ford Transit Connect
2013- Lexus Rx 450H
2013- Nissan Altima
2013- Toyota Avalon Hybrid
2013- Toyota Camry
2013- Toyota Prius
2013- Toyota Highlander
2013- Toyota Sienna Accessible (Mobility Works/ Freedom Motors)
2013- Toyota Sienna Accessible (BraunAbility)
2013- MV1 Accessible
2013- Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Sedan

2012- Ford Fusion
2012- Ford Escape
2012-Ford Taurus FWD (Only)
2012- Ford Transit Connect
2012- Lincoln MKZ
2012- Nissan Altima
2012- Toyota Camry
2012- Toyota Highlander
2012- Toyota Prius V
2012- Hyundai Sonata
2012- Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan
2012- Volkswagen Golf 2.5L TDI Sedan
2012- Mercedes Benz E350 BlueTec
2012- Toyota Sienna Accessible (Viewpoint Mobility)
2012- Toyota Sienna Accessible (Freedom Motors)
2012- Toyota Sienna Accessible (Mobility Works)
2012- MV1 Accessible
2012- Ford Transit Connect Accessible

2011- Chevy Impala
2011-Ford Crown Victoria Stretch
2011-Ford Fusion
2011- Ford Escape
2011- Ford Taurus FWD (Only)
2011- Audi Q7 3L TDI
2011- Lincoln MKZ
2011- Hyundai Sonata
2011- Toyota Camry
2011- Toyota Prius
2011- Toyota Highlander
2011- Nissan Altima
2011- Volkswagen Jetta S &TDI Sedan
2011- Volkswagen Touareg 3.0L TDI
2011- Volkswagen Golf 2.5L TDI Sedan
2011- Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec
2011- Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec
2011- MV1 Accessible

The Parts Guy > BATC42
09/13/2013 at 14:14

I have never seen one of those! This one is a manual!

Kinja'd!!!

N@tedog > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:14

For the non-handicapped? crack pipe

There's one bench seat in the back that 'fits' three and then there's a jump seat attached to the back of the drivers seat that folds down if you need to fit four able bodied people in the back. It rides like a 90's solid rear axle Explorer (body on ladder) with busted shocks.

There's plenty of open space inside to flail your arms in terror. I feel that if we were t-boned I could have already called 911 before my body slammed into the other side of the interior... which is a very real possibility with the frequency of red light runners in Chitown. There's nothing to brace yourself on like in a normal cab (door, divider, etc) so you are thrown to and fro as this land whale accosts you en route to your destination. Imagine sitting in a chair in the back of a U-HAUL and that's your ride in an MV1.

It's huge, but it isn't aggressive looking. At least with a truck, people think about getting out of your way. This thing looks more like it has down syndrome and I can't tell if it was a cruel joke that it was designed to transport the handicapped. I mean, they're already handicapped. Now they have to ride around in this bus that's missing a chromosome.

Like I said *crack pipe

area man > nmce
09/13/2013 at 14:14

They were phased out this year, and I believe the last one is already off the road.

area man > boomere30
09/13/2013 at 14:15

Those were all covered in Part 1!

Phathead > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:16

Best read on the toilet I've had all month. Kudos to you kind sir!

area man > Phathead
09/13/2013 at 14:17

Thank you! I think we all appreciate the importance of toilet reads.

hatbob > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:21

It's awesome.

Kinja'd!!!

bpands > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:22

I actually saw an early model Touareg in yellow livery in the Upper East Side back in 2008. Wish I had taken a picture of it.

Devon > nmce
09/13/2013 at 14:24

I'm amazed to still see a few mk2 Odysseys in service, if not in NYC. Those things had a big appetite for transmissions.

Devon > Highbury
09/13/2013 at 14:25

My uncle had a Marea like that one behind the Lanos there. All I remember about it is the little door that flipped up on the tape deck. And parts falling off.

area man > bpands
09/13/2013 at 14:30

Interesting! Well it's not on the 2013 list of cars in service, so it must be gone now. It probably did OK as a cab.

area man > boomere30
09/13/2013 at 14:31

That's the list of approved models, but not everything has been put into service. The list of the ones that actually are is here (excel spreadsheet download): http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/…

bpands > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:33

I'd venture a guess and say the air suspension failures junked the car by the late winter pothole season in that same year.

Maxxuman > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:46

More Town Cars per capita than anywhere else? Certainly more per square mile but the population density of Manhattan (and NYC overall) is so high I'm not so sure about per capita. Maybe at night, after a couple of million commuters have headed home to Noo Joizee, Westchester, Long Island or Connecticut...

And in case anyone reading thinks the Town Cars are so prevalent because a large number of city dwellers choose to own them, in fact it's because they're the livery cabs (kind of an upscale taxi) of choice - due to their ample space, comfort, reliability and low purchase and maintenance costs.

nmce > Devon
09/13/2013 at 14:46

Oh, yeah. I forgot about the transmission issue, even though we have had two Odysseys. (It seems we have been among the lucky, so far...)

I was thinking these would be great cabs, but that would explain how quickly they disappeared, at least in NYC.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:47

Thank god the maker of the MV1 went out of business... that is one UGLY vehicle.

And it's pointless too considering the rest of the world simply converts existing vans.

So... when is the ugly Nissan NV200 gonna start replacing all of these again?

It will be a sad day when all we see for cabs are Nissan NV200s.

nmce > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:48

Kinja'd!!!

Great read, but what is the chrome item on the passenger side hood of every cab in the photos?

Ntovorni > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:49

Idk where you're from Caprice-Capish, but I'm down in Norwalk, and all we have are beat to heck ex police cars and town cars. Haven't seen any here at all.

FrankenB5S4 > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:51

Having the VW TDi makes since, but why the Jetta? The Passat seems the logical choice here.

area man > Maxxuman
09/13/2013 at 14:56

I was hyperbolizing. I've thought about buying one though, just for the hell of it.

area man > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
09/13/2013 at 14:57

Sad indeed. The currently legislation says that any retiring vehicle starting next year has to be an NV or the Highlander/Prius (hybrid options).

Maxxuman > area man
09/13/2013 at 14:58

Fair enough - they're certainly ubiquitous.

area man > nmce
09/13/2013 at 14:58

Glad you liked it! That right there would be the infamous medallion that each cab has to have - check out the first entry in this series if you're not familiar with how the medallion system works.

area man > Ntovorni
09/13/2013 at 15:01

Originally from southeast CT, but now I live in Manhattan. I don't think they even made them yet when I lived there.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Ntovorni
09/13/2013 at 15:04

I'm in Stamford, and that's what the local taxis are. Poorly-painted ex-cop issue Crown Vics.

Maxxuman > area man
09/13/2013 at 15:06

Just thought of another interesting aspect of the NYC taxi domain - the million dollar cost of the medallion you have to buy to operate one: http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downl… For some who can afford an outlay like that perhaps the relative cost of the vehicle isn't quite as significant.

area man > Maxxuman
09/13/2013 at 15:09

Yeah, it's gotten insane. Most medallions are traded around by holding companies as a result - it's very hard for independent drivers to raise that kind of capital.

FCV-8311 > area man
09/13/2013 at 15:10

It's a shame that the company that made the MV-1 went out of service. I'd gladly take the look of them on NYC's streets as opposed to the NV200 any day.

seriouslywhyiskinjastillterrible > area man
09/13/2013 at 15:11

I think there is a definite need for salt flat racing taxis. I don't know how or why, its just a gut feeling I get looking at it.

Kinja'd!!!

nmce > area man
09/13/2013 at 15:20

I never considered that other cities would do it different than Boston and the rest of New England towns (on trunk lid):

Kinja'd!!!

FYI, in Boston, these cost $625,000 !

Ntovorni > PanchoVilleneuve ST
09/13/2013 at 15:31

poorly painted AND maintained. Bumpers that are a few various colors.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Ntovorni
09/13/2013 at 15:36

The easiest way to teach someone about the sheer range of different shades/tones of black is to take them to Stamford and show them the Taxis.

area man > FCV-8311
09/13/2013 at 15:40

Yeah, others here don't seem too keen on the looks, but at least it's distinctive!

area man > seriouslywhyiskinjastillterrible
09/13/2013 at 15:40

They have 'Ring taxis, so why not these??

area man > nmce
09/13/2013 at 15:41

They go for similar amounts here - it's insane!

area man > FrankenB5S4
09/13/2013 at 15:42

Good question. I chalk it up to another example of a big bureaucracy's short-sightedness.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > area man
09/13/2013 at 15:47

I was just doing some additional reading up on this... and apparently it's only the larger Prius V allowed. No dice for the regular Prius or Prius C (obviously).

Also the Prius V apparently costs $3000 LESS than the NV200... So maybe we won't see that many NV200s after all. If it was me doing the taxicab buying, I would pick the vehicle that costs $3000 less, gets much better city fuel economy and doesn't look like a hat full of assholes.

area man > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
09/13/2013 at 15:49

Haha, great ending line. Those are good points, but if the legislation stands as is (which, who knows), the Toyota hybrid alternatives are only allowed until Nissan gets an electric or hybrid version of the NV going, which is expected by 2015. So we'll see what happens...

boomere30 > area man
09/13/2013 at 16:17

Good call, didn't see the first article!

Hoccy > area man
09/13/2013 at 16:29

The roads in Oslo aren't too bad, but they'll see some rough roads everywhere else. Don't think it is that much better than NY.