Stop the Hate

"JR1" (type35bugatti) 01/15/2014 at 15:00 • Filed to: Chevy SSR. Jeep Renegade, Truckyeah, Ford Thunderbird, Oppositelock, Plymouth Prowler

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The other day Jalopnik posted the question asking,"What was the worst car ever unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show." Among the list of nominees was the Chevy SSR, Plymouth Prowler, Jeep Renegade Concept, and the "new" Ford Thunderbird. You may be sitting there right now thinking, "Well yeah! That's because they suck!" In a way you are right, the cars from this list that made production had faults. BUT and this is a big BUT they were great cars and here is why:

1.) The X Factor

Like it or not when someone see's you going down the road in a different and obscure car they tend to look at you and take pictures or point and stare. The Prowler, SSR, and Thunderbird all grab attention as they drive down the road. They make the driver feel special . For a moment the driver can step out of his/her bland everyday desk job and cruise down the PCH or too their local car show and enjoy the day. People look over and ask, "Hey what is that cool car you're driving?" The cars have character, and character is something new cars all to often do not have anymore. They bring enjoyment and novelty to a bland biege midsize sedan world.

2.) Cruising

SPEED! SPEED IS GOOD AND SPEED IS GREAT MORE SPEED!!!!!! Wait a second. Hold your nitrous. Their is more to life than speed! "GASP" You might be saying, "There is more to life than speed? How can this be true?" Well let me tell you. With every car their is a certain amount of romance built into it. That is what gives the car soul and creates the bond between driver and machine. Sometimes like in a 1992 Ford Taurus it becomes almost impossible to find, but trust me it's there. The Chevy SSR and the other cars I mentioned have it in spades. They embody the freedom and weekend cruiser spirt of the late 50's Bel Airs and Cadillacs. Those cars were not fast yet they still sell for over 100k because they are cruisers. So you may continue to poo poo all you want that the SSR and Prowler were underpowered and dogs, but sometimes that is all it has to be to make a trip across the United States memorable and great. The SSR. Thunderbird, and Prowler are grand tourers . Least us not forget as well the SSR eventually got a 400hp V8!

3.) Risking it all

The purpose of every car company is at the end of the day to turn a profit. They do not have to build cars like the Renegade, SSR, or Thunderbird. Yet they choose to build them. Why? Because deep down like us they are car people. The companies risk everything retooling plants, investing time and money, and engineering these cars in the hopes that the public will like them. Sometimes they drop the ball and put in a underpowered V6 or V8. Yet even then, we the enthusiasts should not laugh and degrade these special "risk" cars like the SSR. The Mustang was a perfect example of a "risk" car that worked. As Carroll Shelby so famously put it, "It's a secretaries car." Ford made it work though with the help of enthusiasts and the public alike. So vehicles like the SSR and Mustang are the best defense against a relentless march of beige, soulless cars. We should support the risk cars like the SSR, Thunderbird, and Prowler because without them the world would be a lot more beige.

Continue to hate these cars if you must, however in the end they will all be classics. The American swagger, freedom, romance and soul were loving put into these cars and for that, one day they will be remembered as great. They were not Detroits worst cars ever reviled. The Prowler, SSR, Thunderbird, and Renegade were some of Detroits best cars. Speed is not always everything after all.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > JR1 01/15/2014 at 15:05

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I love my SSR!

Joe_Limon > JR1 01/15/2014 at 15:05

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My garage doors are open to any/all of these vehicles to seek refuge.

ssidd47 > JR1 01/15/2014 at 15:05

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I can understand the Thunderbird and the Renegade, and totally wish Jeep actually built that thing. But I absolutely have no just no attraction to either the SSR or the Prowler. They're underpowered, make zero logical sense, and are horribly ugly.

I actually saw the SSR once. People did gape at it with looks of horror, rather than delight.

RotaryLover > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 01/15/2014 at 15:07

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You need to do a oppo review!

thebigbossyboss > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 01/15/2014 at 15:08

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Can I come for a ride? Please. Please. PLLLEEAASSEE?!?!?!

JR1 > ssidd47 01/15/2014 at 15:10

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To each their own with styling but I think the Prowler/SSR are excellent cars, and have an X factor to them that deserve to be recognized and loved by the car community!

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > ssidd47 01/15/2014 at 15:10

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My SSR is proper quick with an all aluminum 6.0 L LS2.

JR1 > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 01/15/2014 at 15:11

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I envy you man! And the best part is they have barley lost any of their value, future classic for sure! Do an Opp review!

timateo81 > JR1 01/15/2014 at 15:12

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I think the Prowler was the most ambitious and reckless (at the same time!) production decision in the industry in 30 years. We (the consumer) got a lousy product because Chrysler...1990s CHRYSLER... was the mfg who decided to take the chance. Maybe it would've been better if it were a Mazda or Toyota, or even a Ford (ugh).

At least Chrysler didn't bin up the Viper too bad.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > JR1 01/15/2014 at 15:12

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Take a look at the SSR again. Paint the other "bars" on the grille silver. THen put some nicer materials in the interior. It would;ve been legendary. The SSR is let down when you step inside. Imagine you walk up to your cool, low slung, 6.0L V8 powered mini-truck. THe sun is shining, your "chrome" is glistening, beautiful people are galavanting around nearby in bathing suits. You open the door to your mini hot rod, and...

It's just so damn tragic!

Seriously, why did they think that would EVER work? Especially in a vehicle designed around being a show-off convertible?!?!?!?! Where are the cool interior accents? Even if it was fake chrome? Where are the "retro inspired" controls and stalks? Even with the extra grand or two it would;ve taken to source and test some different bits and pieces, at least fix that damn wheel......it is such a wasted opportunity.

JR1 > Joe_Limon 01/15/2014 at 15:12

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You and me both buddy!

95HondaV6 > JR1 01/15/2014 at 15:12

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I actually like ALL of these vehicles (especially the SSR); except for that Thunderbird, which is (in my opinion) the damn ugliest car ever (ever, ever, ever) sent to production! I simply cannot stand to look at it...and when I see one on the road, I avert my gaze!

JR1 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/15/2014 at 15:18

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For the time I think this is a pretty excellent interior especially when you compare it to cars of the time this the Taurus!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > 95HondaV6 01/15/2014 at 15:18

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"Even worse looking than me?" asks the 1980s dodge charger, as oil and coolant drool out of various orifices.

Jayhawk Jake > RotaryLover 01/15/2014 at 15:21

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This. Listen to this man, we need this.

JR1 > timateo81 01/15/2014 at 15:21

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Yes it was an unfortunate product of the era but I still think it deserves to be respected, unlike the people on Jalop where doing Monday! At least it was built!!

CobraJoe > ssidd47 01/15/2014 at 15:22

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The Prowler was bumped up to 255hp in 1999, which isn't much, but it's quite a bit for a car that weighs 2800 pounds. That makes for a 0-60 of 5.7s.

Don't think of it as a muscle car, think of it as a big Miata with funky styling.

Jayhawk Jake > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/15/2014 at 15:22

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Interiors like this are why I can't see myself DD'ing pretty much anything pre 2010.

JR1 > 95HondaV6 01/15/2014 at 15:23

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Well styling is of course subjective but I personally like the looks, sleek and classic

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > JR1 01/15/2014 at 15:24

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If Chrysler had a good, compact V8 at the time available to be fit in the Prowler, it'd be a pretty cool car.

JR1 > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 01/15/2014 at 15:25

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Or even a turbo on the 6 but that's what the aftermarket is for!!

CobraJoe > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 01/15/2014 at 15:30

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Remember the Plymouth Howler concept?

They stuck a 4.7L V8 under that narrow hood. It had exactly the same HP that the 1999 production Prowler had.

That being said, I'd much rather have the extra torque and 5 speed that the Howler had, just trying to point out that it wasn't that underpowered.

oldirtybootz > JR1 01/15/2014 at 15:32

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I've always wanted a Retro Bird. Stiffen it up, drop a 5.0 and 6MT in it...mmmmm.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > 95HondaV6 01/15/2014 at 15:36

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The ugliest car ever, ever, ever, ever sent to production? Really?

Just needs a little TLC, is all. Rake it forward and some non-grandpa wheels... It has relatively easy potential.

JR1 > oldirtybootz 01/15/2014 at 15:36

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I like the way you think sir… A sleeper that could scare Corvettes!

Dsscats > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:01

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This needs to FP. Now. Sure, a bit of power is nice, but 95% of the time, we dont need 500hp in a 2000 pound package.

Money Hustard > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:13

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I'm OK with all these cars, I'm still undeterred in my loathing of the PT Cruiser.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:13

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Here's the thing - in a 20-30k family sedan, I expect beige and simple. The exterior did not write a very large check for the inside to cash. GM interiors were historically garbage at the time, yes. No reason for them to put the base model trailblazer trim in one of their most expensive products. I think only a loaded suburban/tahoe, and the corvette were more expensive. So no, I'm not forgiving them for sticking that low rent of an interior on such an exciting and expensive car. Gluing the silver painted bits of plastic onto things doesn't count. If you look at the taurus interior, despite being "function over form" it gives the interior a certain amount of dignity since you can plainly see everything and it wa designed to be accessible and practical. The SSR has so much vast space filled with cheap plastic that it feels like they were going to do a cool interior.....but then buggered off to the bar instead. It doesn't look clean, it looks cheap/ They didn't even have to be too fancy, either. Look at the old corvette interior from the 50s

They probably couldve copied this and done the passenger "panic handle" a bit more gracefully and had some legit retro influence and a way to break up the sea of gray plastic without adding a ton of extra trim or buttons or clutter.

92LX302 > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:14

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Well said.

SasquatchElvis > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:16

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Hey, Chrysler freaking built this thing! That's right a Big-3 car company BUILT an OPEN WHEELED production car! While we all have our issues with the car, the fact that it was built in the first place is spectacular and deserves our respect, if not our praise.

CobraJoe > 95HondaV6 01/15/2014 at 16:16

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I think it'd be beautiful if it wasn't for that massive grill that sticks out.

Make that a bit more subtle and not sticking out, and I think it'd be great.

Viperfan1 > ssidd47 01/15/2014 at 16:17

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Convertible Pickup. What else needs to be said?

Awesome.

DatASSun > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:18

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I'm a big fan of the last Thunderbird .. Loved the Circle window and thought the color options in cam in were very classic ..

Captain Hostile > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:19

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The retro Thunder-chicken just seemed like such an afterthought of a car that only appealed to aging men who love other men and their hairdressers...IMHO which of course is worthless so take that for what it is worth.

squelchuk > Money Hustard 01/15/2014 at 16:19

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I have to hold my hands up here and say that I swapped a —- god knows what it was, some non-descript muthfukkin' huge "mid-size" hire car for a drop top PT Cruiser when I was in San Francisco in 2007 (or '08) and, for driving out through Napa and spending a couple of days in Yosemite, it was pretty good for what we were using it for - dropping the top, turning the CD player up loud (drowned out the sound of that bloody afwul engine).

bradledy > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:21

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I like this article.

I hoon, therefore I am > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:21

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Thank you.

Money Hustard > squelchuk 01/15/2014 at 16:22

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I hear you, I suppose I've never driven the convertible.

I think the same could be said for just about any convertible though, don't you think?

Mercedes Streeter > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:22

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Call me crazy, but I think all of these vehicles are kick-ass. I'd gladly DD the SSR and Prowler with a big ass smile on my face.

Ironically, people don't hate them as much as you think. Every time I see one at Supercar Saturdays here in Chicago, they gather crowds rivaling in size that the Italian exotics get.

Nick Has an Exocet > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:22

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I think part of what's wrong with these cars is that they failed to match their over the top retro looks with modern driving dynamics. Pretty much all of them came with automatics and detuned muscle car engines, poor seating position, etc.

TheCrudMan > Jayhawk Jake 01/15/2014 at 16:23

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Problem?

Chairman Kaga > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:24

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I'll be honest. Whenever I see an cockroach Taurus on the road, there's a softhearted part of the bleeding heart on my sleeve that wants to own it. An American sedan so unpretentious it can suck out loud, but somehow still be more desirable than a Camry. It's the pinnacle of fatass American blandness. A Barcalounger for the rush hour slog.

It's the Bartleby the Scrivner of motoring. As forgotten as Corduroy's button. A slightly pitiful, but ultimately pitiable example of where it all went wrong 20 years ago. I can't help but feel a little sorry for it. It needs a nice warm bed and a place to call home. I shall name him... Horace.

BeaterGT > Jayhawk Jake 01/15/2014 at 16:25

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Get outta here Millenial, you don't even like cars!

BeaterGT > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:26

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Instead we have a bunch of people who are head over heels for the freaking MIATA, Jalopnik's best(worst?) running joke.

Jayhawk Jake > BeaterGT 01/15/2014 at 16:26

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I hate being called a millenial...

Excuse me for having taste

rUDy Flyer 41 > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:27

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Can I add one more to the list? Yeah?

Pontiac Aztek.

I loved this car when it first came out, and love it still today. If they made a version today that kept the look but had a better powertrain/interior/build quality I would be the first in line.

MIATAAAA > Dsscats 01/15/2014 at 16:28

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I know, right!?

2000 lbs is way to heavy for just 500hp.

Who cares what the fox says? > Joe_Limon 01/15/2014 at 16:30

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I completely agree with you here. People who hate on ambitious (albeit tragic) cars are missing the point. At least they are trying to be different. If we are talking about the Pontiac Aztek, that was a true failure. These cars are bold and will get attention from other people.

alan > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:30

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the biggest problem with the SSR is that it was over priced and based on a truck frame and had a useless bed. it looked like a sports car but it was not. it had a v8 but it was not fast. the trailblazer platform is one of my favorite SUV body on frame platforms in terms of ride and handling. but it was no sports car. they would have sold more if they brought the ute here as the El Camino. the SSR was like a el camino that was too big and over priced for el camino customers.

Matt Brown > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:31

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I totally agree; I love to see car companies do something different. In fact, I think it is unfortunate that GM gets so much hate for cars like the Fiero, Corvair, and even the Aztek, and I think it leads to a sea of bland, barely uniquely identifiable cars.

Great writeup!

Ratchet when he's all hopped up on synthetic energon > 95HondaV6 01/15/2014 at 16:31

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The Thunderbird was let down by Ford's choice of using "refined" Jaguar parts rather than "cheap" Mustang bits. Had the last gen T-bird shared the same engine as the Cobra and Maurauder I think its story would have turned out quite different.

Vin > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:31

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Except for the Jeep (which should've gone straight into production as-is), all of those other cars got dicked over by bean-counters and cowardice.

What the Thunderbird should've looked like:

What the Prowler should've looked like:

What the SSR should've looked like:

(Aka do nothing design-wise, and spend a fuckton on money engineering a hardtop convertible that fits seamlessly with the existing Thriftmaster body)

They deserve every bit of hate, if only because we know how great these cars could have been. Can you imagine if Ford and Chrysler had consulted with Chip Foose first? Can you imagine if all three had also participated fully in the Horsepower Wars of the late 90s/2000s ? Hell, even the original PT Cruiser looked the business:

This was from the company that's still pushing the Sebring/200. It makes me inarticulate with rage.

tl;dr - FUCKING BEAN-COUNTERS, MAN!!

Poundingsand > Jayhawk Jake 01/15/2014 at 16:31

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What about this? 2005, and damned pretty, I think.

alan > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:32

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the thunderbird. this failed because nobody cares about the personal luxury car market. it was priced higher than the mustang. but was designed to not out perform the mustang. what they should have done was build a thunderbird as a 2 seater that can compete against the corvette.

SirPoopyPants > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:32

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My feelings... I've hated each and every one of these cars since day one.

Ricky Weston > Jayhawk Jake 01/15/2014 at 16:32

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Just buy German. Most, not all , German cars since the late 90's have great interiors (but for the love of God stay away from the base models [ie the C-Class]).

Ratchet when he's all hopped up on synthetic energon > CobraJoe 01/15/2014 at 16:33

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And the sound. When you see a modern car aping a hot rod, there's an aural expectation that a V6 just simply isn't going to fulfill.

Bueller > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:34

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Nah, it didn't work. I still hate them.

Maxaxle > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:35

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That grill is the only thing that ISN'T beige about the newer T-Bird.

Maxaxle > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:35

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Insane, but could be fun.

J "oppo" Zeke > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:36

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I actually like all 3 of these cars!

My best friend from high school's mom has an SSR. First one I saw up close and personal. Is it heavy and silly? Sure. But it's also fun and unique. Try saying that about most pickup trucks. Prowler: this one is a poorly built, strangely proportioned, and underpowered bundle of joy. Why joy? Have you seen the thing? It made Ferraris look prosaic, even if they were better to drive.

And on to the maligned T-Bird. Retro pastiche, and soft all around for sure but surprisingly well built and durable. Commodity retro at its finest, and on a warm summer night with your honey on a gentle cruise it will win you over. Easily as much fun as a 3 series convertible in this regard, but perhaps even more so if you're paying more attention to that lucky him/her than the machismo fireworks not under the hood.

stoke > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:36

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Rebuttal:

1. The "X-Factor" only works if the people looking at you are thinking, "wow, what a cool car." If I see a Prowler, SSR or retro T-bird rolling down the street, I don't think that. I think "what a sad, misguided soul who could have had something interesting and fun instead of that overpriced hunk of mid-90's plastic and disappointment."

2. If you want to cruise, do it properly. Buy a '62 Continental convertible and get infinitely more style per dollar.

3. Why risk it all on pandering to Boomers with retro cues, when you could actually do something innovative? Sync was a risk and MyFordTouch has had its problems, but it's done more for Ford's image than the retro T-bird.

Jayhawk Jake > TheCrudMan 01/15/2014 at 16:38

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That's better, but still cheap and ugly

Idomathforaliving > Dsscats 01/15/2014 at 16:39

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Especially since we can always do an engine swap later.

TheCrudMan > Jayhawk Jake 01/15/2014 at 16:41

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You think the interior of the Alfa Brera is "cheap and ugly"?

Illegal Machine > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:41

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I'm convinced Crossfires (specifically the SRT-6) were ahead of their time. The whale tail wing broke up the much maligned haunch, and the rims gave it a totally different look. They put these rims on the Crossfires towards the end of their production, and I thought it helped a great deal (though too little too late).

Here's my SRT (sold it in 09).

OtizzyStarBai > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:44

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opinion not changed... hate em' still.

total-burner > Money Hustard 01/15/2014 at 16:45

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I would say yes 100%. A Convertible, while maybe not looking so cool on the outside... Always feels cool on the inside. At least that's what my chrysler sebring drop top said (while going down PCH with a 9ft surfboard sticking up out the back.)

JJC > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/15/2014 at 16:45

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My first car was an 85 Charger that I bought for $1800 in 1993. I got 3 years of use out of it before the tranny died. Luckily I was headed to college anyway. I'd like to drive one again for a few days.

feather-throttle-not-hair > Money Hustard 01/15/2014 at 16:47

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Exactly. The rest just get unfairly lumped in with the pt cruiser due to their looks

foxbody > Jayhawk Jake 01/15/2014 at 16:47

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*Ahem.* The 2006 Pontiac GTO would like a word with you.

Money Hustard > total-burner 01/15/2014 at 16:48

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When I was in college I had a 50cc scooter from vietnam. A teammate's dad imported them through his military surplus company, the manual and everything on the bike was in vietnamese. It was the most basic motorbike conceivable, and generally sucked. But I'll be damned if I didn't feel like I was on the greatest bike in the world on a clear cool starry night.

feather-throttle-not-hair > Chairman Kaga 01/15/2014 at 16:48

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I feel you, but I'd rather crown Vic.

DMCVegas > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:50

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Yet when I post about how fun my DeLorean is as a daily driver and how you can turn one into a DD, I still get called a fan boy, an apologist, or worse.

SirNik84 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/15/2014 at 16:50

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85 Charger is one of those cars so ugly its pretty. Especially in Shelby dress.

BeaterGT > Jayhawk Jake 01/15/2014 at 16:50

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It's just funny because I feel the opposite. I don't want to buy anything post 2010 because I will lose a key, have to push a button to start my car, and have more screens than I need/want/care for. Maybe I'm tasteless, maybe I've got an old soul.

Rx_37 > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:51

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Money Hustard > feather-throttle-not-hair 01/15/2014 at 16:51

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Yeah I've got no problem with retro styling, American cars, or quirkiness, my problem is just how soul-crushing PT's are to drive

Rx_37 > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:52

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Rico > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/15/2014 at 16:53

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That one looks fresh off the lot.

Louis Obispo > JR1 01/15/2014 at 16:57

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If these cars don't get all the hate (100% of the hate) then they're not hated enough. Judging by the other comments, these cars really really overrated.

Different isn't always better. Of course these cars catch the eye. They're ghastly so that much makes sense. And of course midsize sedans are boring. They're appliances, nothing more. But there are plenty of really interesting and really sexy cars out there that don't resort to abandoning every established principal of design in order to get your attention.

Chairman Kaga > feather-throttle-not-hair 01/15/2014 at 16:57

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Yeah, but Crown Vics have an inherent coolness. The bubble-butt Taurus is devoid of charisma or charm. Which, weirdly, makes it somehow appealing to me. Ford could have just named it Car if they'd wanted.

feather-throttle-not-hair > Money Hustard 01/15/2014 at 16:58

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Yeah I drove a rented one once. Honestly it makes my top five for worst driving cars I've ever driven, along with the dodge shadow and mid 2000s Chevy Malibu.

CobraJoe > Ratchet when he's all hopped up on synthetic energon 01/15/2014 at 16:58

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I'm not so sure. That 3.5L sounds great with an aftermarket exhaust. And while it's looks were obviously inspired by '30s Ford hot rods, no one will ever confuse a chopped and channeled '33 roadster for a Prowler.

SuperStock413 > Chairman Kaga 01/15/2014 at 17:05

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My girlfriend has a '99 Sable with 89,000 miles and that thing is actually fairly quick as well as not being the worst thing to drive. Keep in mind I'm the guy who can't figure out why everyone's so upset that the new GM trucks kept their column shift.

Her Sable has leather bench seats and a column shift and I can't hate on it. It's not sporty, but you're right, it has no pretensions about being anything other than what it is. She's also obsessed with the keypad entry and doesn't ever want a car without it.

feather-throttle-not-hair > Chairman Kaga 01/15/2014 at 17:05

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My comment actually came about because one of my friends' girlfriend just bought a Taurus (actually sable, but whatever) of that generation. She doesn't care about cars, so whatever, but when we actually had to pile 5 people into it, i actually started to see the charm. It's not impressing or trying to impress anyone, but it was spacious, comfortable and..somehow deserving of just a touch of love.

My car guy friend mentioned this to me later and I agreed with him. He needed a second car to serve that function and so he went out and bought....a crown Vic. Couldn't bring himself to quite stoop to Taurus levels. But, regardless I get it. The Taurus somehow has a soul if you look hard enough for it.

nermal > JR1 01/15/2014 at 17:06

3

Needs more Ford Indigo.

Chairman Kaga > feather-throttle-not-hair 01/15/2014 at 17:08

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My friend named Cliff had one... we called it the CliffTaurus.

feather-throttle-not-hair > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 01/15/2014 at 17:08

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You love your awesome 400hp rwd unique as hell crazy genre defying vehicle that was built expressly to elicit smiles?

There's a shocker.....

feather-throttle-not-hair > Chairman Kaga 01/15/2014 at 17:10

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So you're saying all your "dude, where's my car?" Moments were particularly urgent?

RX > JR1 01/15/2014 at 17:13

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They problem with the SSR was the engine and trans they put in it at first. basically they same thing from a 2WD trailblazer. Then they gave it a LS2 with a 6 speed. It all should have been forgiven after that. Well except for the chrome wheels. They only people who like chrome wheels need viagra.

DetroitMuscle > JR1 01/15/2014 at 17:14

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Maybe the manufacturers could just give up trying new things since there is so much controversy over what looks good and what doesn't.My suggestion is for them to build just one universally praised vehicle like a .............. for example.

theart > JR1 01/15/2014 at 17:14

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At least the air vents in the Taurus were made to fit the dash. The ones in the SSR look like the bottom of the parts bin.

achosid > SasquatchElvis 01/15/2014 at 17:18

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I remember LOVING this thing when I was younger. It doesn't have the same mystique as it used to, but I remember craning my neck around to watch one go away on the rare occasions I'd see one in person.

TommyRocker > JR1 01/15/2014 at 17:23

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I actually love the Prowler. I get excited whenever I see one. Sure, they couldn't have picked a worse drivetrain, but they built a friggin' open wheel hot rod! Find a V8 to cram in there with a 6 speed and you just might have the best Chrysler product of the last 20 years.

No I must start researching Prowler dimensions to find a V8 that will fit...

Money Hustard > feather-throttle-not-hair 01/15/2014 at 17:30

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I wonder if there are any dodge shadows still running? If they are, could you imagine how bad they are to drive today?

472CID > JR1 01/15/2014 at 17:35

0

I still hate the Thunderbird. Is there a dopier looking sportscar? It looks like a stretched out Beetle. Not to mention it has less power than the T-Bird from 50s! (yeahyeah it's net vs gross)

SasquatchElvis > achosid 01/15/2014 at 17:35

1

I'm not going to lie, I had an F50, a Diablo, and a Prowler on my ceiling. I'd wake up and stare at them. I love seeing them, even today, it's always a nice treat.

ToastedTires > JR1 01/15/2014 at 17:37

3

I like the Prowler and would happily own one. Especially if it had a 6.1L Hemi in it: http://www.gtspirit.com/2013/02/04/vid…

PanchoVilleneuve ST > JR1 01/15/2014 at 17:41

7

BUT AMERICAN CARS! CLARKSON CLARKSON CLARKSON! INTERIOR PLASTICS! RARGH RARGH RARGH!