From Hit to S**t: When Planned Obsolescence Goes Wrong

"Blake Noble" (no-bull) 02/20/2014 at 16:24 • Filed to: Cars Gone Wrong

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The automotive industry is usually given credit for spreading the gospel of planned obsolescence, which is where you intentionally design a new product to totally suck after you introduce its replacement. Planned obsolescence is the reason why you would replace your fifteen year-old car without an integrated infotainment system that has an aux jack for your iPhone at the drop of a hat.

Cynicism aside, planned obsolescence ultimately makes sense considering the rate at which technology evolves and improves, changing government regulations and shifting consumer demands. Stamping out the same tired family sedan literally unchanged for twenty years isn't likely to earn you any business if your biggest competitor is keen to constantly introduce a brand-new model every five years that exceeds crash regulations until Fox cancels The Simpsons , is fashionably styled, has this year's replacement-for-displacement engine that returns ninety mpg running on Tijuana prison water, and has super real hi-def surround sound audio so that you can even hear the producer farting in the studio on that crappy pop album you swiped from FYE's bargain bin.

Therefore, automakers are generally good about making a replacement model better than the one preceding it. Sometimes on a rare occasion however, that doesn't happen. In fact, manufacturers have trotted out new models that were actually worse than what they just sent out the door, whether it was because of retrograded or stagnant styling, powertrains, efficiency, driving characteristics, or some combination of the four.

Take the Acura TL, for example. When Honda's luxury division rolled out the third-generation TL for the 2004 model year, every auto rag on the rack at Barnes and Noble was willing to forgive it's front-drive layout in favor of it's respectable performance and handsome, contemporary styling. It was a proper, classic Acura like the venerable Integra, just larger. When it came time to replace it for the 2009 model year, Acura addressed the sole criticism of it's front-drive layout by making the new TL all-wheel drive, which improved its driving dynamics, only to completely screw it up by styling it like a bloated Saturn Aura with squinty headlights and cheese slicer for a grille.

Acura isn't the only guilty party here. Here are three more recent examples.

3.) 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee to 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The second-generation (aka WJ) Grand Cherokee was better than the old first-generation (aka ZJ) model in every way. The exterior improved upon the theme set by the ZJ by smoothing the lines and corners and better integrating that '90s styling Band-Aid known as "plastic body cladding." The interior was considerably redesigned so that the ergonomics didn't suck and you could stand to live in it on a daily basis.

When the third-generation (aka WK) version debuted for the 2005 model year, Jeep stuffed the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 under the hood, which was good. What wasn't so good was the terrible quality of the interior and styling it to look like a four-eyed obese soccer mom dicing onions.

2.) 2008 Chevrolet Malibu to 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu was proof that General Motors could build a competitive and excellent mid-sized sedan. It's styling was attractive, almost upscale and GM didn't penny pinch when it came to ensuring the build quality matched Toyota and Honda. The interior was also a big leap to the front of the pack, with its dual chrome-trimmed cowl styling recalling vintage Chevys of years gone by. The press praised it, going so far as to warn the Toyota Camry its days as a perennial best-seller could be numbered. It certainly seemed that way because the 2008 Malibu helped GM increase its market share in the mid-sized sedan segment.

The 2013 Malibu, however, didn't keep that momentum going. The interior was badly cramped with the back seat only being fit for someone missing their legs below their knees. Fuel economy — even with a four-cylinder only line-up and a "mild" hybrid (whatever that means) version being the first model available at launch — was last-in-class. The exterior lost the masculinity and gracefulness of its predecessor and gained what has to be one of the most awkward decklid designs since the 2007 Chrysler Sebring. As a result, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! including Volkswagen's beancounter-ized 2012 Passat and an Accord dating back to a simpler time when Miley Cyrus wasn't whoring for attention, trying to give some douchebag with a pompadour a chubby on live television.

GM performed an "emergency refresh" on the Malibu for the 2014 model year that gave it a fancier schnoz and a new set of cupholders, but didn't fix much else. Note to the Toyota Camry: you're safe.

1.) 2006 Honda Civic to 2012 Honda Civic

The 2006 Honda Civic was a big improvement over the seventh-generation model not only when it came to engines, driving dynamics, and fuel efficiency. It's styling inside and out shed the old car's safe, predictable image and shook up expectations, and people were actually talking about Civics again without wanting to grab a pillow. Buyers and critics alike either loved it or despised it for the unorthodox placement of its digital speedometer and it's extreme "suck it Chrysler" cab-forward styling. Europeans were treated to a even more bizarre looking hatchback version with a front fascia borrowed from an '80s Mercury Topaz and rear door handles stolen from a Nissan Pathfinder.

You would think Honda would replace it with something even more outlandish. But no. Instead Honda rolled out the exact same car with a cheaper interior and said it was brand-new and improved. Critics scowled and yawned. Buyers yawned and bought one. (I just yawned ... where's my pillow?) Consumer Reports , best known for rebottling the same Honda-flavored Kool-Aid they pass out at punch parties, even agreed it was terrible and stopped recommending it.

Honda apologized and, while doing their best Ron Paul impression, blamed everything on big banking. Like the Malibu, Honda performed an emergency refresh on the Civic for the 2013 model year that, well, didn't really change much of anything. Good work, Honda.

I'm sure that these three overachievers aren't the only examples of automakers succeeding at making a new model suck versus the old one. What's your nomination?

Like this article? Keep up with the madness by following Ignitionist here on Kinja or on Twitter !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . You can send all hate mail, tips, and kudos to theignitionist@gmail.com. Be classy, stay sassy, and thank you so much for reading.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 16:25

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OH GOD THE CIVIC.

I loved the windshield wipers and the cheese wedge shape when they first redid it. And when the model after it came out I was like

ARE YOU.

THE HECK

WHO LET THIS GET TO PRODUCTION.

Victorious Secret > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 16:26

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When the third-generation (aka WK) version debuted for the 2005 model year, Jeep stuffed the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 under the hood, which was good. What wasn't so good was the terrible quality of the interior and styling it to look like a four-eyed obese soccer mom dicing onions.

We had a rental, can confirm how shit it was. Engine was great, but actually being in one? Shit.

Stupidru > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 16:27

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Hit

Shit

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 16:28

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The WJ Grand Cherokee wasn't a masterpiece either.

HammerheadFistpunch > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 16:28

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Man the WJ was a great jeep. You could all that was great about a cherokee (4.0 HO I6, solid axles) but step up to coils all around and and interior that wasn't half bad. Seriously great riding things. Slow and couldn't handle, but smooth as silk on road and off.

We look at a diesel WK (my wife and I) and took one look at the interior and collectively said...nope.

offroadkarter > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 16:29

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The WK1 jeeps sold really well though, despite being built like shit.

I would gladly take a SRT8 jeep though, plastics be damned

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 16:31

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True enough about the TL. But it gets way too much shit for the looks, I think.

Aside from the exterior styling, the , 2009+ TL is a much better car than all previous ones in pretty much every aspect. It's safer, quieter, has a better interior, stronger engine, more reliable, better seats, better space, etc etc

I dunno what mileage previous ones gets but I 've easily done 25-26 mpg calculated in a 2011 one.

Blake Noble > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 02/20/2014 at 16:34

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The 2006 Civic — like the 2004 TL — has actually aged very well. I wouldn't mind to have a Si model hanging out in the driveway, to be honest.

The new Civic ...

...

...

Sorry, I dozed off there. What was I talking about again?

dogisbadob > Stupidru 02/20/2014 at 16:35

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All the BMW Mini Coopers look the same to me. Of course this doesn't include their other models (Countryman, Clubman, etc)

Blake Noble > Stupidru 02/20/2014 at 16:36

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Come on the new Mini isn't that ba— yeah, I can't say that.

Blake Noble > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 02/20/2014 at 16:38

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For it's time, it was actually a good sport-ute. It was also a proper Jeep.

I started to mention how the WK GC shifted focus from off-road capability to on-road luxury, but that's a horse that's been beat to death lately when it comes to Jeep.

Blake Noble > offroadkarter 02/20/2014 at 16:40

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The new Civic was a best-seller last year too, but that doesn't make it good. It just means Honda found a few million people who were too busy yawning to know any better.

The SRT8 WK was neat, though, you're right.

dogisbadob > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 16:42

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Hit to Shit. You don't have to bleep :)

And yes the Civic is a GREAT answer! I'm surprised you didn't mention the neutered Si

How about The BMW 7-series E38—>E65 and E39—>E60

Honda Odyssey first-gen (hit) to second-gen (shit)

You could also argue the mid-90s Acura lineup when they traded names for the 2-3-letter shit. Even though I think the first-gen TL is cool, it does belong on this list.

Ford Focus Mk1—>2008 facelift. Why couldn't they just give is the Mk2 that Europe got?

The Camaro/Firebird, from 3rd-gen to 4th-gen. The LT1 is impossible to service, engine tucked under the windshield, and the evil Opti-Spark.

Jayhawk Jake > Stupidru 02/20/2014 at 16:42

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You're too recent on that one

Hit:

Shit:

Stupidru > Jayhawk Jake 02/20/2014 at 16:44

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To each their own. I think they're both great cars, but the most recent MCS is absolute shite.

The Real Unsharer > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 02/20/2014 at 16:44

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I test drove the 2012 Civic *shudder* when my Mom was looking for a new car. The 2012 model was so awful compared to my '07 that I could not possibly recommend the 2012 to my Mom or anybody else. Seriously, when the newest model has to go 10 mph slower in a right-hand turn than my 5-year-old car to avoid catastrophic understeer, YOU DID IT WRONG.

This past fall, I test drove the 2013, and it was like night and day compared to the 2012. No

Kookanoodles > Stupidru 02/20/2014 at 16:58

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Oh come on, the new Mini is barely in showrooms. Just wait for the JCW before saying it's shit, at least.

Josh > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 16:59

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2014 WRX Hatch to 2015 Sedan (only!)? Apparently, everyone loves the fuck out of the new car's driving dynamics, but I'll be damned if it doesn't look godawful compared to the current widebody hatch. The free market will decide if I'm right or not, I suppose.

StevenG > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 16:59

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I have to disagree on 1 and 2. The new ones look a lot better from the outside anyway.

Huell Howitzer > dogisbadob 02/20/2014 at 17:00

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"Honda Odyssey first-gen (hit) to second-gen (shit)"

What? The small shuttle sized one to the full size one which absolutely destroyed the competition and still dominates the market? Each subsequent model has improved from the previous generation in functionality and value.

RazoE > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:01

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The Malibu (atleast the last 4) went from:

-utter shit -> pretty shitty -> pretty good -> pretty, but shitty.

The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 02/20/2014 at 17:02

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It's one of the last robust body on frame big utes.

It actually does extremely well off road and in the snow, and goes all the way up (here in Canada) 350,000KM no problem, and can be found on Craigslist for like, 1200 bucks.

It may be really 90's inside and out, but its durability has probably outclassed the WK1. I know I'd love one in a dark green Limited, with a beige interior and wood trim.

CSX-55 > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 02/20/2014 at 17:02

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I'll agree with your (subtle) disagreement.

Break-like grille aside (which, once body colored, makes it far less of an issue), it really overall is a good car. My mom owned an an '09 prior to getting her CTS, and in terms of interior amenities and technology, easily surpasses what the CTS has to offer.

Granted, I haven't had a chance to sample a 6-speed manual version with SH-AWD...but I can't really see that making the overall package any worse.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:03

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I'm confused...I see three cars that got massively better and you're saying they're not...

Jim is one of KFCs secret ingredients > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 02/20/2014 at 17:03

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My dad's 03 (identical to the stock photo above) still looks fantastic and doesn't seem dated at all.

I think the XJ Cherokee to KJ Liberty would be another good Hit to Shit from Jeep.

4play > Stupidru 02/20/2014 at 17:03

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What's the difference? They look the same to me.

Johnnyma45 > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:03

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Hit to Shit back to Hit? The 2011+ Jeep GCs are their best ever.

The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL > HammerheadFistpunch 02/20/2014 at 17:03

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The WJ is also extremely reliable, only needing a new alternator, belt and plugs every once in awhile.

wolfpackF1 > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:04

0

dogisbadob > Huell Howitzer 02/20/2014 at 17:04

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I LOVE those old small shuttle Odysseys and also the Isuzu Oasis! Lots of space, clever features, a shit ton of cupholders, and a 4-cylinder engine for better gas mileage and low operating costs. The second-gen Ody had transmission problems as well.

wolfpackF1 > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:05

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1999 S- Class / 2000 S - Class

Johnnyma45 > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 02/20/2014 at 17:05

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Didn't Honda delay the new Civic too due to the new Corolla? Or am I remembering it wrong, and it was the other way around?

RyanFrew > dogisbadob 02/20/2014 at 17:06

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Waaattt? I hate minivans, but can you elaborate on how this was shit? I think it might be the best minivan ever

Hart88 > Stupidru 02/20/2014 at 17:07

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R53: Hit

R56: Shit

Riley Schultz > The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL 02/20/2014 at 17:07

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Sorry, but all Grand Cherokees have been unibody.

cougarpanther > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:07

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This:

To:

GTI MkVII > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:08

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THIS.

GTI MkVII > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:10

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The things I'd do to get a clean, unmolested 8th gen Mugen Si...

zerogspacecow > The Real Unsharer 02/20/2014 at 17:10

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Shit, my '98 Accord was one of the best handling cars I've driven. To me, this means that designing a car with good handling isn't hard to do. So a modern car that handles badly is just laziness.

The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL > Riley Schultz 02/20/2014 at 17:11

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Oh my mistake. Good to know! Thanks. Even still, for an old bruiser, it's pretty damned good off road.

Poundingsand > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:11

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I kinda feel this way about the jump from the BMW E46 to the E90. :)

TurboGoose > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:12

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The wedge shape and unusual digital dashboard is what made me choose my 2011 (8th gen) Civic over other alternatives at the time to be honest, and I agree the shape has aged well.

But having driven both the 2012 and the 2013 Civic, I'm pretty certain I won't be finding myself in a newer Civic for a long, long time.

2013 Civic is a much better car than the 2012 fuckup they came up with; but still, nothing about it- and I mean NOTHING is fresh or exciting. Even the "new" Si looks and feels like a slab of old cheese now...

reciprocating > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:12

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THe 6 speed manual SH-AWD TL is a pretty awesome car even if it is so ugly you throw up a little but in your mouth when approaching it.

ALso, the interior is "nice"

Formula4speed > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:12

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Surprised no one's gone for the pre-bangle/post-bangle low hanging fruit yet.

GTI MkVII > RazoE 02/20/2014 at 17:12

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LOL. Comment of the day for me

dogisbadob > RyanFrew 02/20/2014 at 17:13

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Nope :p

The first-gen Ody is so much cooler! Not to mention the transmission problems that plagued the second-gen.

Here are some other minivans that are cooler than the second-gen Odyssey: Kia Rondo, Nissan Axxess, Toyota Previa, Chevy Astro, Mazda 5, Mistubishi Expo, and a bunch of other cool Euro/Japan-only vans that we never got

Stupidru > Hart88 02/20/2014 at 17:13

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Also true

CoolhandLuke > Stupidru 02/20/2014 at 17:13

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Spot on. And it just gets bigger and fatter every year. And now they have this absurd Clubman thing. It's as huge as a mid-size SUV and yet tries to keep the cutesy little car styling. Like Honey Boo Boo or something. Just horrific.

Maxaxle > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:14

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I've driven the "hit" you refer to; it's way heavy, painfully twitchy, and doesn't feel as close to the road as an older car would.

zerogspacecow > offroadkarter 02/20/2014 at 17:14

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I liked the WK jeeps, especially after the redesign. I rented a lifted one in Aruba and went off roading their national park. It didn't have lockers or even low range, but it was still surprisingly capable.

That said, the interior was half missing from those cheap as pieces breaking off.

Stupidru > CoolhandLuke 02/20/2014 at 17:14

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Have you sat in one? The worst part is their super duper center rail thing. It tries so hard to be great, but it falls flat on its face

DPillar > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:14

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2002-2007 WRX

A smashing success with what was at the time deemed risky. Giving rise to a whole new generation of sporting economy cars (SRT4, Mazdaspeed3, Cobalt SS, etc)

To be replaced by:
2008 WRX

In an effort to attract more buyers and lose the boy racer image, Subaru softened the WRX from a slap you compromise to a slightly hurried appliance. Using the carry over 224hp engine from 2007, it was so ill-received they had to rush to harden it up for 2009 with a full suspension revamp and 265hp.

CoolhandLuke > dogisbadob 02/20/2014 at 17:15

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Also, last gen M5 to current gen M5. Let's see, awesome V10 to super fat kid with hifi exhaust note.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:16

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The XV10 Camry to the XV20 Camry.

The XV10 was a nicely designed family car with a variety of body styles (sedan, coupe, and a funky looking wagon) engine and transmission options, and was pretty upscale for what it was.

The XV20 became bland looking, lost the wagon and coupe versions (coupe became the Solara, but still) and had less optional equipment compared to it's predecessor. In many ways it was similar to the more recent Civic, but in my mind also marks the beginning of Toyota's true descent into beige-dom.

marshknute > Stupidru 02/20/2014 at 17:16

2

Honestly, the old MINI's were overpriced, cheap feeling, and boasted the worst build quality of any auto manufacturer.

The new ones, however : modern exterior, luxurious interior, fantastic engines, improved utility. It would take a truly earth shattering series of unfortunate events to make me not buy a new 1.5T once I graduate from college.

Loping Camshaft > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:18

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I've just been eyeing up '06-08 TLs. They look great, plus Honda reliability.

But... Can't. FWD.

turbonium959 > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:19

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As much as I hate saying this, but Mazda really screwed the pooch with the 2nd gen 2009-2013 Mazda 6. The 1st gen 2003-2008 was a very good car (proud ex-owner of 2004 - replaced with Mazda 5). But when the 2nd gen came around (the US version), it was a step backwards. I think it even hurt Mazda 6 3rd gen sales as well, because since 2008 nobody said a good thing about Mazda 6. And the third gen is a fantastic choice in its class.

BogeyBones > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:20

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Not a big Ford geek, but this one is obvious:

67 Mustang to the redesign in 71...

Maxaxle > cougarpanther 02/20/2014 at 17:20

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And, arguably, the '90s version as well. Even more arguably, the latest redesign.

Stupidru > marshknute 02/20/2014 at 17:23

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To each their own. If I'm going to buy an unreliable German knockoff of an outstanding British icon, I want it to still feel like a go-kart while still giving me modern accouterments

jhota42 > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:25

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I'm showing my bias, but I'd lump every Civic from the 5th generation on into the "shit" category. The 4g Civic was a thing of beauty.

Kickplate > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:26

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The BMW E39 5 Series to the E60 Bungle era 5 Series. For me, it's been all downhill for BMW ever since.

butterballs > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:26

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From This

To This

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Jim is one of KFCs secret ingredients 02/20/2014 at 17:27

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A considerably more proper one too.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:27

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I'm curious as to whether the aftermarket has any decent substitutes for the beak. Consumers shouldn't have to resort to this, but you get the idea.

Indeed123 > TurboGoose 02/20/2014 at 17:28

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The only good thing I can say about the 2012+ civics is that they keep my '07 from looking dated 7 years later.

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:29

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Oh yes. That's a very valid criticism of the WK. Now talking about build quality...both were pretty mediocre for their price range when new, so it doesn't make a lot of sense.

efme > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:30

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I'm gonna say it:

hit:

shit:

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL 02/20/2014 at 17:31

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My point was that the WJ was also mediocre at what he blamed the WK for being bad at.

ED9man2 > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:31

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01-05 was utter shit compared to 96-00, 06 was a step up but still a lifeless appliance compared to the earlier cars.

BigGatorChris > Formula4speed 02/20/2014 at 17:31

0

Someone sort of did:

How about The BMW 7-series E38—>E65 and E39—>E60

It wasn't all Bangle's fault. iDrive sucked back then, too.

Korea Miιville > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:32

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Terrific article!

That, uh, is all.

langadamd > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:33

0

I have loved that TL since it came out as well. Even more since my dad got one a few years ago with the A-spec package!

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:35

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1st gen Focus... a hit:

2nd gen North American Focus (no more hatch or wagon, ugly as sin... shit):

Bob LeDrew > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:35

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I'd hit that.

blerglemon > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:36

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COME ON

HIT

SHIT

Made sure the Bangle butt was included

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > DPillar 02/20/2014 at 17:37

4

Nah... the replacement was an improvement because it LOST THE UGLY BUGEYES...

/puts on flamesuit

flabberboozled > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:37

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Previa -> Sienna.

Mid-engined, supercharged, AWD minivan to...

I think I've said enough.

Outie5000 > DPillar 02/20/2014 at 17:37

1

The styling on the WRX was never really that great, and nobody ever really cared, because it was fast and fun. The evolution has followed a normal path in my eyes. If you want the gaudy boy racer one, you get the STI, if you want just a normal car to drive around in you get the WRX. It's a car that's got enough classic styling to look normal to most, and enough detail to make it stand out to those who care.

What the real hit is, obviously, is sales. If a certain look isn't selling, you need to make your product something that people want to buy. And when you're a company that changes the body style every 2 years, you're able to keep current with what people think they want, or at least what they perceive as good looking.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Stupidru 02/20/2014 at 17:38

0

They're both the same - just no Toyota diesel engine this time around. And I'm not saying this as an opinion.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > butterballs 02/20/2014 at 17:38

1

The generation between that was probably worse.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:40

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Hit:

What the fuck?

This is what happens when you let Toyota buy a share into a niche brand.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:42

9

Euro Ford Scorpio... nice looking 1st gen executive car... a decent hit:

2nd Gen bugeye model... shit...

MontyMT > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:42

9

HIT:

EVOLUTION OF THE HIT:

TO.....WTF THIS IS:

I mean-body-on-frame debate aside- just look at this whale!! Dear GAWD!!

talis1984 > DPillar 02/20/2014 at 17:45

4

You could go back another generation with that one. The GC8 (and all it's other iterative codes) is by far the more pure WRX/STI by way of being the first. The new car may be the "best handling, most powerful" ever, but it still misses the magic mark to me. Too bad I live in the bad ol USA where they never imported these. (Not sure if my work allows me to post a pick of one, but I did try.... )

oldsammyb > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:45

8

Hit

S**T

johnygezony > Johnnyma45 02/20/2014 at 17:47

2

The new front end they just released is terrible, why they ever changed from the design in your picture is beyond me.

Kevin Barrett > efme 02/20/2014 at 17:48

0

I think you mean "whoah" and "bro."

fintail > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 02/20/2014 at 17:50

36

Make it even more painful, start with this:

alexlam24 > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:51

1

As much as everyone hates the Acura TL, the 3.7 SHAWD model was faster than an Evo X on a downhill run. Driving Sports TV raced a S4, Evo X and TL. TL was fastest in corners.

alexlam24 > Huell Howitzer 02/20/2014 at 17:52

1

Happily content with the third gen somewhere in my dads workplace right now. The engine is smooth, but the chassis is quite weak compared to the 2010 Pilot's chassis.

kincai28 > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:53

0

As an 05' WK owner I do not approve of this message. Sure its got a plasticy interior but the seats are great and the stereo is too (Had the Boston Acoustic now I have the Kicker system out of a SRT8). Maybe I'm just intoxicated by the Hemi.

I used to have a 95' GC plastic cladding and all.. loved that thing.

alexlam24 > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:54

0

The 9th gen Civic has a much stronger chassis than the 8th gen. Friend is struggling to hit a 1:56 in his track spec 8th gen Civic and his 9th gen shaved 5 seconds off with a simple aero and suspension mod. No power mods at all. If you're wondering, Sport Car Motion in Cali is the company that sponsors/owns the cars.

tobythesandwich > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:55

2

Yeah, no. The 2013 Malibu is miles ahead of the Camry. Only really falls behind the Fusion. But the 2013 Malibu was an improvement over the 2008. The reason the 2008 seems so great is because the 2004 model wasn't exactly a hard act to follow.

And the 2008 Malibu is about as "masculine" as a pair of high heels. Considering, despite being a great car, the 2008 model is not an aggressive or graceful design.

Also 99% of car "comparisons" are bullshit. It's whoever is lining the magazine's pocket the most at the time. They are right up there with being a joke like COTY. The only downside to the 2013 Malibu was the downsized backseat to help avoid the overlap between malibu and Impala.

ranwhenparked > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:56

21

Hit

Shit

They've since fixed it, of course.

Bueller > Doctor-G-and-the-wagen 02/20/2014 at 17:56

0

Wonder myself...

alexlam24 > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 02/20/2014 at 17:57

5

The SH-AWD system is also far superior to even the Evo X's AYC/acronym AWD shit. I would show a video of it from YouTube, but apparently the channel(Driving Sports TV) is a subscription service so I can't even watch it.

alexlam24 > Loping Camshaft 02/20/2014 at 17:58

3

Type S with a LSD from a JDM Spec Accord Euro R?

Cynical > Blake Noble 02/20/2014 at 17:58

20

Hit

Mk.2 Golf - Light, nimble, fun, and excellent styling.

Shit

Mk.3 Golf - Bloated, boring, and heavy.

even-steven > The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL 02/20/2014 at 17:59

0

Yeah, except for the fact that its not body on frame. Never has been. And never will be.