Japanese manufacturers are really good at making cars that look really, really good... 10 years later.

"not for canada - australian in disguise" (for-canada) 07/19/2016 at 00:16 • Filed to: None

11

29

Several cases in point.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 00:26

5

.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2016 at 00:29

1

Oh yes.

S65 > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 00:29

8

Oh yes

Zohaibman72 > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 00:50

5

Can I just throw this out there, I own a 2006 Civic LX in Gunmetal Grey (same colour and year as the one pictured, but not SI), and my mom bought it brand new in 2006.

When I was a kid this car blew my mind. Yeah there are ferraris and lambos, but it looked so futuristic for what was a pedestrian car. Compared to every single one of it’s rivals, it looked like a spaceship, along with an interior to boot. It has mock LEDs for rear lights, and a digital speedometer. Very great ergonomics inside, and outside was a very nice smooth body that didn’t look sectioned like other sedans (it looks like one piece vs being a multi-box design).

Something about the 9th Gen Civic doesn’t have that charm, despite looking similar.

It’s common so it doesnt seem so amazing, but it blew my 10 year old mind at the time, and I was looking back today realizing how good looking it was.

gmctavish needs more space > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 00:56

8

Yes

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 01:19

3

Not that I’m a German car guy, but this came out 20 years ago. Really, I think the B5 A4 is timeless.

facw > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 01:20

0

It’s easy to cherry pick the winners though, I don’t see any Corollas on your list for example. You could easily find a half dozen European cars from 2006 that have aged well. Might be tougher in the US, but even there, I’m sure you can find some.

phenotyp > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 01:22

2

You forgot Poland The MK3 MR 2.

/old references

DailyTurismo > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 01:29

0

I hate to be “that guy” but I’m going to go with MEH on all three of those cars. Sorry!! Styled by the committee to not offend committee.

My speed3 is happy > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 02:19

1

Counterpoint:

Maybe it is just SUVs/crossovers, but then I see this everyday

Bleh

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 04:33

2

Something I’ve discovered is that this phenomenon is caused by having somewhat bland designs when they’re new.

Take BMW as a case in point. Both the E28 and E30 were criticised at the time for having fairly dull styling, or at least certainly not forward looking.

Same with the E36 and E46.

Now look at them. The more avant garde designs of the time have aged poorly, but the laggards on the design innovation front are starting to look quite sharp.

It'll happen with this latest design iteration of Audis. Mark my words ;)

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 07:01

0

Ew, no. The bulbous grille on that Infinity is godawful, and those Civics are one of the worst cars I’ve ever been forced to deal with. Looks like a damn computer mouse on wheels.

That subie is very nice looking, however.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 07:04

3

LongbowMkII > My speed3 is happy 07/19/2016 at 07:28

1

I like the TriBeCa now...

Nauraushaun > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 09:08

1

I guess it means they’re ahead of their time.

I think you’ll probably be able to say the same thing as the current crop of Nissans. But I also think they’re steering design in the wrong direction (ie. over-doing it)

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 09:15

0

That Civic.....just no.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 09:15

1

Agreed on all but the Civic. That damn Civic model from 2006 up is just plain ugly. But maybe that is just because I really liked the previous two generations and the 96-00 had a really nice Si version. The newest generation is bringing me around to the new body style though. Only problem is it just seems so large.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > LongbowMkII 07/19/2016 at 12:07

0

I agree. I have a weird want for a B9 TriBeCa or a regular Tribeca.

LongbowMkII > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 07/19/2016 at 12:09

0

It's too bad the updated drivetrain happened at the same time as the facelift.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > LongbowMkII 07/19/2016 at 12:17

0

I've driven a pre-facelift and had no issues with power. The only thing that I actually didn't like about the car was the lack of an aux jack, and the few options to replace the headunit with one that was one. In a few years I may pick one up to go with my outback just cause. They have really comfy seats and a ton of head and legroom even with a moonroof.

RT > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 12:53

1

Agreed, Mazdas especially.

It may not seem like much, but these were designed at the very start of the 90s. Styling like this was only became common on cars a decade after.

The refreshed version of the RX-7 even looks modern today.

Vicente Esteve > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 13:21

1

While I mostly agree on those cars, I think the Germans have this game won.

10 years old

12 years old

17 years old

This is close to being 30 years old.

My speed3 is happy > LongbowMkII 07/19/2016 at 13:54

0

Ok, after staring at that picture a little bit, I felt it was growing on me.

 > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 15:11

0

Bland 10 years ago looks as good as bland today.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 07/19/2016 at 16:35

0

I love the Solara. It’s amazing what lopping two doors of your regular old midsize sedan can do looks wise.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Vicente Esteve 07/19/2016 at 16:38

0

I keep forgetting about the Z8. What a fantastic car. Probably my favourite BMW.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Nauraushaun 07/19/2016 at 16:39

0

I think the current Nissans look good NOW. Same with the Lexuses. People will rag on them now, but people ragged on the E60 5er, and now basically all German luxury cars take at least some inspiration from it.

Vicente Esteve > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 17:16

1

I saw one in Miami las year, absolutely stunning.

Nauraushaun > not for canada - australian in disguise 07/19/2016 at 17:27

1

I get what you’re saying, but I still think most modern Lexuses take it too far.