What's the most underrated car?
Registered User
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 4,320
From: Memphis
My personal vote for the most underrated car is the 2003 Accord. It's a world of difference better from the 98-02 Accord and most people haven't realized this yet. The interior is rediculously roomy, extremely attractive, ergonomic, and well-built... and it has an extremely effective chassis (according to Honda it's stiffer than the current-gen BMW M3s!). Furthermore, with a 6-speed manual and V6, it is capable of low-14 second quartermile times. It's also very noticably more refined now... much more comfortable on the highway, and it hasn't lost any handling prowess at all. The sound system is pretty darned good considering Honda doesn't hype it at all (made by Alpine, it hits pretty hard), and the navigation was codeveloped between Honda and IBM and has been said by many to blow every single other nav system on the market out of the water... even the luxury car's nav.
All this for as low as 14,800 up to 25,200 depending on how you want it equipped.
It's a damned good deal if you ask me. And to top it all off, for the people who complain about wanting to support the US economy... it's made in Marysville Ohio. Unlike the Impala and Monte Carlo that are made in Canada.
What happens when you have to replace the air suspension and transmission once a year?
All this for as low as 14,800 up to 25,200 depending on how you want it equipped.
It's a damned good deal if you ask me. And to top it all off, for the people who complain about wanting to support the US economy... it's made in Marysville Ohio. Unlike the Impala and Monte Carlo that are made in Canada.
Originally posted by scott9050
The Lincoln Mark VIII. Everything that you can do to a Cobra you can do to this car, and ride in luxury at the same time. The car is a converter and gears from low-mid 14 second slips.
The Lincoln Mark VIII. Everything that you can do to a Cobra you can do to this car, and ride in luxury at the same time. The car is a converter and gears from low-mid 14 second slips.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 209
OK, I might get laughed at for this one, but what the heck...
The Chevy Astro/ GMC Safari.
the reason, here's a automobile that has been around since what, 1985, has been thru one redesign, (very small although) and still can sell 30,000+ units. Not to mention it's not that bad of a van for what it can to and the price it pretty decent too. must be right up there with the amount of profit per veichle sold.
The Chevy Astro/ GMC Safari.
the reason, here's a automobile that has been around since what, 1985, has been thru one redesign, (very small although) and still can sell 30,000+ units. Not to mention it's not that bad of a van for what it can to and the price it pretty decent too. must be right up there with the amount of profit per veichle sold.
Registered User
Joined: May 1998
Posts: 317
From: Maumee, OH
Originally posted by unvc92camarors
starion/conquests that came under mitsubishi and chrysler/plymouth/dodge names respectively 83-89
they are really nice cars and good ones can be had for like 5 grand or less in really really exceptional condition
check this for more info
www.starquestclub.com
they also are severely fast with mild bolt ons and handle exceptionally well
one of those might be my next purchase
jus my .02
starion/conquests that came under mitsubishi and chrysler/plymouth/dodge names respectively 83-89
they are really nice cars and good ones can be had for like 5 grand or less in really really exceptional condition
check this for more info
www.starquestclub.com
they also are severely fast with mild bolt ons and handle exceptionally well
one of those might be my next purchase
jus my .02
Ahh, the good ole days...
Last edited by RoMaD; Aug 12, 2003 at 11:52 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 195
From: In a meeting
Originally posted by Threxx
It's a damned good deal if you ask me. And to top it all off, for the people who complain about wanting to support the US economy... it's made in Marysville Ohio. Unlike the Impala and Monte Carlo that are made in Canada.
It's a damned good deal if you ask me. And to top it all off, for the people who complain about wanting to support the US economy... it's made in Marysville Ohio. Unlike the Impala and Monte Carlo that are made in Canada.
To me, a domestic car is designed and built by a US owned company in the US. I realize that means the Canadian Camaro and the new GTO are not US cars. They're close, but they are not built here.
A little provincial protectionism seems warranted now that all kinds of jobs are being exported. We need badly to take care of ourselves. If only our govt and big businesses could be taught to heel.
----------------------
Most underrated? Yeah, the LS. Lincolns should be expensive-they are Lincolns . Ford just didn't give them enough oomph, which they have now. Motor Trend TV just gushed over the 2004 editions. It is tough not to get it right the first time, as it typecasts the car--just ask Cadillac about the Allante.
Last edited by quick; Aug 12, 2003 at 12:38 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,180
From: Yadkinville, NC USA
Originally posted by Donutboy97
OK, I might get laughed at for this one, but what the heck...
The Chevy Astro/ GMC Safari.
OK, I might get laughed at for this one, but what the heck...
The Chevy Astro/ GMC Safari.
I'm doing this partly for the giggles, but mostly in seriousness.
I vote for the MUSTANG II , and yes, I really mean it.
In this time of incredible horsepower wars and unreal street performance, we tend to lose sight of reality. The Mustang II was a victim - make that result - of reality. And the truth is, we could see it happen again... soon. There are already numerous bills and actions being tendered in states and federal offices that are trying to restrict the power and fuel types that carmakers can offer in the future. The last horsepower war was brought down by economic conditions, the current one may be brought down by law... then we KNOW it won't come back for a 3rd time.
Back to my choice...
The Mustang II flew in the face of everything and everyone that loved the Mustang. It was too small, too ugly, and too slow, by todays standards anyhow. (How fast did a car have to be while waiting in a 3-hour line for your allotted 5-gallons anyways?) DESPITE all the shortcomings stated above, it sold phenomenally well in '74, selling 386,000 units which ain't bad concidering that B-210s, Pintos, Vegas, Sunfires, Celicas, and about a dozen other cars were in the same market. In fact, it outsold all of it's competitors - combined that year. It also won Motor Trend Car of the Year in '74 (Here's a vintage ad... ). Not bad for a car nobody likes, eh?
The car was designed by the Ghia group out of Turin, Italy. It was the best handling, best riding, most accomodating car of it's day - bar none. NVH numbers were better than most luxury cars of the day, Caddy and Lincoln included.
The outcry from Ford fans for a V8 in '75 was heard and answered for '75. Things got better for the performance enthusiasts when the Cobra II , Stallion , and King Cobras came along between '76 and '78. They were mostly appearance, but at least the old-timers that knew how to hop-up the old 302s had something to work with now. The suspensions in those cars are highly coveted even to this day, front ends especially. Upper and lower control arms, NO STRUTS, coil-overs, and a rack and pinion that is probably under more dirt track cars and Chevy street rods than Chevy's own equipment, much less Ford's. Handling was hampered by the stock 13" bias-ply tires to be sure, but there were ways around that too, as evidenced by the IMSA Cobra II and the Monroe Handler - both of which were awesome track performers.
I give the car my vote today because in this time of renewed horsepower and performance vitality, these little cars are even more ignored and neglected. While I readily admit they weren't supercars in the performance arena, they DID serve a purpose, and did so extremely well. They may not have been the best performers of their day, but their parts and components are still heavily sought after evn 30 years later. They should be credited for keeping the Mustang alive through a period when most other ponycars fell dead.
A similar vote would go to the Monza - if it were still around.
Here's one last tidbit giving them both good marks from Road & Track...
The Mag Cover Shot and the text-only article
Guys (and girls), PLEASE don't forget the lessons that were taught during the '70's. Even though we are looking at a couple more years of 400-500hp cars for certain, this can't go on like this indefinitely, and it WILL come to a close somehow. We may well see a new Camaro and Mustang competing with hybrid 4-cylinders or even all-electric drivetrains. Imagine getting a .5-sec. advantage in the quarter mile by replacing your start-up capacitors and shift solenoids...
I think it was General Sherman who said,"Those who don't study history are bound to repeat it".
Good words.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,705
From: Oakland, California
Dodge Colt GT Turbo (87-92). I test drove an '89 back-in-the-day. The little DOHC Turbo 4 gave the true meaning of the term "pocket rocket", back before ricerdom came into fashion. 
Last edited by jg95z28; Aug 12, 2003 at 03:25 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,769
From: cinci
Originally posted by RoMaD
Ahh, yes, finally someone with a brain!!! Unquestionably one of the most underrated cars of their generation. Never do I hear anyone around here ever talk about the Conquests and Starions. Those things were smaller/lighter than the 3rd gens and had, I believe, had similar HP. Take into account that one of the ones I looked at had leather and climate control, these things were a complete vehicle.
Ahh, the good ole days...
Ahh, yes, finally someone with a brain!!! Unquestionably one of the most underrated cars of their generation. Never do I hear anyone around here ever talk about the Conquests and Starions. Those things were smaller/lighter than the 3rd gens and had, I believe, had similar HP. Take into account that one of the ones I looked at had leather and climate control, these things were a complete vehicle.
Ahh, the good ole days...
also, they had about 180+ hp in their last year (89) which does look to be about teh same as a camaro. and they were a couple hundred pounds lighter.
the electronics are also unbelieveable on it, im still amazed at them and their cars are like 15 years or older. whats that tell ya?
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,724
From: Hebron, KY
Ok, new car...
Though this one's been around for a bit over a decade: the Miata.
Exceptional handling, well-liked styling, reliable engine, excellent shifter, fair price, strong fan base, good racer, and the best selling sports car of all time. All that despite being dismissed by some as underpowered. The MazdaSpeed edition should fix that complaint.
Though this one's been around for a bit over a decade: the Miata.
Exceptional handling, well-liked styling, reliable engine, excellent shifter, fair price, strong fan base, good racer, and the best selling sports car of all time. All that despite being dismissed by some as underpowered. The MazdaSpeed edition should fix that complaint.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,769
From: cinci
Originally posted by kidcamarosc
The car that i think never gets talked about as far as looks go is the newer Dodge Stratus. I think those cars look awsome. Never driven one so don't know about the quality.
The car that i think never gets talked about as far as looks go is the newer Dodge Stratus. I think those cars look awsome. Never driven one so don't know about the quality.
those things do actually look really sweet
its red, with the nice factory wheels
id drive it
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 452
From: chicagoland area
Originally posted by ProudPony
Laughed at... nahhh... I've got you beat!
I'm doing this partly for the giggles, but mostly in seriousness.
I vote for the MUSTANG II , and yes, I really mean it.
In this time of incredible horsepower wars and unreal street performance, we tend to lose sight of reality. The Mustang II was a victim - make that result - of reality. And the truth is, we could see it happen again... soon. There are already numerous bills and actions being tendered in states and federal offices that are trying to restrict the power and fuel types that carmakers can offer in the future. The last horsepower war was brought down by economic conditions, the current one may be brought down by law... then we KNOW it won't come back for a 3rd time.
Back to my choice...
The Mustang II flew in the face of everything and everyone that loved the Mustang. It was too small, too ugly, and too slow, by todays standards anyhow. (How fast did a car have to be while waiting in a 3-hour line for your allotted 5-gallons anyways?) DESPITE all the shortcomings stated above, it sold phenomenally well in '74, selling 386,000 units which ain't bad concidering that B-210s, Pintos, Vegas, Sunfires, Celicas, and about a dozen other cars were in the same market. In fact, it outsold all of it's competitors - combined that year. It also won Motor Trend Car of the Year in '74 (Here's a vintage ad... ). Not bad for a car nobody likes, eh?
The car was designed by the Ghia group out of Turin, Italy. It was the best handling, best riding, most accomodating car of it's day - bar none. NVH numbers were better than most luxury cars of the day, Caddy and Lincoln included.
The outcry from Ford fans for a V8 in '75 was heard and answered for '75. Things got better for the performance enthusiasts when the Cobra II , Stallion , and King Cobras came along between '76 and '78. They were mostly appearance, but at least the old-timers that knew how to hop-up the old 302s had something to work with now. The suspensions in those cars are highly coveted even to this day, front ends especially. Upper and lower control arms, NO STRUTS, coil-overs, and a rack and pinion that is probably under more dirt track cars and Chevy street rods than Chevy's own equipment, much less Ford's. Handling was hampered by the stock 13" bias-ply tires to be sure, but there were ways around that too, as evidenced by the IMSA Cobra II and the Monroe Handler - both of which were awesome track performers.
I give the car my vote today because in this time of renewed horsepower and performance vitality, these little cars are even more ignored and neglected. While I readily admit they weren't supercars in the performance arena, they DID serve a purpose, and did so extremely well. They may not have been the best performers of their day, but their parts and components are still heavily sought after evn 30 years later. They should be credited for keeping the Mustang alive through a period when most other ponycars fell dead.
A similar vote would go to the Monza - if it were still around.
Here's one last tidbit giving them both good marks from Road & Track...
The Mag Cover Shot and the text-only article
Guys (and girls), PLEASE don't forget the lessons that were taught during the '70's. Even though we are looking at a couple more years of 400-500hp cars for certain, this can't go on like this indefinitely, and it WILL come to a close somehow. We may well see a new Camaro and Mustang competing with hybrid 4-cylinders or even all-electric drivetrains. Imagine getting a .5-sec. advantage in the quarter mile by replacing your start-up capacitors and shift solenoids...
I think it was General Sherman who said,"Those who don't study history are bound to repeat it".
Good words.
Laughed at... nahhh... I've got you beat!
I'm doing this partly for the giggles, but mostly in seriousness.
I vote for the MUSTANG II , and yes, I really mean it.
In this time of incredible horsepower wars and unreal street performance, we tend to lose sight of reality. The Mustang II was a victim - make that result - of reality. And the truth is, we could see it happen again... soon. There are already numerous bills and actions being tendered in states and federal offices that are trying to restrict the power and fuel types that carmakers can offer in the future. The last horsepower war was brought down by economic conditions, the current one may be brought down by law... then we KNOW it won't come back for a 3rd time.
Back to my choice...
The Mustang II flew in the face of everything and everyone that loved the Mustang. It was too small, too ugly, and too slow, by todays standards anyhow. (How fast did a car have to be while waiting in a 3-hour line for your allotted 5-gallons anyways?) DESPITE all the shortcomings stated above, it sold phenomenally well in '74, selling 386,000 units which ain't bad concidering that B-210s, Pintos, Vegas, Sunfires, Celicas, and about a dozen other cars were in the same market. In fact, it outsold all of it's competitors - combined that year. It also won Motor Trend Car of the Year in '74 (Here's a vintage ad... ). Not bad for a car nobody likes, eh?
The car was designed by the Ghia group out of Turin, Italy. It was the best handling, best riding, most accomodating car of it's day - bar none. NVH numbers were better than most luxury cars of the day, Caddy and Lincoln included.
The outcry from Ford fans for a V8 in '75 was heard and answered for '75. Things got better for the performance enthusiasts when the Cobra II , Stallion , and King Cobras came along between '76 and '78. They were mostly appearance, but at least the old-timers that knew how to hop-up the old 302s had something to work with now. The suspensions in those cars are highly coveted even to this day, front ends especially. Upper and lower control arms, NO STRUTS, coil-overs, and a rack and pinion that is probably under more dirt track cars and Chevy street rods than Chevy's own equipment, much less Ford's. Handling was hampered by the stock 13" bias-ply tires to be sure, but there were ways around that too, as evidenced by the IMSA Cobra II and the Monroe Handler - both of which were awesome track performers.
I give the car my vote today because in this time of renewed horsepower and performance vitality, these little cars are even more ignored and neglected. While I readily admit they weren't supercars in the performance arena, they DID serve a purpose, and did so extremely well. They may not have been the best performers of their day, but their parts and components are still heavily sought after evn 30 years later. They should be credited for keeping the Mustang alive through a period when most other ponycars fell dead.
A similar vote would go to the Monza - if it were still around.
Here's one last tidbit giving them both good marks from Road & Track...
The Mag Cover Shot and the text-only article
Guys (and girls), PLEASE don't forget the lessons that were taught during the '70's. Even though we are looking at a couple more years of 400-500hp cars for certain, this can't go on like this indefinitely, and it WILL come to a close somehow. We may well see a new Camaro and Mustang competing with hybrid 4-cylinders or even all-electric drivetrains. Imagine getting a .5-sec. advantage in the quarter mile by replacing your start-up capacitors and shift solenoids...
I think it was General Sherman who said,"Those who don't study history are bound to repeat it".
Good words.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
I am going with the current Mailbu. Why wouldn't you like it? The car is cheap and it can hold a 60* V6 it can be made fast just look at a 88 fiero GT. And it don't look all that bad. and acutally has a decent interior.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 4,320
From: Memphis
Originally posted by 91_z28_4me
I am going with the current Mailbu. Why wouldn't you like it? The car is cheap and it can hold a 60* V6 it can be made fast just look at a 88 fiero GT. And it don't look all that bad. and acutally has a decent interior.
I am going with the current Mailbu. Why wouldn't you like it? The car is cheap and it can hold a 60* V6 it can be made fast just look at a 88 fiero GT. And it don't look all that bad. and acutally has a decent interior.
Go check out of 150+ midsized cars, which car is rated the very lowest by the very people that own it?
The Malibu.
Sounds like a strong candidate for most overrated if you think the owners are a reliable source of information.