You read it here first: Small cars staging a big comeback
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 11. 9.05
On September 10, Mike wrote about the return of small Japanese cars to North America; CNN Money wrote about it today. "In this market segment, cars have two major selling points. They're dirt-cheap and they're fuel-efficient. Prices for the Aveo, for example, start at less than $10,000 and the car gets an EPA-estimated 35 miles per gallon on the highway and 27 in city driving."::CNN Money
The Environmental Economics blog reminds us about the quality issues the last time small cheap cars were rolled out in the oil crisis of the 70's: "How do you double the value of a Ford Pinto? Fill the gas tank!" ::Environmental Economics
Gremlins rock!
Gremlins were made in Milwaukee, probably out of recycled steel beer cans. Subsequently they were featured in B grade horror film series. Perhaps it is time to resurrect the little demons?
There was nothing special about the AMC's mechanicals - cobbled together from Chrysler/Ford/GM parts - and the Gremlin's styling is primarily stuck in the 70's, but the 'chopped hatch' look is very appealing (think Civic hatchback). And look closely at that rear window. That's right - if it had 4 doors, enormous wheels and a more mod nose - it'd be a Murano....
BTW: How did this topic devolve into a Gremlin discussion?
Gremlins were made fun of because of their looks, they were actually better cars than the Pinto and the Vega. Ford and GM's entry into the small car field. Like all cars of that era they rusted badly. Engine wise the AMC designed engine was a very good product.Chrysler still used the straight six up unitl 2006.