Revival of the Classic Cars

Tight-fit pants, beehive hairstyle, and retro-looking cars are some of the few that has been tagged as the "in" thing recently. You know what they say about fashion -- it is like a wheel. It revolves its way back.

MINI COOPER


The Mini Cooper has been out since 2002 and has instantly become a big hit. The target demographic is around 20s-30s. Surprisingly, you also see mom, middle-aged people and even grandparents driving them! I think it is probably because it reminds them of their first car, and of course, they are the one who can afford the price. For a tiny car, the Mini isn't cheap. But it is cool, funky, high-tech, fun to drive and you can customize it to suite your taste. As the Mini website says, there are no 2 Minis alike. You can customize it from the body and roof color, side mirror color/design to steering wheel, pedals and seat cover design. My friend has the Mini Cooper S (S for sport) and it is surprisingly spacious inside, at least in the front). The back seat is best reserved for kids or people like me who are below 5'7". Yet it is still usable and good enough for short-distance travel. The retro look continuous from the outside to the inside with its classic console design. It has a big center-mounted speedometer with chrome outline and old-fashioned pull-up/down switches. But that is where the "old" ends. It is equipped with all the modern gizmos you could think off -- traction control, ABS, power doors/windows/side mirrors, keyless entry, run-flat tires, optional navigation system and panoramic moonroof to name just a few. It has brought a cult-like following with countless online forums and groups across the country and abroad.

Unfortunately, the Mini has been plagued with a lot of problems particularly the earlier models. From transmission, brake, body integrity to small pieces falling off. Luckily, BMW -- the company that owns the Mini -- backs up their cars with 4yr/50,000mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. And being BMW, they have committed themselves in correcting and improving every problem so much so that Consumer Reports Magazine has removed the Mini from "cars to avoid" to "recommended" for model year 2007.

For 2008, Mini has redesigned this much-loved car. It has grown a little but it has kept its distinct shape and style.


MINI COOPER CLUBMAN

The Clubman is sort-of-a-wagon car is an extended version of the Mini with squared-off back end with panel truck style door and a rear-seat access doorlet on the right side similar to the rear-hinged doors found on Mazda RX-8. This extra length and suicide doors added to the usefulness of the back seat. I don't know about the split rear hatch though. It seems to me that it is more for style than practicality. For one, it takes two hands to open them both, and the split it middle creates a distraction and construed rear visibility when driving. Frankly, I am not sold on the Clubman idea at all. I think it is an attempt of BMW to branch off and extend their market by revamping their only bread and butter. Kinda like the Smart ForTwo creating a ForFour which sadly just didn't sell.



VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE

This was my second car and I loved it. I had the black New Beetle with, yes, the flower on the dash.


The Volkswagen New Beetle is fun to drive, it has that look that makes you want to smile and grabs attention wherever you go. Its cute styling revolves around circles from its round shape body and curved fenders to circular AC vents and instrument cluster. A few years after, Volkswagen introduced the New Beetle Convertible. Now on its 10th year of production, we have yet to see a full redesign of the bug.

CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is the ultimate in retro styling. It is reminiscent of cars from the early 50's built by Ford. Did you notice that all the cars then were painted black? Luckily, the PT Cruiser is available in various colors from the usual black, white and silver to vibrant colors like yellow and orange. "PT" stands for Personal Transport. It was introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model. It instantly became a hit to Americans. In its first 2 years selling more than its MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price). Among the retro cars like the Mini Cooper, and New Beetle, the PT Cruiser is the most spacious, practical and versatile. Why? It has four doors for easy ingress and egress on the back seat. Speaking of back seat, they are actually usable and fits up to 3 adults comfortably. The rear seats fold flat, tumble forward or can even be removed for more cargo space depending on the needs. Passengers seat higher than regular cars, therefore, it has better driving/seating position and visibility both forward and backward. The Consumer Reports Magazine recommends the PT Cruiser for 2007 model year. This means that the car has at least average reliability and meets the safety standard and driving performance set by the non-profit group.


A Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition in Cool Vanilla (white-cream) is now one of two cars in my household (the other is the 07 Mazda Miata MX5 mentioned in previous blogs). Because of sky rocketing fuel prices, which analysts predict will still go up, we have decided to sell our 07 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. While we love everything about the Santa Fe, a family of 2 plus a dog do not really need a mid-size SUV. We opted for the PT Cruiser over a regular sedan for its hatchback design. It offers the flexibility and cargo space of an SUV without the gas guzzling effect. Our dog is already at home in the back. She jumps inside the cargo area as soon as the rear hatch is opened just like in the Santa Fe. We fitted the back with WeatherTech cargo liner so it will protect the carpet from water, dirt, dog paws and whatnot. A cargo liner is a must to all cars, minivans and SUVs. It is custom-fit to your car so it goes perfectly in your vehicle and you can even choose the color so it matches the interior of your car.


CHEVROLET HHR

The HHR was built by Chevy as a direct competition to the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Since 2001, the PT Cruiser has occupied its own niche. The Chevy HHR was introduced in 2006 as an attempt to cut a slice in the market share of retro cars that the PT was enjoying to itself. The general design is similar to that of the PT. Its a shame it took them so long to come up with a "copy".

Hot and Not So Hot Cars for 2009

Starting this summer, we will already be able to see 2009 model year cars to roll out of our friendly car dealerships.

Here's my take on what is HOT and what's not for 2009!!!

HOT!!!

Volvo XC60

This is the smaller version of the much loved XC90. It is sexy, elegant and simply stunning. Volvo is finally playing catch-up with the others. Every car manufacturers that sell SUVs have bigger and smaller versions -- Acura MDX has the baby RDX, BMW X5 has X3, Hyundai Vercruz has Santa Fe, Mazda CX9 has CX7, even Nissan recently introduced the smaller version of Murano, the Rogue.


Honda Fit

I know, i know, you will say, "Already?!" Well, Honda has just introduced this compact hatch in the market about 2 years ago but it has already been sold elsewhere in the world for 6 years. The 2009 model grows a little bit although it still has the distinct shape and versatility that people loved from the 1st generation. I think its cute and very flexible. I'd consider this as my next car. Oops, did I just make an open prediction? ;-)


Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Nice curves, sexy head and brake lights and gorgeous body. It just might be the Mustang killer!


Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata gets a refreshening for 2009. The exterior gets some chrome accents while the interior is totally changed. The inside reminds me of a Lexus car. Elegant but not overdone. Rich looking without the hefty price.


Mazda 6

This new family sedan from Mazda is bigger and more powerful than the model it preceded. Mazda is sticking with its round side fenders originally found on the RX8. It can now be found on its entire lineup including the MX-5, CX9, CX7, 3 and the upcoming 6. I think it is sexy!


Toyota Venza

This crossover is very good looking. I particularly like the break lights in the back and the unique body shape. Not a big fan of the front grill although I think it will grow on me. This is based from the Camry.


NOT SO HOT!

Volkswagen Passat CC

VW is joining the four-door-coupe bandwagon started by Mercedes Benz with its CLS. I do not know what they are thinking. Ok, it is sexy, curvacious and simply stunning. Yes, those are positive words. But they are impractical. The CLS only seats 4, it is cramped in the back and it is very hard to get in and out because of the curved roof line trying to achieve the coupe shape. Sometimes it is not all about beauty but practicality and usability too. By the way, how many CLS are there on the road? I rest my case.


Volkswage Routan

The minivan market is over crowded and buyers -- including soccer moms -- are now shifting to crossover SUVs that can carry 7 people and their loads and still look cool. Besides, this is just a rebadge Chrysler minivan. Oh yeah, isn't the Dodge Caravan also a rebadged Chrysler?


Nissan Maxima

What is up with that headlights? I cannot stand it! And I think it has lost its sensual curves and changed into more lines and edges.


Pontiac Solstice Coupe

Yeah, the demand for the Solstice convertible is just overwhelming that they need to give buyers more choices and build a coupe. Do you see Solstice on the street? Exactly.


BMW X6

Its the first ever SUV-coupe. I don't know what they are thinking. Get this! It's a four-seater, coupe shape car in a raised platform so it looks like an SUV. Did you get it? Me either. Coming from BMW, I'm sure its going to be overpriced. It will surely be a head turner but I do not think that is enough reason for it to be a hit. It only seats 4, there is a lot less cargo area than a conventional SUV because of the raked roof line. Yet it will be a gas guzzler because its an SUV therefore there is more drag, it is heavier and has bigger engine.