Awesome. My dad’s first new car out of college was a green on black ‘75 CVCC 4-speed, which he kept until the engine started blowing smoke and it was junked in ‘93 . To this day he regrets not getting the engine rebuilt; it would probably still be puttering around today.

Sure, and the lower ratings on pickups reflect the differences. My point was that it really isn’t that hard to get sustained MPGs with a turbo engine at or above the EPA estimates. 

Yes, impossible to duplicate. And yet over 40k miles I’ve somehow managed a hand-calculated average of 33 MPG with my 1.6 turbo Fusion (EPA 25/36/29).

As a kid in the late-80s/early-90s, 4WD Tercel wagons were everywhere, along with all the other AWD variants that were such oddballs in most of the country (Chrysler vans, Previa, Tempo, Camry, MPV, Expo/Summit). Now everyone just drives Outbacks ... sigh.

Ford’s debt is not yet rated in junk territory, Baa3 by Moody’s (lowest investment grade level) and BBB by S&P (one notch higher than Moody’s). FCA by contrast is BB+/Ba2, one and two notches into junk territory.

Moody’s too.

At the time, I assumed the name of this thing was pronounced, “Q-ecks-4,” but recently I’ve wondered if Infiniti was trying to be clever and it was actually pronounced “Q-by-4.”

I voted weeks ago (thanks statewide mail ballots!), so I’m just going to sit back and enjoy Jalopnik now.

Wait, there are six still around?

I would buy up all the remaining Tempos and Topazes, along with a good sized warehouse to store them, and create a museum in their honor.  Naturally, the special ones (Tempo AWD, Topaz XR5, etc.) would be housed in a special section.  It would be a museum of mediocrity, a warning to future generations.

As it becomes harder to find a stick shift on the new car dealer showroom floor, perhaps enthusiasts that want to row the gears are reluctant to sell or trade the one they have.

9th gen F-Series/5th gen Bronco. Just a classic design and perfect blend of old school traditional truck styling with just enough modern touches.

I’m a Ford guy and have an affinity for the unloved ovaloid Taurus, but $16K?!  This guy is certifiable.  Knock the “1" off the price and we’ll talk.

It’s 2003 and I’m working as a porter at the local BMW dealer while in college. We get a lot of interesting trade-ins, but none more interesting to me than the absolutely pristine ‘96 Bronco XL, brown/brown, 302 V8, 5-speed manual, manual locking hubs, with about 50k miles on the clock. Aside from the color (which…

You were basically throwing the bullets with a Klobb.

The 3rd gen SHO (‘96-’99) had the 3.4L V8. I mean, it’s an American/Japanese/British V8 (hat tip to Yamaha and Cosworth), but he’s a Frenchman in Detroit. The great melting pot, what’s more American than that?

I knew the Escort EXP was an homage to something.

N: I’ve stayed pretty on top of recalls, which there have been four of on my 2014 Fusion. All have been for pretty important issues: seatbelts breaking, steering wheels coming off, possible fires from the engine overheating, although my car has never had any problems. Just last week I had the latest two done, the…

My configuration: black/black XL SuperCrew 4x4, STX, FX4 (naturally), 101A, splash guards, sliding rear window.

Manual, for obvious reasons, and the door keypad. It’s so convenient to be able to grab something out of the car without having to have your keys on you, or leave the keys locked in the car when out for a hike/run/beach.