That was precisely the rpm at 80mph - pretty crazy. I pointed out the lower torque of the Honda and I get it. I don’t get the repeated fuel economy references by people when talking about Miatas - it’s a two seater sports car, who cares? The Honda had 170 hp and 128 ft/lbs. A 2018 Miata has 155hp and 148 ft/lb. So the…

This is where I point out the obligatory reference to the 1995(!) Acura Integra GSR which had 170hp from its NA 4 cylinder. Granted there’s more torque with the Miata, but good grief, it’s still trying to catch up to the output of a 23 year old Honda engine.

Fine, they’ll fix it...and add one woman per sports car press photo per year to properly reflect statistical reality.

The original 70s/80s ‘jacked up truck’ (now unfortunately known as a bro truck). I loved these when I was a little kid, never owned one, and still think they’re cool. Yes, I know 9 out of 10 people who own them now are a-holes who cut you off, drive aggressively and are seemingly permanently angry for some reason. I…

Right there with you. I thought they were great looking cars, revvy, you sat on the ground, felt like race cars compared to the US counterparts at the time, were dead reliable, and affordable.

This is exactly what I hear from my friend who was an engineer at Daimler Chrysler (who later was at Daimler in Germany for awhile). The Japanese test the ever living hell out of their stuff and Germany just makes things with beefed up pieces, hoping they’ll last/cover up any flaws that otherwise may crop up.

Interesting. This is where I go on my tired rant about the supposed superiority of all that German engineering I’ve heard so much about. I suppose it’s completely possible I just missed it, but I never hear such stories about Supras and the like.

Thanks for the input. Again, my track knowledge comes from motocross way back when and most were meticulous with their maintenance, but granted that is a very different animal.

I’ve always pondered which is worse. I think the latter. At least if he tracks his car, chances are he’s somewhat mechanically knowledgeable and understands proper maintenance. For what it’s worth, the theory was with dirt bikes at least, that you’d rather buy a used one from a guy who races vs a guy who doesn’t given…

I just seems like Wrangler people were Wrangler people and then the 4Dr came out, at which point it’s become a soccer mom-mobile (at least where we live).

Not nearly enough stars for this one.

Easier, sure. It’s also the indication of the level of effort the company Chrysler puts behind the entire Liberty project product lineup.

Can confirm (kind of). Rented one a couple of years ago for back country fishing trips in WY. Found out two things too late:

But what about the Compass? That’s a Jeep, right? Says right on it!

What I want to know is how 2 door Wrangler owners feel about 4 door Wrangler owners? Do 2 doorers wave to the 4 doorers?

As you point out, the car weighed 2,000lb and is a two seater. Would you have more fun driving this CRX and/or your old Civic or your Prius? I never considered a Prius much of a family car.

You dance around it, but you know why we truly want to murder her - it’s the godforsaken volume 11 SING SONGY VOICE in a pitch that could pierce a dog’s ear drums! Just talk normally!

Another great article, Kristen. These 90s Japanese sports cars hit the sweet spot for me every time - analog yet have the only features you need (to this day, the only features I want are power windows, locks, moonroof), bullet proof reliability, quick enough, revvy fun, cheap, and look good to my eye. What more do…

So, pretty much Prius MPG. Talk about progress.

Always loved this car