Have you ever seen the movie She’s All That? That ’90s version of an ’80s flick supposes a dramatic change in a high school girl just by the elimination of her horn-rimmed glasses and overalls. In the movie the change was assisted by the girl being Rachael Leigh Cook the whole time, but in other instances such changes can in fact be more dramatic.
Every time a car maker brings out a major model change it’s an opportunity for a course correction. Some misguided attempts have thankfully been stopped before they happened – I’m sure you’ve heard that the Ford Probe almost replaced the Mustang – but other times the change goes through, and cheering ensues.
What we’re interested in today is which model has seen the most dramatic – in a good way – change over its previous iteration. What do you think, has there been a car or truck that has seen a model change that made it all that?
Image: Construction Law Monitor
Hooniverse Asks: What was the Single Greatest Year-Over-Year Change for Any Model?
By Robert Emslie
May 28, 2015
Jeff Glucker
From C3 Corvette to C4 Corvette. It went from 1960s based Discomobile to a world class sports car that could challenge anything from Germany or Italy.
http://www.amcarguide.com/wp-content/gallery/corvette-c3/1982-corvette-collector-edition.jpg
http://www.motorera.com/corvette/1980/1984/84bronze1.jpg
It took a year to sort out/get rid of the Crossfire engine and the early Z51 cars could pull 1.0g on Goodyear Gatorbacks and loosen fillings too. The chassis on the 1982 Corvette was largely unchanged from 1963 or 1965, when they got 4 wheel disc brakes.
In everything but looks, I’m 100% with you. Chassis, technology, engine, suspension.
However, I think an early C3 looks the absolute business, and the late ones, moulded bumpers and turbine wheels included, still outpaces all C4s in the looks department.
It could be argued that the C3s look better, but there is no doubt that the C4s look more modern.
Oh yes — the 80s were the decade of hard, straight lines, no doubt, so the ’84 must’ve looked like the Space Shuttle to fresh eyes.
Scumbag GM: Finally Make Rear Window A Functional Hatchback, Only Offer It On Limited Edition Model At End Of Production
GM has a long history of FINALLY get it right and then kill it. Look at Northstar Allantes, Convertible Reattas, Fiero, Diesel 1/2 ton trucks, etc.
Oh my God, you’re absolutely right.
Pontiac’s model lineup at the end…
I would probably say C4>C5 Corvette.
When the models changed over the car went from a plastic fantastic grand tourer that wanted to be a sports car to something that was actually a very solid halo car for GM.
The C4 aged poorly and was kept around too long, I remember going to Road Atlanta in the late 1990s and not being let into the “C5 Registry (or some such BS) Corvette Corral” in my 1994 Corvette. A few years later when the C 6 came out they weren’t so snobbish. The C5 wasn’t as big a change as everybody likes to make it. But the C5 did bring respectability. Don’t get me wrong, the C5 is a much better car than the C4, but just not as dramatic a difference as between the C3 to C4.
1955 Corvette. Cosmetically, it was pretty much the same, but that’s when it first got a v8, a legacy that endures 60 years later. How long do you think the marque would have lasted with an inline 6 backed by a Powerglide?
I personally would have said 1955 to 1956, when the slightly dumpy early cars became much more stylish.
The ‘Glide, yeah… that one needs to stay in the history books where it belongs.
A hot I6, however — six in a row means GO, right?
Still, I imagine it would have been much harder to package a 7.0L I6 and keep the same lines.
Chrysler 300
2004:
http://www.chryslercolors.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2004-Chrysler-300M-Platinum-Series-1.jpeg
2005:
http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/chrysler/300/2005/oem/2005_chrysler_300_sedan_srt-8_s_oem_1_500.jpg
Thanks, Papa Benz!
One of the few good things to come out of the DaimlerChrysler tie-up. (Though a RWD successor to the LH was already in the works before the merger.)
Every time I pass an LX car in my Merc, I think to myself “YOU’RE WELCOME.”
The other good thing is that I can tell people my daily driver is a Daimler (-Chrysler PT Cruiser).
The LX 300 has a sibling in the LX Charger. It’s transformation from the prior L-body iteration was even more dramatic,
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/51/179419050_500880db0a_b.jpg
1927 Ford Model T had a 2 speed planetary gearbox, manual spark advance, weird pedal layout etc. Anybody used to a modern car couldn’t just hop in and drive.
http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/1923-1927-ford-model-t-17.jpg
The 1928 Model A Ford Drives pretty mush like a modern car. The non-synchro gearbox and mechanical brakes might cause a little distress, but I think I could drive one.
http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/1928-ford-model-a-aa-2.jpg
Not dramatically different in looks, but dramatically different in technology.
There’s a floor nub and spark retard, but yeah I hopped in and drove it after about thirty seconds of explanation.
On the road or around a parking lot? I haven’t driven one, but I would guess that it would be closer to driving a tractor than driving a modern car. The one full size tractor that I have driven had a hand throttle and individual left/right brakes.
I don’t know about that. It should be close to an older tractor, but new tractors are pretty damn nice, with GPS, top speeds approaching 60km/h (30mph), and pretty premium interiors. The last Fendt* I sat in even had a removable cooler for field lunches!
*Fendt is German, and as with most German companies, produce the fastest, most comfortable, and most complex objects in their market.
Also, most semi-modern to modern tractors also have a foot throttle in addition to the hand throttle, and little metal thingie that connects the brake pedals so that they can act like a single pedal.
Do you remember the make/model of the tractor you drove?
The tractor was a 1950s or 1960s vintage Massey Ferguson 135 diesel. It was the first ting I ever drove with a clutch, but you couldn’t hardly stall it. Popping the clutch in 1st would result is popping a small wheelie. I think yo could even start it in 3rd. It is the tractor currently sitting in my yard that I need to get back running. It hasn’t run in 20+ years.
Yeah, old tractors are great stall-wise. And I with you, with a tractor sitting in my yard that needs to be restored, although mines a Minneapolis Moline U. Oh, and I also have to finish sorting out our Allis Chalmers WD-45. And swap an engine into a tiny homemade tractor that I bought at an auction…
I may have too many projects, especially since I’m still in school…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnjDW8dy3us I got to drive it around town! It was a very fun thing. I will say it was not a whole lot different than driving an old Volvo really, yes much more modern than I naively expected before I got in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAqJ5I8NjTM
I thought you said you drive a Model T, not a Model A. Yeah, the Model A isn’t too different. Very cool! The Model T is a whole ‘nother beast. Three foot pedals and none of them are the gas!
I got to sit behind the wheel of a T at the Henry Ford, but they wouldn’t let me drive though 🙁 Yes that was a way more odd setup.
1998 vs 1999 Mustang. They managed to pull it off with essentially no chassis updates (barring the IRS that showed up on the Cobras). Along with engine upgrades that gave the ancient 3.8L V6 a tad more liveliness and the 4.6L V8 a bit more top-end rush, the New Edge look managed to keep the Fox platform relevant for a few more years while Ford dug into an all-new (for the Mustang, that is) platform.
They even managed to give the Fox platform a great sendoff in the form of the badass, underrated ’03-’04 Terminators. Meanwhile, Camaro was on indefinite hiatus.
One could probably argue that the Mustang II > Fox Mustang was an even greater transition, but that was a few years before my time, so I’ll let someone else pontificate on that if they wish.
Also, if you need images to picture the difference, you’re either an unwashed, Volvo-lovin’ ferriner, or perhaps blind in one eye/cain’t see out t’other.
The 1990s Mustangs and the Volvo C70 always looked a lot alike to me.
http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/gallery/VOLVOC70Convertible-1533_6.jpg
http://americandreamcars.com/1999mustanggt091704.jpg
Interesting, considering how proportions are often dictated by driveline, and here we have an FF and an FR with very similar profiles.
I’d say it would have been enough for Apple to sue:
– No fixed roof
– Four wheels
– A light in every corner
Call the lawyers!
(I’d wager that the entire body and design language is very different, and proportions are also different due to the Volvo being a full four seater – just look at the length of sheet metal from door to rear wheels)
I think the pre newedge SN95s look even more like the C70.
That was probably the one I was thinking of. I remember when I first saw a C70 Convertible in the flesh I though it was the new Mustang. The SN95 always reminded me of the 5th gen Celica, especially the rear and taillights on the convertible.
’99s had very little distinction between models in terms of trim. V6s, GTs, and Cobras all looked remarkably similar, until Ford began gradually differentiating them with trim (read: spoilers and scoops stuck on with copious amounts of 3M double-sided tape). I find the New Edge cars to be fairly hideous, all confused hard lines, while the SN95 cars, while dated, just seem more cohesive in terms of styling. I actually think that the New Edge Mustang looks MORE dated than the SN95, almost like they got it backwards. Hell, Ford even adapted the earlier C-pillar shape to special-edition models like the Bullitt and Mach 1 because it looked better. The caveat here, of course, is that I was a fervent Mustang lover and still remember my first *new* Mustang unveiling, which was – you guessed it – the SN95. With that said, I’d say the biggest improvement was ’95 to ’96, when they ditched the pushrod 302 in favor of the modular 4.6.
Oh, but that first generation mod motor — larger, heavier, harder to work on, and (initially) few power upgrades. It was an ugly few years for mod motor cars before the aftermarket really got rolling, but I suppose it had to be done, even though the 302 soldiered on until ~2000 in the Explorer, and is still around as a crate mill.
Another good engine-update break is 2010-2011 with the reintroduction of a “5.0” and with the V6 going to the 3.7 Duratec that had almost as much HP as the 4.6 the year before.
In Mustang circles, playing “Spot The V6 Owner” is almost as much fun as playing “Spot The Vegan” anywhere else.
There, but for the grace of God, go I. (I was seriously thinking about ordering a 2011 V6 manual base-model in Grabber Blue, and was debating whether I’d get the Performance Package or not. Then I test-drove a 3.7 V6/6MT Mustang and a 5.7 V8/6MT Challenger, and decided I liked the Dodge better.)
And I’m reminded of an alleged joke: “an atheist, a vegan, and a crossfitter walked into a bar. I only know this because everyone that was there knew within 2 minutes.”
https://i.imgflip.com/m4d1m.jpg
So let’s look at this monumental change: From 1979-1981, first some and then all Volvo 240 models would get square front lights. A stroke of Cubism genius – square lights on a square car! Squarified!
http://bestsellingcarsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Volvo-244-Norway-1977.jpg
http://www.vlvworld.com/200/photo/240glt_86-93.jpg
At least in Europe you got flush lights. The US got busy-looking quad rectangular lights until 1986, when big flush lights were finally adopted. I always thought that the round-light 240 Volvo looked like some sort of USDOT safety car.
That’s not far off at all:
http://www.blenheimgang.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2014/01/Volvo-Vesc-brochure-1.jpg
I’ve always vastly preferred the round front lights. My first car was a ’77 242, something that I had lusted after since I was 13. Great machines!
Similar to the Fairchild ESV
http://assets.hemmings.com/story_image/314921-1000-0.jpg?rev=3
There were a lot of them in the early 70s. Hemmings had a couple of good articles on the subject:
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/tag/esv/
1983 to 1984 Civic. Honda turned a pleasant small car into something that was revolutionary in terms of subcompact design. A good car became a near-great car. Plus the 1984 Civic spawned the lovable CRX.
’54 to ’55 Chevrolet full size – especially Bel Air. Not only did the ’55s get dramatically different styling, they also now had the option of a ‘modern’ V8, air conditioning, powerglide transmission, and a 12 volt system.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/1954_Chevrolet_Bel_Air_2.-Door_HT_LRW466.jpg
http://blacktopcandys.com/images/uploads/cars/55-Chevy-Bel-Air-4524.jpg
Even though it didn’t visually change much, it could be argued that the Jeep Wrangler’s move from YJ to TJ was way dramatic.
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2402/861/31002930005_large.jpg
I would argue CJ-7 to YJ as a bigger change.
Although the square lights came with that change, one also got a heck of a lot more civilization. Now, don’t get me wrong, CJ-7s are classics, but aren’t that far removed from the MB. YJs are still basic, but I think they would be a lot better for day-to-day driving.
I have trouble thinking of the CJ and Wrangers as being the same vehicle. In my mind the YJ was a replacement, not a continuation. But yes, you’re right.
The Toyota Camry in 1996 (1997 Model)
It went from decent:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/1995-96_Toyota_Camry.jpg
to top seller:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/1997-1999_Toyota_Camry.jpg
It helps that the Taurus went the opposite direction at the same time. But this was the turning point in Japanese sedans as the Accord knocked it out of the park at the same time.
Oh, the beige conqueror!
I’m about the most biased person you’ll ever meet on the subject, but I think styling went downhill with the Accord for the 1994 new model.
The Camry, on the other hand… from blah to slightly-edgier blah.
If we wanted to look at a decade of incremental changes making it the best car, the 90s Hondas/Acuras could all apply for the title in my book. MY1989 Hondas showed promise, but MY2000 Hondas were among the best in each of their categories.
Then MY2003 happened.
Generations of my favorite Japanese 90’s box (from memory): 1990-1993 (favorite), 94-97 (still okay), 98-02 (getting shitty).
And all of them had a mid-cycle styling tweak. It’s subtle unless you see them side-by-side, but definitely present.
Also, does anyone else remember that commercial when Honda introduced the Accord V6 (by stuffing in the previously-Acura-only C27 and enlogating the car’s nose because 90-degree OHC V6es are large), in which the Accord was shown racing hard on a track with scenes with a dude really stressed out at work and the voiceover says something like “What on earth could you want to get away from so quickly?”
I swear this is a real thing, but I can find no evidence of its existence anywhere!
Also, yeah — I can verify that a 1993 Accord wagon, sans VTEC assistance, could smack its rev limiter in 4th gear at ~130mph on level ground. I can verify this because I was a teenage idiot with access to a rural interstate and the keys to dad’s wagon. I can also verify that 4th-generation V6 Camaro drivers get really pissed when they hit their soft limiter at ~110 while the silly little Japanese wagon keeps accelerating. So, yeah… why do you need a V6 again?
I remember this one:
“Late for work? Speed.”
i have owned 2 of each. 95 / 96 – 98/ 01. while i loved all of them, i felt the older body was……
a little bit more…..quality…. but each one, with over a hundred k, still shifted even when ice cold, like the day they were born.
I learned how to drive stick in a 1992 DX, so I am partial to the earlier form as well, the sales numbers don’t lie though. Getting slightly larger and such while the Taurus blew their update catapulted the Camry to the top in sales.
i know. i was selling them then. camry’s that is. sold both. new sharper edge took off. but that round one. oh.
1990-1991 Ford Escort. It went from being European based (Mark III Escort) to being Japanese based (Mazda B platform). It did have the same CVH engine, but got distributorless ignition.
http://images1.americanlisted.com/nlarge/1990-ford-escort_27559507.jpg
!990 Escort
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/1991-1994_Ford_Escort_LX_hatch_front.jpg
1991 Escort
2008 to 2009 Kia Optima, or really any pre/post Schreyer Kia model.
good point.
For most dramatic change I was going to say Thunderbird but then you said, “- in a good way -“.
Yeah, I was all set to go with the ’74 to ’75 Dodge Charger until I got to that stipulation.
While not exactly the same model, the 1986 Ford Taurus filled the exact same spot in the Ford lineup at the 1983-1986 Ford LTD.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/83-86_Ford_LTD_wagon.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/1st_Ford_Taurus_GL_sedan.jpg
The Taurus introduced the American market to a mid-sized car with flush headlights, flush windows, and front wheel drive. In 1986 this thing looked like a space ship compared to any other mainstream car on American roads. It ushered in the look of the modern car with integrated front and rear fascias instead of bumpers and a jelly bean/aerodynamic shape.
The Chevy Aveo. Went from one of the worst cars I’ve ever driven…
http://ok-rentacar.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/chevrolet-aveo-1.2-ls-08.jpg
…to an actually pretty good subcompact.
http://images.caradisiac.com/logos-ref/modele/modele–chevrolet-aveo-2/S7-modele–chevrolet-aveo-2.jpg
Makes you wonder if GM actually knows how to do car building.
http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_liq5z2bHMp1qzado8o1_500.gif
C1 to C2 Corvette.
The 2011 North American Ford Focus:
http://fordcolors.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2011-Ford-Focus-SE-1.jpg
The 2012 North American (and rest-of-the-world) Ford Focus:
http://img1.findthebest.com/sites/default/files/844/media/images/2012_Ford_Focus_S_Sedan__105860.PNG
1973 vs 1974 Mustang
I thought we were going for improvements! Now, I know the Mustang II sold like free maplebacon pancakes compared to the last of the GRANDE Mustangs, but history doesn’t look all that kindly upon its Pinto-derived flanks.
Admit it, you’d rock that ’73 ‘vert all day long and twice on Sunday.
How about: 1993 vs 1994 Dodge Ram? Goodbye 1970’s, hello 1990’s.
http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/dodge/ram-250/1993/oem/1993_dodge_ram-250_regular-cab-pickup_base_fq_oem_1_500.jpg
http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/dodge/ram-pickup-2500/1994/oem/1994_dodge_ram-pickup-2500_regular-cab-pickup_laramie-slt_fq_oem_1_500.jpg
(It almost ended up looking like a ’92-’96 Dakota or F-150…)
http://www.pickuptrucks.com/trucks/IMAGES/history/13-1.gif
Some would say:
1964 Corvair
http://www.corvair.org/chapters/chapter627/images/ruthB.JPG
to 1965 Corvair
http://www.wittelaw.com/personal/vairgallery/188-8837_IMG.JPG