#18: Corsicas to Corvettes, Plus a Side of Volvo
About this episode
A lively discussion about the nostalgic experiences of owning Corsicas and Volvos, highlighting memorable stories and mishaps. The hosts share humorous anecdotes about their family's history with these cars, including a comical overheating incident on the Tappan Zee Bridge and the quirks of maintaining older vehicles. They delve into the reliability of Volvos and how their family became a Volvo-centric household. The episode is filled with laughter, personal reflections, and a deep appreciation for the memories tied to these cars.
After sharing the tales of Bob Beatty and the Burns family cars, special guests Robin and Nancy are back!
The car stories continue:
- Nancy remembers how she got stuck in an overheating Chevy Corsica on the Tappan Zee Bridge
- Robin shares how a mice-infested Honda Civic led to her first Volvo
- Brendan tries to convince Nancy to buy an E-Ray, the all electric Corvette
Plus, will there be a drag race between a Chevy Silverado and a Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the future?
Tune in to hear the full story and more!
Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations
Instagram: @lifepluscars
For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/
What do you think, listener? Did you drive a Corsica once upon a time? Do you come from a Volvo family? Let us know and drop us a line at [email protected]
Chevrolet Corsica
"Yeah, I don't know. I bought, I think it was, we bought it, bought a Corsica."
The Chevrolet Corsica is a small car that was made by Chevrolet in the late 1980s and 1990s. It was popular for being affordable and a good option for everyday driving.
The Chevrolet Corsica was a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1987 to 1996. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers during its production years.
Volvo 240
"Kathy got the first one. Got the 240, 250. Like a 240 wagon or a sedan?"
The Volvo 240 is a car that was made by Volvo, known for its square shape and strong safety features. It was popular for many years and is often remembered for its reliability.
The Volvo 240 is a compact executive car produced by Volvo from 1974 to 1993. It's known for its boxy design and reputation for safety and durability.
Honda Civic
"...your dad had a Honda Civic. Yeah, the 86, yep."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people use for daily driving. The 1986 version is one of the earlier models and is known for being dependable and good on gas.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 1986 model is part of the second generation of Civics, which was popular for its practical design and performance.
Volvo 740
"So we ended up buying the sales person's Volvo. So it was how that happened. Do you remember what it was? An eight. It was a 740."
The Volvo 740 is a car made by Volvo that was popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. It's known for being safe and lasting a long time, which is why many people liked it.
The Volvo 740 is a mid-size car produced by Volvo from 1982 to 1992. It is known for its durability and safety features, making it a popular choice among families and those seeking a reliable vehicle.
300,000 miles
"300,000 miles, they go forever. They used to be safe."
300,000 miles is a measure of how far a car can drive. If a car can reach this distance, it means it's very durable and can last a long time.
This refers to the mileage a vehicle can achieve, which is often seen as a benchmark for durability and reliability in cars. Many vehicles, especially those well-maintained, can reach this mileage and still function well.
Volvo S40
"...when we got my S40, which I loved, loved, loved that car. And then we brought it in and they're like,..."
The Volvo S40 is a small car made by Volvo. It's known for being safe and comfortable to drive, which is why many people like it.
The Volvo S40 is a compact executive car produced by Volvo. It is known for its safety features and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice among small sedans.
Saab
"...he was driving a Saab that he bought off the side of the road. And it was like 200,000 miles. Like he just needed a car."
Saab is a car brand from Sweden that was known for making safe and stylish cars. They often had turbocharged engines, which made them fun to drive.
Saab is a Swedish automotive brand known for its unique design and engineering, particularly in the realm of safety and turbocharged engines. The brand has a loyal following, especially among enthusiasts who appreciate its quirky style and performance.
Volvo V60
"a one-year-old Volvo. It was a V60 wagon, 2016. And I mean, it's a 16,000 miles on i..."
The Volvo V60 is a stylish car that looks like a station wagon, which means it has a lot of space inside for people and things. It's known for being safe and comfortable, making it a good choice for families.
The Volvo V60 is a luxury wagon that combines practicality with Scandinavian design and safety features. Launched in 2010, it is appreciated for its spacious interior and advanced technology, making it a popular choice for families and those seeking a stylish yet functional vehicle.
Volvo XC60
"...The next one we got him was after it got 120,000 miles on it is a XC60 Volvo, a 2018."
The Volvo XC60 is a stylish and safe SUV that is great for families. The 2018 version has modern features and is designed to keep you safe on the road.
The Volvo XC60 is a luxury compact SUV known for its safety features, comfortable interior, and reliability. The 2018 model includes various technology upgrades and efficient engine options.
Volvo 850
"Oh, great car. I have such a soft spot for 850s because of that. And that was the one that like,"
The Volvo 850 is an older car that many people liked because it was safe and comfortable to drive. It has a unique boxy shape and is known for lasting a long time if taken care of properly.
The Volvo 850 is a compact executive car produced from 1991 to 1997, notable for its safety innovations and boxy design. It gained a reputation for reliability and comfort, making it a favorite among drivers looking for a dependable vehicle.
Toyota
"So I'm a Toyota. Sorry, at this point."
Toyota is a car brand from Japan that makes cars known for being very reliable and lasting a long time. They are often easier and cheaper to maintain than some other brands.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. The brand has a strong reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs.
Volvo Esporty
"So I think that Esporty was my last Volvo. And there were issues with it."
The Volvo Esporty is a type of car made by Volvo that focuses on being fun to drive while still being practical for everyday use.
The Volvo Esporty is a model known for its sporty design and performance characteristics, appealing to those looking for a blend of practicality and driving enjoyment.
Subaru Legacy
"...I had the Subaru Legacy, great, you know, reliable, big, whatever."
The Subaru Legacy is a car that is known for being dependable and having a lot of space inside. It's good for driving in different weather conditions because it can handle snow and rain well.
The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car known for its reliability and spacious interior. It's often favored for its all-wheel-drive capabilities, making it suitable for various driving conditions.
EV
"...So now I have an EV, which I absolutely love."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save you money on fuel.
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a type of car that is powered entirely by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
electronic e-brakes
"that's an example of that in electronic e-brakes. And like, I don't like this."
An electronic e-brake is a type of parking brake that you control with a button instead of a lever. Some people worry that if it stops working, it could be dangerous when trying to stop the car.
Electronic e-brakes, or electronic parking brakes, use electronic controls instead of a traditional mechanical lever to engage and disengage the parking brake. They can offer convenience but may raise concerns about reliability and failure in critical situations.
Toyota RAV4
"...thank you. I forgot. Keep me to mention, Brendan, my mom bought a brand new RAV recently."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being dependable and having a lot of space inside.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV known for its reliability and versatility, making it a popular choice among families and individuals alike.
Buick Convertible
"So, like I drove today, like I drove that 65 Buick convertible."
This is a classic car made by Buick in 1965 that has a roof that can be lowered. It's known for being stylish and comfortable.
The 1965 Buick Convertible is a classic American car known for its stylish design and comfortable ride. It represents the era of muscle cars and open-top driving.
Pontiac GTO
"And then I've got my 66 GTO convertible."
This is a classic muscle car made by Pontiac in 1966. It's known for being fast and having a sporty look.
The 1966 Pontiac GTO is a classic muscle car that is often credited with starting the muscle car trend in America. It features powerful engines and a sporty design.
Chevrolet Silverado
"the only new car I have is my 22 Chevy Silverado."
This is a new pickup truck made by Chevrolet in 2022. It's strong and can carry heavy loads.
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability, towing capacity, and modern technology features.
Chevrolet Impala
"And then my dad's got like a 67 Impala and a 2001 Corvette and a 2023 Cadillac..."
The Chevrolet Impala is a large car made by Chevrolet, popular for its comfort and style. The 1967 version is known for its classic look and roomy interior.
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size car that has been produced by Chevrolet since 1958. The 1967 model is part of the fifth generation, known for its stylish design and spacious interior.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...and a 2001 Corvette and a 2023 Cadillac and a 2022 Cadillac..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car made by Chevrolet, and the 2001 model is known for being fast and stylish. It's a favorite among car enthusiasts for its performance.
The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is part of the C5 generation, known for its performance and sleek design. It features a powerful V8 engine and is considered a classic American sports car.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...2023 Cadillac and a 2022 Cadillac and his GMC and Camaro. Oh my God."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that people love for its speed and cool looks. It's been around for a long time and is famous for being fun to drive, especially for those who like powerful cars.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1966. Known for its powerful performance and aggressive styling, it has become a symbol of American automotive culture and is often discussed for its role in the muscle car segment.
horsepower
"That car is insane. It has like 700 horsepower. And it's the scariest car ever to drive."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and accelerate quicker.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. In cars, higher horsepower typically means better acceleration and performance.
Willys G
"...he's got Willie, which is his 47 Willys G. The names for my cars."
The Willys G is an old truck from 1947 made by Willys. It's known for being tough and was used a lot during the war.
The Willys G is a classic vehicle produced by Willys-Overland, known for its rugged design and historical significance, especially in military applications during World War II.
Willys Jeep
"My brother's 1949 Willys Jeep that my dad and him"
The 1949 Willys Jeep is an old-style vehicle that was originally made for tough terrains and is famous for its use in the military. It's a classic car that many people admire today.
The 1949 Willys Jeep is a classic off-road vehicle that is known for its ruggedness and historical significance, particularly in military use during World War II.
Lincoln Zephyr
"The Lincoln Zephyr or. Is that a car? Yeah."
The Lincoln Zephyr is a fancy car made by Lincoln, which is part of Ford. It's designed to be comfortable and stylish, aimed at people who want a luxury vehicle.
The Lincoln Zephyr is a luxury sedan that was produced by Lincoln, a division of Ford. It was known for its elegant design and was part of Lincoln's lineup in the early 2000s, with a focus on comfort and style.
Nissan Z
"Is there a Z car? There are Z cars. The Nissan Z car."
The Nissan Z car is a line of sporty cars made by Nissan. They are known for being fun to drive and have been popular for many years, starting with the first model in the 1970s.
The Nissan Z car refers to a series of sports cars produced by Nissan, known for their performance and sporty design. The Z series has a rich history, starting with the Datsun 240Z in the 1970s and continuing with modern iterations like the Nissan 370Z and the latest Nissan Z.
Ford Mustang
"Yeah, yellow 71 Mustang. I'm going to look for one."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that has been around for decades. The 1971 version is known for its powerful engines and stylish design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and distinctive styling. The 1971 model featured a larger body and more powerful engine options compared to earlier generations.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"I mean, I do, Nancy, really like the I&E 5. They make an N performance model."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks stylish and has a lot of tech features. There's also a sportier version called the N performance model that is designed for better performance.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact SUV known for its modern design and advanced technology. It offers a range of performance options, including an N performance model that emphasizes sportier driving dynamics.
Volvo C70
"Just why? C70 convertible with the hard top convertible. Oh, ye..."
The Volvo C70 is a fancy car that can turn into a convertible, meaning you can drive it with the top down. It's known for being safe and stylish, which makes it fun to drive on nice days.
The Volvo C70 is a luxury convertible that was produced from 1997 to 2013, known for its stylish design and safety features. It offers a unique combination of open-air driving and practicality, making it a sought-after choice for those who enjoy a sporty yet safe vehicle.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"Let me add that to my list here. Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. That's another one."
The Oldsmobile Cutlass is an older car that many people remember fondly. It was popular for a long time and comes in different styles, making it a classic choice for collectors.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass is a mid-size car that was produced from 1961 to 1999, known for its role in the American muscle car era and later as a family sedan. It has a nostalgic value and is often discussed for its classic design and historical significance in the automotive industry.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.