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Episode #190 - Also Rans From Japan

Episode #190 - Also Rans From Japan

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About this episode

Dive into a lively discussion about the rise and fall of Japanese automakers Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Azuzu in the U.S. market, exploring their quirky models, rebadging strategies, and cult followings. The hosts reminisce about iconic vehicles like the Suzuki Samurai, Daihatsu Rocky, and Azuzu Trooper, while sharing personal stories about project cars and maintenance challenges. They also play a fun guessing game around a vintage car ad, revealing insights into 90s convertibles. The episode wraps with updates on ongoing car projects and reflections on the unique charm and legacy of these 'also-ran' brands.

Topics: japanese automakers in the us suzuki models daihatsu vehicles azuzu and gm partnership rebadged cars project car maintenance 90s convertible car ad game car enthusiast stories off-road small suvs car restoration challenges
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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Suzuki Vitara

"...ow have a not rebadged Suzuki product in the 2000 Vitara. And, you know, we're fans of off, if you will, c..."
Car

Suzuki Samurai

"That's all they brought to the table. Samurai competitor. Kind of."
Car

Kia Sportage

"...the fate was sealed. Is this kind of like the Kia Sportage being the imitation, not as good sidekick or trac..."
Car

Chevrolet Tracker

"...tage being the imitation, not as good sidekick or tracker? The original?"
Car

Honda Passport

"it their first SUV. The, let's call it the Honda Passport is the Asuzu Rodeo stealing effect. But hey, I lo..."
Car

Honda Prologue

"...same shit about GM now as they're driving a Honda prologue. I kind of feel like that same kind of sentiment ..."
Car

Acura Slx

"...in that instance. And then they also did with the Acura SLX, which was an Azuzu trooper. Second gen."
Car

Ford Capri

"...ng. I love those love triangles, like the Mercury Capri XR2. LVV triangles?"
Car

Chevrolet Corvette

"I don't remember the year. Oh, he's Corvette Guy. He's Corvette Guy."
Car

Mazda MX-5 / Miata

"He's Corvette Guy. No, it was like a later NA Miata in metallic green. But like the more, the slightl..."
Car

Toyota Land Cruiser

"... little softer, a little more trying to be like a Land Cruiser four runner type looking vehicle."
Car

Mitsubishi Outlander

"Yeah, it's bigger than an Outlander. Yeah."
Car

Suzuki XL7

"these automakers. You take a Suzuki XL7, I'll get an axiom."
Car

Porsche 356

"I think the axiom got the 356, which was a pretty damn. Yeah, that was."
Car

Volkswagen Gti

"Yeah. Swift GTI is probably the Suzuki if I was to pick one"
Car

Suzuki Verona

"here. No, it was the Verona. I'm thinking the"
Car

Suzuki SX4

"Yep. SX-4, Kizashi,"
Car

Suzuki X90

"SUV. Oh, X-90. X-90."
Car

Infiniti M30 Convertible

"...itially, I was thinking maybe this is an Infinity M30 convertible, because that started as..."
Car

Toyota A90

"I think it could be. And this would have been like a 90... God."
Car

Toyota Camry

"So it could be that. Could this be a Camry Solara? It doesn't quite read like Camry Solara h..."
Car

Dodge Avenger

"Chrysler, they never... It's stablemate the Avenger. I don't think ever was available in a convertibl..."
Car

Plymouth Prowler

"...of that era. Certainly no Plymouth, not named the prowler, which is not a prowler."
Car

Ford Mustang

"... hell were they offering as a convertible? I mean Mustang. Is this a V6 Mustang convertible?"
Car

Ford Edge

"Is this a V6 Mustang convertible? Like New Edge? No."
Car

Oldsmobile Cutlass

"...ust, I'm struggling with, you know, could it be a cutlass supreme convertible?"
Car

Chevrolet Camaro

"Right? I mean, fucking V6 Camaro. If this is the first year that that one came out..."
Car

Volvo V50

"Check out your tracker content. Volvo V 50 rally car content coming sometime."
28 cars featured

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