Episode #190 - Also Rans From Japan
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.
Let's take some time, and pour some out, to a trio of Japanese car brands that came and went in the American market. Suzuki, Isuzu, and Daihatsu died off a while ago, but some of their cars and trucks are still driving around the U S of A. Are you ready for Axiom speak and Equator chatter?
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..."
Suzuki Samurai
"That's all they brought to the table. Samurai competitor. Kind of."
Kia Sportage
"...the fate was sealed. Is this kind of like the Kia Sportage being the imitation, not as good sidekick or trac..."
Chevrolet Tracker
"...tage being the imitation, not as good sidekick or tracker? The original?"
Honda Passport
"it their first SUV. The, let's call it the Honda Passport is the Asuzu Rodeo stealing effect. But hey, I lo..."
Honda Prologue
"...same shit about GM now as they're driving a Honda prologue. I kind of feel like that same kind of sentiment ..."
Ford Capri
"...ng. I love those love triangles, like the Mercury Capri XR2. LVV triangles?"
Chevrolet Corvette
"I don't remember the year. Oh, he's Corvette Guy. He's Corvette Guy."
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..."
Toyota Land Cruiser
"... little softer, a little more trying to be like a Land Cruiser four runner type looking vehicle."
Mitsubishi Outlander
"Yeah, it's bigger than an Outlander. Yeah."
Suzuki XL7
"these automakers. You take a Suzuki XL7, I'll get an axiom."
Porsche 356
"I think the axiom got the 356, which was a pretty damn. Yeah, that was."
Volkswagen Gti
"Yeah. Swift GTI is probably the Suzuki if I was to pick one"
Suzuki Verona
"here. No, it was the Verona. I'm thinking the"
Infiniti M30 Convertible
"...itially, I was thinking maybe this is an Infinity M30 convertible, because that started as..."
Toyota A90
"I think it could be. And this would have been like a 90... God."
Toyota Camry
"So it could be that. Could this be a Camry Solara? It doesn't quite read like Camry Solara h..."
Dodge Avenger
"Chrysler, they never... It's stablemate the Avenger. I don't think ever was available in a convertibl..."
Plymouth Prowler
"...of that era. Certainly no Plymouth, not named the prowler, which is not a prowler."
Ford Mustang
"... hell were they offering as a convertible? I mean Mustang. Is this a V6 Mustang convertible?"
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"...ust, I'm struggling with, you know, could it be a cutlass supreme convertible?"
Chevrolet Camaro
"Right? I mean, fucking V6 Camaro. If this is the first year that that one came out..."
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