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Ten years since what?
The Jeep Compass is the only remaining member of a certain group of vehicles. All other vehicles in that group have been cancelled, crushed, annihilated.
What group is that? Take a guess. We’ll tell you more soon.
112 Comments on “It’s Been Ten Years …...”
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The caliber?
Why does it always have to be the boring useless vehicles that stick around why can’t we still have the GMT800 platform in production alongside the newer trucks.
Is there anything that’s been made as long as the Infiniti FX35 (now QX70) which has been largely the same since 2002?
Ford SuperDuty. Traces it’s root back to when Ford was partying like it was 1999.
The FX got a total redo in 09, for the record.
That is right! It is on the 370Z platform. I just bought a 2011 the other day :)
The FX was completely redesigned in 2009.
Until recently, the oldest vehicle on the market was the XC90. Now, it’s probably the Expedition and Navigator, which have been around since 2003 and have gone through two “redesigns” (MY2007, when the LWB model was added and MY2015), but still use the same basic bodyshell and frame.
G-Class.
Good add!
Foxbody Mustang – 1979 to 1993 and due to the FWD Mustang/Probe debacle carried on in modified form (as the SN95/New Edge) until 2004 for over a quarter century of production.
Its not just boring cars, its awful cars. The Patriot/Compass are terrible. Yet, the fairly decent Dart and the fairly good (and damned good looking) 200 are staring down death’s door. I just dont get it, their “phone-it-in” jobs, as in the Jeeps previously mentioned, hang on year after year, but when they actually TRY, it blows up in their face.
I think Mazda would be a good partner to build replacements for the Dart and 200, and introduce a Mazda2 variant as a subcompact. Yes, they already build it for Toyota, but with better styling more akin to Dodge design language, I think it would work. Lets just hope they dont replace the Dart with a Mirage with a cross-hair grille. Uhhhggg.
If I were looking at new cars today, Id try to find a 200 S (isnt the Pentastar V-6 standard on that one?) and hammer out a deal that would put my payments lower than if I had bought a Corolla or Forte. Either that, or a two (three?) door VW Golf gas burner with a manual trans. I dont like either manufacturer, really, but if its insanely cheap for a pretty nice car, they could put a Yugo badge on it for all I care.
Id really rather have a new Accord LX coupe 6MT (I-4), but I dont imagine Honda is ready to make the kind of deal VW or Chrysler would.
Maybe leasing the Golf would be better, time it so I turn it in 5 miles before the warranty expires lol.
What I really need is not another car, but a truck. It might take some time, but I imagine with some effort, I could find a new F-150 SuperCrew XL 4×4 in ANY color other than “fleet special” white. Steel rims, base engine, and A/C. Thats all I need.
I think most guys would love a beater truck at the right price/condition but it is no easy feat. I still think you should pick up that Fat Panther Townie you mentioned for $1200. Tis no truck, but will serve you well if you needed it too plus can tow a trailer.
Its not towing Im after, although that is part of it. I plan to haul some decent sized cargo that a car, any car, wouldnt be able to handle. I was speaking theoreticly anyway, Im in no way looking to get under payments any time soon.
I found a 1995 Mitsubishi Mighty Max, my favorite Japanese small truck of the last 30 years, but again, bigger things going on right now so another vehicle purchase is not going to happen right away.
Although….the 5-speed Mighty Max would be a good vehicle to teach John how to properly drive a manual.
I love that Town Car, but I seriously doubt it is still there. Im betting someone already snapped it up. If I got a big, RWD, BOF, V-8 American car, itd probably be an Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Broughm coupe. Just something about a huge car in coupe form that demands my attention…unless its a 1970s T-Bird or similar…theyre just too damn ugly. A 1990s T-bird, Coug (V-8 required) or Mark VIII LSC would do, but they arent nearly as big as the Olds I want, nor as comfy. I know a guy with one, but he painted it brown and it has blue interior…so that needs to be changed lol. Dont know what he was thinking. My cousin has a 2015 Silverado in a very nice blue, that color with a white vinyl half top would be boss on the Olds. Add a removable glass panel over the front seats, oh man, Id love it.
Im probably moving to Florida with John here not too long, he has an amazing job oppertunity there and its our chance to start our lives together properly, this time without depending on the flakey promises of his extended family.
I will need a truck to move all my stuff there, and I bet the Mitsu would do it with no issue. I wanted 4wd, but I can probably find a decent 1995/6/7 Explorer later on, with the OHV 4.0L, not the timing chain mess SOHC version. I suppose a V-8/AWD Explorer or Mountaineer would do.
@Dal Youre not wrong. I wish you were, but youre right on the money (literally it seems, as for Jeep anyway).
My nearly-two-year-old sees CUVs and says “[Color] car!”
He sees sedans and says “Low car!”
It’s the default.
I’m not sure where you reside, but being from Western PA, I would U-haul it and buy my used car in Florida where the chance of corrosion and rust on my used car is near zero.
Rust is not a problem here, at least not so far back as a 1995 Mitsubishi or even the 85 Olds I mentioned. Sure, all cars will rust eventually, but there is no salt here to speed up the process.
Still cant beat the west coast for rust-free cars, my 1978 Mercury Zephyr Z-7 had zero rust. I mean none anywhere. I put it up on a lift and tried my best to find the tin worm’s tracks, nothing. Of course, had the owner lived closer to the beach with the salty air, it wouldve been a different story.
I did find (on craigslist) an Olds coupe like I want in Orlando, in black, good condition, for like $1400 or best offer (IIRC). I dont see how I could convince John that we need it, lol, its something to add to a collection when we are more stable. But, like dad always says, it doesnt hurt (or cost money) to look. :-)
He, of course, wants a newer car, but he trusts that Im the car guy and he will pretty much go with what I pick, assuming its a useful vehicle and not just something Id like to cruise around in lol. He wanted a new Sonata after renting one, but after we drove those new Hondas awhile back, he understood what I meant when I said there are better options. He loved the Civic and is quite fond of the Ford Focus, but said he would leave it up to me and so if I want the Accord coupe, thats what we will get. I dont see us going wrong with any of those choices, except I like the Focus hatchback more, but he likes the sedan. I gotta get him to get used to a manual trans, each of those cars beg for it. I thought about finding him a mid-90s Accord manual trans so he will get used to it before we take on buying something new.
I might look for something cheap to insure there. My understanding is Florida has very expensive car insurance.
I bought a used utility trailer. Carries the occasional lumber, stove, couch, etc just fine.
“The Patriot/Compass are terrible. Yet, the fairly decent Dart and the fairly good (and damned good looking) 200 are staring down death’s door.”
Such is the current market power of the CUV and the Jeep badge.
Every week, literally, it becomes more and more clear that the CUV is the default car and the sedan is the choice of either the old-fashioned, the cheap, or enthusiasts.
I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear you calling me old fashioned over the rustling of my tweet jacket!
Speak up, sonny, I’m hard of hearin’.
Tweed. And they don’t rustle, not really. Ask me how I know… :P
The Professor swayed uneasily in the doorway of his home, as one of his loveliest students, Jessica Crowley, faced him on the stoop. It was no coincidence that even on this chilly afternoon, she was clad in a skirt and partially-unbuttoned blouse, pleading with him regarding a rather poor grade that he had hastily scratched onto an essay that she had written – subconsciously, perhaps. It had been two years since his wife had died, her 1956 Mercury forced through a guardrail and down a steep cliff by a moving van on Waterloo Drive. As the two aspects of his personality struggled with the situation, he began sucking furiously on his briar pipe, belching smoke like a locomotive. Suddenly, he refocused on the young lass before him; “Please Professor, I’ll do *anything* if you’ll reconsider!” and with that she pressed herself against him. This desired, yet feared reaction caused him enough of a start that he coughed into his pipe, spraying her lovely blond hair and his prized tweed jacket with a shower of sparks.
Months later, under the baleful looks of her classmates, she opened her short story titled: “Sparks To A Flame”, boldly emblazoned with an “A+”.
Sorry: “Tweed” did that :-)
Ugh, that typo was awful. Normally I catch em.
Get the f$@& off my lawn!
A while back I was at a big Jeep event. Old ones, new ones, military ones, modified/lifted ones, Jeepsters, etc.
At the end of the day they announced the numbers for each category. When they announced ‘Compass/crossover: zero’ the crowd spontaneously broke into a cheer.
“Lets just hope they dont replace the Dart with a Mirage with a cross-hair grille. Uhhhggg.”
You rang? http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/2015-dodge-attitude-is-a-reskinned-mitsubishi-mirage-photo-gallery-91780-7.jpg
Meet the 2015 Dodge Attitude, currently only sold in Mexico… okay, I’ll chip in for your therapist.
That’s a car that actually needs a gaping maw grill
It’s been a long time… shouldn’t have left you… without a dope Jeep to step to..
What was / is left from the merger of equals ???
Nope. That OG LX platform is still kicking about.
Cars developed under Cerberus.
Patriot’s still going. Unless Mark forgot that one.
I’ve forgotten nothing :)
Bingo. The dark days of Cerberus.
What is the Mitsubishi GS platform?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_GS_platform
“The Jeep Compass is the only remaining member of a certain group of vehicles.”
Oh and Jeep Patriot is also still sold…
There are too many slidey expanding things on the Jeep website. I do approve of the two-tone 75th Anniversary Edition Patriot.
Journey stil sold as well
Nice catch. So there are at least three models still sold by Chrysler from GS underpinnings.
Ugh. The first rental car they gave me for my current predicament was a Dodge Journey AWD. That car must thrive from consolidated options. As near as I can tell, it was base-spec for a Journey AWD, because it had a proximity key and a color instrument panel, yet lacked Bluetooth and automatic headlights.
We had a 2007 Caliber SXT.
Shudder.
What shuddered first – you or the CVT?
Weirdly, the CVT was the only part of my brother’s Caliber that didn’t crap out.
As my Camaro was getting long-of-tooth, I was looking for a ‘domestic’ hatchback to replace it, and became interested in the soon-to-be-released Caliber.
Then an angel whispered in my ear*, and I’m forever grateful that I didn’t “pull the trigger on the Caliber”.
*Consumer Reports, C&D, RT et.al. :-)
Who would think the Mitsubishi Evo would be based on the same platform.
What is “the single worst family of Chrysler vehicles in recent history?”
Okay, Ill start typing, and someone else will have to pick up when my fingers break from over use. Lol
Id say that recently, the hand-me-down Mitsu GS platform is high on the list (underpinned the awful Sebring/Avenger/200 (first one), Caliber/Patriot/Compass, and the Journey I believe). With the “world” engine, oh man, its as though they said “remember the Dodge Spirit? I think we can do worse. Far worse.”
Disclaimer: I kinda like the Plymouth Acclaim. With a V-6, the boxy styling, for some reason, its just kinda works for me. But, Im a weird duck, you all should know that by now lol. Yes, I know the Spirit R/T was the performer, but the Acclaim always looked classier to me. Its a car that can pull off beige pretty well IMO. I also liked the Plymouth Breeze with a manual trans, although the quality was awful. Decent handler, as I recall.
I liked the LeBaron sedan version of the Acclaim. They looked very tidy with the right colors and trims.
Then as it was, then again it will be
And though the course may change sometimes
Rivers always reach the sea
I found it!
But as the eagle leaves the nest, it’s got so far to go
Total integrated power module…
Ugh, the TIPM. smashing idea to create one big central point of failure, and make sure it fails.
Easily eliminated choices from the past 10 years-
Cancelled: Any version of a RWD coupe from any manufacturer shown at an auto show
Crushed: R33+ versions of the Skyline imported into the US.
Annihilated: Any pretense that SUV/CUVs are actually supposed to go off road and are anything more than station wagons with 1.2″ additional ground clearance over the sedan they share platforms with.
has anyone else been having problems on this site in Chrome? Specifically the scroll bar disappearing and leaving the page unscrollable?
Yep. TTAC won’t even run on Chrome on my computer sometimes. Then I used Firefox, but the ads crippled that browser and I had to run an ad blocker. I don’t want to have to do that, but the site isn’t usable without it.
disable Flash, and the ad problem goes away. you’ll just get static banners which won’t bring your system to a screeching halt.
uBlock Origin on Chrome or Firefox.
Especially on Chrome, it uses less memory. It also doesn’t allow ad networks to pay-to-play (which Adblock Plus does)
I run Chrome with Malwarebytes in the background on my Windows 7 PC..
Works great!
I blame the combination of this website, Chrome, and Windows 10.
I have a problem with ttac on chrome. It won’t even load for me.
I have a customized Chrome instance on Win7 SP1 with about 4,000 updates, TTAC works fine. Add Ghostery to your local Chrome instances and reload.
TTAC “Best of the Worst” is all I can think of
A couple chicken dinner eaters here today.
It would almost be worth it for you to go down to where Tresmonos lives, just to buy him Chicken and Waffles. Some of the chicken places are that good.
Nike is currently making a chicken and waffles themed sneaker. I was offended.
https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TEQO-TnskO6uXXdYAd8wjkghmXM=/0x65:940×594/1310×737/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49166171/nike-sb-dunk-high-chicken-and-waffles-1.0.0.jpg
You’ve had to have been here for a while to remember this, but …
It was on the first TWAT list.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2006/10/ttacs-ten-worst-automobiles-today-twat-award/
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2006/11/the-truth-about-cars-2006-ten-worst-automobiles-today-twat-awards-the-winners/
This makes me want to cry:
“Why Subaru felt the need to enter the SUV segment when it offers such a wide range of superb four wheel-drive sedans and wagons is anybody’s guess.”
Someone had chicken dinner today.
Bring it back, Mark!
More to come!
Seems like that was about the same time as the first Brock Yates experiment, but I can’t find any evidence to confirm.
And I had a burger for lunch.
That was a fun experiment. “Wait, readers are allowed to just react to my column and call me out on my bullsh1t? This is so unfair! My beautiful, thin skin, it’s getting all bruised.”
Me thinks this is it, and it’s high time for another round of TWAT nominations.
Maybe a little harder this round, as the bar is always moving.
There’s still the Compass, though, and in addition how bout it’s stablemates the Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade. Keeping it in the family, the Dodge Journey and Dart. Not even Fire Sale pricing can keep them off the list.
Stablemates?
The Compass is completely unrelated to the 500X and Renegade.
The new Compass may be related to them.
All Jeeps or illegitimate Euro-trash siblings.
I think the 500X just got a decent review from Bark M
But you could definitely fill half the TWAT list with FCA offerings…. and most likely the other half with Mitsubishis built on the same platforms. The DSM connection lives on.
The last transverse engined, uni-body, “car based” platform assembled at Belvidere?
Chrysler CVT? Sorry haven’t shopped Chryslers in a while (ever), may be more that I am not aware of. Just looked, there is a transmission option called autostick. Not sure if that is CVT. Maybe autostick is the answer, never driven a car with a transmission by that name that I know of.
CVT2 is still available on the Patriot.
Autostick is the gate that lets you shift manually. Sort of. Mostly.
Last vehicle based on the Dodge Caliber platform?
The last platform from Chrysler/GM to be alive pre-BK to still be alive post-BK?
EDIT: Wrong – never mind – LX platform by Chrysler for starters.
Yep. Don’t forget about the minivans, too.
Wikipedia says: Chysler MK platform
As in, “Mmm-kay, I guess I’ll take it if it’s the only new CUV I can afford…”
Deleted. Wrong thread.
Nothing makes you feel more like a man than the Thundercougarfalconbird.
Oh no, bring your comment back FromaBuick!
Shut up and take my money! Er, I mean, scroll down a few inches…
I’m never going to write “GM BOF SUV” ever again.
Not when I can steal from a former TTAC writer the wonderful word “Yukotahoburbelade.”
“Yukotahoburbelade.” – it’s the new Oldsmobuick!
You should has yoself a glass of congratulade for usin that term.
That isn’t as bad as “MaxCumStroke” diesel trucks.
One word: Thundercougarfalconbird.
Here are my nominations for 2016 (sadly, I don’t have time to write a proper paragraph for each, even though that’s at least half the value):
10. Mazda CX-3
9. BMW X6
8. Honda HR-V
7. Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV
6. Kia K900
5. Mercedes CLA250/GLA250
4. Fiat 500L
3. Range Rover Evoque
2. Jeep Compass
1. Honda CR-Z
I honestly didn’t try to put so many subcompact CUVs in. I just think it’s a class that’s very poorly executed right now. (And my #11 would be another one, the Chevy Trax.)
Additional nominees:
– Dodge Journey
– Acura RLX
– any VW diesel
– any Mitsubishi
– any Infiniti, but especailly the QX30
– Toyota Yaris
– Lexus GX
– anything “classic” or “limited” and especially Nissan Rouge
I might add the Buick Encore, but mostly just to piss off Norm.
The QX30 should be together with the GLA/CLA… it’s basically the same thing. Other Infinitis aren’t that bad, except maybe the poorly packaged and old QX70.
VW diesel is a strong contender.
RLX isn’t actually a bad car at all… just overpriced. If the FWD version were priced across from the Lexus ES and the Sport Hybrid $5000 more no one would have the slightest issue with it.
I don’t really like to pick on the super cheapies like Yaris and Mirage. By and large they exist to be cheap and they do a good job of it. You get what you pay for.
The Lexus GX is a perfectly good truck, provided you want a truck, and one of the two or three most reliable vehicles on the planet. Not sure why it would get the honor.
Agreed on the QX30 and VW.
I added the RLX not because it’s a terrible car – it’s not. But because I could spec a TLX that is better in 95% of ways, and save $10K.
Yaris, Mirage could be excused for being cheap, except that the Fit, iA and Fiesta do it so much better. Even the Chevy is better.
The GX isn’t a bad vehicle. But it is terribly mismatched for the market. People spending $50K for a tall Lexus want a 3-row crossover like the MDX or XC90. Instead, they get a rough riding, gussied up ForeRunner (or nearly). Also aged.
Agreed on the market mismatch for the GX; Lexus needs an extended three-row RX variant yesterday. But if you actually want a luxury truck it’s still one of the best out there despite its age. That may be “10 worst marketing efforts” but I don’t see it as “10 worst cars.”
Anecdote incoming: A close friend of mine (doctor with doctor parents) called me a few weeks ago. He was telling me that his mom and dad had ordered an X5 to replace the his mom’s GX460 because the “X5 feels more sturdy, better built.” I said that the X5 was probably a better choice for his mother seeing that she doesn’t go off the pavement, but the idea that the X5 is sturdier is asinine. I explained that the GX was basically a fancy version of a Land Cruiser Prado that is ubiquitous in Africa, Australia, and Asia. His parents are originally from India, so it is pretty likely he has seen a few LC150s on his travels back to see family. Curiosity got the best of me and I looked up the KBB value of a 10 year old GX and a 10 year old X5. The X5s were worth a little over half the value of the GX. That says it all, IMO.
Quentin,
Having just witnessed the absolute basketcase that is a 8 year old E70 chassis X5 with higher miles, I can think of no bigger gap in longevity than a Land Cruiser Prado-based Lexus SUV and this marvel of “German engineering.” You’re correct, resale says it all.
I humbly withdraw the suggestion of the GX. I do contend that Lexus would be better off with a 3-row RX and a gussied up Sequoia in place of the GX and LX, but that’s just my opinion. The GX is by no means a bad vehicle.
As an aside, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a GX described as being rough riding. Wallowy, maybe. But if someone asked me for a recommendation for the absolute best vehicle to tackle our crumbling infrastructure in comfort and confidence, a Lexus-tuned BOF SUV with fat sidewall tires would be a top pick. The older trucks with adjustable damper stiffness could be adjusted from ‘stable but still comfortable’ in Sport mode to “insanely wallowy 1970s US landbarge marshmallow that smothers all” in Comfort mode.
Oh. I lust after a QX70 w/ 5.0 V8, or at least the idea of one. I like my old FX45 enough that I would gladly upgrade it with more power and technology.
And the Lexus GX is as close to indestructible as you can get. The X5 is great when new, but a few years later I would definitely prefer the GX.
I’m a bit surprised they never gave the 5.6 to the FX.
Ok, no idea so I have to go with this: fixed long mast antenna.
Longest platform life still produced ??? I have a 2016 Jeep Patriot and it’s the biggest piece of junk I’ve owned. And trust me, I’ve owned a ton of POS Fords!
Can you talk us through how you ended up buying a brand new version of a car that has remained unchanged for the last 10 years?
It all started in the parking lot behind K-Mart…
Mitsu GS platform.
Ten years since the Neon disappeared?
Last Mitsu platform at Chrysler?
In the earlier talk of old platforms did anyone mention Mitsubishi Lancer?
After checking Carcomplaints.com, these should have been killed off long ago…along with the Caliber, would have been perfect.