I’ve been in Monterey since 10:30 Sunday morning preparing for Car Week festivities. So far this 1991 Honda Accord Coupe has been the coolest thing I’ve seen, and it’s unlikely to be surpassed. It’s got a 5-speed manual, Pebble Beach residential parking pass, and 30,771 miles on the odometer [Patrick sent this photo to me with the words, “Get ready to nut.” -Ed.]. What feels like not that long ago these Accords were everywhere, a feeling backed up by the fact that these were America’s best-selling car from 1990-91. Back then we rarely gave them a second glance; now we positively drool over a fine example.
What formerly unremarkable JNC now sparks joy?
The best comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What is the most ‘Japanese’ car?”
An interesting aspect of last week’s answers was that the cars named each reflected an admirable facet of Japanese culture that explains, in part, why there have been so many good cars coming from that country.
For example, Lee chose the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, cars that manage to get the job done with very little fuss and high marks for dependability and affordability (and the occasional hair-igniting performance model thrown in). Taylor C. suggested kei cars for their excellent packaging and minimalist nature. Dimitry Mochkin nominated the Toyota Century for its unparalleled attention to detail.
The winner this week was Cobalt Fire, who picked the Mazda Miata, and how it represents the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement:
I thought about a few different cars; the Century, Kei cars as a class, etc. but I think one car really stands out in how ubiquitous it is and how much it embodies the Japanese mindset of continually striving to be absolutely excellent at something through constant refinement:
The Mazda Miata/Roadster/MX-5.
A car built for the love of driving, embodying a philosophy of uniting the driver and vehicle (jinba ittai), and being continuously refined for three decades now. Perhaps no specific part of the car is the best in the world, instead it’s the overall integration and refinement that makes these cars so unique.
Ask anyone and they know what a Miata is, even people who aren’t “car” people. As an ambassador for Japan I can’t think of a better vehicle.
Omedetou, your comment has earned you a set of decals from the JNC Shop!
I think the 1980s Toyota Pickup has become the ultimate fade-into-the-background then stop you in your tracks JNC. The more stripped out, the happier it seems to make people.
The funny thing about that generation Accord is that they all seemed to be painted Laguna Gold Metallic. When you mention that gen and I visualize it, that’s the color it is.
But then look at what color options there were in 1990. There were 15 color choices. 32 years later, you get to pick from 8 – and most are locked behind trims and are extra cost. The most you can get for any one new trim is a choice of 3 included and 3 extra cost. That’s sad but at the same time, telling. Perhaps my experience is why there are so few color choices now.
Any of them and all of them. Any car that comes from mundane roots and has withstood the test of time despite its throwaway status when new, becomes fascinating. Like it or not, in 2055 a 2005 Altima will make you take pause.
All of that said, if I needed to pick one personally, early to mid 90s Corollas are in my active search. Dead nuts reliable, great fuel economy, available with a five-speed, some truly interesting engine swap options and the 4×100 wheel availability making options almost endless. They have endeared themselves to me and I wouldn’t mind one as a daily driver.
It’s got to be any Civic. Every time I see a Civic, EK or older, that’s not clapped out, stanced, or squeaking down the freeway on its last legs I smile. These days they’re almost 100% driven by someone who’s clearly a fan.
It’s a vehicle that was sold in the US but never offered in Japan. It did have other variants for sale in Japan and worldwide, but time has proven the “black sheep” version to be the most enduring and sought after. It is a vehicle that does NOT have a name or badge proudly stating what it is, neither exterior or interior, unlike the Fairlady or Savanna. Its only identifying manufacturer tags were lowly decals, defying the norm of the 70s, no chrome badges.
But we now all know about the “Rotary Engine Pick-Up” aka REPU now. Its cousins, the Ford Courier and Mazda 1600, bask in the glow of the light from the “pick-up with pick up”
USDM 1994-2001 Integra GS-R 4-door. (DB8). In Japan they got the Integra Type R 4-door. Now the DC2 Type R’s prices are up, but when I see a 4-door Integra I always think it looked cooler. This size Integra was not too big like today’s Hondas. Weight is around 2,700 lbs, which isn’t bad for a 4-door. It had double wishbone suspension that still handled good after you lowered the ride height.. B18C1 engine is also fun with a lot of aftermarket support. A left hand drive 4-door Integra Type R clone would be a cool project.