Karl on Cars
Cars that Jumped the Shark
May 7, 2008
Cars that Jumped the Shark: Mazda Miata
Has the Mazda Miata ever really jumped the shark? Moreso than the BMW M3, I would argue it has not.
In looking at the Miata's basic specs over its three generations there is an undeniable weight gain -- from just over 2,000 pounds for the 1990 model to 2,400 pounds in the current roadster. A "bulk-up" of more than 25 percent for a two-seat sports car could be reason enough to suggest the jumping of predatory fish. But if you've driven all three generations you know the Miata's core mission of providing exotic-car levels of fun at just over economy car prices hasn't faltered.
May 7, 2008 6:00 am
Categories: Mazda | Cars that Jumped the Shark
Apr 28, 2008
Cars that Jumped the Shark: Chevrolet Corvette
There aren't many 55-year-old models on sale in 2008, but Chevrolet's Corvette is officially approaching early retirement age, and in terms of pure performance it's never been better. The 1997 introduction of the C5 model catapaulted Chevy's sports car onto the world stage as an exotic challenger. The Z06 model upped its game to exotic slayer, leaving me at a loss for words to describe the 638 horsepower ZR1 coming in a few months.
So, has the Corvette ever jumped the shark? Well, yes.
Apr 28, 2008 6:00 am
Categories: Chevrolet | Cars that Jumped the Shark | Retro Revivals
Apr 21, 2008
Cars that Jumped the Shark: Ford Mustang
As one of the oldest existing vehicle nameplates in the automotive universe it seems only fitting to ask the inevitable question: When (if ever) did the Ford Mustang jump the shark?
I'm going to take the suspense out of this discussion and tell you up front when I think the Mustang topped out: 1969. That's actually one year after my favorite Mustang of all time -- 1968 Shelby GT500KR -- but there were enough exciting models in 1969 to validate the model's sustained health. The Boss Mustangs (302 and 429) both hit showrooms that year, as did the Mach 1. The 428 Super Cobra Jet was going strong, and Shelby still had a couple models in the line-up (though I don't like them as much as the '68 versions).
Apr 21, 2008 6:00 am
Categories: Ford | Cars that Jumped the Shark | Muscle Car | Retro Revivals
Apr 15, 2008
Talk Back Tuesday: Cars that Jumped the Shark -- M3
Alright guys, I've got a new series I want to start with today's Talk Back Tuesday.
It's the first installment of Cars that Jumped the Shark, in which we discuss when a particular model topped out before beginning that inexorable slide into pathetic-ness. In some cases you may feel a car never jumped the shark and it is still getting better, which is fine. In other cases, you may feel a car never even got up on two skiis, but was fish food from day one, and that's okay too.
To start things off I'm going to ask about the BMW M3. With an all-new version now in showrooms, and a previous-generation M3 in our long-term fleet, it seems fitting to ask the question: When did the BMW M3 jumped the shark?
Apr 15, 2008 6:00 am
Categories: BMW | Talk Back Tuesday | Cars that Jumped the Shark
