I ask the following question: Of all the vehicles that you have driven, what car (or truck) have you owned that you loved in spite of its faults, quirks, and foibles? As a follow-up question, what made that flawed vehicle so endearing to you?
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1990 Plymouth Acclaim V6.
This car had a Mitsubishi engine and transmission which both needed rebuilding or replacing every 100,000 miles or so. But it was QUICK. Awesome fast, and comfortable and easy to drive. I had this car for about eight years, then sold it to my brother who also enjoyed it for another 7 or 8 years.
Despite being a Chrysler product with a Mitsubishi engine and drivetrain - this was a great car.
Bought it in Michigan in 1971 with a blown up engine for $200 in my mid-twenties. A few Ford Cortina parts turned it back into a good engine since the twin overhead cam head was OK. It was fiddly to keep running smoothly with shims to adjust the valve clearances and frequent adjustments to the twin dual Weber carbs, but it was a kick to drive.
The other drivers thought it was a little Fiat, but it could keep up with older muscle cars up to 70 mph and simply lose them when the road became winding.
It was amazing I didn't kill myself given the lack of safety features in 60’s cars. Even the bumpers were fiberglass...:^)