Will we see a return to the 80's Econo Box Factory Hot Rods?

[3macboys]

I was going through some sales brochures today and it occurred to me that those econo boxes were spawned from the last energy crisis of the late 70's.  In comparison to todays cars they were low horsepower but at the time the VW Rabbit GTI, Dodge Omni GLH, Ford Escort GT were the factory hot rods.  You might even argue that they started the performance wars that led to the 5.0 Mustangs, IROC Camaros and the like that has since given us the Hellcat etc.  My question is do you think that we will see a return to the economy car hot rod if the current fuel prices continue?

[1912Staver]

Plymouth Fire Arrow.

[nickelroadster]

Something that is still available is a Honda Civic SI.  About as fast as a sixties muscle car and I got 43 mpg coming back from Hershey to my home in Georgia.

[Guest]

I believe the fuel prices will show a slight drop in mid to late October and then significantly fall after November. 

So the inflated pricing won't be around long enough to change the manufacturers long term plans.

[3macboys]

2 minutes ago, GregLaR said:

I believe the fuel prices will show a slight drop in mid to late October and then significantly fall after November. 

So the inflated pricing won't be around long enough to change the manufacturers long term plans.

I sure hope that you are correct.  (I've got two hemi powered vehicles sitting in the lane at the moment) Given the product lead time I wonder how long it takes for manufactures to actually react to the market.   

[TAKerry]

11 hours ago, nickelroadster said:

Something that is still available is a Honda Civic SI.  About as fast as a sixties muscle car and I got 43 mpg coming back from Hershey to my home in Georgia.

They are out there now, and have been, though I dont know if they qualify as 'econo'. Subarus wrx are widely popular and fast. Hondas like mentioned, etc.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Reminds me of an aquantance who in 2006 - 2007 had a WRX as a daily and a new 911 cabriolet.  Two memorable things -

1. As an enthusiast in his 40s he loved the WRX but hated the boy racer image.  He had the spoiler and a couple other doo dads removed.  Not a bad looking result.

2. Sheepishly he admitted the WRX slightly edged the 911 in straight line acceleration...

Tough to beat if you want a relatively low buck rocketship...

 

[TerryB]

My take on it:
In the 70’s we were of the mindset that OPEC was going to forever control prices and availability which made the idea of a smaller more fuel efficient vehicle seem like the way to go. As automobile technology improved it was possible to have larger vehicles get better fuel economy so the smaller cars were not in as high of demand and the idea of an SUV type auto also became more popular.  In 2007-8 when fuel prices went up the smaller cars once again were more desirable but only for a short time. With relatively stable fuel prices and improvements in MPG the pickup craze was added to the SUV craze and small cars, with a few notable exceptions, we’re back to curious oddities.  The high performance small cars found a following but the idea of the mundane Ford Focus grocery getter lost out to the SUV.  When you look under the hood of today’s vehicles you see smaller engines producing more power with most all getting decent fuel economy.  I’m surprised at how Ford is getting so much use out of its 3 cyl engine in so many applications.  Going forward I think the gas issues of today’s market will enhance the interest in electric vehicles.  Locally for me the number EVs and plug in hybrids on the street has grown significantly from just a couple of years ago.  
 

 

[3macboys]

My new truck - a 2022 Ram 1500 - is getting about 25 to 28 mpg on the highway which I consider exceptionally good and don't get me wrong it's a great vehicle but I do remember the fun factor of those little four bangers with a five speed.  I'm sure part of it was age but they seemed to corner like crazy and loved to be wound up on the highway.  I agree that there are a few out there still if you really go looking but as the big three have all but abandoned actual small car production it will be interesting to see where we go.  

[Graham Man]

Check out that mileage 39 highway...

 

 

My Dad tried to buy a 1976 VW Rabbit, they would not throw in the mud flaps so we got a Dodge Colt GT

 

[Guest]

[DAVES89]

1 hour ago, Graham Man said:

Check out that mileage 39 highway...

 

 

My Dad tried to buy a 1976 VW Rabbit, they would not throw in the mud flaps so we got a Dodge Colt GT

 

My wife [fiance at the time] had a Plymouth Arrow. Fun little car that gave great gas mileage.

[Pfeil]

18 hours ago, 1912Staver said:

Plymouth Fire Arrow.

  My question is do you think that we will see a return to the economy car hot rod if the current fuel prices continue?

 

 

The answer to your question is no. Return? they never left if, you know where to look, or hang out.

 

[Graham Man]

2022 Mini John Cooper Works...38K

 

2022 VW GTI... 27K

 

2022 Hyundia Veloter N... 32K

 

 

 

[Rivguy]

I agree that there are still econo high performance cars out there. They aren't as popular as the new Pony Cars and big trucks of course. I had a 90 Honda Civic SI that was a blast to drive and got 40 mpg. driven carefully on the highway. I rented a 2021 Mustang GT and drove it home from So Cal. Driven like a sane person cruising at 78 mph. on I 5, I got 28 mpg on the trip home. That beat my '96 and my '06 GTs by a couple of miles a gallon. These are all better than when my '66 Riviera was my daily. I have always chosen to live close to work so my commute for the last thirty years was ten miles each way. I like an efficient car and would consider something like the Toyota/Subaru sporty car. 

[hidden_hunter]

I have a white VW golf R stationwagon, the ultimate in sleeper cars but certainly not economy in any stretch - you're talking well south of 20 MPG when pushed and highway is around 30-32 MPG

 

Don't know if the GTI does that much better and with WFH the consumption hasn't really bothered me