#81 - Our first cars: A listener episode!

Episode #81

Thank you so very much for tuning in to the Pop Culture Retrospective Podcast. This show is dedicated to the memory of my big sister Rebecca, a fan of all things pop-culture, particularly of the people, places, and things that defined the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.  Welcome aboard this pop culture time machine, I'm Amy Lewis. This is episode #81 - Our First Cars, a Listener and Follower episode! I reached out on both Twitter and Instagram asking people to share what their first car was and I got a ton of responses so I am excited to share them with you all here in just a moment. Just like with every episode of the show, I want to share the backstory behind contributor’s first vehicles.  I learned a ton putting together this episode and I think you will, too.  So, grab your sunglasses, your jean jacket and don’t worry about your seatbelt or second hand smoke, here we go!

What follows is a compilation of feedback I got from listeners and followers.  We will go through each retro vehicle in no particular order.  For as along as I can remember, I have loved the asethetic of cars, especially cars from the 1980s.  We won’t get into anything super mechanical like horsepower, engines, etc. because that is really not my forte, but I will share some interesting historical tidbits about each vehicle.  So, let’s rollout! 

Our first vehicle was shared by an Instagram follower named Angie aka  alsb1110 - she had a 1982 Oldsmobile Delta 88 which she said had a factory horn that sounded just like an 18-wheeler!  1981 Oldsmobile Delta 88 commercial

• The OD dates back all the way to 1949 when it was first manufactured.
• The Delta 88 model was developed to complement other Oldsmobile series like the 76 and 98.  
• The 1982 model year introduced a new grille, made up of several horizontal bars. You could get the Delta 88 in either a sedan or a coupe.  There were also two power models - one called the Royale and the other called the Royal Brougham which, although it is spelled BROUGHAM it is pronounced like Broom.  I looked it up.
• In 1982, the colors available for the 88 included:  slate gray, jade stone, dark blue, sandstone, redwood and my personal favorite color name - Doe skin.  There were of course many others as well.   
• The Delta 88 was produced until 1999 - it was actually a top seller for a total of 24 years during it’s 50 year run.  It was so popular that it inspired a song called “Rocket 88” because it had such a powerful engine.  1951 Jackie Brenston Rocket "88" (#1 R&B hit)
• I’m pretty sure my grandparents had a Delta 88 as they were big fans of Oldsmobile.  I remember this car being humongous and it drove like a dream. 

Friend and listener Julie had a 2001 Toyota Rav 4 as her first car. 2001 Toyota Rav4 commercial

• In case you were wondering, RAV stands for Recreational Active Vehicle with 4 wheel drive. 
• The concept for the RAV4 actually dates back to 1986, but it wouldn’t be released in the US until 1996, Japan and Europe got it in 1994.  
• In 1998, Toyota introduced a cabrio model, which was a convertible.  That idea actually sounds pretty horrendous and apparently I was right because it was quietly discontinued in 2000. 
• In 2001, Rav 4 got a facelift and the 2nd generation started rolling off the assembly line.  During this same year, competitors like the Honda CRV, the Land Rover Freelander and the Suburu Forester all made their debuts. The starting price of the Rav4 in 2001 was $18,815.  
• Colors available during this model year included:  gold, silver, green, navy blue, black, white and others. 
• The 3rd generation came in 2005.
• The current model year for the Rav4 is generation 5.  My wife has owned 2 Rav4s and they are excellent cars if I do say so myself.

Friend and fellow podcaster John had a 1984 Cutlass Supreme for his first car.  1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass TV Commercial

• This classic vehicle was produced between 1966-1997.
• The 1984 models specifically could be purchased for about 9,000 to 10,275.
• Like so many traditional cars, a coupe and sedan were available.  The coupe model was RWD and could go up to 101 mph. 
• The 1984 model of the Cutlass Supreme was produced from September of 1983 until October of 1984.
• The car was described as a midsize family car, there were 98 cubic feet of passenger volume - 6 people could fit inside.
• Eventually the supreme became the most popular Oldsmobile model and perhaps that was most clearly obvious when it appeared in an ad featuring Epcot Center at Walt Disney World in the background.  
• Some models of the supreme even came with a sunroof.  
• Colors available for the 1984 model year included- white, silver, blue metallic, sandstone, maple, saddle tan and more!

Friend, listener and fellow podcaster Amy Fagan said that her first car was a Renault REEE-NO Encore. AMC Renault Encore commercial - 1985

• The Encore was first released starting in 1984.  It has been described as a sub compact hatchback.  It sold pretty well that first year, the company produced 87,000 of them. REEE-NO is actually a car manufacturer based in France which has been around since 1899!
• In the early 1980s, about ⅔ of all cars sold were hatchbacks.  Remember there was an energy crisis at one point, so gas prices were pretty expensive during this time so people didn’t want huge cars.
• The Encore came in both 2 door and 4 door models.  Does anyone else remember how irritating 2 door cars were?  
• The cars were assembled in Kenosha, WI and featured Front Wheel Drive.
• The Encore got about 40mpg on the highway with the manual transmission.
• There were 4 different trim levels - the base models had vinyl upholstery and the higher end models had fabric upholstery.  Air conditioning was available on some models. 
• And speaking of higher-end models, the diamond edition sold for $7,570 and for $7,770 you could get the 5 door model.  
• The model was only made until 1987 when demand for smaller vehicles decreased.  Gas wasn’t an expensive and people wanted more room.  Apparently REE-NO said NO to any more Encores.

Friend and listener Marnie shared that her first car was a 1994 Geo Tracker. 1991 Geo Tracker "Go a little nut's" TV COmmercial

• The Geo Tracker was first introduced in 1988 for the 1989 model year.  It was developed by a partnership between Suzuki and GM.  If you remember the Suzuki sidekick, it was the same as the tracker/was sort of the sister vehicle.  Sort of like the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
• The Geo Tracker was produced between 1989-2004 in both the US and Canada.  The cost for the 1994 model ranged from about 11,000 to 14,000. Most models came with 4WD.
• In the 1994 model year you could get a tracker in colors like Scuba Blue Metallic, Silver Sage Metallic, Super Grape, Wildfire Red and sunset red metallic among others. 
• Despite it’s small size, the MPG for the Tracker was 21 City and 22 HWY.
• In 1996, the 2 door model was dropped in favor of a 4-door model.
• The Tracker was under the Geo name from 89-1997, but from 1998-2004 it was under the Chevy umbrella.  Believe it or not, the Tracker was the longest-running Geo model.  The Geo line of cars, a division of Chevy, was dropped in late 1997.  The Geo line was comprised entirely of sub-compact cars.  

One of my followers on IG named Carrie said that her first car was a 1991 VW Jetta 1991 - VW Jetta Ad - USA

• Dating back to 1979, the VW Jetta has always been one of my favorite vehicles, especially the models from the early 1980s.
• During this model year, the jetta was available in both a diesel and gas model with front-wheel drive
• 2 or 4 door models were available
• In 1991, the VW Jetta was the best-selling European car in the US, outpacing another VW vehicle, the Gulf.  It sold for about $18,000 at the time.  The 1991 model falls into the 2nd generation of the Jetta.
• For the 1991 model year, the Jetta could now seat 5 people instead of 4 like previous models.
• Colors available that year included:  medium blue metallic, Tornado red, Diamond silver, alpine white, Brilliant Black Metallic and others. 
• Fun fact - older models of the Jetta had a stereo system that was apparently stolen all of the time.  Allegedly, the mount slid out easily so it became an easy target.  The stereo was redesigned for the 1991 model so that the radio wouldn’t work when it was removed unless a certain code was entered in.  Only mechanics knew this code. 
• For many years, rumors have said that the Jetta name is derived from the Atlantic Jet Stream because VW allegedly named their vehicles after prominent winds. Apparently this myth has been busted, but it still circulates to this day.
• As of 2021, about 3.2 million Jettas have been sold in the US,  My dad and stepmom were responsible for a few of those purchases! 

Friend and listener Preston had 1988 Ford Ranger for his first car. Ford Ranger Commercial (1988)

• The FR was first introduced in early 1982 for the 1983 model year.  The first generation of the Ford Ranger was sold from 1983-1992.
• It came after the Ford Courier which was the first compact pickup truck sold by Ford between 1972-1982.
• There were two options for layouts I guess you could say for the Ranger.  You could get a 2 door with a regular cab, or a 2-door with an extended cab.  The 3 passenger front row bench seat was standard.  Second smoke was also standard when you are a child crammed in between two chain smokers.
• In 1989, the Ranger got a facelift which included improved frame components as well as a revised exterior and interior.  

• The original MSRP was about 12k for GT models, but you could get the lower end model for about 7500 and could spend almost 15k for the higher end models.
• From 1987-2004 the Ford Ranger was the best selling compact truck in the United States.
• In 2012, the Ranger was sadly discontinued but was thankfully re-introduced in 2019, which was music to my father in law’s ears.  HE LOVES Ford Rangers and has owned multiple editions.  He’s had two models since they came back into production.

Fellow podcaster and Twitter follower David had a 1996 Chrysler Concord https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gvh113uI-Rw&list=PLSqhoxMvfoTggXb9pA5oxpKdIKy_Bgplm&index=8 

• The first Chrysler Concordes were released for the 1993 model year.  In 1993, you could order a panasonic cell phone with an external mount attenae.  Do you remember when you had to remove antennas on your car before going through the car wash?  I do.

• The 1996 model year offered some new or updated features including- improved headlight illumination, a revamped exterior, new colors were available, the interior was made to be more quiet via additional sound insulation.  
• Power windows and central door locks were standard in 1996.  You could even get keyless systems at this time.
• Some of the colors available in 1996 were candyapple red, Drama gold, wildberry and opal satin.
• The Concord was the sister vehicle to the Dodge Intrepid and Eagle Vision.
• The Concord was priced at 20k and competed with vehicles like the Honda Accord and the Ford Taurus. Surprisingly, the the Concord had more power and more room than both of those other cars!
• The Concorde was available in Front Wheel Driver and got 20mpg.
• Some of the upscale models had rear vents, 8 way power seats for the driver and front passenger.
• The car was manufactured between 1992-2004.  They were assembled in Ontario, Canada and in Delaware.

My sister’s first car was 1986 Toyota Camry, if I am remembering correctly. 1986 Toyota Camry Commercial  When she got her first car, it was pretty old when it was purchased, however, it was in such immaculate condition that my parents knew it was a good buy.  It turned out they were right.  Her 1986 Toyota Camry had a white exterior and navy blue interior.  

• The Camry made it’s debut in 1983, just like me!  The Camry replaced the Corona model.
• The first generation of Camrys were produced between 1983-1986.
• The 1986 model was available in either a 4 door sedan or 5 door hatchback.
• Some of the color choices during this year were super white, new white, silver, gray, black, beige and dark blue.
• In 1986, a new Toyota Camry would set you back $11,108.
• Becky’s first car was memorable for 2 reasons, 1 it was old but it was driven by an elderly couple who took meticulous care of it so it really felt brand new and 2 - it was eventually stolen.  When Becky was in college, I think, the car was stolen by a young man who did not have his driver’s license.  He actually ended up crashing the car (on accident) so the perfect Toyota suddenly became scrap metal.  I believe he ended up going to court for his actions and he was required to send my sister an apology letter.  The letter was barely legible and many words were spelled incorrectly so I think instead of being really angry, my sister sort of felt for the kid.  Clearly, he was in a tough spot. My sister would then go on to get another Toyota, this time a Carolla.  She drove that for several years until she got, yet another Toyota.  Talk about brand loyalty!  In my family, because we are Japanese, we were always encouraged to purchase more expensive items like electronics and cars from Japanese companies.  I’ll have to double-check with my cousins on this, but I feel like at one point our Obachan bought us all TVs and the only requirement was that they had to be Sony, Panasonic or Sharp.  Same thing for our VCRs.
• Between 1997-2019, the Toyota Camry was the best-selling passenger car for all years during this period except for 2001.  
• As of 2020, 10 million Camrys have been sold in the US

And that brings us to our final car, my dream vehicle (Im not kidding) a 1990 Jeep Cherokee Best Jeep Cherokee Commercial

• I bought my first car when I was a junior in high school if I am remembering correctly.  I had worked at the same job for almost 2 years and worked at night so I think my mom appreciated me being able to get my own car.
• The reason for my specific interest in getting a Jeep Cherokee is that I grew up riding in them.  My mom had a 1985 Jeep Cherokee, it was gold in color and later she had a 1989 one which was gray.  I double-checked with my mom recently on the years of her Jeeps and I was right, thankfully, and she also told me that when she got the first one in 1985, there weren’t a lot of people driving them as personal vehicles, most were service vehicles. And she was right, Jeep Cherokees, for many years, were popular with police departments, local governments, and USPS. She also recalled a story about how a couple told her that she could have gotten an actual nice car for that money.  What morons.  I would have run them over with my jeep, geez.  I have a serious, sentimental attachment to Jeep Cherokees.
• For example, when I was a toddler and my sister was in Kindergarten, I would go with my mom to drop my sister off at school.  After my sister got settled, we’d go back to the car and my mom would let me sit on her lap for a few minutes (parked of course) and let me steer.  I remember what the steering wheel looked like in that car as well as the upholstery.  I remember what the glove compartment looked like.  I remember what the gear shift looked like.  I loved everything about those cars and vowed to myself at some point that I would one day own one.
• Also, I remember those vehicles fondly because they were often the ones we traveled together in as a family.  On one memorable road trip, my parents put the back seat down, put some sort of cushion or mattress down, and me and my sister got to lay back there and sleep and play and it was awesome.  If someone were to do that now, you best believe that child services would be called.  I also remember how uncomfortable being a passenger in the backseat was when the bench seating was up in the regular position as there were NO headrests.  And I don’t mean that they were removed, I mean they were not a part of the design, they did not exist.  I can remember falling asleep and waking up with terrible neck pain because my head had fallen over the bench seat and remained there, in an unnatural position for an extended period of time. I can remember waking up and rubbing my neck while likely listening to the sounds of Tracy Chapman or Tina Turner.  
• every time my kids complain about being bored in the car, I remind them how me and my sister would grab the middle seat belt and pretend it was a video game gun and the back of the front seats were TV screens that we would shoot at. 
• The 1990 edition of the Jeep Cherokee got three-point seatbelts and they started featuring an overhead console option which featured a sunglasses holder and a directional screen that told you if you were headed north, south, east or west.  My 1990 Maroon Jeep Cherokee had this and I thought I was pretty bad ass.  The interior of my maroon Jeep was the same exact interior as my mom’s 1989 Jeep so once I saw that, I knew we had to buy it!  Also in 1990, the AM/FM stereo became standard the MSRP was $19,000.  At that time and I think for most of the Cherokees run, you could get a 2 door or 4 door model, as well as as an option for 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive.  I remember my 4 wheel drive came in handy so many times when I was in college in the 2nd snowiest city in the United States.  
• During this time, the Jeeps were referred to as “sport wagons” which was the precursor to the term Sport Utility Vehicle or SUV.
• The Cherokee got a whopping 17mpgs.  
• Some of the colors available during the 1990 model year were:  black, gray, red, midnight blue, light blue and maroon. 
• The Cherokee was unique in that there was only 1 generation as the design never changed from it’s original run from 1983-2001.  I know Jeep has brought back both the Cherokee and the Wagoneer in recent years but the design is so far from the original that I don’t think I’ll ever own one again unless they bring it back
• One of the saddest days of my life was when I sold that car back to the dealership I bought it from.  My Aunt and Uncle decided to give me their old car, one that my Grandfather had driven for a few years. 
• I think they knew that my car was old and wanted to pass along their nicer car to me which was very kind.  I was still sad though to get rid of my car.  I’ll never forget the day I sold it.  When we turned into the car dealerships lot, my car hit the low curb and me and my mom both shook violently from side to side as the car’s shocks were pretty much shot.  
• I think we both looked at each other with sort of - this car is a POS expression, and that it was our sign, but it still broke my heart.  I SOBBED as we pulled in.  SOBBED.  If someone were to have walked passed me at that moment, they probably would have thought someone just died because that is how upset I was. I’m not kidding..  
• To this day, whenever I see an older Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Wagoneer I stop to look at it.

I hope you have enjoyed this look back at our first cars as shared from some fellow listeners, podcasters, friends, and followers.  I have always loved older vehicles so taking this trip down memory lane was a lot of fun.  Thank you so much to all of the people who shared their first cars with me.  I still have photos of my first car and it stirs up so much nostalgia for me whenever I look at it.

I want to thank Protocol Labs for sponsoring the show.  You can find out more about them and everything Pop Culture Retrospective Podcast related at my website:  popcultureretrospective.com 

I hope you will join me for my next show where we will be discussing more fascinating pop culture tidbits.