#FlashbackFridays: Beloved Cars Of The Past

3 min read By eCompareMo on October 20, 2017

Some cars will go down in history as lemons. Unlike the hit “Lemon” campaign of the Volkswagen Beetle, these models that will go down in obscurity and become studies on how to avoid four-wheeled disasters.

There are lemons. There will always be lemons. But there also are unforgettable classics.

Some models just have this resounding impact among the general motoring public. Whether they’re known for their road performance or being mere eye candy or a mix of both, these cars have left an indelible mark on our consciousness.

Seeing these rides from the past will surely stir fond memories. Though they may be “vintage” they can still keep up with the newer models. Who knows, your next car might be a preowned and preloved, second-hand version of one of these.

Honda Civic

This car’s success in the Philippines can still be felt today, especially with the newest model, the Type R selling out almost instantly. It came to prominence in the local car market as the “cool” ride for those who could afford it.  From the EG hatchbacks that are still in demand today to the more powerful pre-millennium SiR equipped with a 1.6L DOHC VTEC engine, these babies can still kick depreciation despite their age.

Toyota Corolla

Toyota has been the top-selling brand in the Philippines for more than 10 years now. The beginnings of this Japanese car maker’s dominance in the Philippine market can be traced back to the Filipinos love affair with the Toyota Corolla in the 90’s. The Corolla is still one of the most celebrated cars in the Philippines, with the E100 series earning the “Big Body” moniker. It comes in three variants: the XL and XE with their 1.3L engines with carburetor and GLi with a 1.6L fuel-injected engine for more horses under the hood.

Kia Pride

No decent list of famous old cars is complete without the Kia Pride, the South Korean manufacturer’s famous subcompact hatchback. Before Kia continued the line with the Rio model, the Pride was Kia’s, well, pride in the Philippines. The Pride is packed with a 1.3L B3 engine delivering up to 63hp and 99Nm of torque. This model, along with its big brother Besta, was a consistent chart-topper in its heyday.

Toyota Tamaraw FX

Who could forget the TV advertisement of Anjanette Abayari endorsing the Tamaraw FX, a vehicle that is definitely synonymous with the 90’s. A true successor to the locally built multipurpose vehicle the Tamaraw, the Tamaraw FX became the Filipino’s more comfortable mode of public transport. It comes in two variants, with 1.8L and 2.0L engines. The Tamaraw FX later become the more spacious Revo and we see still see its influence in the new Innova and Avanza models.

Mitsubishi Pajero

Our love-hate relationship with the SUV began with Mitsubishi Pajero, which was the Filipino’s first glimpse of how a large personal vehicle could navigate our streets. Originally a vehicle associated with the wealthy and affluent, the Pajero is almost as intimidating as it looks. Performance-wise, the Pajero Field Master is 4×2 tank powered by a 2.8L TD engine that cranks up to 123hp and 294 Nm of torque. There is also the intercooler turbo version that raises the bar at 138hp and 314 Nm of torque.

Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle is a beloved icon that crosses generations.  In the Philippines, this vehicle earned it’s beloved moniker “Kotseng Kuba” because of its distinct shape.

Beetle variations come with a variety of engines, ranging from the 1.1L to 1.5L engine. Aside from its aside from its shape, another distinctive characteristic of the Beetle is the fact that it’s engine is placed in its rear, a feat that surprised many people.

Honestly, there isn’t anything really new we can tell you here about the Beetle. It’s an iconic vehicle both here and abroad. It’s also quite prolific, with even 60’s and 70’s models of the Beetle still fetching a lot of money, especially since their parts are hard to come by nowadays.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The “Box Type” and the “L Type” generations of the Mitsubishi Lancer hold a special space at the heart of Filipino gearheads, but probably the most iconic, future-ready Lancer that hit the dealerships is the fifth generation Lancer. This line of Lancers was lovingly called “Pizza” by people was due to its triangular taillights, which fit the car’s sleeker design.  Among the different versions of the late 90’s Lancer, the GSR variant is the cream of the crop with its racer aesthetic: two-door coupe format, stock spoiler, and a 1.6L engine powering this nifty racer.