Innovations
The most exciting news involves cassette decks, which have now become the number one setup by surpassing the sales of the ol' standby eight-track deck in 1978.
--Traveling, May '79
Toyota was really onto a good idea when they made a single key to fit the doors, gas cap, and electric rear window.
--"Family Fun Wagon," Nov. '78
The XJ-series Jeeps...will represent an entirely new idea of what Jeeps are all about.
--"Sneak Peek: 1983 Jeep XJ," Mar. '82
Mitsubishi's New High-Tech Montero.
--Cover blurb, May '83
Not to be left behind by the likes of Chrysler Defense Corporation, AM General Corporation has delivered 11 prototypes of its 1 ¼-ton High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle to the U.S. Army for testing. The same company that came up with the original Jeep has dubbed its new version the Hummer.
--Tailgate, Sept. '82
The mini-truck not only survived but also evolved. It took Chevy 10 years to build its own little pickup--the S-10. And the truck world hasn't been the same since.
--"Muscle Madness," Mar. '88
Detroit's 3-Ds are downsize, diesel, and dynamite (performance). They're new enough to make us excited about new 4x4s for the first time in years.
--"Detroit in 3-D," Oct. '81
What is the Scrambler--a pickup, mini-truck, Jeep, or none of the above?
--"1981 Jeep Scrambler Vehicle Test," Aug. '81
New For '80--Factory Turbo Scout.
--Cover blurb, Dec. '79
Taking a cue from Lamborghini, Chrysler is working on a high-performance V-10 engine.
--Drive Lines, June '88
Beginning next year, Ford will start offering driver-side airbags as an option on its light-duty trucks.
--Drive Lines, Jan. '92
Wow! The excitement at Chevy seems to be about the new Easy Access System third-door option....
--"'96 4x4 of the Year" Feb. '96
1980--Part-Time Is Back!
--Cover blurb, Oct. '79
Look, Ma, a V-6!
--"Dodge Dakota Preview," May '86
One of the most startling aspects of GM's fullsize re-design was the use of an A-arm/ torsion-bar independent front suspension for the whole line.
--Drive Lines, Sept. '90
We'll rave for days about the Big Gulp-friendly cup holder.
--"RAMifications," Dec. '95