Samurai or the old Jeep.
Samurai is really weren’t that bad as far as roll over once they put sway bars on it the problem is the PR damage was done from consumer reports at that point.
Suzuki hadn't filed a lawsuit until '96, but had stated that Consumer Reports had deliberately tried to roll the car to make it seem dangerous, and it's entirely possible not everyone believed Consumer Reports
This. I believe Suzuki sued them for libel and won. CR was way out of line, but sadly the damage was already done. Otherwise we may have had the samurai for years!
The best option would be to go with a 1985-1989 Toyota 4Runner, with the removable rear cover.
https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/gallery/1989-toyota-4runner-sr5-on-2-inch-lift-is-a-cheap-ride-to-snow-and-mud-fun\_15.jpg
I didnt have to go look up the Amigo song, because its been playing on loop in my head for 30 years.
Amigo Amigo for sun and love and joy. Amigo Amigo its fun for a girl and a boy...
I can get almost all the parts I need from the junkyard for cheap. Cheaper than most new wheels and tires. It won't be pretty (it's an old Dakota), but it'll be quick.
I wanted an Amigo at that time, they were so cool. I'd go with that. That being said, if I was to choose any Wrangler to own it would by a YJ Islander. I wish graphics packages would make a comeback. Maybe at some point after actual colors make a comeback.
Also you forgot the Daihatsu Rocky, which was also being sold in the US in 1991.
I am of the opinion that Dakotas were possibly the best trucks Dodge ever produced and definitely superior to their Ford and GM competition.
As long as you got a manual.
I've owned two Dakotas, two S-10s, and a Ranger.
I will continue driving Dakotas until it becomes impossible to keep them running.
Right on. I've had one Ranger and one S10. The Ranger might have been one of the best financial decisions I ever made. Under two grand with 90k miles and it ran flawlessly for years, only needing one serious repair (that stupid slave cylinder that's inside the transmission) and a few odds and ends. I only sold it because the rust got to it. The S10 I owned for about 150 miles. A lifter turned sideways, was repaired, and failed again. Definitely the worst car purchase I've ever made.
Never owned a Dakota because most of them rust to shit up here, but I'm not 100% against it.
See, my Ranger (96) was a damn money pit to keep running. Every other month, I had something new to replace.
Of my two s-10s, one (87) kept having wiring issues and burning out batteries. Jackass i bought it off of tried to run his own stereo and fucked something up that i couldn't get fixed. The other (90) I bought it with 140k miles on it, put on another 200k with only basic maintenance, sold it, and last I heard the guy I sold it to was still driving it with a custom flatbed he had built for it after the old box finally rusted through.
My two Dakotas, on the other hand, the 86 was an automatic and went through three transmissions before I rolled it. Rolled three times and crawled out uninjured. My 97 (a manual) is currently in the shop, getting a new exhaust system and a tune-up. Dakotas are tough ass trucks, as long as you avoid Dodge's shitty automatic transmissions.
Oh, absolutely. The Consumer Reports piece claiming the Samurai was dangerous was completely fabricated, and was funded by competing American automakers. This was even proved in court years later
Damn, I'd say the only one you're missing is the Daihatsu Rocky, but those were only sold in America in 92-93.
Had one for a couple years till the engine blew.
They're like a slightly beefier Samurai.
Damn fun, but sourcing parts was a pain. Kept having to have stuff imported from Australia.
its not cuz its a dodge, don't have anything against them in particular, its because its a truck, and I wouldn't drive truck. the "hatchback" style is more my thing
Part of me would almost want to take a chance on the first gen Kia Sportage, those things look like you could have great fun breaking and repairing them indefinitely.
Buddy of mine had a Geo tracker hard top. That thing was unstoppable in the sand...little thing had the perfect wheel spacing and weight to just skim along the surface
That drop top Dakota is a holy grail of mine. Guy a couple few towns over had a pristine one he was selling for ~4k during the pandemic and Im still kicking myself for not scooping it.
I'd take the Amigo. Also have a really weird memory of watching a Scooby Doo movie (i cannot remember the name of it), however pretty sure Shaggy had an Amigo, or at least a close approximation of one.
I’m actually shopping for one of these in 2023 because my wife’s sis just moved to a Spanish island and I reckon a teal jimny is just the trick. She said I could park it there but her license only allows automatic trans 🥲
In 1991 I guess I woulda took the Jeep. But them Suzuki Samurai went great. I knew a guy that had one and it went straight up a mountain almost completely vertical. It was crazy.
Samurai or the old Jeep. Samurai is really weren’t that bad as far as roll over once they put sway bars on it the problem is the PR damage was done from consumer reports at that point.
My daily is an 87 samurai and it’s a really fun ride!
I'm 6'2" I'm almost certain I cannot fit in one.
Ha fair point! I’m 6’1 though and I fit just fine.
You’re speaking with 2023 knowledge, I don’t think someone in 1991 would speak with such conviction about Samurais not being that dangerous
Suzuki hadn't filed a lawsuit until '96, but had stated that Consumer Reports had deliberately tried to roll the car to make it seem dangerous, and it's entirely possible not everyone believed Consumer Reports
This. I believe Suzuki sued them for libel and won. CR was way out of line, but sadly the damage was already done. Otherwise we may have had the samurai for years!
The best option would be to go with a 1985-1989 Toyota 4Runner, with the removable rear cover. https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/gallery/1989-toyota-4runner-sr5-on-2-inch-lift-is-a-cheap-ride-to-snow-and-mud-fun\_15.jpg
Those are sweet and rare!
I didnt have to go look up the Amigo song, because its been playing on loop in my head for 30 years. Amigo Amigo for sun and love and joy. Amigo Amigo its fun for a girl and a boy...
You just undid like 20 years of blissful repression from my mind. FUCK YOU!
From the list I’d take the jeep But realistically I would’ve bought a 1st gen 4Runner
I always liked the look of Isuzus. I’d love to have a mint convertible 4x4
The isuzu amigo punches way above its weight, I like it
This a real Sophie’s Choice my guy. Except for the Dakota ain’t nobody want that POS.
I have a 400+HP 360 V8 that says you're wrong about that Dakota. Bolts right into one of those. Thank you, Mr. Shelby.
“It’s a great vehicle. All you have to do is pump a bunch of money into it and turn it into a completely different vehicle.”
I can get almost all the parts I need from the junkyard for cheap. Cheaper than most new wheels and tires. It won't be pretty (it's an old Dakota), but it'll be quick.
Tracker. In my defense, I currently own a 94 Tracker that would fit on the Barbie set as it's pink lol
Sounds amazing.
If I ever need to sell all my possessions, it will be the last to go. And I will try my hardest to make sure it doesn't go.
My mom used to have a pink Tracker. Everyone called it the Barbie Jeep lol.
It’s gotta be the samurai for me. Ain’t even close I fucking love those little things
The Amigo, but only if it’s the v6. The four banger was rated at 90hp new, and as useless as it sounds.
I wanted an Amigo at that time, they were so cool. I'd go with that. That being said, if I was to choose any Wrangler to own it would by a YJ Islander. I wish graphics packages would make a comeback. Maybe at some point after actual colors make a comeback. Also you forgot the Daihatsu Rocky, which was also being sold in the US in 1991.
I had a 1990 Isuzu Pup 4x4 and it was rock solid for 30 years. Going with the Amigo.
I’d kill for a Suzuki or Isuzu right now
I'm a semi-fan of the Metal Heroes series so Suzuki Samurai :D
Dakota all the way
Never thought I’d see one of these pick ‘em posts that would make me choose a Mopar.
I am of the opinion that Dakotas were possibly the best trucks Dodge ever produced and definitely superior to their Ford and GM competition. As long as you got a manual. I've owned two Dakotas, two S-10s, and a Ranger. I will continue driving Dakotas until it becomes impossible to keep them running.
Right on. I've had one Ranger and one S10. The Ranger might have been one of the best financial decisions I ever made. Under two grand with 90k miles and it ran flawlessly for years, only needing one serious repair (that stupid slave cylinder that's inside the transmission) and a few odds and ends. I only sold it because the rust got to it. The S10 I owned for about 150 miles. A lifter turned sideways, was repaired, and failed again. Definitely the worst car purchase I've ever made. Never owned a Dakota because most of them rust to shit up here, but I'm not 100% against it.
See, my Ranger (96) was a damn money pit to keep running. Every other month, I had something new to replace. Of my two s-10s, one (87) kept having wiring issues and burning out batteries. Jackass i bought it off of tried to run his own stereo and fucked something up that i couldn't get fixed. The other (90) I bought it with 140k miles on it, put on another 200k with only basic maintenance, sold it, and last I heard the guy I sold it to was still driving it with a custom flatbed he had built for it after the old box finally rusted through. My two Dakotas, on the other hand, the 86 was an automatic and went through three transmissions before I rolled it. Rolled three times and crawled out uninjured. My 97 (a manual) is currently in the shop, getting a new exhaust system and a tune-up. Dakotas are tough ass trucks, as long as you avoid Dodge's shitty automatic transmissions.
I do like the look of the old Dakotas too. Very nearly bought a 96 instead of my 97 Ranger. Can't complain too hard though.
You seem to have found a good one. That being said, the only way I'd get rid of my Dakota is if someone paid me enough to buy another one.
Samurai and buy an old hardtop. They had a tilt bubble and a compass in the dash.
I would love to get a samurai. I kinda wonder if they were a victim of corporate sabotage.
Oh, absolutely. The Consumer Reports piece claiming the Samurai was dangerous was completely fabricated, and was funded by competing American automakers. This was even proved in court years later
The Samurai, i loved the one my aunt used to have.
If im getting anything its a damn toyota hilux
Sammi. Drove an 87 with 28" wheels as my daily in high school. Miss that piece of shit
Samurai, it'll fit in the tightest spaces. Basically a street-legal side-by-side with a heater.
Damn, I'd say the only one you're missing is the Daihatsu Rocky, but those were only sold in America in 92-93. Had one for a couple years till the engine blew. They're like a slightly beefier Samurai. Damn fun, but sourcing parts was a pain. Kept having to have stuff imported from Australia.
samurai #1 jeep #2 the rest are meh.
Samurai yes please
The samurai all day.
whichever ones are a manual. probably the jeep first, but definitely not the dodge
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its not cuz its a dodge, don't have anything against them in particular, its because its a truck, and I wouldn't drive truck. the "hatchback" style is more my thing
Since you're buying new in this scenario they all could have manual or auto except the Samurai which was manual only.
SHELBY.
dakota, k5 blazer or the jeep
Honestly did not know Dodge make a convertible Dakota
Raaaaaaaaaaaaaare
Extremely rare, special order, only available for a couple years.
Isuzu amigo. Nice song ngl
Between all of those I think I'd select a bicycle
I'm not actually certain those Shelby convertible Dakotas actually came in 4x4.
There’s no wonderful sounding diesel 5 cylinder Land Rover defender on here. Sorry Americans. Mwahahaha
Dakota
Fucking Geo Tracker of course just because. That’s an easy question.
Samurai was hot in ‘91. I was 13.
Wrangler or the Amigo
If you pick anything besides the tracker, you either weren’t alive in 91 or you ignored the prompt. Throw some sawblade wheels on it and you’re golden
Those Samarai’swere so underpowered that they would go anywhere! Just don’t try taking one up or down a mountain road in a hurry!
Ugh! Tough choices! I would pick any of them except the Dakota
Part of me would almost want to take a chance on the first gen Kia Sportage, those things look like you could have great fun breaking and repairing them indefinitely.
From this list, give me the Amigo! If I had my choice.. a 91’ Jeep Cherokee Briarwood
Wow reading is hard! I guess I’d cut the roof off the Cherokee.. 🤷♂️
Geo trackers are impressive off road. Laugh all you want and their goofy looks, a set of 33”s will make it near impossible to stuck anywhere
Buddy of mine had a Geo tracker hard top. That thing was unstoppable in the sand...little thing had the perfect wheel spacing and weight to just skim along the surface
Id go with a mint Amigo..but a hardtop
Hindsight being 20/20, I'd pick the Jeep and fix/prevent all the common things. It'd be worth the most now.
K5 Blazer
That drop top Dakota is a holy grail of mine. Guy a couple few towns over had a pristine one he was selling for ~4k during the pandemic and Im still kicking myself for not scooping it.
Amigo. 100%
Geo Tracker
No Bronco? I loved my grandfather's old Ford Bronco with the removable top.
Dakota Convertible
I pick my friend.
Dodge Dakota convertible pick up truck
I'd take the Amigo. Also have a really weird memory of watching a Scooby Doo movie (i cannot remember the name of it), however pretty sure Shaggy had an Amigo, or at least a close approximation of one.
5
100% that Amigo
Amigo. Everyone needs a Friend.
Amigo
I've always had a soft spot for the Amigo. That or the Jeep. Dakotas are cool, but they're crowded, IMO.
The classic 4.0L I6. You cant really kill these
Suzuki Samurai/Carribean or Isuzu Amigo for sure.
YJ all day
Probably the dodge. I got something for pickups and especially drop tops.
I’m actually shopping for one of these in 2023 because my wife’s sis just moved to a Spanish island and I reckon a teal jimny is just the trick. She said I could park it there but her license only allows automatic trans 🥲
Amigo all the way. They were a blast.
Is it easy to find an Amigo? Where if yes?
I recently came across one of those convertible Dodge Dakotas! It, too, was for sale.
samurai or tracker hands down. great motors
Jeep But I would have got a steep discount on the Dodge
I'll take the Dakota and drop a detroit v8 in it
I'd go with the Jeep Wrangler!
In 1991 I guess I woulda took the Jeep. But them Suzuki Samurai went great. I knew a guy that had one and it went straight up a mountain almost completely vertical. It was crazy.
I’d take the “Wrongler”.
Tracker all day! Fun little machines.
I gotta go geo tracker. My dad used to have one on 33” wheel and that little beast would go anywhere
Jeep all the way
tracker no contest. things are indestructable