What's OLD Is NEW, Again — Which 1990s Vehicle Would YOU Put In Your Garage?

The business of fashion is exceedingly complex. Sure, it's cyclical but there's something counterintuitive about it.

Take, for example, the past couple of years' craze around high waisted "mom jeans." And then there's "dad sneakers," which now retail for upwards of $1,000 a pair. Both of these trends are on fire right now.

In addition, we've gone full bore 1990s with the resurgence of brands like Champion and Fila. I don't get it because they weren't cool then and, to me, they're not cool now. But, hey, I am not Anna Wintour.

This got me thinking about a 1990s throwback, specifically around vehicles that are of 1990s vintage. And as I unwind out in DC for the long weekend, I've got to ask, Spies: WHICH old, 1990s auto is NEW again to you? So much so that you'd be willing to put one in your garage?

For my cover image I picked two autos from 1996: The Jaguar XJ12 and the Ford Bronco. For me, I'd go XJ12 in a heartbeat. I just love its body and, well, it's a no brainer to go with the 12-cylinder engine — even if it's a nightmare to live with.

Foncool - 8/31/2019 5:19:19 AM

+1 Boost

The 96 XJ12 was the only year the XJ12 was built on the LWB platform. Was my daily driver for years, great car.

qwertyfla1 - 8/31/2019 9:02:09 AM

+1 Boost

I miss my British Racing green Jag XJ6. I loved the way that car drove and regret selling today every time I see that body style. Last of the good looking Jags!

supermoto - 8/31/2019 10:36:00 AM

+1 Boost

My dad had a 1990s Jag. The air conditioning never worked, and after many visits to the dealer, the dealer just gave up and said it was un-fixable. LOL.

MDarringer - 8/31/2019 11:46:30 AM

0 Boost

The way to fix Jaguar is to strip it of all autonomy and have a superior company like Toyota engineer their cars for them. Ditto LR/RR.

TomM - 8/31/2019 12:35:49 PM

0 Boost

No Toyota EVER had an engine any where near as nice as the Jaguar V-12

WHy would I want that engine in a Toyota Corolla with a Jaguar Badge on it - Toyota cars may be reliable - but a brick wall is also pretty reliable too - and just as inflexible and boring as virtually ALL Toyota cars are? Are you actually saying you would prefer a Toyota made Jensen?

TomM - 8/31/2019 12:35:50 PM

+1 Boost

No Toyota EVER had an engine any where near as nice as the Jaguar V-12

WHy would I want that engine in a Toyota Corolla with a Jaguar Badge on it - Toyota cars may be reliable - but a brick wall is also pretty reliable too - and just as inflexible and boring as virtually ALL Toyota cars are? Are you actually saying you would prefer a Toyota made Jensen?

MDarringer - 8/31/2019 3:26:21 PM

+1 Boost

@TomM You're right. Jaguar V12s are very nice for refusing to start. Their V12 is a NIGHTMARE to keep running .

Foncool - 8/31/2019 9:19:49 PM

+1 Boost

Ran my XJ12 to 120k miles without a single engine issue. Only thing I had to do was replace the front struts at about 80k, the V12 is a bit heavy.

mre30 - 8/31/2019 1:13:29 PM

+1 Boost

You know, nothing comes to mind. ...and just when something unique but mainstream (like the Jag) does come to mind - I'm thinking Audi 200 Quattro Avant Turbo; BMW 530i estate, BMW 850i, MB SL...the thought of living with one and keeping it on the road makes me say 'forget it'.

BMW 325i E30 from 1988 to 1992 would be the only choice for me.

skytop - 8/31/2019 1:39:17 PM

+1 Boost

I too love the last of the XJ12 saloons. I was at a Jag dealer who had a low mileage used XJ12 on his lot. I was interested in it and took it out for a demonstration ride. I classic interior was as handsome as ever exuding the wonderful aroma of Connolly leather. But the drive was very disappointing. The suspension was so soft that the car wallowed in every turn or dip. The steering was totally numb. I decided that the XJ12 was far more enjoyable as a nostalgic memory that ownership of one.

t_bone - 8/31/2019 2:45:10 PM

+4 Boost

NSX

MBguy - 8/31/2019 9:18:50 PM

+1 Boost

Cadillac Allante in burgundy red!

bmw7er - 8/31/2019 9:52:17 PM

+1 Boost

I bought a red 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 when they hit the ground that year. That car was like a space ship landed in small town Louisiana. I wish I still had it.

MBCLS07 - 8/31/2019 10:26:00 PM

+1 Boost

Jeep Cherokee XJ, Mazda RX-7, Nissan 300Z, GMC Sycone/Typhoon, Porsche 911, VW Corrado, BMW Z3, BMW M3...

MBCLS07 - 8/31/2019 10:34:00 PM

+1 Boost

I forgot the second best 90s car of all (after the Porsche 993). The Mercedes 500 E.

valhallakey - 9/1/2019 2:58:22 AM

+1 Boost

Alpina B12 5.7 6sp or more realistic an 850 CSi

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 9/1/2019 10:53:26 AM

+2 Boost

1998 Toyota Supra Turbo (stock).