I had to pause for these shots uploaded at the Cohort by Mike Hayes. A trio of orphan makes caught by the curbside in a California parking lot, all in disabled spots and looking rather well preserved. A 1990s Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser S wagon, a ’96-’00 Saturn SL, and an early ’00s Mercury Grand Marquis.
They’re all makes that now need a bit of explaining to youngsters (if they care to know) and it’s a sight that gives me serious mid-aughts vibes.
As can be seen, these three must lead rather placid and pampered lives, even if they aren’t quite spotless. The Grand Marquis is the youngster of this trio; though it’s gaining in years (who isn’t?), and probably is the one gaining more bumper scrapes if we go by this photo. Meanwhile, the Saturn has over 20 and the Olds is reaching three decades already; the latter having some of that characteristic “GM painting peel off” on the front bumper.
But otherwise, this trio of daily drivers looks quite presentable for their age. A perfect mid-aughts photo, captured in 2024. Now, can someone bring a late ’90s Pontiac Grand Prix to their next meeting?
They appear to all be in “H Cap”, spots? Just saw a “2003ish, Saturn” coupe Sunday afternoon.
Was a quick observation; from the angle I saw it , looked rather sound.
What a great find. The G. M. is a super nice road car, but of the three it would be the wagon for me. I used to sell Buick’s and we had the same car in the Century. I truly don’t think you could find a more practical and useful vehicle. Good on gas (in that time), rooms, comfortable and reliable. About the only vehicle that could (maybe) do more was the Chrysler/Dodge mini-vans.
I remember back when I worked at Fred Meyer several years ago I used to see a lot of older model vehicles parked in the parking lot on a regular basis, one was a 1982-83 Chevy Malibu sedan, another was an early to mid 1990’s Buick Roadmaster and another car was an early 1990’s Nissan Sentra 4 door.
I remember the Fred Meyer in my area was very popular among the retirees and the elderly.
When I returned from an extended time abroad in 2004, I looked for a Ciera wagon. I really like the styling and the utility of a wagon is always attractive.
Alas, my budget was a big, fat, $2000. For that money, I ended up with a Ciera four door sedan, which was the best beater I ever had.
Nothing is an orphan that you can still get parts for!
LAST WEEK (SEP2024) I SAW A NICE BLACK PONTIAC SUNFIRE COUPE AS A NICE DAILY DRIVER, AND A SILVER 1988 OLDS 88, BOTH IN THE SAME BUNCH OF TRAFFIC. THE OLDS WAS ON ITS WAY TO THE WRECKERS, HOWEVER. I BELIEVE PONTIAC SOLD BETTER HERE IN CANADA WITH DEALERS DUALLING CHEV/OLDS OR PONTIAC/BUICK (EITHER ONE COULD CARRY CADILLAC, OR NOT,) SO I STILL SEE A FEW PONTIACS A MONTH, OLDS AND MECURY AND SATURN MAYBE ONCE EVERY FEW MONTHS. I’M IN TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA.
GOOD 3-PEAT SPOTTING.
Alan, would you please turn off the all-caps? It’s not really pleasant to look at and mildly offensive. Thanks.
Saw one of those Oldsmobiles not that long ago. Oakville, Ontario, so in surprisingly good condition for the rust belt…
Third time’s the charm?
Also at the market!