1986 Dodge Colt Vista Test Drive – Go Almost Anywhere All Weather Warrior
Imported for Dodge through its partner Mitsubishi, the smart-looking 4-door wagon gathered best-in-class style when compared to its contemporary rivals. The 4WD variant was similar in configuration to the base Vista wagon. Its 103.5-in wheelbase, longest of its peers, was 0.2-in greater than the front wheel drive version. And at 59.4 in., it was also 2.1 inches taller. The 4WD variant weighed in at a healthy 2888 lb, making it 331 lb heavier than the two wheel drive only Vista, and only the Stanza Wagon was heavier.
Americans began cultivating a rather intense interest in the world of double duty work/play machines in the 1980s. The market for 4WD passenger vehicles enjoyed a period of phenomenal growth, then. Paralleling that popularity was the equally robust demand for compact, space efficient, multi-purpose transporters, frequently taking the form of small/tall wagons. Industry experts forecast that this category of vehicles, offering both added safety in everyday use and additional flexibility for weekend getaways, was to continue to thrive in the 80s and beyond. Hmmmmm.
The neat thing is they were designed to fold like an accordion and the roof was designed as a ‘crumble zone’ which saved Dad’s life in a nasty accident that should’ve killed him in a blind crossing where a drunk driver on his 10th conviction was still allowed his license.
Another neat car that had an interesting safety feature was the Ford Windstar which is designed to have the seat ‘Pop’ up over the engine in the event of a head on collision. The hot engine would go under your feet instead of on your lap as the seat pops up.
The neat thing is they were designed to fold like an accordion and the roof was designed as a ‘crumble zone’ which saved Dad’s life in a nasty accident that should’ve killed him in a blind crossing where a drunk driver on his 10th conviction was still allowed his license.
Another neat car that had an interesting safety feature was the Ford Windstar which is designed to have the seat ‘Pop’ up over the engine in the event of a head on collision. The hot engine would go under your feet instead of on your lap as the seat pops up.