3 Best Motor Trend "Car of the Year" Winners

[@trainnerd3029]

Channels like this are what KZbin was invented for!

[@madmike2624]

well said my brother!!

[@yukonstriker1703]

Yes. I'm 54 and recall fondly these better times, even before I was born. This channel is sublime.

[@dukeallen432]

KZbin invented to make money.

[@yukonstriker1703]

​@@dukeallen432Not a channel such as this. This channel is for entertainment purposes only, you come across as naive, young, and jabbed.

[@danbaumann8273]

Honestly one of my favorite channels. For some reason I love this guy's slightly monotone, lowkey delivery too. None of that over the top, overly enthisiastic nonsense as though you're listening to some kind of phoney sales/motivation seminar or preacher. 😂

[@madmike2624]

The 77 Caprice is on my bucket list! I owned several through the years and they were amazing and bullet proof!!!!!

[@genericsomething]

I had an '80 Caprice Classic 4-Door, w/ the 267 V8, that I traded for an '85 2-Door Landau w/ the 305 180HP V8, and the handling package. When the shop misdiagnosed my clogged cats on the '85 as a transmission issue, they blew my engine on an aggressive test drive. I remember seeing them drive by my workplace after the owner of the shop called me, confessing that he may have mis-diagnosed the problem. I was able to supply them with a 350 V8 from a '77 impala Wagon that my dad won in a lawsuit. I paid $1000 in labor and got a refirbished engine, and a rebuilt 700R4 for free.

[@arnienelson6415]

@@genericsomething I like that story. I had a '85 Grand Prix with the 305 and always watched my friend race past me in his Monte Carlo SS with the 305.

[@philhamilton8731]

I took my driving test I my mom's 79 Impala four door. Great car.

[@garymckee8857]

I had a 69 Roadrunner, which was Car Of The Year for 1969.

[@micksterboone4517]

My friend had a gold '77 Caprice Classic 2 door that was loaded. Beautiful car.

[@Skibike69]

In my opinion, the best GM platform of the 1980's

[@user-KrackerJack]

👍 that Caprice , what a good looking car

[@ryanelectra225]

Good choices- especially the 77 Caprice. A masterpiece I’ve long wanted to own.

[@BELCAN57]

Cars with character. What a concept.

[@danam0228]

Good choices. If you were to add one more I would say to add the Taurus/Sable, if it was a Car of the Year as I believe it was

[@landyachtfan79]

3:59............................. GM, as a whole, really hit it out of the park with the 1977 redesign of their full-size B-body sedans, coupes, & station wagons. They truly showed that a car company really COULD build a smaller car without making their clientele feel as if they were being shortchanged in terms of comfort, passenger room, & trunk space.

[@chrisjeffries2322]

Yes, they did!

[@OldRustySteele]

Not only were those new ‘77’s more space-efficient, they were just far better looking. The generation before that had morphed into humongous, ugly blobs festooned with “opera windows” and other oddball design travesties. The new ‘77’s were much cleaner and sleek.

[@thefettfan3994]

I agree, all were "landmark" motor industry models. Good topic guys for your video presentation upload!!!!

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

My first car was a 1977 Impala. And I've had a few other GM B-Body cars. My favorite being my 1988 Caprice Classic Brougham. But my 1984 Buick Electra was a close second. My 1980 Oldsmobile Delta 88 was pretty good too. The 1996 Buick Roadmaster sedan I have now has a better drivetrain with the LT1 engine and 4L60E transmission. But the 1977-1990 B-Body cars are the best. I want to find a good one and put the drivetrain from my 96 Roadmaster into it. That would make it the perfect car in my opinion

[@cva1122]

Agreed. The Pontiac Parisian Brougham was pretty cool too.

[@Flies2FLL]

The '68 Pontiac GTO was designed by Tony Lapine. He later went to Porsche where he designed the 924, the 944, and the 928. If you look carefully at a 928, you will see the similarity, especially at the rear end. Great video!

[@kingerikthegreatest.ofall.7860]

67 cougar as well.

[@daveminer9217]

If a truck series, was given the award, like the Caprice's long run (14) yrs, the 73'-87' square body pickups (15yr build) would be a solid choice. They are still very sought after today.

[@waggitnshaggit6592]

Dodge pickup was 1972-1993

[@daveminer9217]

@@waggitnshaggit6592 they hit it out of the park with those Warlocks and Lil' Red numbers! 👍

[@nlpnt]

Truck of the Year started in 1978 (Ford Econoline van); the '79 winner was the Chevy LUV 4x4 and '80 was the VW Vanagon, then the award was dropped until 1989.

[@michaelpace64]

Brought the1979 impala March 10 1979. Great car over 300000 miles and still going.

[@bigospig]

Does anyone actually believe car magazines are impartial?

[@allenwayne2033]

Well, I may have when I was 12

[@charsback]

Most people believe anything..very gullible..They trust the science even when there is none..

[@milfordcivic6755]

I wish I could run down to my nearest Chevrolet dealer and buy a new 83-85 Caprice coupe with a 305 and the Landau package.

[@OLDS98]

Thank you for sharing. The effort is appreciated in the video. I enjoyed the footage and the information. I thought for sire you would have mention Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable as they changed the industry. I still have old Motor Trend magazines. I used to look forward to the car industry news and spy photos and articles. I know the picked the entire Pontiac brand in the 60's for car of the year as well. You are right about the Chevrolet Caprice and Ford Thunderbird impact. I do thank you again.

[@knutbergan]

My father purchased a silver 77 Caprice with 350 4bbl and F41 suspension back in Norway. I think it cost around $21k back then which was about 3x price in US. I can assure it had great road manners and was very quiet. Silly 85mph speedo did not work out in Europe during high speed driving to Germany France. The needle kept wrapping around but notwithstanding that, it effortlessly cruised at 110mph. Good memories of a great car.

[@stevethomas760]

The grill on the '58 Tbird, sweet.

[@jaynareynolds3684]

Good list 👍❤

[@capricetony]

1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic is one of GM’s best cars of all time! I own a 1978 Chevrolet Caprice Classic 2Door, love ❤️ it!

[@troynov1965]

I would vote for the 67 Cougar myself

[@MrFreekyByg]

Love my '78 Pontiac Parisienne. The 77-96 GM B body sedans were one of the most successful car lines in history. Great channel!

[@christianzimmermann8944]

Perfect entertainment for the older (60+) man! Love it! Nice pictures, informative stories and good understandable commentaries. Thank you!

[@cockasorrus7475]

A little short of forever 🤪

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

Honorable mention to the 69 Plymouth Road Runner and 70 Ford Torino..

[@MikeBrown-ex9nh]

My first new car was a 69 Road Runner. I would much rather have that than a Caprice any day.

[@markfierke8565]

1977 the beginning of bad cams, low power engines, weak transmissions and falling headliners for GM

[@blisterbrain]

Keep a package of thumbtacks in the glove box to stay ahead of the sagging!

[@fleabitpeanutmonkey614]

Love your videos!

[@fleabitpeanutmonkey614]

Makes me happy

[@jeffreyrubish347]

I was not familiar with the Caprice. Interesting that it had the optional F 41 handling package.

[@Skibike69]

It needed it. With it it was sweet

[@bryanbrowning5746]

My Dad had one, and it really was a good handling car for the era. Just like most cars, it came with mediocre tires, and once you put some good rubber under it, the car really showed its true potential!

[@duane4972]

No Mustang, Camaro, or Barracuda? The reason I didn't read Motor Trend, I read Car and Driver, a much better magazine !

[@danam0228]

Road & Track was even better, but I liked Car and Driver a lot. I had a subscription to both for quite a long time

[@Creaulx]

​@@danam0228R&T had some good columnists, but I loved the writing in 80s era Car and Driver.

[@justsumguy2u]

The Impala/Caprice that debuted in '77 weren't groundbreaking cars---technology-wise, they were pretty much the same as a '57 Impala. But there was a reason GM sold millions of that generation; they were the right car at the right time. By '77 standards, the styling was simple yet crisp enough to be modern....and it did everything a full-size car was supposed to do

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Good video😊

[@TerrenceA.Ramsey-k4l]

It's no wonder Henry Ford's asked: "Have you driven one... lately?" with the debut of the redesigned '77 Chevrolet Impala/Caprice Classic models: a wheezy, 250 cid. I-6 engine (coupes and sedans!)! At least Ford's LTD/Marquis had a standard V8 engine!!

[@imptiboi]

I had the pleasure of driving many 77-79 Caprice Classics. They handled, drove, and rode beautifully primarily due to the Cadillac Seville frame they were built on. I believe.

[@lilibethdoherty295]

I will never forget going to look at a used 83 Caprice with a Straight 6 and thought it was the worst car ever, and the next car I went to see was the greatest a 80 Olds 98 with a Rocket 350 in mint condition and I still have it 34 years later !

[@MrDejast]

I ordered the Caprice in 77 and special ordered the 9c1 police package. It was as quick as a Camaro, but looked like grandpa’s car.

[@jimmywalters3071]

This is what GM did best, Caprice and the other sister cars of 1977 .. these were home runs !!

[@keithbalke6352]

Great presentation but……where is the Buick GS love?

[@ahoorakia]

what about 87 BUICK GNX? or you didn't go past 1980

[@Al-thecarhistorian]

To be accurate, Car of the Year in 1977 was given to the new downsized Chevrolets (both Impa!a and Caprice). All three choices bring back memories. My dad purchased a new '59 Thunderbird. When in college my best friends mom bought a new red '68 GTO. (She kept it until the age of 96!) In 1977 my dad purchased a new Impala wagon and my father-in-law bought a new Caprice coupe.

[@tholmes2169]

1965 when the entire Pontiac line up was car of the year…

[@nickmatoic9096]

Two of my GM favorites .

[@malikdigger4544]

I agree about second generation Ford Tbird aswell as Lincoln Continental which was sister car to Tbird in late 50s & can't go wrong with 77 Caprice & Impala especially the Landeru bodystyles huge trunk space

[@misterenergy959]

Good video Ben!

[@TheZXKUQYB]

Loved the first 2 picks. I grew up mid 80s. Ack, 70s malaise, Minus the Lil red truck & SD TA of course.

[@privateprivate1865]

I was born on 76. And I agree, most of us car guys didn't think malaise Era cars were good looking, but I've been forced to reevaluate them because by comparison with ugly modern cars, even they had style. I hate modern automobiles

[@LovelyBreakingWaves-gu2cv]

This guys the best !!!

[@dj33036]

FYI: Although most '68 GTO"s had the endura front bumper, you could still opt for a chrome front bumper. They are rare but they are out there.

[@srercrcr]

It's no secret that Motor Trend rewards heavy spenders on advertising with the meaningless reward of being chosen Car of the Year. "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours"

[@kirkkraner9733]

Had 2 of the 3 mentioned

[@privateprivate1865]

77 caprice was a great car. Nothing to get excited over in terms of styling..

[@jimstewart2457]

I don’t know how the 1958 Thunder bird was car of the year because it ugly. VERY UGLY!!!!!

[@JimmyShields-z2h]

Interesting Australia has there version Wheels COTY in 77 it was Honda Accord following year it was Holden VB Commodore, how different to MT in USA.

[@christopherconard2831]

1) Thunderbird. I'm sure it impressed people at the time, but there's nothing aesthetically good about the car. (Admittedly a subjective point of view.) Too many folds and angles, some going in the wrong direction. 2) GTO. I'm not a GM fanboy, but absolutely love the Coke bottle era designs. I had the opportunity to get a 1970 GTO around 1987. At the time they weren't quite classics, just old. I figured I'd find one without cosmetic damage cheaper in the future. Instead prices started going up. Bad move on my part. 3) Caprice AKA Chevy Box. A great car and an example of downsizing done right. The fact that GM reduced the exterior and weight by so much and still increased interior room shows how wasteful previous designs were. A lot were size for no other reason than size. A friend had it's stablemate, a Pontiac Parisienne. Could seat six actual humans comfortably and was a great cruiser on the highway.

[@discerningmind]

Old Car Memories, your videos have always been wonderful. But I have to say that you find the best photos of cars. I don't know where you find the photos but they're exquisite. Thank you for the effort that you put in.

[@briancorreia2923]

That Caprice must have been really cost effective for GM to keep building. You could actually buy a brand new one in 1990 when almost everyone considered it old. Heck, if you saw a square body 1990 Caprice cop car in the early 90’s you would probably think “wow that’s an old cop car. This town must be poor

[@JohnnyAloha69]

Two spot on choices (58 Tbird was a new market segment but not a particularly well executed one). The 68 GTO was a natural winner, beautiful car and with the right options a nice drive too. One error, the endura bumper was standard equipment (the chrome bumper was a no cost option for part of the year). The 77 Chevy was a great car. Interestingly it wasn’t really an all new car. Basically they just took the 73-77 midsized (Malibu) chassis and drivetrain and squared off the body to get better space utilization. The style was based on the popular and expensive 76 Caddy Seville and its new sheer look.

[@guyforlogos]

I’ll pass on the 1958 Thunderbird… ugly as sin. 🤮 I do realize the innovation of the personal luxury car market, i just can’t get over its horrible styling.

[@gloriamaletta8667]

The 1977 Caprice was a solid dependable platform that sold many units from 1977-88 once it was replaced in 1989 started the decline at GM the 1989-96 model was ok but not near as popular as the 77-88 models this model with the 1978- 88 G-body platform made GM billions and was kind of the last of GM as a leading car manufacturer they are selling people real junk today

[@whatsamattayu3257]

I bought a new, basic 1978 Impala. It only had power steering, a/t and an AM radio. It was an ok car, but I don't regret trading it away four years later.

[@TheOzthewiz]

The "Personal Luxury" class really started with the "55-'57 T-Bird!

[@JackF99]

In the 50's-80's if you wanted honest road tests you were better off with Car and Driver and Road & Track magazines. Motor Trend was notorious for pandering more to its Detroit Big Three advertisers.

[@ramblergarage]

The first muscle car was the 1957 Rambler Rebel not the gto

[@GH-oi2jf]

The 2nd gen Thinderbird? Really? Ford abandoned the concept of the original Thunderbird. They should have called it something elsr.

[@GRosa250]

I convinced my father to buy an all black 1989 Caprice and I put the police style hubcaps on it. It was cool looking and he loved that thing.

[@rayrussell6258]

Well, it's good to see the Renault Alliance was not listed. After that award, I will forever ignore Motor Trend COY choices.

[@arnienelson6415]

My Uncle was a Pontiac Salesman in Chicago through the Sixties. I will always remember him telling me that I can tell the Rich people that I've ridden in more cool cars than they can afford to own.

[@CrazyPetez]

Motor Trend’s COTY choices were based on advertising awarded to MT. Motor Trend is a JOKE.

[@4knanapapa]

As a retired tech that worked at Chevy dealers in the 70s they new body style Impala was a great car, but not untill 78 when the metric 200 trans was replaced, the 200 was the worst trans ever designed with a unimaginable failure rate and after 77 to my knowledge was never seen again.

[@richardward7062]

Love this channel ❤️

[@daveywaite25]

I had a 1977 Pontiac Laurentian. Canadian car. No power seats, no AC, no nuthin', but it was a good car.

[@scooterp7009]

Two thumbs up for the 1968 GTO - 400-4V 360 HP.

[@patcurrie9888]

Nice vlog! Missed out on 79 Riviera. It could have been 4 Best

[@1966-Charger]

PANDERING to Ford and GM as always..

[@privateprivate1865]

Thunderbirds got ugly after 57.

[@hiitsstillme]

We agree with the choice of '68 GTO and '77 Caprice.

[@michaelv3340]

I think if you made a worst Motor Trend COTY list, it'd be hard to limit it to three.

[@paulradice3534]

what happens when Motor Trend goes the way of Sports Illustrated.

[@danam0228]

☹️

[@markohara6855]

👍

[@privateprivate1865]

I still enjoy this videos, weather i like the every car or not.

[@danielboguse4249]

Nice video but the marathon puts you to sleep

[@privateprivate1865]

68 Gto is not attractive to me. Its a wannabe charger

[@higbeedoug]

Wasn't the Alliance a COTY too?

[@richardberry5984]

What about Afrikaans?

[@trmeriwether1216]

Great video, like always. I have a 77' caprice and it's a joy to hustle that box down back roads.

[@nlpnt]

Most controversial? 1972 Citroen SM - a glorious grand-tourer dripping with early '70s high-tech, when it ran which was seldom. 2006 Toyota Prius - the exact opposite other than being high-tech, dull as ditchwater to drive and hated by car-guys for years, but was the go-to taxi for years until aging out of Uber eligibility and is now a true cockroach of the road. 2017 Chevy Bolt EV; Moved the electric-car game on considerably, beat the Tesla Model 3 to market by over a year, became the bestselling legacy-automaker EV in its' final year with GM determined to kill it. And it's a set of sticky tires away from being a true hot hatch, if GM were smart they'd not only keep building it but add an RS model that trades a bit of range for some grip.

[@428eliminator3]

Lest we forget the Chevy Vega?

[@Gary-th5wb]

Motor trend was always a joke

[@andregonsalvez9244]

Great review ! I certainly miss my 85 Chevrolet Caprice Classic which I owned many years before gave it to my neighbor which he drove it for another few years before scrapping it . 😊

[@phillyarchdad]

Great video!

[@josephcameron530]

Great video.

[@jamesziegler2763]

Interesting

[@mikemc330]

Nice video.

[@danielshute1409]

bravo

[@it1988a]

Where's the Renault Alliance???

[@woxyroxme]

In the junkyard

[@Flies2FLL]

1985: Volkswagen GTI!

[@craigpitre3035]

I loved my 1983 rabbit GTI car of year 1983. I wish I never sold it. Also my 1965 GTO years before. Who knew?

[@ronl2463]

After 1971 Vega Motor Trend lost all credibility.