What Happened to all the 3 Door 4x4's?

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[@ohrsome]

It's not just 3 door 4x4s that have gone. It's 3 door hatchbacks too: polo, golf, focus, astra etc. You used to get 3 door versions of the Sierra and cavalier too.

[@davidtaylor2131]

Owned a three door almera as an island car, (no mot) the doors were ridiculous nearly dislocated shoulder reaching for seat belt and carparking if anyone was selfish you could not get in.... Mitsu and Jimny are the only two I think that are OK...

[@mehreenjiwa2335]

پاکستانی گو پاجئرو٢٠٢٢

[@herbie53opf]

As a Samurai owner I'm glad that at least Suzuki still produces basically one of the last real offroaders.

[@WeCube1898]

The Jimny is the heir apparent

[@moneymandan6217]

I don't watch TV anymore and haven't for many years now because of people like you on KZbin and other platforms. Fair play to you man you make excellent content.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you

[@vxrbandit2527]

I totally agree 🙏

[@anest-uk]

Sooo much better

[@guinnessharvey4476]

And I thought I was the only one!:) totally agree. I love old 3 door shoguns, land cruisers and patrols:)

[@Hughjass2855]

Loved the 3 door Shoguns, such a handy tool for everything except carrying a lot of people, fun to drive and great for work.

[@OldManGripStrength]

I have a 1997 3 door Shogun V6, use it for carrying tools and equipment and towing a welding generator down unpaved roads to wherever I'm working. My only complaint is that the 3 door had a smaller fuel tank than the 5 door, but it makes up for it by being a reliable and capable workhorse.

[@RogerM88]

It's almost a cringe moment, all the time when you see off-road channels, going straight for long wheel base 5 doors 4wd. Then complaining about the low of breakover angle.

[@theimp67]

"I could go on ... so I will" ... made me laugh more than it probably ought to have.done.

[@Nite-owl]

As Paul Weller once wrote and sang "And the public wants what the public gets but I don't get what this society wants".

[@willmoore505]

The public get,normally, what they're conditioned to want. Most Doctors smoke Camal.

[@fgardner]

3 door Discovery was my personal favourite

[@hughmarcus1]

Yet there was only one wheelbase for the Disco 1. I had a 3 door one for a while. We used it as a farm hack. It was a brilliant old vehicle. Even better it was bought cheap on a whim. I saw it parked at an auction site. When I enquired about it, they said it had been through the ring a few times but didn’t sell. The owner had put a reserve of £1700 on it, but the most it made was £1200. Feeling cheeky I said I’d offer a grand, thinking I’d never from them again. An hour later they rang back to say he’d take it. We hard it for about 3yrs. Part of me thinks we should never have sold it.

[@terencejay8845]

I found a girlfriend a 3-door Rav-4 back in 2002, as an upgrade from her old Ka. She loved it, but was a bit miffed when I insisted she learned how to check the (colour-coded) fluid levels in the engine bay, and I doubt she ever put it into low-ratio.

[@MUV4TRUK4]

I thought the LADA Niva was so cool as a kid

[@acorndogs904]

Plenty in poland

[@danoff__]

It has always been

[@ianpuddick]

Luxury .....we dreamt of the Niva

[@Alexander_l322]

I still think it is cool. Just something about it

[@r7coo]

I still think they are cool, & so is a Panda 4x4 🐼

[@aziz7156]

I love how he still respond and helps even though he have 100k subscribers !

[@HighPeakAutos]

Always

[@marcusskyfall]

@@HighPeakAutos he's a good guy!

[@davidtaylor2131]

SECRETARY? LOL...

[@r7coo]

Quite amazing, I was just thinking the very same! I was actually watching an old Harry's Garage video on a 3 door evoque & I get a notification for this one 😁

[@christopherunwin1412]

Totally agree with you Matt! Another thought provoking video! Keep up the good work!

[@markwood7045]

Bloody love this channel. This and Harry's garage are the two for me.

[@davidtaylor2131]

Loved the look of these mitsubishis... But kids (read wife) stopped me buying one... Volvo 740 instead yawn...! There's one here lying in grass think it's an oil pump issue, which if I recall us inside engine.... Not a cheap fix.... Mmmm thinks Where's my tool box!

[@davecroden9793]

My wife has been saying the same thing and reluctantly settled for a 5 door recently. I kind of see her point now having watched this. I hadn’t realised that so many brands once made 3 door versions and yes, they did look better.

[@luinpuin4152]

You are so right ! Again a great video just pure honest information without childish behaviour. Keep them comming

[@stephenlane9168]

Spot on Matt. Loved this video. I’ve often wondered about these and had forgotten about some of these. 👌

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@neilwalsh4058]

Picked up a 3 door Frontera a few months ago. I'm tidying it up gradually and going thro it like a dose of salts mechanically as it's really grown on me. Great to hear your appreciation of 3 door 4x4's as I agree, they look much more purposeful than their bigger brothers. You mentioned the Montery but forgot the Frontera.

[@eldarpanther1513]

Excellent content as always mate! I've been talking about this for a long time. I've been an Jeep/Suv fan since I can remember. And from experience in off road (and my personal taste), short wheelbased 3 door off roaders will always be better for me then those long giant behemoths. The large SUVs were probably more popular in open spaces like the dessert, savannah, steppe etc, but out here in the mountainous and thick forested Balkans 3 door SUVs ruled. The most used were Lada Nivas, Suzuki (Grand)Vitaras, Suzuki Jimnies, Mitusibshi (Pinin) Pajeros, and even 3 door Land Cruisers and Patrols. Why? BEcause they were more nimble and agile and perfectly suited the narrow forest "roads" and tight turns that one would often encounter in such places.

[@bazzaclarky7445]

A fine point well made Matthew! 👍

[@rocket78able]

The new Land Rover Defender 90 will be the one to have. More manageable size.

[@johnmullan86]

I was just scrolling down to the comments to put Daihatsu Fourtrak when I saw your ending. I learned to drive in Dads Fourtrak!

[@jameshamilton266]

Loved the 3 door Vauxhall Frontera, thought it looked amazing....

[@terencejay8845]

A former girlfriend had one. She liked the solid chunky-monkey appearance and the high driving position, but then she wasn't a pink-and-fluffy type of girl.

[@timinman9578]

I so agree with you. One of my best cars was a 3 door rav. I’d have one in a heartbeat.

[@redhammer999]

I have a 93 Grand Vitara 5 door - might as well be three door due to the gaping holes in the middle row of seats (you can see the road in several places), it's begging for a chop shop to have made into the hot little three door rear wheel drive it could be! Love the video as usual Matt.

[@druidGAMER]

had a '05 3 door 2.7 Prado a few years ago, absolutely loved it. very comfortable, great off road and got so much more attention than the 5 door ones too, nobody looks at those twice. was a bit underpowered though, was my only complaint

[@nickdoughty518]

And the 3-door Freelander 1 with removable rear roof section. We had a green one - a very attractive car.

[@GillmanStudio]

Have the little 2003 Rav4 3 door, and I ADORE it. In fact I got here by searching your channel to see if you'd done a vid after I watched your jimny vid. Drives so well even all these years later and it cost me 1500 on 90K

[@boyztoyz7054]

I worked for Mitsubishi back in the day and my Co car of choice was always the SWB Shogun for all the reasons you stated. Not the most fuel efficient things in the world compared to newer cars and also not the fastest thing in the world but in every other way an excellent thing to have.

[@keithmyerscough9900]

A lot of commercial drivers went to the double cab pick up. Tax perks and the load is separate to the passenger compartment helped 👍. Always like your reviews.

[@lewlewis6511]

Agreed, Toyota changed it all when they launched the then new Mk6 Hilux around 2006, we bought a 3 litre auto Hilux in 2007, despite what the reviews might have said it was a delight to drive and did everyting asked of it, the only way to beat the top VED rates was by going commercial with Toyotas well deserved reputation led to depreciation being better than most cars.

[@keithmyerscough9900]

@@lewlewis6511 I had the mk2 Nissan navara as my works vehicle, drug dealer black with the solid side rear cab. Best vehicle I ever had. I did 234 k miles on it no issues infact on original clutch , the new Ford ranger seems the one to have now , the 3.2 auto 👍👍.

[@lewlewis6511]

@@keithmyerscough9900 Yes i too quite fancied a Ranger with the 3.2, however it appears when you change the oil you must complete the change within 15 mins or danger of the oil pump can't drag the oil up...no this isn't a joke and never heard anything so ridiculous in me life, its got some variable flow oil pump fitted which can't prime itself...now this may not cause any issues but for goodness sake these are supposed to be tough commercial vehicles not some toy that breaks if you look at it sideways, i've ruled them out for this reason. VW Amarok V6 looks interesting, i've been told chassis is galvanized which is most unusual in this class of vehicle, V6 Diesel too for the win. Not looking for a while, current Prado (LC5) shows no signs of giving up and could well see me out.

[@camaroman101]

Interesting, same in America. 2 door trucks are a thing of the past now.

[@stevedarcy9542]

Great video as always my friend. Absolutely love my Mitsubishi Shogun sub, had it for 5 years, fantastic in the mud, great road manners, always being asked do I want to sell it, hard to find a good example these days. Is yours up for sale, I’m tempted to buy a slightly newer one. Great review by the way. Thanks for sharing mate.

[@lewisjohnston6831]

You are absolutely right, bring back the 3 door 4x4 versions. Agree definitely a niche market

[@segunadewola]

Enjoyed this video

[@tamimaliraqii]

Your videos are brilliant! Keep it up buddy!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks

[@AJT296]

Did you mention the Vauxhall Frontera? Land Rover Freelander 1?

[@philtimson5449]

Interesting thoughts Matt

[@HORNET6]

Good point, well presented

[@vxrbandit2527]

Totally agree 👌

[@ValentinG23]

great video as usual mate!!💪🏻🔥

[@MattCSLnut]

Great vid Matt & totally agree with you about the coolness of the 3 door 4X4s. Back in the mid 1990's I nearly pulled the trigger on a 3 door M-B G-Wagon (way before these were cool & desirable) It was a D reg Black 3 door G230 4 pot Auto but the extensive rust (poorly disguised as bodywork) put me right off it and I walked away. BTW if you can find one, please do a full review of an Isuzu VehiCross which championed the 3 door 4X4 idea back in the late 1990's.

[@norbertjohn]

Not forgetting the three door Freelander as well. I swear the rear seats had never been used in my old Range Rover p38! Really like your reviews. Keep up the good work.

[@tristanpage6805]

Iconic cars mentioned. Great video. Hr-v was so good but only with a roof spoiler tho.

[@comeonman7423]

Love this, even 3 door hatchbacks are clearly going. When I was young, the 3 door of any car was the one to have but not so much now. The 3 door Range Rover looks awesome, lovely alternative to the Merc coupes.

[@Ruto_K]

Agreed. I daily drive a Range Rover Classic 2 door. I love it. Changed the seats and the dash to a more modern Disco soft because the vinyl was knackered. Lovely, capable and nimble.

[@richmadrid9563]

Your statement about the having a market for 3 door SUVs is actually true! In the Philippines, there's alot of demand for a 04-05 3-door Rav4. Especially the Matic ones.

[@frednerk8366]

Just taken delivery of the new Defender 90 in green with a white roof, and yes I agree it looks better balanced than the 110. Not missing the added practicality the 110 offers so far.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Very nice! I’d love one

[@300bhpton]

Probably should also note that the new Pretender 90 is as long/longer than a 5 door Discovery and has a longerwheel base too!

[@frednerk8366]

Just saw this pop up in my notifications. The Defender 90 is getting on for half a metre shorter than the Discovery. @@300bhpton

[@300bhpton]

@@frednerk8366 Disco1 5dr = 178.7" long vs New Defender 90 = 180.4". Both including the spare wheel, so both shorter with the spare removed as they are both door mounted. Not sure where your half a metre is coming from.

[@frednerk8366]

Fair enough, you are correct. I was neglecting the spare wheel. I'm surprised though as the Disco looks to be the longer car, although half of the spare is within the overall length. @@300bhpton

[@duracellalkaline]

You just spoke my mind!! Agree totally.

[@montrocon]

On e again a very professional road test. 👍

[@ianhamer4494]

Have to say I fully agree here, had a lightweight landrover that was a buzz, 2 seats and a whole lot of fun.

[@ihaveacoolhat1]

I think the three-door Shogun you're driving looks wicked. It looks really purposeful.

[@Pr0vost]

Love the look of those old 3dr shoguns

[@andrewgovan1872]

Completely agree really fancy a shogun swb but only a handful in my budget available

[@bendoyle5023]

My parents had 2 Daihatsu Sportraks growing up, a red one and a bright 90s green one. Both with soft and hard tops, they were fantastic and always felt special even though they were probably quite common back then, especially sitting in the back with the roof down on holiday!

[@terryroberts5032]

Eish! Sorry Just Realized you hit 100k subs . Well done. Really enjoy your Reviews.

[@michelod.i.y.5202]

Totally agree. Great video.

[@DiscoFang]

I remember asking you to review the 3 door Shogun ages ago. The 3.2 diesel seems like the perfect all-rounder.

[@phillipevans9414]

My first car was a 1981, 3 door hardtop Suzuki "Stockman" (LJ80) that I bought in 1985, and it was a brilliant, go anywhere, first car. I think there is a market for three door 4*4's as go anywhere adventure mobiles for a younger crowd, but just not at new car prices, hence, the premium they command used. Cheers, keep up the great video's, from a happy Australian subscriber.

[@_stoatchaser]

3 door freelander as well. Loved that car when I had it. And the roof came off in true Land Rover fashion.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yes that’s right

[@darrellbrain829]

Great vid matt, was thinking the same recently. They did a 3 door Nissan Patrol didn’t they, very rare now.

[@TheGreatestPlayerInTheWorld]

Another outstanding video 👍🏾

[@iandonkin6762]

Good point, well made.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@benhenry1571]

The evoque mk1 also came with 3 doors and JLR canned that I recall...

[@leafyboy68]

Yes my wife had one & it took about 30 seconds to bring the electric seats forward enough to climb in the back 🤣 meanwhile on a wet day you got soaked waiting to get in.

[@davelee9791]

My wife’s 2003 3 door RAV4 bought from new 183000 miles never skipped a beat full Toyota service history never needed anything apart from the usual tyres brakes and a one battery change some 5 years ago..still on the original clutch and makes regular 800 mile round trips to Scotland …absolutely brilliant little car and still running strong.

[@ianashton886]

Great for shooting and fishing !

[@BelloBudo007]

An Aussie here who's been wonder the very same thing. I own a Mitsubishi Pajero (Samurai to you?) & if I wasn't using it to tow & camper (using space inside car too), then the SWB version would be fine for me. In fact there's a couple getting around near where I live & I still glance and admire. Mind you they're possibly getting a bit long in the tooth. But if the mileage is low enough, then I'd prefer a SWB Pajero over the Jimny any day of the week.

[@mrstoives2444]

I have had a 3000 Shogun (like your mums) A couple of Sportraks a 3 door Fourtrak and a Jimny. The common element though, is the rear luggage space falls into chocolate teapot territory unless you put the rear seats down. Currently have a new (4d) Vitara which I love.

[@1superocky1]

Got the exact same car warrior with seats in back and 3.5 gdi petrol goes well but does it like a drink ! But still love it .

[@robbryant52]

Spot on

[@trevorwilliamson6305]

The Toyota Landcruiser is still available brand new in the UK as a commercial vehicle too. I agree, big shame most manufacturers pulled out though.

[@ForecourtFilms]

Totally with you. I used to buy fully prepared 3 door ravs straight off forecourts where the dealer didn’t know the premiums and put them on at the correct prices. A low mileage, automatic 55 plate can still fetch £8,000 😀

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good idea

[@polopowered]

1:51 They still do the Landcruiser in a 3dr.

[@markpirateuk]

I certainly agree, I have owned a Jimny & a couple of Riva's, good fun & practical and could get two in to the same space as a stupidly large 4x4. Stupidly I turned down a tidy mk1 2 door Rav 4 for £500 last year, but did not really want an auto....

[@barriepayne3631]

Will you do a review of the Mitsubishi shogun 3swb ? please .love the honest and informative advice keep it up

[@johnbrown3951]

My 1st Gen Freelander was a 3 door and I always thought it was the best option and looked better on larger rims and Black bodywork. I once got off the ferry in the Western Isles a place no stranger to a Land Rover and heard the local boys compliment my Landy. Made my day.

[@richardtodd1898]

Great idea & plenty of room for the batteries

[@asdreww]

Agree with this, always had a preference for 3 door in any type of car. The front doors are usually bigger tho then the equivalent 5 door which can make carparks harder.

[@Itsonlymakebelieve]

Another interesting video topic. I remember, realising after my daughter was born, that I couldn't think about buying anything but a four door car anymore because, you need back doors to look after your child in the back seat. This is probably one of the main reasons three doors were scrapped.

[@doyle201206]

Had a Trooper and Pajero in three door and would have a land cruiser but they’ve stopped importing them. All the benefits you mentioned are right and the reason I like them.

[@paulrobinson272]

You can still buy a new 3 door Toyota Landcruiser (we did last year). It’s old technology but it will last for ever. What was amusing was the fact that the sales guy thought it was only available as a commercial derivative - perhaps explains in part why more aren’t sold.

[@onlyonelens]

Been thinking about exactly this for the last few weeks as my 51 3dr Vitara just gave up after being flawless all winter up in the hills with regular snow. Yet to decide what to move onto now.

[@ml9052]

I used to not understand why my dad bought a 2nd generation base spec 1.8 Rav4 FWD in 3 door. But when most of the time he used it for work only so it was only him and 1 colleague it makes sense now... I miss it now after watching this. Maybe I'll get a 4wd version if I see one for a good price just to relive those old days!

[@jamiecampbell5905]

Another great video and I totally agree what your saying another 3 door 4x4 commercial is the Toyota land cruiser

[@nicolasansom2681]

True they look so much better! I want a Shogun Pinin at the moment

[@jonathanevans9257]

Loved the older Mitsi Shogun V6 SWB 'grey import' they were sturdy well built machines with selective 4 x 4 , go anywhere.

[@davidmitchell7714]

Absolutely agree. Love 3 door 4x4s

[@politirel2]

The Rav4 was lovely.

[@themidnightracer3537]

I recently bought a iszuzu trooper 3.0 5 door, I like the the look of the 3 door but I can’t imagine my 70 year old grandmother climbing in the back without breaking her hip lol, great videos btw

[@David-cm4ok]

Ttally agree. I love 3 door fbf s. Love the samurai and the land cruiser ones spesh.

[@Ryan.90]

Looks wise, love the new Jimny. Refreshing given the trend towards cross-overs. Not keen on 3 doors myself, but I know a lot are, certainly 4x4 wise it's more traditional. Like you say could well be a case of the manufacturers just telling people what they want, rather than trying to actually provide it.

[@whitemoor66]

Not forgetting the original three door Freelander too. Unfortunately it's not just SUV's that have had three door models pruned, it's regular passenger cars too, Golf, Polo, Focus etc. Land Rover don't do a three door Evoque anymore either which is a shame. You hit the nail on the head though, it's all about manufacturers streamlining production, or in other words cutting costs!

[@benjaminkessler8169]

there is still tons of them in Spain. lots of Landcruiser and Pajero (Montero)

[@gb3639]

Can you do a video on the 2021 Isuzu Dmax? Thanks

[@bensmith5707]

Great video. As always. I’d like to see more of them. Btw. Did you forget the 3 door LR Freelander? What about the 3 door Vauxhall Frontera? ;)

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I forgot loads

[@williamdrijver4141]

Perhaps most owners use their off roaders for towing, rather than going cross country. Longer wheelbase also means more stability / comfort.

[@mak2855]

Used to love the mini pajero in my teenage years . Always wanted one with supercharger

[@michaelf.h8507]

The Land Cruiser is still available as a 3 door (Active grade) but your point is correct most have been withdrawn

[@rob5944]

You know I've saw several during an hour long trip in the car yesterday (but it's like when you buy a particular model they suddenly seem to be there)!

[@jimayre2967]

I love that shogun!!

[@colinmeechan587]

You’re right !!!! Forgot all about these things 😂

[@mudskipper0075]

Loved the Fourtrak ,can’t remember last time I saw one...

[@simonwidgery9635]

Mines still driven daily, never let me down in 20 years

[@cameronholden4399]

There quite popular around Derbyshire great engines 👍🏻

[@philmaundrill]

Completely agree Matt. The original Range Rover was also in a three door version. And there’s the amazing Mercedes G wagen too.