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Jun
06

What Auto Is This? A South Korean Econo Box Enters The USA

This South Korean slushbox was first sold in the USA in 1988. Sold here between 1988-1993 it would be this companies highest MPG model in 1988 with a fuel sipping 45 MPG on the highway. Sold in the USA under one make and model it was sold throughout the would under many makes and model names. This little car would be one of the first global vehicles being produced all over the globe. The only engine available in the USA was the 1.3 liter four cylinder single overhead cam with fuel injection.

You had three trim levels in 1988. The base models got the rubbery shifting 4 speed manual. If you went for the fancy pants models you got the 5 speen manual, upgraded gauges, carpet and tilt wheel. No automatic was available till 1990. If you checked the box for the most fancy schmancy model you got alloy wheels and an AM/FM cassette radio as standard issue. To get it to meet the USA tougher safety laws the cars had to be updated with automatic front seat belts and 5mph bumpers.

No power windows or locks were ever available in this tiny front wheel drive hatchback and A/C was a dealer installed option. The only body type in the USA was the two door hatchback. With it’s only competition being the Subaru Justy they sold well with over 350,000 being sold here between 1988-1993. This car little stopping selling in the USA because it could not meet tougher USA safety and air bag standards. This same car is still being sold in Asia till today. What Auto is This??

About the author

C-Johnny

Welcome to Carlisle Johnny. My name is Johnny B and I have been an avid car crazed nut since age 13 years old. I purchased my first classic car at age 15, a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Convertible. Since then I have owned, sold, suffered and romanced over a 147 cars, and I haven’t looked back. I always tell people its not the cars or trucks it’s the stories and people behind them. I love all kinds of cars, but I lean more towards classics from the 30’s and 40’s, Triumphs, Old Crusty VW’s and Benz’s. However, I enjoy all kinds of vehicles of various years. I have spent the last 30 years in the Auto Parts Industry but also spent many years as a classic car appraiser in Carlisle Pa.(home of the famous Carlisle Fairgrounds) where I was a sponsor. During that time as an appraiser I traveled across the U.S. appraising wonderful cars and meeting incredible people. I spent time working as one of the head appraisers on the “Harold LeMay” collection. Which is one of the worlds largest collections, with 3,100 plus classic vehicles. In addition I have also worked on the Lincoln Highway 75th anniversary tour and had the honor to do the first leg across the U.S. as well as going to Barrett-Jackson numerous times. On the weekends you can find me singing Karaoke at The Village Way in Port Jefferson,New York. www.me4portjeff.com Through it all I still say its always about the people and the stories along the way. So that’s the main purpose of this site. The people, stories and the old klunkers we love, romance and question. So your invited to join in for a fun ride… Thanks from Johnny B “The Car Whisperer”

3 comments on “What Auto Is This? A South Korean Econo Box Enters The USA

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