Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Japan
Wacky or Tacky? Mitsuoka introduces the Galue 204

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Mitsuoka, in addition to building the sea creature-like Orochi sports car, is best known for its quirky "regular" models, which are simply rebodied vehicles that are usually made to look like British classics. Today, the boutique automaker unveiled the Galue 204, which is based on the current Toyota Corolla Axio (sedan). Mechanically, all the Corolla Axio options are available -- 1.5 or 1.8L engines, optional 4WD, etc. Visually, you get an "Old Luxury" face (watch out for marauding Audi R8s) and a rear that looks lifted right off a late-model Cadillac Fleetwood. It makes for an amusing automotive mash-up, and ultimately, a suitably eccentric novelty vehicle. This is one Corolla that certainly can't be accused of looking boring.
[Source: Mitsuoka]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Luis 1:34PM (2/05/2008)
I'm not sure what this atrocity could be labeled as...sure is ugly though.
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Mr. Blake 1:40PM (2/05/2008)
tacky
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kevjohn 1:42PM (2/05/2008)
How about a third choice? I'd go with "goofy".
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John P. 1:42PM (2/05/2008)
and we complain about how bad the current focus looks,...
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meshies 1:43PM (2/05/2008)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA. Another Grand Theft Auto vehicle. The Japanese sure do know how to perfect ugly.
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mikey 1:50PM (2/05/2008)
I am strongly reminded of the George Barris-bodied Lincoln in the old late 70's movie 'The Car'.
This thing should have red window glass.
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Hamud 1:50PM (2/05/2008)
It is a Corolla with a UK cab front end???
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Frick 1:53PM (2/05/2008)
mistake on wheels.
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Andrew Tanasescu 2:04PM (2/05/2008)
I heard production begins on April 1
Seriously, I hope this thing is a joke. Seriously, who can walk into a dealership and say "That is exactly what I want".
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LMBVette 2:24PM (2/05/2008)
Mitsuoka is Japanese for Ugly! ;-)
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beken 2:26PM (2/05/2008)
Isn't that front end the same as the car that was on Audi's superbowl commercial?
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A&W 2:27PM (2/05/2008)
Reminds me of the 90's Buick Skylark. http://shared.automallsouthwest.com/dealers/651/uploadedimages/1G4NV5530RC273504-1.JPG
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J.K. 2:28PM (2/05/2008)
wacky? tacky? I would say crapy
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Ed 2:33PM (2/05/2008)
Nice idea. Poor execution. It's cool they tried to make a luxury classic style car, but without it being supermassive. The back looks alright. The front is a bit cut and shut.
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Pat 2:39PM (2/05/2008)
It has the rear end of a mid-90s Cadillac DeVille ...
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JB 2:44PM (2/05/2008)
Looks like an old Hudson.
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Alex B 2:57PM (2/05/2008)
Yes, it is not boring. In the same way that projectile vomiting is not boring.
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stang_fan 2:59PM (2/05/2008)
I guess I'm the only one who sees an attempt to re-create a Jaguar Mark X on a smaller scale?
Seriously, if anyone ever needed proof that NOTHING can be done to liven up the styling(?) of a Corolla, they need only look at this car. The only thing funnier than the car is how much this Extreme Makeover costs the customer.
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NOreasonY 3:29PM (2/05/2008)
can you say Cadillac-Bentley love child??
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calebe 3:37PM (2/05/2008)
yeah, thats pretty much a mess. Their Viewt car is a pretty good job. looks like a old jag
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