The times have certainly changed in the automotive world over the lifespan of PASMAG. Trends and styles have come and gone, with some of them sticking around for good, and others resurfacing in cycles. Those in our audience old enough to remember the haydays of the '90s and early 2000s are sure to know exactly what we mean. And while we may look down on some style eras with hindsight, it's important to remember that many of these modifications and styles we consider to be extreme or "too much" paved the way for a lot of the aftermarket automotive world we know and love today.
As part of an ongoing series, we wanted to take some opportunities to dig into the PASMAG archives - all 25 years of it - as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, and isolate certain eras to appreciate, evaluate, or even reminisce. This week, we're looking at the year 2002 in all its glory.
1. A Timeless Chevrolet S-10
First up, this Chevy S-10 which was clean then, and it's clean now. The wire wheels and paint-matched bed box immediately standout as a timeless look, pairing with the truck's original chrome in a way that would look right at home in a show to this day. The full sized spare sitting among the audio install in the back is the icing on the cake. And check out that original Playstation in the glove box!
If you hide that original Playstation, we could picture this Chevy at a show right now.
2. Subtle Mazda Protege 5
The Mazda Protege 5! Not only was it our Editor's first car, but it was also one of the most underrated hatchbacks of the era. While many of them have been lost to the typical 2000s Mazda rust, looking back on this example makes us remember what made them so special.
Is the engine bay a little bit dated? Perhaps. Interior the same? Maybe. But it's a great time capsule of this era.
3. The Vibrant Performance CRX
One of the most iconic builds out of Vibrant in a decade, this high-octane CRX was a force to be reckoned with, and is no doubt still instantly recognizable to some members of our audience today. At the time, this was damn near the pinnacle of CRX modification. Obviously not for the street, this thing was made to hit the drag strip and look good doing it.
Back in these days, the unlocking of Honda engine's true potential was barely scratching the surface, but we still had some fast cars, respectively.
4. The Canadian Tire x APC Mean Machine Civic
This is the kind of wacky and wild build some of you clicked on this article to see, right? The color-matched everything, the graphics, and the ridiculous interior - this thing had it all. This 2001 Honda Civic was produced in a partnership between Canadian Tire and American Products Company. Side by side with a replica of Peter Gibbons' racecar, this thing toured 70 stores in a cross-Canada tour. While it may look extremely dated by today's standards, we can't help but appreciate the vision.
When we say color-matched everything, we mean everything.
5. This Off-The-Walls Honda Del Sol
I don't know if we can call this one "tasteful" by today's standards, but you have to remember that the vibe back in 2002 was to do the most of everything you could to make your car stand out and look truly 1-of-1. Kits like these are definitely a thing of the past, at least for now.
Is it just me, or does the all-white interior of a Del Sol resemble a boat cockpit?
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