My 1982 Dodge Rampage (el Caminoed Omni)had great style, was a ball to drive, had a full 1/2 ton payload (2100 curb weight, 3350 lbs GVW), a full 6-foot cargo area,got great gas mileage for a carbureted car with a first-generation electronic ignition system.
I wish my current Ranger had the low load height that the Rampage had. It was excellent for city delivery.
Its fatal flaw? Iacocca listened to the dumbass bean-counter who told him that galvanizing the ENTIRE floorpan was too expensive. The load floor was, the cab floor wasn’t. I chased rapid-growing rust with ever-larger pieces of furnace tin and cans of spray undercoat until I felt an alarming flexing beneath my seat and decided enough was enough.
The most dependable vehicle I have owned is my Ranger. In 7 1/2 years and 101,000 miles I had the battery and an oxygen sensor go during the warranty. Afterwards, a gas hose and a starter. Just routine maintenance and wear items
like belts and brake linings, otherwise.
The most luxurious is my current Aztek, which in 1 1/2 years ownership hasn’t broken anything yet.
I’d love to try a big ole 65 Bonneville, though.
