1987 Toyota Celica GT

Once in a while a manufacturer hits a peak in their design and engineering. This is what I think happened with Toyota and the Celica. Here was a not-too-expensive, reliable, attractive, sporty car that sold well. Then the market changed, or management decided they wanted to go after the high end, or ... something. Regardless, this car is an example of the late peak period of the Celica -- a great smooth shape that still managed to be a good car as well.

1990 Jeep Cherokee 2dr (XJ)

This one is for Mark, the owner, who was so pleased by my interest in his truck.

I believe the two door Cherokee is less common, there being somewhat of a craze for four door SUVs at the time. Regardless, Jeeps of this era are interesting in that they echo the long history of conservative, 'military' looking vehicles while embracing a new style and better technology. So -- no super aerodynamic shape, but smaller and more practical than previous models. Love the oversized wheels/tires, squared off shapes of all lights, windows, grill, even fenders are mostly straight lines.

1986 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

1990 Subaru Loyale Wagon

1982 Honda Civic Hatchback

This seems to be a project car. It has been sitting in this alley for at least two summers. There was a sibling, an older Civic "Wag-O-Van" in the garage, which seems to have departed. Love the patina, the moss, but most of all the honesty of the car. No pretensions, just honest, straightforward transportation. Many had problems with Civics of this generation, but this one seems in excellent shape.

UPDATE Mar 30/2015: Spoke with the owner and discovered I had the year wrong.