Weird Japanese Cars in the US: A Look at the Quirky and Unusual Imports

What impact did Japanese imports have on American car design?

Japanese imports forced American car manufacturers to make significant changes in design and engineering to compete with the advanced and well-engineered Japanese cars. This led to innovations and improvements in the American automotive industry.

Why did Mazda introduce a rotary engine pickup in the US?

Mazda introduced the rotary engine pickup in the US in 1974 for its superior fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance compared to other engine options available at the time.

What was the reason behind Subaru stopping the import of the 360 in 1969?

Subaru stopped importing the 360 in 1969, possibly due to market demand, changing consumer preferences, or strategic business decisions.

Why is the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet known for its lack of structural rigidity?

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is known for its lack of structural rigidity due to its unique design and the challenges of creating a convertible SUV without compromising structural integrity.

What was the 'chicken tax' and how did it affect car imports?

The 'chicken tax' was a tariff imposed on imported pickups in retaliation for taxes on poultry imports. This led to creative solutions like jump seats welded into the truck bed of the Subaru Brat to avoid the tariff.