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Top 5 Cars | Executive Cars: 1990 Edition – Readers vote for the Number 1 Choice

Published:Thursday | December 1, 2016 | 12:00 AM

Toyota Cressida (Fourth Generation):

Introduced in 1988, the fourth generation Cressida was powered by a 3000cc six-cylinder engine, producing 190BHP. These models were offered locally in GL and GLX trim levels locally. The GLX trim was equipped with power windows, locks, sunroof and a AM/FM radio with a cassette and CD player. The Cressida was noted for its comfortable, quiet ride, superb handling, and fuel efficiency. The Cressida was discontinued in 1992, and the Camry filled the void left by this indelible model.

Mitsubishi Galant (Seventh Generation):

The seventh generation Galant was unveiled in September 1992 at the Tokyo Motor Show. This new design marked a departure from the rectangular shapes of its predecessor. The Super Saloon and VR were equipped with 2500cc six cylinder engines, capable of producing 237 BHP. Aggressively styled, the VR models were available with body kits. The success of the Galant was hampered by its transmission failures.

Volvo 940 / 960:

Building on the success of the 240 series in the 1980s, the 900 series was the executive's sedan of choice in the early 1990s. The 940 was powered by a 2300cc engine, capable of producing over 200BHP. The 940SE models were equipped with leather, powered seats and sunroof as standard equipment, along with a host of safety features, which Volvos are known for. The 960, which was a facelifted 940, continued to be the executives' and politicians' choice of transport throughout the 1990s.

Mitsubishi Pajero (Second Generation):

The second generation Pajero was released in January 1991.With an impressive interior, two-toned colour exterior, a massive sunroof and superior off-road capabilities, the Pajero won the hearts of Jamaicans. The 3000cc six-cylinder engine was paired with the 'Super Select4WD system.' The system was advanced at the time, as it combined the advantages of part-time and full-time four wheel drive with four options. Another advantage of this system, was that it allowed drivers to switch between two and four-wheel drive modes up to speeds of 100 kilometres, while in other vehicles at the time, the car had to be stationary to make this switch. The Pajero is still one of the most preferred SUVs by executives today.

Mercedes-Benz 190E

Introduced in 1982, the 190E Mercedes-Benz didn't gain popularity locally until near the end of its production. The 'E' designation meant that the model was fuel injected, which allowed it to be more powerful and fuel efficient than non-injected 190 models. The later 190E models were powered by a 2600cc engine producing approximately 160BPH. At the end of its production in April 1993, over 1.8 million models of the 190 nameplate were produced. The Mercedes-Benz 190 was replaced the 'C-Class,' a newly created nameplate at the time.