Over the years I have owned many automobiles.  Most I bought new, but occasionally I purchased a previously owned vehicle.  I was fortunate enough to get good service from almost all the cars I bought regardless of whether they were a product of American Motors, Chrysler, Ford or General Motors.  My memories of World War II were very strong, and for years I avoided purchasing any vehicle made with a German or Japanese label.  However, my current automobile is a Honda, and thus far it is the most trouble-free car I have ever owned.

One car, however, set the standard for poor performance.

In 1976 I bought a used Dodge Polara from someone I knew and trusted.  I thought I was getting a great bargain, but it soon proved otherwise.  It was a good-looking vehicle, but defects quickly became apparent.  I remember the following:

• The car had external dimensions similar to those of a World War II medium tank.  Navigating a parking lot was a true hazard.
• The huge hood was difficult to see over, but under the hood a small in-line engine occupied very little space.  Two or three auto mechanics could work under that hood at the same time, and you might even throw in a three-piece band.

The Polara

• The trunk was big enough to accommodate three or four bodies plus luggage.  Perhaps car designers had the Mafia in mind.
• The car’s rear window was very small and situated in such a way to make it virtually useless.  Backing up was a guessing game.
• The car’s heater was totally unreliable.  There were only two settings that worked – off or 100 degrees fahrenheit.   Air conditioning was not much better.  Service technicians were unable to solve the problem.
• The automobile was useless in snow (no traction) and prone to skidding on wet pavement.

I really hated that automobile.  When my youngest son, Eric,  skidded on a wet street, smashed into a light post, and totaled that Polara,  I thanked him sincerely.

It was a full week before I stopped grinning.