[Smithy]

I often hear people saying that the R8 was the best car Rover produced, and it was a shame they failed to capitalise on its success. At the time of launch it was far superior than the opposition for the market it was aimed at.

Personally I agree, build quality is far superior to my Maestro of a similiar age. The coupe still doesn't appear to have aged even today.

[214GSI]

I agree

I am yet to meet anyone who has owned an R8 who didn't like it, and that has be the best commendation.

It's a consistant performer: It does everything well and nothing badly.

Performance, economy, reliability, durability, versatility, vision, and style are all good. 8)
The interior has a pleasing ambience, the R8 is a nice place to be

[richymon]

2nd only to the shityrover i mean cityrover :a good sign of how good a car is to take a look at how many are left on the road.we still see alot of the early g & h reg cars on the road.just like the ronda acclaim lots of em still about.lets look at the metro.many early cars have gone.rusted away & even the last r reg cars have rusty arch syndrome.another example is the sierra lots still on the road.it figures that these old cars dont give owners trouble otherwise they get scrapped.as said the next modle missed the boat.no drop top.no estate.no sport modle.till the m.g.

[Third Person Plural]

I agree

I am yet to meet anyone who has owned an R8 who didn't like it, and that has be the best commendation.

It's a consistant performer: It does everything well and nothing badly.

Performance, economy, reliability, durability, versatility, vision, and style are all good. 8)
The interior has a pleasing ambience, the R8 is a nice place to be

What style? :P I agree with everything else though, they're very good cars compared to their mass-market rivals. Contemporary Escorts and Astras for example are grim in comparison.

[214GSI]

I agree

I am yet to meet anyone who has owned an R8 who didn't like it, and that has be the best commendation.

It's a consistant performer: It does everything well and nothing badly.

Performance, economy, reliability, durability, versatility, vision, and style are all good. 8)
The interior has a pleasing ambience, the R8 is a nice place to be

What style? :P I agree with everything else though, they're very good cars compared to their mass-market rivals. Contemporary Escorts and Astras for example are grim in comparison.

You don't think the R8 is stylish? :?
I do :P
In particular look at the fascia, the way it wraps around and merges into the doors?

[matthewsemple]

Yes I saw an Acclaim at the supemarket yesteday - there are loads in Bristol which is weird because the number built was only just over 100,000 and production stopped about 23 years ago.

The mark 1 Rover 200 (213/216) which was based on the second generation Honda Ballade does not seem to have survived as well even though it was built for a longer period.

Whilst, Sierras have lasted in greater numbers than the Cavalier or the Maestro/Montego, the R8 will easily beat contemporary versions of the Escort or Astra. Some cars just last longer because they remain popular second hand for longer.

[Subcat001]

Well iirc it was Rover's most successful.

I know I am biased having owned 2, and almost several others, but it was without a doubt Rover's most modern and complete car. On its release it was ahead of the competition (which is often forgotten). Even with Rover pitching them above their sector they still sold extremely well. The big problem for Rover is they failed to develop the model. The coupe is a prime example. On its release it was met with compliments and criticisms. Rover failed to listen and iron out the models short comings. Just look at reviews from 1993 and 1995. A shame as it could of been a performance icon with a little more development.