There are certain vehicles, through either presence or purpose, achieve a following that elevates them above their automotive peers. We recently tested two new vehicles that look to turn decades of love into modern sales success.
Few vehicles are more recognizable or beloved than the VW Bus. The original split windshield model, produced from 1950 to 1967, is the most sought-after by collectors. A pop culture icon, the happy-faced bus graced countless album covers, and when festooned with brightly painted exteriors and shag-carpeted interiors, quickly earned its place as the de facto hippie-mobile. The VW Bus gained movie star status as well, appearing in hits ranging from “Back to the Future” and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” to “Little Miss Sunshine” and even Pixar’s animated classic “Cars.”
With this endless pool of nostalgia available, VW reimagined the bus for a new generation, in either rear or all-wheel drive. Minivans have been around for decades, but Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz is the first all-electric minivan in the US. The electric platform actually makes perfect sense for a minivan. The flat low battery pack and lack of a drivetrain tunnel allow for a flat floor and a wide-open interior. One of my favorite features is the optional full-length electrochromic smart glass roof, which changes from transparent to opaque with the swipe of a finger. The rear two rows of seats fold fully flat, while the back row is
also removable.
There are fun touches scattered throughout, including on the rear doors, which in a nod to the sliders on the original Bus, each house a sliding small window. The ID.Buzz is adding new tech and functionality to the segment, and with its cool retro styling and bright two-tone paint options, might be the first minivan even grumpy dads will embrace. ID.Buzz pricing starts at $59,995.
If you’ve traveled to the more rugged parts of the world, you’ve probably encountered old Toyota Land Cruisers. Over more than seven decades, the Land Cruiser has developed a reputation for its near bullet-proof reliability. The first generation was introduced in 1951 as a simple utilitarian vehicle. Over the following years and multiple generations, the Land Cruiser gained size and comfort but never lost its core mission of dependable, go-anywhere capability. The off-road proficiency was there, but so was the wood trim, air-conditioned seats and extra weight.
With the introduction of the all-new Land Cruiser, Toyota is getting back to its roots. There is still leather and heated seats, but the focus is back on serious off-road chops. The last 2020 Land Cruiser that I tested had a sticker price of $90,000. My 2025 Land Cruiser was indeed a breath of fresh air with an MSRP of $68,695. That bargain price is reflected in the less opulent interior with more plastic and less haute couture, yet all the functionality remains. Visually, the exterior is the biggest departure. The rounded form of the previous model has given way to a much more squared-off design. It’s not as boxy as a Mercedes G-Wagen, but no one will confuse it for the previous model. The new version retains the rugged body on frame construction, locking center and rear differentials, and multiple drive modes for exploring the road less traveled. If you have a wild side, the Land Cruiser will take you there…and get you back, too. •
