The Cars of the University of Rhode Island

2/2/22 to 2/10/22

David: At the start of my second semester at URI, I began missing my bike rides, and since it was too cold to actually ride, I decided to walk instead. These are the cars and trucks I found around various different parts of campus, but mostly in the maintenance lots, where lots of old decommissioned service vehicles were found. The '95 F-150 that you'll see right below this description was actually found a few days earlier, which is why there's more snow on the ground than in the other pictures. The rest were found on the 9th and 10th of February.

1995 Ford F-150 Custom

Here is the '95 F-150 I mentioned earlier. This belongs to a faculty member, since it was found near where I found the Lotus Elise behind the engineering, which you can see in the background.

An Oldie but a Goodie: Dodge Caravan URI Service Vehicle

Talk about a car you never see anymore, these third generation Caravans were a dime a dozen when I was younger, but they got worn into the ground, as most minivans did, not just Caravans and Voyagers. I was pretty happy to see that URI still had one in service after all the years. I hope they continue keeping it in service.

Above: Retired Ford F-250 Service Vehicle

This is a relic for sure! I think this F-250 has done it's time at URI, and has been left to sit. This was found in the maintenance lot at the south end of campus where most of the industrial and service buildings are.

For a surprise, check out Campus Exploration 5!

1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais S at the Maintenance Lot

Once again, another old car you rarely see anymore. I used to see these everywhere when I was younger, but then they began to disappear. I was honestly really happy to see that one of these was still on the road.

Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB)

This belongs to a student on campus. It's a customized NB Miata with some cool rims. Nice.

Retired Chevy S-10 Service Vehicle

Here we have another retired URI Pickup, an early Chevy S-10.

Above and Left: Ford F-600 Stakebed Service Vehicle

There's a reason why Fords are "built tough." To my knowledge, this is the oldest fleet vehicle at URI, a late '60s Ford F-600. I am unsure if this sees service, because while it has been kept in great condition, it hasn't moved from this spot at all. I am very glad that the school has kept this truck in working order, and one day I hope to see it around campus.

Above: 1997 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo

Aha! The second 9000 I've ever seen, and also the second one on campus. When I was checking out the F-600, I happened to look away from it and noticed the distinct rear end that is only that of the Saab 9000. Filled will joy and excitement, I walked over to this car and checked it out. This is a very nice example of a 9000, and I as I mentioned, I was really overjoyed to see another 9000 on campus. Like the 9000 we saw earlier, (URI Cars under Late Summer '21) this is a CSE trim level car, a high trim level and one below the Aero, which meant you got leather seats, automatic climate control, and a turbo. The Aero included a performance tuned suspension, tuned engine, and fancier leather seats.

Above: 1990 Honda Prelude SI 5MT in the Plains Lot

Next up, we arrive at one of my favorite Hondas of all time, the Prelude. This is the third generation Prelude, and arguably the most iconic one. This car was one of Honda's most technologically advanced cars as it offered rear steering for better handling. The Honda prelude is simply a car that was ahead of its time.

1992 Toyota Hilux Pickup

Two old school Toyota pickups still putting in the work. The Hilux/SR-5 came before Tacoma, but Toyota just decided to give it no name, so it was officially known as the Toyota Pickup in the US. The SR-5 was a trim level of the pickup and the name Hilux was the name given to the domestic market pickup.

Above: 1997 Mazda NA MX-5 Miata

Here's a pretty nice Miata in the student lot. This might be one I've seen around my area a few times, but it might be a different car. Either way, a Miata in this dark blue is pretty uncommon to come across.

Above: 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero

I think this is the first 9-3 Aero I've photographed on here, but don't quote me on that. The Aero is the highest trim level available of any Saab, and is known for its performance tuned suspension and powerful engine. The 9-3 Aero comes equipped with a 2.8L V6 engine making around 260hp. It may look like a normal 9-3, but if you see the Aero badge on the rear trunk, you know you're in for business.

2006 Ford Crown Victoria P-71 Daily Driver at the Carothers Library

I love seeing this. If you want a cheap car that can hold a lot and will last long, look no further than a decommissioned P-71 Crown Vic. The P-71 was the code Ford gave to the Crown Victorias that were ordered as police vehicles. These were the last of the Panther platform cars and some of the last body on frame cars produced. Now, as most of these have been retired from service, you can buy them cheap from auction sites and places like Facebook and Craigslist. Here's an example of a worn out Crown Vic still on the road.

Above: 2002 Saab 9-3 SE Hatchback

Here we have another first generation 9-3 on campus. This one has been kept up well, and I'm glad to see someone enjoying such a great Saab car. The SE was the highest trim level, before the Viggen, which we'll touch upon once we find one. However, this 9-3 is one nice Saab.

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