In the Driveways of Parkway Village: What Kentucky Is Driving Today

There’s a certain air of magic in the Metro Louisville, Kentucky area. The hustle and bustle of the daily crowd. The industry. The hometown pride. And nestled in a quaint, green section of Louisville is Parkway Village. The home to nearly 700 citizens, Parkway Village extends from S Preston Street, Clarks Lane, Packard Avenue, and Parklawn Drive. Those dwelling in Parkway Village work hard for what they have, and they don’t have time for things that are going to be a lot of trouble. Village residents make informed decisions on what they know will be a good move for today and in the future.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that some of the most popular vehicles of Parkway Village are some of the most trusted vehicles in the country. With a flair for finding fun in the midst of daily duty, the vehicles you’ll find at Online.cars, your Parkway Village, KY car dealer, celebrate the best of the best, with no room for hijinks or compromise. Check out the models that have the attention of individuals and families in the village and around the United States, and why they’ve been long-time favorites of drivers just like you.

Living It Up in the Jeep Grand Cherokee

It’s hard to believe the Jeep Grand Cherokee is already 30. Originally considered a replacement for the standard Jeep Cherokee model, this version earned its “Grand” label by being larger, more comfortable, and equipped with more luxurious features, such as a driver’s airbag and anti-lock brakes. Each version of the Grand Cherokee over the years has included an impressive share of carefully-developed comfort and convenience features, from state-of-the-art audio systems to leather upholstery and automatic climate control. The fact that the Grand Cherokee sold over 2 million models by 2000 leads some experts to theorize that this luxurious Jeep was the forerunner of the SUV Boom that we’re currently cruising in.

The Grand Cherokee debuted at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show, spectacularly driven through a window by Chrysler president Bob Lutz. Sold as a 1993 model, only three trims were offered in the first year of production (Base, Laredo, and Limited) and your choice of part-time Command-Trac four-wheel drive or full-time Select-Trac. Compare that to the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is offered in seven trims (Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve) and three types of four wheel drive trains: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential/eLSD.

In fact, there is also a new version of the Grand Cherokee: the 4xe. The 4xe marks the first hybrid Grand Cherokee, with the potential to usher in a new generation of even more efficient SUVs. Looking for a vehicle that’s going to get your family to and from your daily appointments in style but still has a wild side to explore on the weekends? The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes well-appointed for those duties, making it a stellar choice for residents of Parkway Village and beyond.

The Honda Civic Is a Born Winner

The Honda Civic pre-dates the Jeep Grand Cherokee as a national fan favorite. The small car with a reputation for being highly efficient hit the streets of the United States for the first time in 1973, immediately earning accolades from drivers and experts alike. The overall goal behind the Civic was the creation of a vehicle that would be small, compact, and able to exceed the newly implemented national emission standards. Honda achieved this with a Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion engine, taking the catalytic converter out of the equation for cleaner fuel consumption. With its 1488cc powerhouse producing 53 horsepower, the Civic was small but mighty, but most importantly, efficient.

By 1984, the Civic had expanded into a family of vehicles, with hatchback, sedan, and wagon body styles offered. Two short years later, Honda moved production to central Ohio, proof that the Civic was here to stay. The body size and shape of the Civic have changed several times over the years, with wheelbases growing longer and hatchbacks becoming far less boxy. In fact, the modern hatchback is a far cry from the trapezoidal models of the ’70s and ’80s, and more like a sports car that can carry more than the average coupe. The 2003 Civic Hybrid was amongst the forerunners of its type, helping set the standard for features that are now commonplace on the automotive market, such as engine stop-start, cylinder deactivation, and more.

Now in its 11th generation, the Honda Civic serves as one of the longest-running brands in the nation because the manufacturer puts drivers first. Though the Civic isn’t known for luxury-level comforts, cabin technology is always cutting edge, with features that make sense not just today, but for a long time to come. A car costs quite a bit of money, and you want to put your money into a car that will last a long time. That’s what makes the Honda Civic a valuable investment for today’s drivers. Though designs update and features come and go, a Honda Civic is a reliable and relevant choice regardless of the year and trim level, making it a go-to for those who don’t want to have to replace their vehicle too frequently.

Slightly Uncivilized: The Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco was reintroduced in 2021 to much fanfare. After all, it had been 31 long years since anyone had seen a brand new Bronco. But few know that the Bronco owes its existence to its stablemate, the Mustang, whose success on the market warranted Ford’s foray into the next big thing. And the Bronco certainly became that big thing.

Ford decided in 1962 that a more people-friendly version of the Jeep would do well with American drivers and polled drivers of Jeep and International Harvester Scout vehicles about what they loved about their vehicles and what they wished they could change about them. Designer McKinley Thompson began sketching concepts in 1963, which led to the boxy Sports-Utility Vehicle we recognize even today. First known as the 1966 G.O.A.T., or “Goes Over All Terrain,” the Bronco became an instant symbol of free-wheeling adventure.

Early Broncos came in three variations. The Roadster was an open concept vehicle with optional doors and roof. The Sports Utility version included a two to three-person bench seat and a pickup bed, and the Wagon included a full hardtop roof and seating for five with a rear bench seat. Each model was four-wheel drive standard and equipped with a three-speed manual transmission.

So what could you do with a Bronco? It might seem instead that there’s not much you couldn’t do with a Bronco. A Bronco won the 1967 Riverside Four-Wheel Drive Grand Prix, as well as the 1968 Mint 400 and Baja 1000. Of course, Parkway Village, Kentucky, is a far cry from the sandy terrain of Baja, but that doesn’t mean Kentucky drivers don’t like to have fun. The state is home to plenty of off-road parks, along with the natural mountains and hollers in the southern part of the state. Besides, the Bronco knows how to behave itself. The 1985 model even offered a designer Eddie Bauer trim to demonstrate its stylish side. However, with the addition of the Explorer, the Bronco lost its place in the Ford SUV lineup.

The Bronco returned in 2021, however, with plenty of “Best in Class” titles to its name. Not only is it a strong off-road contender, but it has good looks and a charming personality as well. With a variety of drive styles to match each trim, the Bronco is a vehicle with a lot of personality…and a lot of purpose. Whether you’re a road trip fanatic or need to get in the mud, the new Bronco allows drivers to unwind as they see fit, providing the same free-spirited sensibility as the original 1966 version.

It’s Time to Check Out These Models

We know what you need to fit your budget and your lifestyle. We know that you need a vehicle that is practical without sacrificing style and efficient without losing function. You want to feel comfortable and secure, but not dated and boring. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Honda Civic, and the Ford Bronco are three vehicles that have been part of the American driver’s vocabulary for a very long time. For those looking to make a smart investment on a vehicle that will be just as important and dependable tomorrow as it is today, these represent just a handful of options that can keep you driving happily for many years to come.

You’ve thought carefully about where you want to live and selected Parkway Village as your home. When it’s time to pick your next car, it’s a good idea to think about the things that drew you to this community in the first place, such as safety and security, a certain classic aesthetic, and an appreciation of value. Consider options like the Grand Cherokee, Civic, and Bronco, which have a time-honored tradition of greatness, just like your community.