10 Of The Worst Pimp My Ride Cars The Show Ever Produced – Jalopnik

If you grew up with MTV music movies on within the background when you bought prepared for college and keep in mind enjoying “Need For Speed Underground,” then you definitely had been seemingly a fan of the tv collection “Pimp My Ride.” For these of you who missed out, the present was hosted by Xhibit, a then-prominent rap artist. At the time, we had been led to consider that people would submit movies that confirmed simply how raggedy their automobiles had been and the way badly they wanted their rides to be pimped. If chosen, Xhibit would present up at their door and drive their automobile to a store for an intensive makeover. For the primary 4 seasons, the modifications had been carried out by West Coast Customs.

Unfortunately, the magic of the present has since evaporated. It wasn’t precisely stunning for followers to search out out that a lot of the present was staged: Reporters from varied shops interviewed contestants and found that, along with among the antics, quite a lot of the {hardware} was faraway from the automobiles after the present was recorded. Given the ridiculousness of among the modifications, we’re certain a lot of the house owners weren’t too upset.

Still, figuring out that “Pimp My Ride” truly type of sucked behind the scenes has induced the reruns to age like milk. Moreover, the outlandish designs may’ve been mad cool again within the day, however at present they’re downright cringe. With that in thoughts, we put collectively a listing of among the worst “Pimp My Ride” automobiles the present ever produced. Sure, we might’ve taken this within the different path, however highlighting the downfall of Y2K traits is a bit cathartic. And in contrast to metallic working sneakers, we expect it is best if most of those design components had been left previously. 

West Coast Customs (WCC) was liable for the automotive creations we noticed in the course of the first 4 seasons, so for Seasons 5 and 6, Xhibit drove the automobiles to Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) for pimpification. In different phrases, we won’t pin all of the blame on WCC, which simply so occurred to make a one-off Lucid Air coupe so Shaquille O’Neal might slot in it. Specifically, this brightly modified Mercedes-Benz 300SD was featured in Episode 5 of Season 6, which implies it was put collectively by the blokes at GAS.

Cosmetically, the two-tone mild pink and darkish pink end on Spechelle’s 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD is not all that dangerous when in comparison with different pimped-out rides. That mentioned, the tribal graphic, gaudy chrome wheels, and “Spechelle-edition” hood decoration aren’t doing it any favors. The faux-beaver-fur-lined inside, nevertheless, is a few actual nasty work. 

What actually put the pink Benz on this record, although, must be the downright harmful hydraulic trunk setup. This factor appears prefer it’s able to take somebody’s arms off, and we now have to think about that it was one of many modifications the store eliminated earlier than releasing the automobile again to the proprietor. In this case, we definitely suppose that is a superb factor.

As we talked about in our TV Flashback to when “Pimp My Ride” put a satellite tv for pc dish on prime of a Range Rover, the retailers reportedly did not make any mechanical repairs to the rides. However, if a automobile was too far gone, they might swap it out for one thing else. In the case of Laila’s 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager Expresso, the fellas determined to interchange it with an almost an identical Dodge Grand Caravan, although this wasn’t disclosed within the episode itself.

Now, we have all seen our justifiable share of modified minivans. Some are tastefully completed, like a Honda Odyssey with a delicate drop and aftermarket wheels that slot in slightly than stand out. More typically than not, although, they’re outfitted with the AutoZone particular: pretend vents galore. Laila’s Plymouth-turned-Dodge sadly falls in with the latter. The flamboyant two-tone purple-and-pink paint scheme manages to make Spechelle’s Mercedes-Benz look good. Luis’s authentic plan to color it jet black with flames and skulls may’ve truly been an enchancment. The paint-matched pink wheels with chrome lips might look cool on one thing like a Dodge Neon SRT-4, however we’re not so certain about how they give the impression of being when bolted to the hubs of this minivan. 

Yeah, we sound like haters. And certain, Diggity did handle to search out an aftermarket physique equipment that was constructed for it. But none of that’s going to alter our opinion. Mad Mike’s resolution so as to add in a vroom field for synthetic engine sounds can be corny, however we’ll give credit score the place credit score is due. Given the present trajectory of the automotive business, Mad Mike could very properly have been forward of his time with this concept.

Lawanna nicknamed her 1968 Volkswagen Bug “the turtle shell” as a result of it was rusty and sluggish. After its makeover, we expect Dory could be a extra applicable nickname, and anybody who’s seen “Finding Nemo” would seemingly agree. Funky would not all the time imply dangerous in relation to modified Volkswagen Bug creations, however it does on this case. 

In all equity, this factor would not look half dangerous from sure angles. But the bookshelf of a entrance bumper, dorsal fin, and loud paint scheme made it straightforward to place it on this record. We know now that the house owners had been compelled to do some appearing, however there are a few Freudian slips for those who concentrate. “That’s not my car!” Lawanna yells upon first seeing the VW, as if she is absolutely struggling to consider that she now has to drive this factor to and from work. “My windows are tinted… with some limo tint,” she says, as if she’s relieved to know that folks will not see her in it once they cross by. 

Speculative jokes apart, we’re critical after we say we might desire the country attraction it conveyed previous to its transformation. We suppose most purists would agree, however we are able to see the place these with a penchant for aquamarine life may desire the blue-yellow makeover.

Oh boy, one other pimped out minivan! Tin’s 1988 Dodge Caravan was featured in Episode 4 of Season 4, and appears like one thing straight out of “Super Fast!,” the parody film based mostly on the “Fast and Furious” franchise. To the credit score of the crew at West Coast Customs, it is at the very least not as dangerous as Laila’s pink and purple minivan. The two-tone orange and grey end on this square-bodied Voyager is simpler on the eyes, however the chrome wheels and chrome therapy to the entrance grille and headlights are something however. 

We can recognize the hassle put into the gradient fade featured on each the highest and backside colours. The chrome wheels and chrome therapy to the entrance grille and headlights are simply flat-out ugly. And whereas we nonetheless suppose the hood and fender vents are misplaced on a minivan, at the very least they’re actual and never the pretend stick-on ones you’d sometimes see on a automobile like this.

To be honest, the within is type of cool, particularly in comparison with the deplorable situation it was in previous to being pimped. Overall, it is one thing 13-year-old me in all probability would’ve liked to have, however 32-year-old me did not hesitate so as to add it to this record.

Esmeralda’s 1991 Pontiac Sunbird seems in Episode 13 of Season 6. The guys at GAS gear as much as construct one thing befitting of her beach-loving nature, however the gimmicks appear much more far out than typical, which is saying one thing. 

The shade mixture of pale yellow with brown accenting is not to our style, whereas the tribal callbacks with the “tiki god” decor on the hood and seatbacks is giving Crash Bandicoot (and never in a great way). However, the paintwork on the hood is artistic, and we’ll give it credit score for that. The physique equipment and chrome wheels could have been stylish on the time, however in at present’s world, they only appear supremely cheesy. 

The sand ground feels like an terrible expertise, because it appears to exacerbate one of many worst components of going to the seaside: all of the sand you unwillingly take house with you. Nearly as nonsensical are the coin-operated binoculars which can be put in. Even sillier is the inclusion of an Italian ice machine within the trunk that is put in subsequent to amps and subwoofers, which looks as if a recipe for catastrophe. The concepts for this construct appeared to be extra about making a superb episode as an alternative of a superb automobile, however enterprise is enterprise, we suppose.

This 1991 Honda CRX was featured in Episode 10 of Season 6. Jonathan, the proprietor, was an avid comedian e book collector, and this was the angle taken by the fellas once they sat all the way down to prepare dinner up concepts for its makeover. Overall, the inspiration and creativity that went into this construct had been extra cohesive than a lot of the issues this present produced. However, the execution was tough in some facets.

The motorized comedian e book show was a pleasant contact, and a tidy twist in comparison with the mess Chamillionaire finds it in, with comedian books scattered all through. Oh yeah, this specific episode was hosted by a particular visitor, who you in all probability know because the man behind “Ridin’ Dirty.” 

Despite having a reasonably penny put into it, the CRX ended up trying uglier than a lot of the choices you will come throughout on Facebook Marketplace. Luis’s option to coat the automobile in mirror-chrome paint was questionable at finest, however Diggity’s resolution to suit it with an Extreme Dimensions Duraflex physique equipment was disastrous. To be honest, the rear finish and aspect profiles aren’t too shabby, however the entrance finish, in our humble opinion, is downright disgusting. Unless you are a die-hard Fantastic Four fanatic, a automobile that outshines the Silver Surfer could be powerful to reside with. It’s significantly disappointing given the Honda CRX’s potential and all the nice builds on the market.

Ellyn’s 1996 Ford Contour made its look in Episode 10 of Season 5. It was in fairly tough form and had sustained harm from a bear assault. Imagine seeing that on a CarFax report. The guys at GAS took the bear harm and ran with it, which resulted within the claw mark decals. Between that and the colour combo, this Ford could be a wonderful automobile for some Memphis Grizzlies advertising. Please, maintain your applause. 

Ellyn was an outdoorsy environmental science main who liked mountain climbing, kayaking, and tenting, therefore the aforementioned bear harm. In retaining with the theme, the crew outfitted the Contour with a salmon egg cannon. The cannon is meant for use to distract a bear in case there’s one other assault, which sounds affordable sufficient. However, the seat cloth is created from salmon pores and skin, which appears counterintuitive. We’re undecided which scent the bear would favor, and we hope Ellyn by no means needed to discover out. Of course, that is assuming she was even in a position to hold the cannon. 

The modifications that Quoc-viet had made to his 1989 Nissan 240SX had been impressed by the “Need For Speed Underground” video video games, modeled after the 240 he constructed within the recreation, however he ended up with one thing that resembles what you may see at a grassroots drifting occasion. And that is in no way an insult. We discovered the ratty aesthetic preferable to the way it sorted its transformation. 

We’ll give the blokes at West Coast Customs an A for effort, although, because the construct was fairly spot-on in comparison with what Quoc-viet created within the recreation. No offense to him, however we do not suppose the digital creation is all that good to start with, and the real-life model is even worse. There are a few disparities, together with the colour of the wheels and the fitment of the hood and physique equipment. And whereas we do suppose it is fairly an unsightly automobile, its appears aren’t the one cause it is on this record.

This legendary chassis has a great deal of potential, as most fans know, and designing it based mostly on the proprietor’s online game construct was a decent transfer. However, including a bling equipment to the engine bay with out performing any upkeep or mechanical upgrades is deranged. As teenagers, we had been in all probability like, “Oh wow, look at the shiny parts!” But now that we’re older, listening to the phrases “we couldn’t do all of this to your car without touching your engine” and “JCW hooked you up with an engine dress-up kit” simply leaves us questioning why. Quoc-viet in all probability would’ve most well-liked new spark plugs and even an oil change. The similar goes for the not one, not two, however three X-Box consoles within the trunk, which we’re betting the proprietor did not get to maintain. 

If there’s any automobile that’s objectively worse after being pimped, it must be Mary’s 2006 Ford Mustang GT. To their credit score, the producers of the present determined to bless Mary with a brand-new Mustang GT, as her 1988 Nissan Pulsar was in such poor form that it was deemed unpimpable. Compared to the top consequence, we’re considering Mary would’ve most well-liked the Mustang because it was off the showroom ground, however that might’ve been too in need of an episode. 

Instead, the blokes at GAS determined to eliminate the manufacturing unit black paint in favor of a vivid pistachio inexperienced end that is seen from area. The entrance finish was then lined in chrome paint for good measure. These adjustments alone are sufficient to safe a spot on this record as a result of, properly, they took a brand-new Mustang GT – the American dream automobile – and form of ruined it, cosmetically at the very least. The vivid inexperienced and chrome paint job is staggeringly dangerous and counteracts the Saleen physique equipment. But wait, there’s extra.

Mad Mike determined to suit a robotic arm as a TV mount within the trunk. Aside from the apparent security considerations, it resulted in little to no trunk area. But hey, at the very least her headliner has a large fingerprint that is solely seen with a black mild. 

That’s proper, there’s not one, however two GM J-body convertibles on this record. The shade scheme on Brooke’s 1991 Chevy Cavalier is way more palatable than Esmeralda’s Pontiac, however the finish consequence remains to be fugly. Yes, the sand, binoculars, and Italian ice maker of the Sunbird had been foolish and unusual. But the lotion dispenser on this Cavalier is a serious ick. 

TVs within the headrest, bling-bling wheels, physique kits with mesh grilles; yup, this Chevrolet definitely checks all of the packing containers of what was cool within the early 2000s. That’s to not say that there weren’t individuals who disapproved of this construct again then, however at present the rejection is more likely to be unanimous. To make clear, we would not rag on somebody who spent the money and time to do that to their very own automobile. However, this present was about producing views with gimmicks and over-the-top appears. As such, we haven’t any qualms about providing up our critiques of those pimped out rides. 

If you disagree with any of our takes or suppose there are different “Pimp My Ride“ builds that must be talked about, then tell us within the feedback beneath. And for those who thought the TV present was dangerous, wait till you see the “Pimp My Ride” online game.