Inside The Fall Of The Stretch Limo

In the 80s and 90s, the stretch limousine was a coveted status symbol for the rich and famous. But today, they’re more of a rare (and cheesy) sighting. What happened all the stretch limos? And when did they fall so far out of favor?

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[Campfire_Bandit]

A great combination of current events and history! I'd love to see more of this!

[toddboyar]

As CEO of what was one of the most popular limousine builders in the world, we now build Sprinter Van Conversions and would likely never stretch a vehicle ever again. Very solid and accurate piece.

[RMFistic]

As someone who operates in this industry, you hit every point correctly! The only thing you forgot to mention is that the new law in NYS which is where I operate, it requires all stretch limousines(a vehicle carrying 9 passengers or more) to be DOT inspected. This means that it falls under NYSDOT regulations and not just emissions standards and local jurisdiction inspections. It requires a stretch limousine to be put up to the same standards that coach buses and shuttle buses must face by the DOT. You mentioned the CDL part correctly but also forgot to mention the mandate of 19-A certification which plays a role into this. The big uprising now is the Sprinter Limousine which is not stretched and can carry about 11-14 passengers depending on them. This makes them safer and they already fall under DOT regulations.

[vegasmitch]

Stretch Limousines are now Only Popular in Casino Cities like Vegas, Reno, Biloxi, Atlantic city. The True Suv took its place but in the 80's & 90's Limos were the Sht!!!

[Lovin_NY]

Were you wearing the seatbelt in the video while sitting in the back of the stretch? I see you are in NYC.

[RajKarma]

Limo companies should move to party buses & luxury buses for the rich people.

[jackschmit]

When MJ was a spokesperson for the Chevy is when the SUV coolness was launched.

[pessolanostudios]

I hope one day people change their minds and start stretching them again, for now I’m glad I have plenty of options on the used market I like for classic stretch limousines, but I really hate the sprinters so hopefully they start building some other options.

[ghswav]

it's crazy how much sociology effects economics

[Governor-General.of.Qanada]

I always thought that all limos were stretch, and that the shorter ones were just black cabs.

[RimRunnerRR]

SUV's and Party Busses are in. Unfortunately the car based limo had its day.

[ruzzelladrian]

If you live in Elmhurst Queens, you probably have seen the stretched limo Prius.

[heyo]

3:40 $40K won’t even get you a RAV4 these days