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20 Cars You Forgot Existed—But Totally Deserve a Comeback

Cameron Eittreim June 18, 2025

Some cars vanish from the spotlight, yet their spirit lingers in the hearts of enthusiasts. Whether it’s their quirky design, daring engineering, or the memories they spark, these forgotten models ignite a sense of nostalgia that refuses to fade. In an era obsessed with innovation, revisiting these lost gems reminds us of a time when automotive creativity knew no bounds.
What if the cars we once loved—then lost—were given a second chance? Let’s celebrate 20 remarkable vehicles that, despite their obscurity, truly deserve a comeback on today’s roads.

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1. Pontiac Aztek

1. Pontiac Aztek
A boldly styled Pontiac Aztek retro SUV stands out with its distinctive, unconventional design and adventurous spirit. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

Once derided for its unconventional design, the Pontiac Aztek has since achieved a unique cult following—bolstered by its role in pop culture phenomena. What many overlooked was its ahead-of-its-time versatility, with features like a removable cooler and tent package that predated the current crossover craze.
Imagine a reimagined Aztek, blending modern tech with its adventurous spirit, thriving among today’s SUVs. Curious about its legacy? Read more about the Aztek’s history on MotorTrend.

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2. Saab 900 Turbo

2. Saab 900 Turbo
A pristine Saab 900 Turbo hatchback showcases timeless Swedish engineering and classic lines against a scenic backdrop. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Saab 900 Turbo was a true Swedish original, blending turbocharged excitement with an unmistakably quirky, aircraft-inspired design. Enthusiasts loved its innovative safety features and the practicality of its distinctive hatchback shape, making everyday drives feel special.
In today’s landscape—where individuality is prized—a modern revival of the Saab 900 Turbo would shine brightly among more generic offerings. For a deeper dive into Saab’s unique engineering philosophy, learn about the 900 Turbo’s legacy on Jalopnik.

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3. Toyota MR2

3. Toyota MR2
“A sleek, mid-engine sports car, this Japanese classic Toyota MR2 showcases understated power and stylish design.” | Image from en.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Toyota MR2 captured hearts with its mid-engine layout, delivering affordable driving thrills and sharp, responsive handling. Lightweight and stylish, the MR2 remains a favorite among enthusiasts who value pure driving engagement.
With today’s renewed excitement for compact sports cars, a reimagined MR2 could easily carve out a niche on modern roads. For a closer look at the MR2’s enduring appeal, read more at Road & Track.

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4. Plymouth Prowler

4. Plymouth Prowler
“A shiny Plymouth Prowler retro sports car sits majestically in the setting sun, showcasing its unique hot rod design.” | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Plymouth Prowler was a bold experiment, fusing retro hot rod aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering. Its open-wheel design and striking lines set it apart from anything else on the road in the late ’90s, instantly grabbing attention.
As today’s drivers crave unique, custom-inspired creations, a revived Prowler could capture imaginations once again. For a deeper dive into what made the Prowler so memorable, explore its story at Car and Driver.

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5. Honda Prelude

5. Honda Prelude
A sleek Honda Prelude classic coupe stands parked under the sun, showcasing the timeless style of Japanese sports cars. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Honda Prelude was a sleek, forward-thinking coupe known for its sporty handling and innovative features, such as four-wheel steering. Its blend of style and agility won over countless fans, many of whom still long for its return.
With automakers reviving beloved nameplates, a modern Prelude could make a serious impact in today’s competitive coupe market. To explore the Prelude’s rich history and evolution, see more at Autocar.

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6. Ford Thunderbird (Retro Revival Era)

6. Ford Thunderbird (Retro Revival Era)
A gleaming retro Ford Thunderbird convertible stands out among classic American cars, capturing timeless style and nostalgia. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The eleventh-generation Ford Thunderbird, launched in the early 2000s, brilliantly fused 1950s Americana charm with contemporary luxury. Its iconic retro looks and smooth V8 power made it a true standout amidst a landscape crowded with ordinary sedans.
With nostalgia shaping today’s automotive trends, a reimagined Thunderbird could win over both longtime admirers and a new generation of drivers. For a closer look at this unique chapter in Thunderbird history, read the full story at Hagerty.

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7. Mitsubishi Eclipse

7. Mitsubishi Eclipse
A sleek 90s Mitsubishi Eclipse sits low to the ground, showcasing bold tuner modifications and vibrant custom paint. | Image from simple.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a cornerstone of 1990s sport compact culture, renowned for its turbocharged performance and all-wheel-drive capability. Beloved by tuners and immortalized in films, the Eclipse delivered excitement at an attainable price point.
Bringing back the Eclipse—focused once again on sporty, affordable thrills—could captivate a new generation of enthusiasts. Discover more about the Eclipse’s storied past at Top Gear.

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8. Saturn Sky

8. Saturn Sky
“Behold the Saturn Sky, an affordable sports car that impeccably combines luxury and thrill, showcased in its dazzling convertible roadster form.” | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Saturn Sky stood out as the brand’s spirited response to the beloved Mazda MX-5, offering eye-catching design and engaging handling at an affordable price. Though its production was brief, the Sky left a lasting impression on fans of compact roadsters.
With renewed interest in nimble, open-top driving, a modern Saturn Sky would perfectly fit today’s market. To revisit what made this roadster special, see more at Edmunds.

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9. Subaru SVX

9. Subaru SVX
A striking Subaru SVX coupe stands out with its futuristic lines and unique, window-within-a-window design. | Image from th.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Subaru SVX was a true original, boasting a futuristic window-within-a-window design and a smooth flat-six engine. Its rare combination of performance, comfort, and signature all-wheel drive continues to fascinate enthusiasts decades after its debut.
A contemporary SVX could help Subaru reach new audiences, offering something bold and distinctive beyond their usual crossovers. For a closer look at this grand tourer’s remarkable legacy, explore the SVX at Car and Driver.

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10. Oldsmobile Aurora

10. Oldsmobile Aurora
“An Oldsmobile Aurora, a symbol of American classic luxury sedan, shines in its timeless elegance.” | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Oldsmobile Aurora marked a daring shift for the brand, aiming to position Oldsmobile as a luxury innovator. Its aerodynamic shape and advanced engineering made it stand out from the crowd of conventional American sedans during its time.
If revived today, a modern Aurora could go toe-to-toe with today’s high-tech, premium sedans, reintroducing American luxury with a fresh twist. To discover more about this American original, learn more at Hemmings.

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11. Isuzu VehiCROSS

11. Isuzu VehiCROSS
“An Isuzu VehiCROSS, showcasing its unique SUV design, confidently tackles the rugged off-road terrain.” | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Isuzu VehiCROSS was unmistakable, blending radical, off-road-inspired styling with true trail-ready capability. Its rarity and robust features have turned it into a coveted collector’s item, admired for both form and function.
With adventure SUVs gaining ground, a modern VehiCROSS would be perfectly timed to capture the imaginations of today’s thrill-seeking drivers. For a deeper look at this unique SUV’s story, read more at Autoblog.

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12. Nissan Pulsar NX

12. Nissan Pulsar NX
A classic Nissan Pulsar NX with its modular hatchback design gleams under the sun, showcasing retro Nissan style. | Image from ja.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Nissan Pulsar NX stood out with its modular, T-top configuration and removable hatchback roof, offering surprising flexibility in a compact package. Its quirky versatility and fun-loving spirit would resonate with urban drivers today who crave both efficiency and personality.
A revived Pulsar NX could easily win fans seeking practical, yet distinctly styled, everyday transportation. For a nostalgic look back, read about the Pulsar NX at Jalopnik.

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13. Chevrolet SSR

13. Chevrolet SSR
A vibrant Chevrolet SSR retro truck gleams under the sun, its convertible top down and classic curves on display. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Chevrolet SSR boldly combined pickup practicality with the flair of a convertible, creating a retro-modern standout in the early 2000s. With its burly V8 engine and retractable hardtop, the SSR delivered a driving experience unlike any other, blending muscle and open-air fun.
Given today’s appetite for unconventional and expressive trucks, a redesigned SSR would be perfectly in step with current trends. For a deeper dive into what made this truck so memorable, see more at MotorTrend.

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14. Suzuki X-90

14. Suzuki X-90
“A Suzuki X-90, the quirky SUV, showcased its compact off-roader capabilities against a rugged, unforgiving terrain.” | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Suzuki X-90 was an unconventional, pint-sized SUV featuring a removable targa roof and cheerful, quirky styling. While it puzzled many at launch, the X-90’s compact footprint and surprising off-road ability could appeal to urbanites seeking weekend adventure today.
A modern X-90 would offer playful personality and versatility in a market hungry for unique small SUVs. To learn more about this charming oddball, explore at CarThrottle.

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15. Mazda RX-8

15. Mazda RX-8
A sleek Mazda RX-8 four-door coupe stands out, hinting at its legendary rotary engine beneath the sculpted hood. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mazda RX-8 stood apart with its innovative rotary engine and distinctive four-door coupe design. Beloved for its lightweight chassis and razor-sharp handling, the RX-8 offered a driving experience few rivals could match.
With Mazda once again exploring rotary technology, the time is ripe for an RX-8 revival that could reignite excitement for the brand’s sporty lineage. To journey deeper into the RX-8’s legacy, read more at Top Gear.

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16. Dodge Magnum

16. Dodge Magnum
A bold Dodge Magnum muscle wagon stands poised on the pavement, showcasing its powerful stance and performance-driven design. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Dodge Magnum brought serious muscle car spirit to the wagon world, pairing V8 power and rear-wheel-drive thrills with family-friendly practicality. Its bold styling and undeniable street presence made it a cult classic among performance enthusiasts.
With wagons enjoying renewed interest, a modern Magnum could deliver the perfect mix of utility and excitement for today’s drivers. To relive the Magnum’s unique appeal, read more at Car and Driver.

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17. Volkswagen Corrado

17. Volkswagen Corrado
“Behold the timeless elegance of a supercharged classic Volkswagen Corrado coupe, a true testament to automotive triumph.” | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Volkswagen Corrado delivered a driver-focused experience with innovations like the supercharged G60 engine and an active rear spoiler. Its agile handling and timeless, sporty styling set it apart from more mainstream hot hatches.
A modern Corrado could attract enthusiasts craving distinctive performance and technology in a compact coupe form. To explore what makes the Corrado so revered, see more at Road & Track.

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18. Renault Avantime

18. Renault Avantime
A striking Renault Avantime luxury minivan showcases bold French car design, blending innovation with sophisticated style. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Renault Avantime was a daring fusion, combining a luxury coupe’s flair with the comfort and space of a minivan. Its avant-garde styling and airy, innovative interior made it stand well apart from conventional people-movers, even if it puzzled the market at launch.
Today’s families, eager for crossovers that reflect their individuality, could find the Avantime’s spirit irresistible if given a second chance. To delve into the full story of this unique vehicle, read more at Autocar.

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19. Fiat Coupe

19. Fiat Coupe
“A sleek Italian Fiat Coupe, a turbocharged sports car, exudes power and elegance on the winding coastal road.” | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Fiat Coupe, penned by renowned designer Chris Bangle, was instantly recognizable thanks to its sharp, angular lines and spirited turbocharged engine. Its unique blend of Italian style and lively performance made it a standout among affordable coupes.
With today’s drivers seeking both flair and value, a modern Fiat Coupe revival could easily capture new fans. To explore the history of this stylish icon, read the Fiat Coupe story at Evo.

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20. Mercury Marauder

20. Mercury Marauder
A sleek Mercury Marauder muscle sedan stands boldly in the sunlight, showcasing classic American performance and power. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mercury Marauder offered a rare mix of V8 muscle and understated, full-size sedan sophistication. Its subtle styling hid serious performance, making it a favorite for those who appreciated stealthy speed wrapped in comfort.
With few true muscle sedans available today, a revived Marauder could attract enthusiasts longing for classic American power with a touch of refinement. For a closer look at what made this sedan special, learn more at MotorTrend.

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Conclusion

Conclusion
A stunning lineup of vintage and modern cars gleams under the sun at a lively retro car show. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

These forgotten gems remind us that innovation often springs from bold ideas—and that nostalgia can spark fresh inspiration for the future of car design. As automakers look ahead, revisiting these models’ daring spirit and character could help create the next generation of modern classics that truly stand out.
Perhaps it’s time for manufacturers to blend lessons from the past with today’s technology, delighting both longtime fans and curious newcomers. What past favorite would you want to see reborn on tomorrow’s roads?

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