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20 Forgotten Cars That Deserve a Second Shot in 2025

Cameron Eittreim July 10, 2025

The automotive world is filled with hidden gems—vehicles that once turned heads but have since slipped quietly into obscurity. As trends evolve and new technologies emerge, many of these forgotten models offer a blend of character, innovation, and style that modern cars sometimes lack.
Imagine a world where these underrated classics are rediscovered and reimagined for today’s drivers. From quirky compacts to daring sports sedans, these lost legends have unique stories and untapped potential.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 overlooked cars that, with a little modern magic, could captivate enthusiasts and casual drivers alike in 2025.

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1. Saab 900 Turbo

1024px 1992 saab 900 s turbo 2.0 front 4 — A gleaming classic Saab 900 Turbo catches the light, its distinctive lines hinting at turbocharged performance and Swedish style. | Photo by Deane Bayas on Pexels

The Saab 900 Turbo was a trailblazer, boasting bold Swedish engineering and an unmistakable silhouette. Its turbocharged engine delivered exhilarating performance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking both practicality and excitement.
With a fiercely loyal cult following, this hatchback’s clever design and safety focus stood out in its era. Today’s resurgence of turbo-hybrid powertrains could make a modern Saab 900 Turbo a perfect fit for drivers craving character, efficiency, and a dash of retro flair.

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2. Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 dazzled enthusiasts with its sleek lines and signature rotary engine, offering a lightweight, high-revving driving experience unlike any other. Its balanced chassis and timeless design earned it a revered spot among sports car legends.
With today’s renewed fascination for alternative powertrains, a rotary-powered RX-7 revival could ignite excitement. Imagine modern engineering paired with the RX-7’s rebellious spirit—an irresistible combination for a new generation of drivers.

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3. Pontiac G8

2009 pontiac g8 gxp. x09pn g8004 (united states) — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The Pontiac G8 roared onto the scene as a V8-powered sedan with muscle car attitude, blending family practicality and thrilling performance. Despite a short production run, it left a lasting impression among enthusiasts yearning for a true four-door sports sedan.
With today’s market craving powerful yet family-friendly vehicles, a modern G8 revival could bridge the gap between excitement and everyday usability—delivering a much-needed jolt to the sedan segment.

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4. Mitsubishi 3000GT

1200px Mitsubishi 3000gt Red — A sleek Mitsubishi 3000GT sports coupe gleams under the sunlight, showcasing classic Japanese performance and style. | Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

The Mitsubishi 3000GT was a technological marvel of its era, featuring all-wheel drive, active aerodynamics, and even four-wheel steering. It delivered supercar thrills in a package that was both bold and accessible.
In today’s world of advanced performance vehicles, the 3000GT’s legacy of innovation feels more relevant than ever. A modern interpretation could seamlessly blend cutting-edge tech with classic Japanese sports car spirit—making it a formidable contender in the high-tech sports car market.

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5. Saturn Sky

2009 saturn sky redline — A sleek Saturn Sky convertible roadster gleams under the sun, its top down and sporty lines on full display. | Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

The Saturn Sky brought striking design and nimble handling to the affordable roadster market. Its sharp lines and sporty proportions set it apart, while its engaging dynamics made every drive memorable.
In an era where compact convertibles are making a subtle comeback, a revived Saturn Sky could capture the imagination of those seeking open-air thrills without breaking the bank. Its blend of style and fun-to-drive spirit is perfectly suited for today’s adventurous drivers.

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6. Ford Probe

The Ford Probe was designed to bring sportiness and affordability to a wide audience, delivering sleek looks and engaging handling at an accessible price point. Though it never fully shook off its unconventional reputation, the Probe still holds a special place for fans of nimble coupes.
With renewed interest in entry-level sporty cars, a modern Ford Probe could attract drivers looking for style and performance without a premium price—offering an exciting alternative in today’s coupe market.

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7. Plymouth Prowler

1200px plymouth prowler 28949706668129 1 — A striking Plymouth Prowler hot rod gleams under the sun, showcasing its bold retro curves and chrome accents. | Photo by Sigrid Abalos on Pexels

The Plymouth Prowler was a showstopper, flaunting hot rod-inspired design and wild proportions during its short production run. Its bold styling made it impossible to ignore, yet it remains a rare sight on today’s roads.
As the automotive world embraces retro-inspired electric vehicles, the Prowler’s unique silhouette could be reimagined as a head-turning EV. Its blend of nostalgia and modern innovation would undoubtedly stand out in a crowd of futuristic designs.

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8. Honda Prelude

1280px prelude — A sleek Honda Prelude coupe stands out with its sporty lines and compact design, perfect for driving enthusiasts. | Photo by Joey Cedé on Pexels

The Honda Prelude built a reputation on innovative technology and pure driving enjoyment, offering features like four-wheel steering and a refined chassis. Its balance of style, reliability, and fun made it a favorite among sporty coupe fans.
With today’s hunger for affordable Honda performance, the Prelude could return as a modern, agile coupe—delivering excitement and value to a new generation eager for spirited, everyday driving.

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9. Oldsmobile Aurora

Oldsmobile Aurora 3488 25 — A sleek Oldsmobile Aurora luxury sedan gleams under the sunlight, showcasing its powerful V8 engine and refined design. | Photo by 🇻🇳🇻🇳Nguyễn Tiến Thịnh 🇻🇳🇻🇳 on Pexels

The Oldsmobile Aurora turned heads with its sleek, forward-thinking design and robust V8 engine, positioning itself as a bold alternative in the luxury sedan market. It offered a refined ride and advanced features that set it apart from its domestic peers.
In today’s landscape, where premium sedans blend technology and performance, a revived Aurora could stand out as a stylish, under-the-radar choice for drivers seeking something truly distinctive.

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10. Toyota Celica All-Trac

Toyota celica gt four 01 — A classic Toyota Celica All-Trac rally car kicks up gravel as it speeds through a winding forest track. | Photo by Angelos Lamprakopoulos on Pexels

The Toyota Celica All-Trac channeled rally heritage with its all-wheel drive system and turbocharged engine, offering thrilling performance in a practical package. Built for both the street and the stages, it remains a cult favorite among enthusiasts.
With the current appreciation for rally-inspired cars, a modern Celica All-Trac could easily become a performance icon, blending Toyota reliability with excitement and all-weather versatility.

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11. Suzuki Kizashi

A sleek silver Suzuki Kizashi midsize sedan parked curbside, showcasing the style of this underrated automotive gem. | Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

The Suzuki Kizashi surprised critics with its high-quality interior, sharp handling, and refined ride, yet it remained overlooked in the crowded midsize segment. Its quiet competence and under-the-radar reputation could actually be its greatest asset today.
As drivers seek alternatives to mainstream sedans, a revived Kizashi could appeal to those craving something unique—offering sporty dynamics and genuine value in a market hungry for standout choices.

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12. Subaru SVX

1200px 1992 subaru svx in maroon rear — A rare Subaru SVX grand tourer coupe sits gleaming, showcasing its distinctive window design and sleek, futuristic lines. | Photo by Ayyeee Ayyeee on Pexels

The Subaru SVX broke the mold with its futuristic styling, dramatic window-in-window glass, and a smooth flat-six engine. Its grand touring ambitions set it apart from Subaru’s more rugged offerings, yet its performance and quirkiness left a lasting impression.
With the brand’s modern embrace of distinctive designs and strong engines, a reborn SVX could entice a new wave of enthusiasts seeking individuality, power, and all-weather confidence in a stylish package.

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13. Mercury Marauder

A bold Mercury Marauder muscle sedan gleams under the sun, showcasing timeless American classic power and style. | Photo by Robert So on Pexels

The Mercury Marauder was a true muscle sedan, offering a potent V8 engine and understated looks that hid its performance intent. Blending comfort, space, and surprising speed, it was a unique alternative to more mainstream performance cars.
In an era where drivers crave both power and practicality, a modern Marauder could inject excitement into today’s performance sedan market—delivering old-school muscle with contemporary technology and everyday usability.

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14. Nissan Pulsar NX

1986 Datsun Nissan Pulsar Nx. 01 — A bright red Nissan Pulsar NX shows off its quirky hatchback design and modular roof panels in the sun. | Photo by Liam Gant on Pexels

The Nissan Pulsar NX stood out for its modular design—allowing drivers to switch between coupe, targa, and wagon configurations. Its playful personality and unique versatility gave it a distinctive appeal among youth-oriented vehicles.
In today’s age of personalization and customization, a modern Pulsar NX could be a hit with younger drivers seeking affordable fun and individuality—merging retro charm with contemporary flexibility.

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15. Dodge Magnum

1280px 2008 dodge magnum srt 8 dc — A bold Dodge Magnum sport wagon stands parked on the street, blending classic muscle car power with modern style. | Photo by ALBA Cars on Pexels

The Dodge Magnum made a statement with its aggressive styling, V8 power, and versatile wagon body—delivering both attitude and practicality. It pushed boundaries, offering muscle car performance in a family-friendly package.
With the modern resurgence of sporty wagons, a revived Magnum could appeal to drivers craving space without sacrificing excitement. Its blend of utility and boldness is perfectly suited for today’s adventurous families and enthusiasts alike.

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16. Isuzu VehiCROSS

2000 isuzu vehicross(111) — The bold Isuzu VehiCROSS off-road SUV stands on rugged terrain, flaunting its unique, futuristic curves and aggressive stance. | Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

The Isuzu VehiCROSS was a head-turner, combining futuristic design with genuine off-road capability. Its rugged chassis and advanced suspension made it a favorite among adventure seekers, even if its looks were polarizing.
With today’s boom in the adventure SUV market, a modern VehiCROSS could stand out as a bold, high-tech option—appealing to drivers who want both trail-ready toughness and unmistakable style.

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17. Chevrolet SSR

1200px Chevrolet Ssr — A vibrant Chevrolet SSR retro truck gleams under the sun, its convertible pickup design blending classic style with modern flair. | Photo by Tina Nord on Pexels

The Chevrolet SSR was a bold experiment, fusing retro pickup truck design with a convertible top and V8 power. Its playful spirit and unique look appealed to those seeking something truly different, even if it never reached mainstream success.
Given today’s appetite for lifestyle vehicles, a reimagined SSR could charm buyers looking for open-air cruising, truck utility, and throwback style—all in one standout package.

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18. Acura Vigor

The Acura Vigor blended sporty luxury with a distinctive five-cylinder engine, setting itself apart in the premium sedan segment. Its balanced handling and upscale feel gave it an edge, though it remained a bit of an underdog.
With renewed interest in spirited, tech-forward sedans, a modern Acura Vigor could appeal to drivers wanting something beyond the ordinary—offering performance, refinement, and a dose of unique engineering in today’s luxury market.

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19. Volkswagen Corrado

Volkswagen corrado 53i [11685] — A sleek Volkswagen Corrado, the iconic classic VW hot hatch, stands proudly against a backdrop of vibrant city lights. | Photo by Bianca on Pexels

The Volkswagen Corrado earned praise for its advanced features, such as an active rear spoiler and supercharged engine options, as well as its sharp, driver-focused handling. This compact coupe quickly became a cult favorite among performance enthusiasts.
With the hot hatch segment thriving, a revived Corrado could recapture hearts—offering modern technology, distinctive styling, and the engaging dynamics that made the original so special.

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20. Eagle Talon

1995 eagle talon tsi img 1031 original 10170 — A sleek Eagle Talon sports coupe gleams under the sun, its turbocharged AWD design hinting at thrilling performance. | Photo by Jakub Pabis on Pexels

The Eagle Talon made waves with its turbocharged power, all-wheel drive, and aggressive styling—delivering impressive performance at an accessible price. It built a loyal following among those who valued speed and control without luxury car costs.
Today, with rising demand for affordable performance, a reborn Talon could offer a thrilling, value-packed sports coupe—perfect for enthusiasts looking for excitement, grip, and style in one dynamic package.

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Rolling Into the Future

As the automotive world races ahead, these 20 forgotten cars serve as reminders of the innovation, character, and excitement that shaped generations of drivers. Each model brought something unique—whether it was groundbreaking technology, bold design, or pure driving fun—that still resonates today.
As nostalgia and modern trends intertwine, there’s real potential for these icons to return, blending classic appeal with cutting-edge advancements. Imagine seeing these legends reimagined for a new era—ready to inspire once again.

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20 Forgotten Cars That Deserve a Second Shot in 2025

1. Saab 900 Turbo

2. Mazda RX-7

3. Pontiac G8

4. Mitsubishi 3000GT

5. Saturn Sky

6. Ford Probe

7. Plymouth Prowler

8. Honda Prelude

9. Oldsmobile Aurora

10. Toyota Celica All-Trac

11. Suzuki Kizashi

12. Subaru SVX

13. Mercury Marauder

14. Nissan Pulsar NX

15. Dodge Magnum

16. Isuzu VehiCROSS

17. Chevrolet SSR

18. Acura Vigor

19. Volkswagen Corrado

20. Eagle Talon

Rolling Into the Future

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