20 Popular Sports Cars Today’s Drivers Forgot Existed

Cameron Eittreim October 13, 2021

4: Fourth Generation Pontiac Firebird

The final generation of the Pontiac Firebird is a relic of GM’s past. Even Jay Leno owns a 2002 model, and there is a lot to like about this car. The Corvette-powered LT1 and later the LS1 are two of the best engines GM ever made. From bulletproof performance to stellar reliability, the LS1 will be running long after the rest of the car falls apart (via Hagerty).

Even with that being said, the Firebird had some of the most iconic stylings of any car around in addition to being one of the last cars to have pop-up headlights. We’re sorry GM won’t revive the Firebird because Pontiac is no more. The Firebird is still one of the most iconic muscle cars thatever graced the roads.

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3: Tenth Generation Ford Thunderbird

The final Ford Thunderbird, who could go wrong with this one? On top of being a rear-wheel-drive coupe, it also featured a V8 engine. The mixture made the car one of the best driving experiences of all time. The Ford Thunderbird had a lot going for it with the smooth styling and spacious interior. If you wanted a V8-powered Ford but didn’t like the SN-95 Mustang, the Thunderbird was the car to get (via Hagerty).

Many things about the Thunderbird have made it a memorable ride. But it’s easy to forget many ’90s cars because of the bland styling. A new generation of drivers are missing out by not experiencing what this car has to offer. You can find one for a cheap price, and you’ll be delighted with the performance for the price.

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2: Eighth Generation Mercury Cougar

The final Mercury coupe ever hit the road was the cat eye-inspired Cougar. Although it didn’t have a V8 engine, this was a peppy little sports car. Many drivers forget this short period for Mercury, where the brand reinvented itself. The Cougar has modern styling that still looks good to this day (via Car and Driver).

The interior was fairly roomy, and many of the underpinnings were shared with the Mustang. The handling is also one of the best features of this car. You can find a Cougar from this generation for almost nothing. Many times, the cars are still in excellent running condition with a little work, and you can’t go wrong with the styling.

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1: C4 Chevrolet Corvette

The C4 Corvette is by far the most forgotten Corvette model of all time. This model lacked the traditional characteristics of the later models but made up for it by offering stellar performance. The styling was nothing to sneeze at, and the performance was above average. The Targa-top was an attractive option for those who didn’t want to opt for a convertible model. The C5 Corvette often overshadows the C4, but there is a lot to love there (via Motor Trend).

The C4 had many unique features that made it stand out, and you can find one for a fairly inexpensive price. Few cars have managed to create the same type of impact as the C4 Corvette in a short period. From the styling to the unique performance, the C4 is a true gem in the storied history of the Corvette line.

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20 Popular Sports Cars Today’s Drivers Forgot Existed

4: Fourth Generation Pontiac Firebird

3: Tenth Generation Ford Thunderbird

2: Eighth Generation Mercury Cougar

1: C4 Chevrolet Corvette

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