Home Cars 50 Discontinued Cars We Wish Automakers Would Bring Back

Cars

50 Discontinued Cars We Wish Automakers Would Bring Back

Hizkiail January 20, 2025

The automotive industry is always changing. Nameplates come and go at a fast pace and their survival is always based on consumer demand. But, there have been dozens of cars that never sold very well that still garnered a following. Take the Pontiac Aztek for example or the Geo Metro, both of which have gained massive popularity decades after being discontinued. We looked back at the discontinued cars that we wish automakers would bring back.

Jaguar XJ220

The Jaguar XJ220 was the British automaker’s first ever supercar. When it debuted it gained a lot of attention for the sheer beauty and performance. Even Elton John was one of the first owners of an XJ220. Sadly, the sales numbers never picked up for the XJ220 and it just didn’t take off with exotic car buyers like Jaguar hoped it would.

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Scirocco

Volkswagen is no stranger to the hot hatch, and the Scirocco was one of the best. Similar to the GTI but a lot more powerful the Scirocco built a cult-like following. Although Volkswagen discontinued the super-powered hatchback, in recent years it has continued to rise in value. The Scirocco was sort of a poor-mans Audi Quattro.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Lotus Elan

Lotus was never a supercar builder like Ferrari or Lamborghini. Instead, they focused on pure driving pleasure. The Lotus Elan was the last of that pure driving pleasure, as it was the last true Lotus convertible. The short wheelbase and fun-to-drive characteristics were a lot like the Mazda Miata.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Mazdaspeed 3

Mazda was in a funk prior to the original Mazda 3 hitting the market. However, the compact car revitalized the company and proved to be a hot seller. The Mazdaspeed 3 is built on that already fun car with a turbocharged engine and a bright red paint job. Everything about the car was exceptional and the automotive press ate it up.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

The CTS-V was a groundbreaking car and the first performance Cadillac to ever hit the road. But when the wagon variant hit the market it changed the game. The CTS-V wagon put the car in the same league as the BMW M5 Wagon. The sleek design and powerful performance are sorely missed in the Cadillac lineup.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford F-150 SVT Lightning

The Ford F-150 SVT Lightning was one of the most recognizable performance trucks of the 1990s. The short wheelbase and the supercharged engine gave the Lightning a ton of power and performance. Although Ford brought the Lightning back as an EV there is still an appetite for a single-cab performance truck.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Honda CRX

Where do we start with the Honda CRX? This was the fun-to-drive hatchback that changed the perception of Honda forever. The CRX had bulletproof reliability, but it was also a two-seater with stellar acceleration and handling. The CRX was available in three trim levels, including the highly coveted SI trim.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Dodge Magnum

Wagons were all but forgotten by the 2000s. There were a few of them on the market such as the Volvo and the Volkswagen models, but as a popular form of transportation, those days were forgotten. Nevertheless, the folks at Chrysler decided to roll the dice on a Hemi-powered wagon known as the Magnum.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Porsche 928

The Porsche 928 was a quirky sports car with a 5.4 L V8 engine under the hood and 2 + 2 seating. It was everything that you never expected to see in a Porsche. Coupled with the unique style and abundant performance the 928 was welcomed into the automotive world. A modern version of the car would be a treat.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Jeep Cherokee Full-Size

The full-size Jeep Cherokee was the stuff of legends back in the day. The SUV rivaled the Bronco and the Full-Size Blazer for off-road supremacy. This was back in an era when SUV models were truck-based and built for rough driving. Although Jeep revived the Cherokee lineup there is still room for a revival of the full-size model in the modern era.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Nissan 240SX

Nissan is in peril right now, and part of the problem is that the brand has lost what made it special. The 240SX was not the top-of-the-line sports car but instead, a well-appointed budget-minded model that was fun to drive. Nissan needs to bring back a modern fun to drive 200SX and reinvigorate a brand that everyone loves.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

BMW Z8

The Z8 was an extremely rare two-seater roadster that was sold by BMW. The thing that made it special was that it shared a V8 engine with the M3 model. There was 617 horsepower under the hood of the Z8. BMW has gotten away from fun-to-drive roadsters and a modern Z8 would be quite a special ride.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Pontiac Fiero

The Pontiac Fiero was a unique car that was similar to the Toyota MR2. The Fiero was initially popular until dozens of reports of engine fires got into the press. A modern version of the Pontiac Fiero and a revived Pontiac lineup is definitely in order. There are no mid-engined sports cars that are affordable or on the market right now.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper was an iconic piece of nineties automotive history. Chrysler designed the car to take on the Chevrolet Corvette and it was extremely powerful. The Viper was discontinued almost a decade ago and a modern Viper sports car could change the game for Chrysler. Even a Viper EV would be a unique sports car with plenty of appeal.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Alfa Romeo GTV/6

Alfa Romeo has always been a brand that sent shivers and excitement down the spine. The Alfa Romeo that we have today is refined, to say the least, but back in the eighties, the cars were pure fun. The Alfa Romeo GTV/6 was a tight little hatchback that had a strong V6 engine and Alfa Romeo engineering behind it. A modern version of the car would be a blast to drive.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Chevrolet SS

The Chevrolet SS wasn’t an authentic Chevy or even a GM product. It was a Holden model that was imported. Nevertheless, the SS didn’t have very much time to catch on or any real advertising push from GM. Bringing the SS back or building an even more modern version of the car would entice enthusiasts who need speed.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Acura Integra Type R

Let’s be honest, the Integra that Acura just brought back was not what anyone wanted. The Integra that we wanted back was this model right here. A buzzy four-cylinder with plenty of power and an attractive price tag. Not to mention two doors, which is why a true rebirth of the Integra is in order.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Subaru Brat

Subaru has always been a unique automaker with fun-to-drive cars that can go anywhere. The Brat was a pint-sized truck that everyone wanted once upon a time. The Brat is well regarded by collectors, but a modern version of the Brat would be an even more popular choice for anyone to own.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Buick Grand National GNX

The Buick Grand National was one of the most iconic turbocharged performance cars from the eighties. GM went all out on this G-Body ride and it became synonymous with performance. The same technology that went into the Grand National was later used to design the Typhoon and Syclone.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Mazda RX-7

The final generation of the RX-7 was one of the most beautiful sports cars of the nineties. The rotary engine was by far one of the most potent and reliable engines ever built. A modern RX-7 would be a hit with consumers who yearn for exciting vehicles. When Mazda discontinued the RX-7, there was plenty of outcry.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Chevrolet El Camino

The Chevrolet El Camino wasn’t the first car/truck hybrid, but it was the first mainstream model in popularity. It reached its peak in the eighties until GM quietly discontinued the model. The El Camino has the potential to be an extremely popular car, especially in the enthusiast segment.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was developed in partnership with Chrysler in what was called “Diamond Star Motors” DSM for short. The Eclipse was an all-wheel-drive turbocharged compact car that was affordable and fun. The current generation of the Eclipse is nothing more than a crossover SUV and fans want the fun sports car to make a return.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Of course, you can’t talk about the Mitsubishi Eclipse without mentioning the stellar Lancer Evolution either. The Lancer Evo was highly regarded around the world for stellar performance and handling. The sheer design of the car was beautiful even by today’s standards. A modern Evolution would be quite a popular choice.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Porsche 944

The Porsche 944 was another stellar sports car that has long since been forgotten. The 2.5-litre turbocharged engine is an excellent powerplant, especially for a first-time Porsche buyer. The cheap resale price of the 944 has garnered a lot of interest, but a modern variant of the 944 has the potential to be extremely popular.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Toyota MR2

The Toyota MR2 was often referred to as the poor man’s Ferrari due to its similar styling to the Ferrari Testarossa. The mid-engined MR2 was extremely well-appointed and fun to drive with beautiful styling for the era. A modern MR2 has been in the works for some time now although the exact release date is unknown. Fans have been clamoring for a new MR2 for almost a decade.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Toyota Celica

The Toyota Celica was one of the most popular Toyota vehicles ever built. It started with humble beginnings but by the nineties, the Celica was winning championships around the world. Ever since the demise of the Scion brand, there has been an appetite for a new Toyota sports car. Reviving the Celica nameplate would be a smart move by Toyota.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volvo P1800

Volvo isn’t the first nameplate that comes to mind when you think of a sports car manufacturer. But the P1800 was by far one of the most iconic Volvo sports cars ever built. The 2+2, front-engine, rear-drive sports car was an excellent blend of performance and functionality. A modern version of the P1800 is much needed in the current Volvo lineup.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Honda S2000

Honda has manufactured a lot of fun to drive cars over the years but one such car was extremely unique. The Honda S2000 was developed as a sort of halo car, a two-seat roadster for the enthusiast driver. The S2000 didn’t have an especially powerful engine or a lot of flash, but it was every bit the driver’s car. Could you imagine an S2000 EV?

<< Previous

NEXT >>

AMC Eagle

AMC (American Motor Company) was at one point in time the biggest American automaker. The AMC Eagle was a unique crossover wagon that was designed at a time when off-road wagons were not commonplace. Although the Eagle never caught on with consumers nowadays such a wagon would be quite a popular ride.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

BMW M Coupe

The BMW M-Series is one of the most iconic cars of all-time, but in the nineties, there was an even rarer version of the car. The M-Coupe was a unique hatchback version of the M-Series that was produced in very limited numbers. The value of the M-Coupe has soared in recent years and a modern version of the car can be a sales success.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Chevrolet SSR

The Chevrolet SSR was a very limited-production sports car inspired by the El Camino. The SSR had the potent 5.3-liter V-8 under the hood. Coupled with a 6-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive design the SSR was an exceptional ride. A modern version of the SSR with more features would take off in terms of popularity.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Datsun 510

Nissan is in a bad predicament nowadays and talk among enthusiasts is that a revival of the Datsun brand is needed. The 510 was an iconic car that was both economical and fun to drive. A modern 510 would reinvigorate the Nissan brand name and give enthusiasts something fun to drive again. It’s due time that the 510 makes a return to the automotive world.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Ford Focus SVT

What happened to the fun of driving cars like the Focus SVT? This hatchback was the stuff of performance car legends. Ford disbanded the SVT line a few years ago but there is such an appetite for fun to drive cheap cars. Sure, there was the Focus RS a few years ago, but we want a modern Focus SVT.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Pontiac Aztek

The Pontiac Aztek was the laughing stock of the automotive world when it was released. From the odd shape to the plastic body cladding the Aztek was not your average SUV. Although it was discontinued the Aztek has since become a hot commodity on the used car market. There is such an appetite for a modern Aztek that this SUV would be amazingly popular.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Mercedes-Benz 500E

It used to be fun to drive cars like the 500E that packed a massive V8 into a small package. A modern version of the 500E with an emphasis on the same styling would be a very popular car indeed. The 500E was one of the most iconic performance sedans of the nineties, and it still garners interest today.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Dodge Neon R/T

Dodge has a stale lineup nowadays, a far cry from the exciting lineup in the nineties. The Dodge Neon was not a particularly great car, but it offered a comprehensive package for a great price. The Neon R/T was a fun to drive car that incorporated fun driving characteristics with an affordable price tag, it really was the whole package.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited

The nineties were an interesting time for fun to drive SUV models. Jeep was at the forefront with the fastest production of SUVs on the market. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited with its body-colored bumpers and 5.9 L V8 engine was a beast on the road. This model was considered the holy grail of the Jeep lineup at the time.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Suzuki X90

Suzuki was sort of an obscure little car company in the 1990s. The Swift (Geo Metro) was their claim to fame. But the company also built the highly popular Samurai SUV. The X-90 was a two-seater modern version of the Samurai, although the styling was a bit quirky. The X-90 didn’t sell very well, but a modern version of the SUV might do great.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Suzuki Samurai

Another instrumental vehicle from the eighties was the Suzuki Samurai. It was instrumental because a small Japanese automaker gave Jeep a real run for their money. The Samurai was also hugely popular in the nineties with hip-hop culture. A modern version of the Samurai is sold everywhere but America and people want it bad.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

1998 Lincoln Mark VIII

The Lincoln Mark VIII was the last of the big two-door V8-powered luxury coupes. There are no American cars like this one nowadays and there is still a demand for them. The Mark VIII shared a platform with the Ford Thunderbird. It was also rear-wheel drive which offered exceptional performance and reliability at the time.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Mercury Cougar

The thing about the 2000s was that automakers were willing to throw anything at the wall. Ford reinvigorated the Mercury brand with a latch-ditch marketing campaign that was geared toward women. The Cougar was the first car in this new branding message, it was designed to appeal to women with sleek lines and a peppy engine.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Honda Del Sol

Few cars were as unique as the Honda Del Sol. The fun-to-drive two-door roadster was the replacement for the CRX. The removable targa top was a distinctive feature, and the Del-Sol was also available in some unique exterior colors. The Del-Sol wasn’t the most popular car ever released by Honda but they’ve become quite popular on the used market.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Dodge Stealth RT Turbo

Chrysler partnered with Mitsubishi Motors in the 1980s and 1990s, and the fruit of this partnership was the excellent Eclipse and Dodge Stealth models. The Dodge Stealth was a turbocharged performance coupe with a lot to offer. A modern Stealth would be a welcomed addition to the Dodge lineup.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Chevrolet Caprice

Rear wheel drive full-size sedans were always a popular choice and there is still an appetite for them. The Caprice had a powerful V8 engine under the hood that was derived from the Corvette. There was a modern version of the Caprice that hit the market ten years ago but it was only available to police departments.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Plymouth Prowler

The Plymouth Prowler was by far one of the most interesting cars to come out of the nineties. The Prowler was a modern open-wheeled hot rod, which at the time hadn’t been done by an automaker. Chip Foose was part of the design team and a modern version of the Prowler would definitely reinvigorate the folks at Chrysler.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volkswagen Beetle

The Beetle was one of the most iconic cars ever built, but it was discontinued a few years ago. A modern version of the Beetle has a huge potential following. The Peoples Car as it’s called has a friendly exterior that just about anyone loves. Hopefully, with the revival of the Volkswagen bus, we’ll see a new Beetle soon.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Volvo V70 Wagon

The Volvo wagon was a historic part of the automotive industry. In the 1990s it was dubbed the “brick” for a reason. Stellar Swedish engineering went into the design of the wagon and it truly was a great family car. A modern version of the V70 wagon is something that has great potential, especially with outdoor enthusiasts.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Honda Element

The Honda Element was a unique SUV that was designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The SUV had unique features such as a rubber flooring system and removable interior pieces. A modern version of the Element would be a hot seller for Honda. The used versions of the SUV have been skyrocketing in value.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Chrysler PT Cruiser

In the 2000s there was a resurgence of retro-inspired rides. The PT Cruiser was a very unique-looking hatchback and it proved to be popular as well. There were millions of them that were sold and a modern version is much needed. The PT Cruiser has garnered thousands of unique fan clubs and collectors.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Subaru SVX

Subaru is one of the most well-known automakers in the world and they haven’t sold a high-performance sports car like the SVX in years. The SVX was a very sleek and well-designed performance car. Although it never became a massive sales success it did offer the kind of performance that rivaled the Supra Turbo.

<< Previous

50 Discontinued Cars We Wish Automakers Would Bring Back

Jaguar XJ220

Volkswagen Scirocco

Lotus Elan

Mazdaspeed 3

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

Ford F-150 SVT Lightning

Honda CRX

Dodge Magnum

Porsche 928

Jeep Cherokee Full-Size

Nissan 240SX

BMW Z8

Pontiac Fiero

Dodge Viper

Alfa Romeo GTV/6

Chevrolet SS

Acura Integra Type R

Subaru Brat

Buick Grand National GNX

Mazda RX-7

Chevrolet El Camino

Mitsubishi Eclipse

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Porsche 944

Toyota MR2

Toyota Celica

Volvo P1800

Honda S2000

AMC Eagle

BMW M Coupe

Chevrolet SSR

Datsun 510

Ford Focus SVT

Pontiac Aztek

Mercedes-Benz 500E

Dodge Neon R/T

Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited

Suzuki X90

Suzuki Samurai

1998 Lincoln Mark VIII

Mercury Cougar

Honda Del Sol

Dodge Stealth RT Turbo

Chevrolet Caprice

Plymouth Prowler

Volkswagen Beetle

Volvo V70 Wagon

Honda Element

Chrysler PT Cruiser

Subaru SVX

POPULAR