Cars We Once Loved: Adored Automobiles That Are No More

Cars We Once Loved: Adored Automobiles That Are No More

Whether you're into the American classics, like a Chevelle SS or a Ford Mustang, or prefer a European import like a Volkswagen Beetle, or the extreme power of supercars like the Lamborghini Gallardo or Pagani Zonda, there are plenty of cars that hit the mark with the public. Here are some adored automobiles that are no more but we wish were.

Acura NSX

The Acura NSX was first produced by Acura in 2016. The two-door sedan was intended to be a newer, sportier replacement for a 2005 model known as the NA1. The 2016 Acura NSX had a twin-turbocharged V8 engine and a hybrid powertrain. The NSX produced just over 600 horsepower and was popular until 2020 when declining sales forced Honda to discontinue the model by 2023.

Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Acura TL

The Acura TL was a great sedan—priced to appeal to the greatest number of people (between $54,000 and $62,000), but it was ultimately considered a luxury car with a hybrid powertrain. Well loved by consumers, the TL was eventually phased out in 2014, amalgamated into the low-end TSX to create the Acura TLX.

IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

AMC Eagle

Released in 1980, the AMC Eagle (made by the American Motor Company) was the only four-wheel drive car produced in the United States at the time. Production ran for eight years, with the AMC Eagle being considered the first crossover in the United States. The AMC Eagle was discontinued in 1988.

Kev22, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

AMC Javelin

Another beloved American Motor Company vehicle that was discontinued too soon, some say, was the AMC Javelin. One of the finest pony cars of the late 1960s and early 70s, this front-engine, rear-wheel drive hot rod rivalled Ford's iconic Mustang. The Javelin was discontinued in 1974 and AMC folded a decade later.

Christopher Ziemnowicz, Wikimedia Commons

Austin-Healey 3000

The first British car on our list: the Austin-Healey 3000 was produced by Austin-Healey between 1959 and 1967. The 3.0L engine could go from 0 to 60 in 11 seconds and had a top speed of 112 mph. The Austin-Healey 3000 was available as an open-top or a hardtop convertible. It was eventually replaced by the beloved MGB. 

Michael Spiller, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

BMW Z8

The BMW Z8 is widely considered one of BMW's greatest accomplishments in the 1990s and 2000s. The Z8 was released in 1998 and produced until 2003. The Z8 laid the groundwork for other popular BMW roadsters, such as the Z4.  

Lothar Spurzem, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet SS

The Chevrolet SS, or Chevrolet Super Sport, was a high-performance sedan produced as the SS between 1956 and 2017. The SS bridged the gap between luxury sedan and horsepower-heavy sports car—with its latest model churning out an impressive 415 horsepower. Several of Chevrolet's most popular models have been released under the SS nameplate, including the iconic Camaro and El Camino. 

Reinhold Möller, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevy Nova

Another win for Chevrolet came in the infamous Chevy Nova, produced in two phases, between 1962 and 1979—originally with a 195 horsepower V8 engine, before the later models downgraded the power produced by the Nova with a 1.6L engine that only produced 74 horsepower in the 1980s. The Nova was discontinued after the fifth generation, in 1988.

Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Volt

One of the first mass-marketed electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt hit the American market like a "bolt from the blue" in November 2010. Operating as a plug-in hybrid with an internal combustion engine, the Volt had an all-electric range of 68 km and laid the groundwork for Chevy and other American manufacturers to make EVs or hybrids en-mass. 

U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Wikimedia Commons

Cord 812

We'll have to take you way back to the 1920s for this one. The Cord Automobile Company was founded in Connersville, Indiana. They're the innovators behind front-wheel drive and hidden headlights, with the Cord 812 (their best-known automobile) featuring both. 

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Datsun 510

The Datsun 510 was produced by Japanese manufacturer Datsun, owned by parent company Nissan, between 1967 and 1973. Datsun drew inspiration for the engine from BMW, incorporating rear-wheel drive, too. Datsun developed two-door, four-door, and a five-door station wagon model, as well as a two-door coupé. The car came with a 1.6L engine, a top speed of 100 mph and produced 96 horsepower. It also included front disc brakes and independent suspension across all four wheels. 

Tennen-Gas, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dodge Dart

Returning to America, we have the beloved Dodge Dart. Produced as a semi-luxury sedan between 1960 and 1976, the Dart was also used in racing and competition with great success.

Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cadillac ATS

The Cadillac ATS is one of our most recent sedans on the list. Beginning production in 2012 as an executive sedan that produced over 200 horsepower, Cadillac built the ATS between 2012 and 2019 to compete with the likes of the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series. The Cadillac ATS sold like hotcakes in the first few years, with sales between 10,000 and 40,000, but sold as few as 116 units during its last year of production in 2019.

M 93, Wikimedia Commons

Cadillac Coupe DeVille

Produced for 46 years between 1959 and 2005, the Cadillac Coupe DeVille has changed plenty since the early years. The ornate fabrication of the curves of the car became boxy and rectangular and it lost much of its original vintage appeal. The Coupe DeVille was eventually replaced in 2005 by the DTS.

BUTTON74, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cadillac Eldorado

Another Caddy on our list is the gorgeous Eldorado. Initially designed as a convertible, the car was one of the longest automobiles Cadillac has produced. When Cadillac introduced the Eldorado Seville as a hardtop model in 1956 through 1960, it was one of the most popular cars for collectors. Produced over 12 generations between 1953 and 2002, the Eldorado is widely considered one of Cadillac's ultimate classics. 

Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chrysler Town & Country

If you needed safety and reliability when transporting your family during the 1990s and early 2000s, the Chrysler Town & Country minivan was your first choice. Chrysler adopted an interesting exterior design method—exterior woodgrain panelling that would become a feature of the Town & Country minivan throughout the decades. 

IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Ferrari 308 GTS

Recognize this car? If you're a fan of Magnum PI, you certainly should! With pop-up headlights, curved hood, and a 2.9L V8 engine, the 308 GTS was produced for 10 years between 1975 and 1985 and became an instant classic among Ferrari lovers everywhere.

SG2012, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Fiat 850

Another Italian car on our list is the Fiat 850. An Italian spin on the pony cars that made the mid-60s through mid-70s such a great automotive era, the 850 was sold over 2 million times in various configurations. Fiat even made an 850 camper.

Corvettec6r, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Focus

We all love the Ford Focus. Its 20-year history on our roads began in 1998, with the last car rolling off the line in 2018. Available in many configurations, Ford Focuses were often the first cars of new drivers, marketed for their reliability, affordability, safety, and fuel efficiency. 

Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ford GT

The Ford GT40 was produced for one reason and one reason only: to beat Ferrari at their own game. A bolstered version of the GT40, the Ford GT was produced between 2002 and 2006, as a street-legal version of the prized GT40 and a commemoration of Ford's centennial. Ford only sold 1,350 units between '02 and '06, but they all cost around $500,000.

Winning Automotive Photography, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Thunderbird

The Ford Thunderbird was one of the most famous cars ever built by Ford. The "T-Bird's" production began in 1955 with Ford looking to produce a gorgeous two-seater convertible. They did this with huge success until 1958, when rear seats were introduced. Ford tried to re-up the T-Bird for the early 2000s, but those models were universally hated.

Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Geo Metro

A joint venture between GM and Suzuki, the Geo Metro was a nifty sedan produced between 1989 and 2001. The subcompact car, although popular, was eventually succeeded by the Chevy Aveo, after falling out of favor with North Americans who wanted bigger and brawnier.

Ryanandlenny, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Honda Del Sol

The Honda Del Sol was built on the chassis of a Honda Civic, but was geared for a higher performance level. With model ranges that produced between 102 and 160 horsepower, the two-seater convertible was produced between 1993 and 1998, succeeding the Honda CR-X. 

MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Honda Prelude

Everyone's favorite sports car for those freshly-licensed kids of the 1990s. If you were looking for a sportier first car than the Ford Focus, the beloved Honda Prelude beckoned. A fixed rear spoiler and the first Honda to include a moonroof in its design, the Prelude was a high school driver's dream.

tdm911, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Honda S2000

The S2000 was a replacement for the Honda S800. Produced between 1999 and 2009, the flashy and fast S2000 had a power output of 124 horsepower per liter, which was the highest engine output of any naturally aspirated engine until 2010. The convertible was nearly universally beloved. 

Rich Niewiroski Jr., CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

Hummer H2

The big, brawny, gas-guzzling Hummer H2 was a road-legal version of the Hummer that had typified the American military and became synonymous with the Iraq War in the early 2000s. Produced as a do-it-all SUV with a larger-than-life personality, the H2 had atrocious mileage of just 10 MPG. But that wasn't the point of this utter beast that divided a nation. It was retired in 2009.

Rudolf Stricker, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Imperial

In 1956, Chevrolet must have asked their engineers, "How wide can we make a car?" Because what they produced was the Imperial. It was as imperial as the vast Roman or British Empires, because it stretched far and wide. spanning more than 81.5 inches across. Good luck driving that thing around in tight spaces.

alfone45, Wikimedia Commons

Jaguar XJ220

The Jaguar XJ220 was a limited edition sports car produced by Jaguar between 1992 and 1994. Making just 282 cars in that time, Jaguar seemingly used the XJ220 as a testing ground for their V12 engines. It produced a staggering 500 horsepower and was recorded at a top speed of 217 mph. This made it the fastest production car between 1992 and 1993.

Brian Snelson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lamborghini Aventador

The Lamborghini Aventador was Lamborghini's speedster that could only hold two people. Reaching 60 mph from zero in 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 217 mph, the Aventador has been owned by superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. With over 5,000 units sold, the Aventador was Lamborghini's second-best selling supercar.

MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lamborghini Countach

The "OG" Lamborghini that brought them to supercar prominence. The 1974 Lamborghini Countach was a revelation, with a V12 engine and scissor-style doors, not to mention its 163-inch length. The Countach is widely viewed as a classic 1970s and 1980s supercar. 

Brian Snelson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lotus Esprit

The Lotus Esprit was a sports car produced by British manufacturer Lotus Cars between 1976 and 2004. Appearing in movies from James Bond to Pretty Woman (1990), the Esprit's hard lines, low profile, and impressive stat of 174 mph top speed, made it much-loved and much-missed. 

Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mazda RX-7

The Mazda RX-7 was a rear-engine car that was much beloved throughout the 1990s. Auto enthusiasts revered it for its handling and smooth driving experience. For the rest of us, it was good to look at. Under the hood, it used a compact, rotary engine that produced over 130 horsepower. A classic.

Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mercury Mountaineer

The Mercury Mountaineer was Ford's Mercury subsidiary's answer to the Ford Explorer. Identical to the Explorer in all the right ways, the Mercury Mountaineer was very popular among those who wanted a more high-end SUV, priced between $1,000 and $6,000 more expensive than the Explorer. The Mountaineer was produced between 1996 and 2010, disappearing after their Firestone tires were blamed as the cause for vehicle rollovers.

SM708, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a coupé produced over four generations between 1989 and 2011. Although the model changed over the years, including the mid-90s addition of a convertible body style, the Eclipse sold 900,000 units in over 20 years. 

IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Another American classic was the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Although Pontiac produced a model called the Firebird, the Trans Am version is what set them apart from the competition. Released in 1969 with a bolstered performance package that produced 370 horsepower from a V8, the Trans Am was made famous by the iconic TV show, Smokey And The Bandit (1977). 

Matt Morgan, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Porsche 928

The Porsche 928 was sold between 1978 and 1995. It was considered a huge departure from Porsche's other models as it featured two bucket seats in the rear, meaning it could accommodate four people. Now you could enjoy the 928's 345 horsepower while being propelled to 170 mph and reaching 60 mph in under six seconds.

Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Saturn Sky

Saturn may have faded into oblivion, but the Saturn Sky was one of their most popular, sporty sedans produced from 2007 to 2010. The Sky produced 177 horsepower from a 2.0L turbocharged engine, but an additional kit under the hood could bring that horsepower to 290! As it turned out, the Sky was the limit, as Pontiac and Saturn were retired in 2010.

MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Shelby AC Cobra

The gorgeous Shelby AC Cobra was produced between 1962 and 1967. Manufactured as a partnership between Britain's AC Cars and Shelby Motors in the United States, the Cobra came with a Ford V8 engine whilst the Brits paid attention to the fine details of the look and feel of the car. The two-seater convertible turned heads everywhere it went.

Stahlkocher, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Celica

The Toyota Celica may remind you a little of the Honda Prelude or Honda S2000. Another favorite among freshly-licensed high schoolers with a little more money than those Focus drivers, the Celica was produced between 1970 and 2006, with various four-cylinder engines. It's the early 2000s design that was the most memorable and garish, though. With a hood air intake and large rear spoiler, the early 2000s Celica simply said, "Drive me quickly".

SevenSixty2, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Which Of These Adored Automobiles Were Your Favorite?

We all have a favorite car that we wished would come back. But which of these adored automobiles were your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Reinhold Möller, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons