Cars We Want To Drive Again
American automakers have given us some of the most iconic cars ever to hit the pavement. While new models keep pushing the boundaries of technology and performance, there's something special about the classics that have been discontinued. Here are 20 discontinued car models we would all love to see make a huge comeback as soon as possible.
1. Pontiac Trans Am
Its final run came in 2002, ending alongside its sibling, the Firebird. The last generation pushed out 325 horsepower in its WS6 form. Those distinctive ram-air hood scoops were part of a functional forced-air induction system that helped make this final Trans Am the fastest ever produced.
2. Plymouth Barracuda
The 1970-1974 'Cuda represented Plymouth's ultimate muscle car. The holy grail was the 1970-71 Hemi 'Cuda, packing the legendary 426 Hemi V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors, pumping out 425 horsepower. Only 652 Hemi 'Cudas were built in 1970 and just 108 in 1971, making them some of the most valuable muscle cars ever.
3. Chevrolet El Camino
The El Camino bowed out in 1987 after a 23-year run. Buyers in the final generation (1982-1987) had the option of an SS variant with a 305 V8, though it wasn’t as powerful as its predecessors. The earlier 1970 SS 454 model was the performance peak, boasting 450 horsepower from its LS6 big-block V8.
4. Ford Thunderbird
Its 11th and final generation (2002-2005) was a retro-styled nod to the original 1955 model. However, the T-Bird's true performance peak came with the 1957 model, which introduced the optional supercharged 312 V8, and later with the 1988-1995 Super Coupe, with a supercharged 3.8L V6.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
5. Dodge Viper
Production of the Viper ended in 2017 after five generations, and the final ACR model was a true track weapon powered by an 8.4L V10 producing 645 horsepower. It set 13 production car lap records, including at Laguna Seca and Road Atlanta, some of which still stand today.
The original uploader was NineKnuckles at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
6. Mercury Cougar
This car started as Mercury's upscale Mustang in 1967, with the 1967-1970 models being particularly sought after. The first-gen Cougar's ultimate form was the 1968 GT-E with its 427 V8 (later 428 Cobra Jet), representing the perfect blend of luxury and muscle. Its production ended in 2002 after eight generations.
7. Oldsmobile 442
Born in 1964 as an option package for the F-85/Cutlass, the "442" initially meant a 4-barrel carb, 4-speed manual, and two exhausts. The pinnacle came in 1970 with the W-30 455 V8 version, officially rated at 370 horsepower but widely believed to be underrated. Then, real-world testing showed these cars could hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds.
8. Plymouth Road Runner
Launched in 1968 as Plymouth's no-frills muscle car, the Road Runner’s optional 426 Hemi made it a legend. The 1969-70 models are especially revered, with the 1970 version featuring the powerful 440+6—a 440 cubic inch V8 with three two-barrel carburetors—offering a more street-friendly alternative to the high-strung Hemi.
9. Pontiac GTO
Originally debuting in 1964, this muscle car defied GM's rules by fitting a 389 V8 into a midsize body. The 1970 model marked its performance peak with the Ram Air IV engine option. Further, its 2004-2006 revival, though Australian-built, packed a 400-horsepower LS2 V8 and could hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds—true to its heritage.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
10. Chevrolet Nova SS
SS hit its stride from 1968-1972. The ultimate version was the 1969 Nova SS396, flaunting the L78 396 big-block V8. Due to its lightweight body and massive power, the L78 Nova could run mid-13 second-quarter miles right from the factory. It was impressive even by today's standards.
11. Ford Crown Victoria
2011 Crown Victoria marked the end of Ford's full-size, body-on-frame sedan era. The Police Interceptor version came with heavy-duty components, including a strengthened frame, improved cooling, and reinforced suspension. These mechanical upgrades helped create one of the most reliable police vehicles ever made.
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
12. Pontiac Firebird
The final 2002 Firebird Formula and Trans Am models shared the Corvette's aluminum LS1 V8, producing 310 horsepower (325 with the WS6 package). Opting for the WS6 Performance Package meant gaining functional ram air induction, upgraded suspension, and 17-inch wheels. These last Firebirds could reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission.
Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands on Wikimedia
13. Dodge Magnum SRT8
Rolled out between 2006 and 2008, the Magnum SRT8 had Chrysler's 6.1L Hemi V8 producing 420 lb-ft of torque. This high-performance wagon used a modified Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform from the DaimlerChrysler era, featuring independent rear suspension and electronic stability control. Factory testing showed quarter-mile times of 13.1 seconds.
14. Plymouth Superbird
Plymouth built exactly 1,935 Superbirds in 1970 to meet NASCAR homologation requirements. Each came standard with the 440 Super Commando V8 (375 horsepower), while 135 cars received the optional 426 Hemi. The distinctive nose cone and high-mounted wing were developed through wind tunnel testing, making the model one of the first American production cars designed with serious aerodynamic consideration.
The original uploader was Morven at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
15. Mercury Grand Marquis
The Grand Marquis ended production in 2011 with Mercury's discontinuation. All final-generation models (2003-2011) used the 4.6L V8 producing 239 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque. The platform shared with the Crown Victoria had a full-frame design and was famous for its durability and low maintenance costs.
16. Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
Chevy’s final 2006-2007 Monte Carlo SS introduced the first V8 in a Monte Carlo since 1988, using the LS4 5.3L V8 making 303 horsepower. This front-wheel-drive configuration was unique among V8 American coupes. The previous generation SS (2000-2005) used a 3.8L supercharged V6 producing 240 horsepower.
17. AMC Javelin
This second-generation Javelin AMX (1971-1974) offered AMC's largest engine, the 401 V8, rated at 330 horsepower. The "Go Package" further enhanced performance with a ram-air hood, handling upgrades, and a limited-slip differential. Proving its racing pedigree, AMC Javelins, driven by Mark Donohue, secured the 1971 SCCA Trans-Am championship.
18. Pontiac Fiero
The 1988 Fiero GT represented the model's peak. That mid-engine layout and plastic body panels were quite innovative for an American car of its era. Fiero had a revised suspension design with new front control arms and knuckles, as well as a redesigned rear suspension.
Jonrev at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
19. Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Supreme’s convertible model was only available in 1995 and 1996, marking one of Oldsmobile's last convertible offerings before the brand's eventual discontinuation in 2004. The final generation Cutlass Supreme (1995-1997) was offered with a 3.4L DOHC V6 producing 215 horsepower.
20. Chrysler 300 SRT8
The last US-market 300 SRT8 (2015) delivered 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Standard equipment included Brembo brakes, adaptive damping suspension, and launch control. Moreover, Chrysler's factory testing showed 0-60 mph times of 4.5 seconds and quarter-mile times of 12.8 seconds.
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