Some cars were discontinued too soon. They had the right mix of style, performance, and personality, but changing markets, company politics, or financial troubles ended their production. Enthusiasts still remember these models with passion and often wonder how they might look with modern engineering. Here are 10 discontinued cars we wish would return, expanded with production years, horsepower figures, and their current collector values.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was built from 1967 until 2002. It shared its platform with the Chevrolet Camaro but carried its own aggressive styling and personality. Power ranged from inline six engines in base models to high output 455 cubic inch V8s producing over 300 horsepower in the 1970s. Later models in the 1990s featured Ram Air WS6 packages that delivered 320 horsepower and serious performance. GM sold over two million Firebirds, yet it disappeared when Pontiac was killed. Today, clean 1970s Trans Ams sell for 30,000 to 70,000 dollars, while rare Super Duty models push past 100,000. A modern revival would easily stand alongside the Camaro.
Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2 was produced from 1984 to 2007 across three generations. It was one of the few affordable mid engine sports cars ever built, starting with the nimble AW11 that offered around 112 horsepower and light weight agility. The second generation SW20 from the 1990s introduced turbocharged power at 200 horsepower, giving it exotic performance at a fraction of the price. Toyota built about 420,000 MR2s worldwide. Today, turbocharged models are the most collectible, with values between 20,000 and 40,000 dollars. A new MR2, especially as a hybrid or lightweight EV, would immediately win back enthusiasts.
Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper stormed onto the scene in 1992 with an 8.0 liter V10 producing 400 horsepower, raw handling, and almost no driver aids. It later grew to 645 horsepower before production ended in 2017. Chrysler built around 31,500 Vipers over its lifetime. The car became famous for its unforgiving character, which only added to its legend. Collectors today pay between 70,000 and 150,000 dollars depending on generation and trim, with special editions like the ACR commanding much more. A modern Viper with today’s engineering could bring back America’s boldest supercar.
Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 was produced from 1999 to 2009 and became one of the greatest driver’s cars of its era. It featured a 2.0 liter inline four in the AP1 generation that produced 240 horsepower and revved to 9,000 rpm. Later AP2 versions grew to 2.2 liters with more torque but kept the high revving character. Honda sold about 110,000 S2000s worldwide. Collectors now pay 35,000 to 60,000 dollars for clean cars, while low mileage Club Racer editions can top 80,000. A lightweight roadster from Honda today would be a sure hit.
Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO was built from 1964 to 1974 and briefly revived from 2004 to 2006. The early models defined the muscle car era with 389 cubic inch engines producing up to 360 horsepower. Later models offered 400 cubic inch and 455 cubic inch V8s, some topping 370 horsepower. GM sold nearly 500,000 GTOs during the classic era. The 2000s revival used Australian Holden engineering and delivered 350 to 400 horsepower but lacked bold styling. Today, classic GTOs sell between 40,000 and 100,000 dollars, while Judge editions can exceed 150,000. The GTO deserves a modern comeback with a proper design to match its legend.
Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7 was produced from 1978 to 2002. Its rotary engines gave it a unique character, with the final FD generation offering a twin turbo 1.3 liter rotary producing 276 horsepower. Mazda sold around 800,000 RX-7s across its three generations. The lightweight FD RX-7 was a rival to the Toyota Supra and Nissan 300ZX but with its own cult following. Today, FD models in good condition fetch 40,000 to 70,000 dollars, with pristine examples exceeding 100,000. A new rotary sports car has been rumored for years, and fans are still waiting for Mazda to deliver.
Buick Grand National GNX
The Buick Grand National GNX appeared in 1987 as the ultimate version of the Regal. Powered by a turbocharged 3.8 liter V6 producing 276 horsepower and 360 pound feet of torque, it was faster than Corvettes and Camaros of its era. Only 547 GNXs were built, making it one of the rarest and most feared cars of the 1980s. Regular Grand Nationals were also popular, and Buick sold around 30,000 across the model’s run. Today, GNXs sell for 150,000 to 200,000 dollars, while standard Grand Nationals are worth 30,000 to 60,000 dollars. A modern turbocharged Buick performance car could revive the spirit of this legend.
Nissan 240SX
The Nissan 240SX was sold in North America from 1989 to 1998. It came with 2.4 liter inline four engines producing between 140 and 155 horsepower. While not powerful in stock form, it became legendary in drifting and tuning culture thanks to its rear wheel drive layout and balanced chassis. Nissan sold around 400,000 units in the United States, but most were heavily modified or scrapped. Today, stock examples are rare, with prices climbing to 20,000 dollars or more for clean survivors. A new affordable rear wheel drive coupe from Nissan would be welcomed instantly by enthusiasts.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was produced from 1992 to 2016, with ten generations of turbocharged, all wheel drive rally inspired sedans. Horsepower ranged from around 244 in early models to 291 in later US market versions. Mitsubishi sold more than 150,000 Evos worldwide, but discontinued it to focus on crossovers. Today, Evo IX and Evo X models sell for 30,000 to 50,000 dollars, with rare earlier JDM versions commanding far more. Reviving the Evo would instantly restore Mitsubishi’s performance image.
Plymouth Barracuda
The Plymouth Barracuda was built from 1964 to 1974. The early versions competed directly with the Mustang, while the 1970 to 1974 E Body Barracudas became some of the most legendary muscle cars ever. Engines ranged from small block 318s to the 426 Hemi with 425 horsepower. Plymouth sold about 384,000 Barracudas, but the most powerful versions were rare. Today, Hemi ’Cudas bring 200,000 to over 1 million dollars at auction, while standard models range from 35,000 to 70,000 dollars. A modern Barracuda would be the perfect partner to the Dodge Challenger.
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