16 Forgotten Car Brands from the ’90s
Discover the 16 car brands from the 1990s that once ruled the roads but have since faded into history.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1990s saw a diverse mix of carmakers; from start-ups to imports trying to make it big in the U.S. Some brands offered solid performance or quirky charm, while others simply couldn’t keep up with the competition. Today, many of these names are long gone, remembered only by enthusiasts and collectors.
1. Geo
Cutlass on Wikimedia Commons
Launched by General Motors in 1989, Geo focused on compact, budget-friendly cars built in partnership with Japanese automakers. Models like the Metro and Tracker gained traction in the early ’90s
2. Daewoo
EurovisionNim on Wikimedia Commons
This South Korean automaker entered the U.S. market in the late ’90s with models like the Lanos and Nubira. Their pitch was affordability, but quality and support lagged behind.
3. Eagle
Elise240SX on Wikimedia Commons
A blend of AMC and Chrysler DNA, the Eagle was intended to be a sporty import fighter. Cars like the Talon and Vision were praised for their performance but lacked a distinct identity.
4. Suzuki
Elise240SX on Wikimedia Commons
Though still around globally, Suzuki exited the U.S. auto market in 2012. During the ’90s, it sold compact SUVs and cars like the Swift and Sidekick. Sales never soared, partly due to limited dealer support.
5. Saturn
Mr.choppers on Wikimedia Commons
GM created Saturn to fight the rise of Japanese compacts with a “no-haggle” sales model and plastic body panels. It gained a cult following in the ’90s for its innovation.
6. Plymouth
Sicnag on Wikimedia Commons
Once a powerhouse under Chrysler, Plymouth began to lose direction by the ’90s. Models like the Neon and Prowler tried to spark interest but weren’t enough. With Dodge and Chrysler overlapping too much, the brand was axed in 2001.
7. Isuzu (Passenger Vehicles)
RL GNZLZ on Flickr
Known for rugged SUVs like the Rodeo and Trooper, Isuzu had a solid presence in the ’90s. However, the brand couldn’t keep up with newer rivals. By 2009, it stopped selling passenger vehicles in the U.S.
8. Merkur
ilikewaffles11 on Wikimedia Commons
Ford introduced Merkur to sell European-style cars to American buyers. The Scorpio and XR4Ti had unique styling and turbocharged performance. Still, pricing and parts availability were major headaches.
9. Sterling
Vauxford on Wikimedia Commons
This British brand brought Rover sedans to the U.S. with luxury aspirations. They used Honda underpinnings but were plagued with reliability issues. Sales tanked due to poor quality and outdated designs.
10. Daihatsu
FotoSleuth on Wikimedia Commons
A Toyota-affiliated company, Daihatsu offered tiny, efficient cars like the Charade and Rocky. While good on gas, they lacked the features and space U.S. buyers wanted.
11. Oldsmobile
dave_7 on Wikimedia Commons
One of America’s oldest car brands, Oldsmobile, started strong but struggled to stay relevant by the ’90s. Despite attempts like the Alero and Intrigue, sales kept dipping.
12. Eagle Vision
W. P. “Mac” McMeans on Wikimedia Commons
Though part of the Eagle brand, the Vision stood out with its bold design and was meant to compete with full-size imports. It offered plenty of space and decent performance.
13. Saab
Vauxford on Wikimedia Commons
This quirky Swedish carmaker had a loyal fan base in the ’90s. Known for turbocharged engines and unconventional designs, Saab stood apart from the crowd.
14. Yugo
dave_7 on Flickr
Marketed as America’s cheapest car, the Yugo was imported from Yugoslavia with bare-bones features. Its $3,990 price tag attracted attention, but quality was laughably bad.
15. Asüna
dave_7 on Wikimedia Commons
GM’s Canadian-only brand offered rebadged Isuzus and Daewoos during the early ’90s. Though technically not U.S.-sold, Asüna’s obscurity makes it worth noting.
16. Mosler
Nsmiller13 on Wikimedia Commons
Mosler wasn’t mainstream but made waves with ultra-light, high-performance cars like the Consulier GTP. Built in Florida, these carbon-fiber beasts were track-ready but lacked comfort and style.