20 Car Models from the ’80s That Were Surprisingly Cool

Coolness in the car world isn’t always about speed; sometimes, it’s about character, and these 20 cars from the ’80s had plenty of it. Whether through quirky features, forward-thinking design, or surprising performance, each model on this list still stands out decades later. What once seemed ordinary or even awkward has aged into classic charm. Let’s look at the 20 cars that truly prove the ’80s were cooler than we remember.

1. Buick Grand National

MeanBuicks on Wikimedia

This dark and aggressive coupe became a legend almost by accident. The turbocharged V6 engine gave it unexpected muscle, challenging even V8s of its time. It looked like a villain’s ride and drove like one, too.

2. Toyota MR2

Princess.Tilly on Wikimedia

The MR2 brought fun and affordability to mid-engine sports cars. Its sharp handling and compact size made it perfect for winding roads. With a futuristic look, it stood out from everything else on the street.

3. Pontiac Fiero

MartinHansV on Wikimedia

A bold experiment from GM, the Fiero was America’s first mid-engine production car. Although early models had issues, later versions improved with better power and handling. Its sporty silhouette made it look faster than it was, but it sure looked cool.

4. Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2

Tvabutzku1234 on Wikimedia

The second-gen Scirocco mixed European flair with hatchback practicality. It was sleek, low, and handled like a dream for its class. With its angular lines and wide stance, it carried a sporty attitude you didn’t expect from a VW.

5. Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

先従隗始 on Wikimedia

Named after the International Race of Champions, the IROC-Z added serious street cred to the Camaro. It came with aggressive styling and performance to match. The loud colors and low stance screamed ’80s performance.

6. Dodge Daytona Turbo Z

InsomniacMI on Wikimedia

Dodge gave us a front-wheel-drive turbo coupe that felt faster than it looked. Its boxy shape hid a punchy powertrain and a surprisingly agile chassis. The red digital dashboard was like driving a spaceship.

7. Nissan 300ZX

Zach87 on Wikimedia

The Z31 marked a new chapter for Nissan’s Z cars, with high-tech gadgets and smooth turbo power. Pop-up headlights and a wide profile gave it an unmistakable ’80s style. Its balance of comfort and speed won fans worldwide.

8. Ford Mustang SVO

Jimnvaon Wikimedia

The SVO was Ford’s attempt to make the Mustang smarter and quicker using a turbocharged 4-cylinder. It featured adjustable suspension and a bi-level rear spoiler. Not everyone got it back then, but today, it’s seen as ahead of its time.

9. Peugeot 205 GTI

Oyhar on Wikimedia

One of the most beloved hot hatches ever, the 205 GTI was a European gem. Light, quick, and full of spirit, it became a legend on both streets and rally stages. Its small frame packed a ton of driving fun.

10. Mazda RX-7

Yaktatel on Wikimedia

With its rotary engine and lightweight chassis, the RX-7 offered a unique driving experience. It was stylish without being flashy and agile without being intimidating. Drivers loved its high-revving charm and balanced feel.

11. BMW E30 3 Series

Steelkiller062005 on Wikimedia

The E30 became a symbol of cool precision. It looked clean, drove smoothly, and handled corners like a dream. Whether a base 318i or M3 legend, it had class in every form.

12. Chevrolet Corvette C4

IFCAR on Wikimedia

Radically redesigned from its C3 predecessor, the C4 was low, wide, and ready to race. Digital gauges and sleek styling gave it a high-tech feel. It turned heads in traffic and carved corners on the track.

13. Honda CRX

crash71100 on Wikimedia

Small, light, and efficient, the CRX proved that a fun car didn’t need big power. It delivered great fuel economy without sacrificing sportiness. The Si version especially became a cult classic for tuners.

14. Porsche 944

Abehn on Wikimedia

Balanced and beautiful, the 944 made Porsche performance more accessible. With a near-perfect weight distribution, it handled curves like few others. It may have shared parts with VW, but it drove like a thoroughbred.

15. Subaru XT

IFCAR on Wikimedia

This futuristic coupe looked like it came from a sci-fi movie. It had a digital dash, funky shape, and even an optional turbo with all-wheel drive. Drivers either loved it or hated it, but it was never boring.

16. Renault 5 Turbo

CZmarlin on Wikimedia

Built for rallying, the Renault 5 Turbo moved its engine to the back and added wild flares. It looked like a hot hatch on steroids and handled like a race car. Rare and raw, it’s a true ’80s unicorn.

17. Chrysler Conquest TSi

IFCAR on Wikimedia

A rebadged Mitsubishi Starion, the Conquest TSi was a turbocharged rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with sharp styling and even sharper handling. Not many knew what it was, but those who drove it were impressed.

18. Saab 900 Turbo

IFCAR on Wikimedia

The Saab 900 Turbo brought aviation influence to the roads with its cockpit-style dashboard and wraparound windshield. It wasn’t just quirky but fast, safe, and different. The boost came on like a rocket and won fans for life.

19. Toyota Celica Supra

トライトーン on Wikimedia

Before it became just “Supra,” it was a sporty version of the Celica. With inline-six power and pop-up headlights, it looked and felt special. It offered grand touring luxury with Japanese precision.

20. Lotus Esprit Turbo

Alf van Beem on Wikimedia

The Esprit looked like a wedge from the future and drove like a proper exotic. With turbo power and razor-sharp lines, it was one of the coolest British cars of the decade. James Bond even drove one, which only helped its reputation.

• Tags:
• models
• 80s cars
• cool cars
• retro cars