As more and more car nameplates face the danger of being discontinued, the old ones are coming back into the market. Remembering great cars from the past is of utmost importance, especially for people who have lived in the ages of both classic and modern vehicles. Better still, driving a resurrected nameplate feels way better and satisfying. Several manufacturers have brought back quite some nameplates, and they are turning into massive successes.
On top of capitalizing on already-known and recognizable vehicles, modern-day comeback cars aim to capture the original car's essence, character, and driving experience, though in a contemporary form. That said, read on for some of the best-resurrected nameplates.
10 Mini Cooper
The Mini was a huge success in the 1960s, but it stuck around until the late 1990s. Initially made by British Motor Corporation and Rover Group, BMW took over in 2000 and produced the Mini Cooper. The Mini Cooper was then turned into various hatchback models, a 2-door convertible, and even an SUV.
Currently, the 2021 Mini Cooper comes in three body styles — the two-door, four-door Mini Hardtop, and the Mini Convertible. It's fun to drive, thanks to its punchy engines and proficient handling. The cabin is handsome and stylish, and its tech features are easy to use. It is a small yet insanely fun hot hatch.
9 Ford Bronco
While the 2021 Ford Bronco makes one thrilling adventure partner, this isn't its first rodeo. In 1966, this new breed of the off-road vehicle entered the scene and into the wild hearts everywhere, setting the pace for the modern SUV. It is one of the toughest classic SUVs in the market today. From its first appearance until today, the Bronco has won itself a fair share of love from the off-road community.
The new SUV comes equipped with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. It features Terrain Management System to optimize steering, handling, and powertrain response to allow drivers to operate the vehicle with confidence either off or on the road.
8 Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger has been sold in various forms over seven generations from 1966. The modern Charger came back into the market in 2006, and it quickly grew into a massive favorite among muscle car lovers. Its 2021 model comes with popular options such as all-wheel drive and a wide range of technology features.
The Charger channels its NASCAR roots with immense V8 power and rowdy sounds that tug heartstrings. With a variety of V8 engines available, it has a perfect mix of power and features. Those who want all-wheel drive are limited to the V6 versions.
7 Jeep Gladiator
The modern Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup truck introduced at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show on 28th November 2018 and sold in the spring of 2019. Based on the same platform as the Wrangler JL, the Gladiator is the first pickup truck since it was discontinued in 1988.
Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Gladiator puts out 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, routed through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic. The Jeep adds an optional 3.0-liter diesel V6 which develops 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 lb-ft of torque.
6 Toyota Supra
The previous Supra from the 1990s has achieved a cult-like status thanks to its highly tunable 6-cylinder engine and appearance in certain movies and video games. The modern-day Supra reflects Toyota's excellence in sports performance, no matter how many generations have passed.
The fire-breathing heart of the Toyota GR Supra is its signature turbocharged 3.0-liter incline 6-cylinder engine. Producing 383 horsepower with an impressive 368 lb-ft of torque, the GR incorporates a twin-scroll turbocharger and electric wastage, providing drivers with plenty of power and instant response.
5 Nissan GT-R
The GT-R is a high-performance sports car and a grand tourer produced by Nissan in 2007. Although the sixth-generation model car is no longer called a Skyline, as the name is now reserved for Nissan's luxury-sport vehicles.
Instead of a large, heavy engine thirsty for fuel, the Nissan GT-R is powered by an ideally sized, twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. This mighty powerhouse produces a prodigious 565 horsepower and equally immense 467 pound-feet of torque. As important as the engineering is, the assembly is done by hand by a single master craftsman.
4 Acura NSX
The Acura NSX is a successor of the original Honda NSX produced in Japan from 1990 to 2005. This second-generation NSX is a two-seater all-wheel-drive mid-engine hybrid electric sports car. Kicked along by a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, it utilizes an electric motor to keep its twin-turbochargers spool up to its ideal operating RPM and achieving speeds of over 190mph.
The Acura NSX is an intriguing supercar that is comfortable enough to be a daily driver. It's flexible to light up a drag strip, one minute, and silently tiptoe into an upscale neighborhood.
3 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
When it first debuted in 1984, this popular, most competitive SUV of its era had a powerful 5.9-liter V8 engine and a high towing capacity. With its reinvention, the Grand version has the exclusive content to compete with large luxury SUVs that feature six-figure price tags.
With a 471-horsepower 6.4-liter V8 pairs to an eight-speed automatic transmission, this standard four-wheel drive is as powerful as it is capable. Inside its upscale cabin, a standard three-row seating means room for the whole family and an abundance of high-tech features to keep everyone entertained.
2 Chevy Camaro
This midsize car is classified as a pony car and a muscle car with some of its versions. The original Camaro spent three and a half decades in production before being killed off in 2002, only for Chevy to revive it in 2010.
Like the original model, the modern Chevy Camaro continues to push the limits of performance and style. As tradition dictates, a big, powerful V8 engine sits under the hood, with varying trim levels offering different power outputs, ranging from mild to beyond wild.
1 Dodge Challenger
Dodge is a renowned automaker when it comes to performance and speed. As has been seen in the past, many of its cars are perfect for the dragstrip. The Challenger is Dodge's flagship dragster that has ruled the quarter-mile since the 1970s.
The company has brought back this nameplate, and it more than lives up to the reputation of its classic counterpart. The modern Challenger comes with a massive supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 under its hood, with the most powerful one traveling from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.3 seconds.