There’s a difference between cars we’d like to come back, and those actually likely to return; this blog post focuses on the second option.
In the first camp are cars that were great for their time, and were quite distinct in their own ways, but that don’t really fit in today’s world. We’re thinking of the Buick GNX, the Chevrolet El Camino, the Acura Integra, and the Porsche 928, to name a few.
They don’t fit because Americans today want crossovers. They want SUVs. They’re not into sedans or coupes, and they’re sure as heck not into station wagons or manual transmissions.
Given what Americans are expressing a desire to buy, what vehicles of the past would they embrace via a rebirth?
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
This one is a no-brainer. It’s big, it’s comfy, it has style, and it captures the spirit of the American pioneer bravely exploring the west with nothing more than a credit card and a stable job back home.
Lucky for us, Jeep has already announced that they are indeed bringing this one back. Are they ready for all of our money? Because they’re going to get it.
Ford Ranger
It’s small, it’s rugged, and it looks exactly like what a forest ranger would drive in a delicious dark green, the better to blend in with the trees.
Ford has said that in 2018 it will begin building a model that it is not currently producing. While that does mean it could be a brand new model, it could also mean that they’re going to reboot a vehicle they used to make, like the Ford Ranger.
Ford Bronco
Just like the Ranger, many people love the Bronco for being boxy, tough, and something that you wouldn’t mind taking off-road for a weekend. In today’s luxury SUV world, there’s a spot open for this type of vehicle.
As we mentioned above, Ford has a secret project in store for 2018, so perhaps the Bronco will be it.
Suzuki Samurai
Well aren’t you just cute as a button! Suzukis might be hobbit-sized, but they also embrace the outdoors whole-heartedly with peppy engines.
More importantly, unlike a certain other vehicle that likes to, shall we say, wrangle its way into patriotic imagery, Suzukis are known for their mechanical reliability. We have no idea what a small pickup has to do with samurai, but we like it.
Volkswagen Van
While Volkswagen just showed off an electric bus in January this year, it looked more like a high-tech living room than the band-friendly version of decades past.
And really, looks are key. You can put all the gizmos you want inside but if you take a classic name and put it on something that bears only a passing resemblance, people will bail.
Still, if any company needs a home run these days, it’s VW. Here’s hoping they embrace the “desperate times, desperate measures” maxim.
Conclusion
Those are our top picks! Did you think we missed something? Remember that we were focusing on vehicles with a shot of making it today. If you’re still convinced, let us know on our Facebook.