Pontiac Fiero
The Fiero was laughed at in the ‘80s for being underpowered and more show than go. But today, people appreciate its wedge shape, pop-up headlights, and fun personality. It was also America’s first mid-engine car, so it’s got a bit of history, too.
Chevrolet Corvette C4
Everyone thought the C4 Corvette looked too boxy and high-tech when it was launched. Critics weren’t impressed either. Now, that digital dash and futuristic design scream ‘80s cool. It’s affordable, too, and is finally being respected as the car that helped shape later Corvettes.
Pontiac Trans Am
People called the Trans Am tacky with all its plastic cladding and over-the-top styling. Thanks to Knight Rider, it’s an icon. That firebird decal only makes it hotter, and it’s a symbol of muscle car drama and pop culture today.
Ford Mustang SVO
The four-cylinder turbo Mustang was the butt of many jokes back in the day. It didn’t have a V8 engine, so it got no respect. But now, its handling, style, and turbo power are admired, and it’s a cool collector piece that shows Ford was definitely thinking ahead.
Dodge Daytona Turbo Z
The Daytona Turbo Z had a look that some people called cheesy in the ‘80s. However, for anyone who took the time to look at it closely, the wedge design and digital dash gave off sci-fi vibes. Today, it’s a reminder of when Dodge wasn’t afraid to experiment.
Chrysler Conquest
People thought the Chrysler Conquest was a strange, heavy sports car that couldn’t compete well. But that was in the ‘80s. Today, it’s a true cult classic, thanks to its widebody design that makes it look unique and surprisingly modern. Collectors can’t get enough of it.
AMC Eagle
The AMC Eagle was mercilessly mocked for being part car, part SUV. Sadly, it didn’t really excel at either. But it was basically the first crossover, and that lifted stance and all-wheel drive were ahead of their time. Fast forward a few decades, and it’s seen as a visionary idea.
Renault Fuego
The Fuego was called odd and too European for American tastes. It had an egg-shaped design that just seemed silly then. But today, it looks sleek and different. In an era full of boxes, the Fuego stood out, and it’s appreciated for daring to be weird.
Ford EXP
Ford’s EXP was laughed at for being a strange two-seater based on the same design as the Escort. Critics said it wasn’t sporty enough to be cool. But its compact size, wedge shape, and personality only make it interesting today, and it’s a car that fans now hunt for.
Chevrolet Citation X-11
The Citation was a joke back in the day, but the X-11 version had sporty touches that made it stand out. Nobody respected it, but today it has that retro design, rarity, and a connection to GM’s wild experiments that make it a collectible.
Merkur XR4Ti
The imported Merkur had a funky double rear spoiler that people laughed at in the ‘80s. It looked strange compared to American cars. Thankfully, it’s aged into a pretty unique collector's item with a cool spoiler and turbo power.
Subaru XT
When Subaru launched the XT, people said it looked like a spaceship gone wrong. It was flat, a bit futuristic, and way too weird. But today, that design and airplane-inspired cockpit are pure retro gold that collectors chase. It’s so strange, it actually looks awesome now.
Toyota MR2
The MR2 looked like a toy when it came out, and nobody could take it seriously. But, like many other cars on our list, it went from cute car to a true classic in a few years. Now, Toyota fans love that wedge shape and say it’s fun to own and drive.
Honda CRX
The CRX was initially dismissed as a tiny hatchback. But its sharp lines and incredibly efficient performance made it stand out. Today, it’s another cult favorite that’s surprisingly practical. It went from economy car fluff to ‘80s cool.
Nissan 300ZX Z31
The Z31 was mocked for being too heavy and too different from the older Z cars. But time has been kind to this gem, and its angular lines and pop-up headlights make it one of the coolest-looking ‘80s sports cars around.
Nissan Pulsar NX
People didn't know what to make of the Pulsar NX when it was launched. It had removable panels, and you could change up its body style. It felt gimmicky. But now, that versatility is seen as fun and unique, and people remember it as one of the quirkiest cars of the ‘80s.
Mazda RX-7 FC
Mazda fans complained that the FC looked like a Porsche knockoff, and critics weren’t impressed. But people now admire what they once mocked, and it’s seen as elegant, fast, and oozing classic ‘80s cool. Collectors can’t get enough of it.
Mazda 323 GTX
The 323 GTX Mazda was a hot hatch that nobody took seriously in the ‘80s. It was quirky and rare. Today, its AWD system, turbo punch, and cool rally roots make it a hidden gem that collectors fight over to own.
Isuzu Impulse
The ‘80s Isuzu Impulse had a funky Giugiaro design that was called strange. But those sharp angles have aged beautifully, and it now looks like a proper ‘80s spaceship on wheels. Today, it feels way cooler than anyone thought it would.
Dodge Rampage
The Rampage’s car-truck mashup seemed silly to people back in the ‘80s. It didn’t sell well, and critics mocked it because it was small and quirky. The years have been kind to the Rampage, and that same quirky style and compact size make it stand out in a good way.
VW Scirocco Mk2
The Mk2 Scirocco was mocked for being softer than the original. But today, its wedge-shaped profile and hatchback practicality make it a cult favorite. It’s the perfect mix of style and usability, and collectors just love that bold ‘80s look.
VW Corrado
The Corrado was expensive and not as fast as people had hoped when it first came out. Critics laughed at its clean lines and engineering. Now, just a few decades later, it’s rare and considered one of the best cars Volkswagen ever made.
Alfa Romeo Milano
Alfa’s Milano had a blocky shape and quirky style that was mocked by everyone who saw it. But now, its design looks retro-cool. It’s also got fun handling and Italian flair that makes it unique in a sea of really ordinary cars. People finally see the charm.
Peugeot 405 Mi16
The Peugeot 405 was seen as just another European sedan. It didn’t wow anyone. Now, its sharp design, incredible handling, and rarity make it desirable. It’s a car that feels way more desirable and cool today than it ever did when it was new.
Saab 900 Turbo
The Saab’s odd shape and long nose were the butt of many jokes in the ‘80s. But with time, people discovered its turbo power, and that quirky design became iconic. It’s one of the most recognizable cars of the ‘80s now, and collectors see it as unique.
Volvo 480 ES
Volvo shocked people when it brought out the 480 ES. It looked nothing like a Volvo, and critics laughed at its odd shape. Today, it’s this shape and pop-up headlights that make it cool. It was bold, futuristic, and way different from any other Volvo.
Lotus Excel
Everyone thought the Excel was nothing more than an underwhelming Lotus. Its styling wasn’t impressive, and people mocked its wedge shape. But now, its rarity makes it interesting. And that sleek ‘80s design looks way better than it did back in the day.
DeLorean DMC-12
The DeLorean was ridiculed for being slow and impractical. People said it was all show and no go. But thanks to its role in Back to the Future, it became one of the most famous cars in the world. Its stainless steel body and gullwing doors are cool today.
Lotus Esprit Turbo
The Esprit Turbo was a bit too flashy in the ‘80s. And its wedge design felt a bit too extreme. Today, that extreme look is what makes the car iconic. It screams ‘80s supercar cool and has become a movie star thanks to the Bond films.
Ferrari Mondial
The Mondial was mocked as the “cheap Ferrari.” The styling was criticised for being too bland, and it wasn’t loved. Now, people admire that understated wedge look and the 2+2 layout. It has aged into a car that looks classy and unique.
Lamborghini Jalpa
The Jalpa was easily overshadowed by Lamborghini’s flashier models. Critics didn’t take it seriously, and everyone thought it was a flop. Today, its rarity makes it desirable, and it’s a gem that’s finally earned the respect it deserves.
Maserati Biturbo
The Biturbo was slammed for reliability issues and cheap looks in the ‘80s. People mocked its Italian design. Collectors now appreciate its quirky mix of luxury and performance, and it’s aged into a fascinating oddball that fans can’t get enough of.
Citroen BX
Even Citroen's BX was mocked for its design and odd hydropneumatic suspension. But today, that look is classic Citroen, and people love the fact that it stands out from every other car on the road. It’s pure ‘80s French charm.
Peugeot 205 GTi
Some people mocked the Peugeot 205 GTi when it launched. Why? Because it was a small hatch. But now, that same car is a legend with a hot hatch design and sharp looks. Fans love its fun driving experience, and it’s now one of the most beloved cars of the ‘80s.
Citroen CX GTi Turbo
The CX GTi Turbo looked weird to many people. It had long, swoopy lines and didn’t fit in with the boxy crowd of the ‘80s. Today, that design looks futuristic and different. It was way ahead of its time, and it’s now an icon that’s admired for daring to be different.
