Our Parents' Favorite Cars That Disappeared Without a Trace
Throughout automotive history, there have been some incredible designs that we’ll never forget. With that being said, each generation seems to have its own lineup of vehicles that stand out as the best. Whether it be the classic Ford Mustang or something a little bit more understated, there is no shortage of iconic cars to admire. Let’s take a closer look at 35 cars that your parents swore by and what happened to them after all this time.
Ford Cortina
The Cortina is one of Ford’s biggest successes. It was affordable, reliable, and incredibly stylish for its time, making it a standout option for everyday drivers. Nowadays, this former favorite has been replaced by the Ford Sierra and is remembered as a retro classic.
Chevrolet Caprice
The Chevrolet Caprice was a great car for numerous reasons. For starters, it was spacious and comfortable, making it the ultimate family car. It was also pretty reasonably priced, especially for what you got. The Caprice was ultimately phased out in the 90s and now serves as a police car legend.
Honda Accord
The Accord, like most Hondas, is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. Even though it was initially released in the 90s, the car is still going strong today and is by far one of Honda’s most popular models.
Toyota Camry
Toyota has always been known for its reliability, and the Camry is no exception. In fact, some would say that it is one of the most reliable cars of all time. To this day, the Camry is still going strong and continues to top sales charts worldwide.
Volkswagen Beetle
The VW Beetle is one of the most iconic cars of all time. It was popular for its simplicity and affordability, as well as its unique yet endearing design. However, in 2019, the model was finally discontinued after more than 80 years of production.
Ford Sierra
The Ford Sierra replaced the iconic Ford Cortina line, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. With a futuristic look to it, the Sierra offered solid performance and reliability. Ultimately, it was also replaced by the Mondeo range and is now considered a Ford classic.
BMW E30 3 Series
The BMW E30 3 Series was iconic in many ways. It offered a premium feel and drive that most manufacturers could only dream of. Today, the car is a highly sought-after collector’s item that fetches a high price on the secondhand market.
Audi Quattro
The Audi Quattro is a bit of a legend in the rally racing scene. It was the first of its type, which quickly made it a fan favorite. Nowadays, it is thought of as one of the cars that cemented Audi’s performance legacy.
Vauxhall Cavalier
The Vauxhall Cavalier was a standout vehicle for its time, mostly in the company car trade. After many successful years, it was replaced by the Vauxhall Vectra - a car that failed to meet the same standards.
Peugeot 405 Mi16
The Peugeot 405 Mi16 offered a touch of French flair with outstanding performance. Even though it is quite rare to find nowadays, it is still remembered fondly amongst the collector community.
Ford Capri
The Ford Capri was marketed as ‘the car you always promised yourself’ - a rather fitting description for such a memorable vehicle. A beloved classic, it is now a highly sought-after collector’s item and fetches a high price on the secondhand market.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban is one of Chevy’s most popular vehicles, simply because of how practical it is. In fact, many would describe it as the ultimate family hauler. It is currently still in production as a luxury SUV.
Volvo 740 Wagon
Volvo has always been known for its high safety standards, and the Volvo 740 Wagon was no different. It was sturdy and practical, making it the perfect family car. Nowadays, it has become somewhat of a symbol of suburban reliability.
Pontiac Grand Am
The Pontiac Grand Am was definitely one of the brand's most popular releases. It offered a sporty look and feel, but for a budget price. Unfortunately, Pontiac closed down in 2010, leading to the discontinuation of this classic car.
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan is believed to have revolutionized the minivan entirely. With a more spacious and comfortable interior, it’s no wonder the Caravan was so popular back in its day. It is actually still around, but now falls under Chrysler as the Pacifica.
Mazda MPV
Even though the Mazda MPV was incredibly popular, we still think that it was highly underrated. This versatile machine ticked all the right boxes, but was ultimately replaced by the Mazda CX-9. Bring back the MPV, we say!
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
Oldsmobile definitely released a few misses in their time, but the Cutlass Ciera was not one of them. This classic car offered both comfort and style, making it a customer favorite. However, Oldsmobile as a brand retired in 2004, marking the end of the Cutlass Ciera era.
Saturn SL2
The Saturn SL2 was both affordable and efficient, making it a very popular car for everyday driving. Plus, it wasn’t too heavy on the wallet, making it a car for everyone. Unfortunately, Saturn closed its doors in 2010, leading to the discontinuation of the SL2.
Mercury Villager
The Mercury Villager was essentially a Nissan-powered minivan, but it got the job done - and well. The car was spacious, comfortable, and pretty reasonably priced, making it the ultimate family car. The brand was discontinued in 2010, however.
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima will always be remembered as a ‘four-door’ sports car. It offered a great performance, but didn’t compromise on comfort or space. While it is still in production today, it’s no longer as popular, as the design has changed quite drastically.
Toyota Tercel
The Toyota Tercel offered way more than you would expect from a budget vehicle. It was reliable, practical, and light on fuel. Despite its popularity, Toyota replaced the Tercel with other models, such as the Yaris and Echo.
Chevrolet Celebrity
The Chevrolet Celebrity was a very simple car, but it got the job done. Even though it didn’t come with all the bells and whistles, it was still extremely popular amongst everyday drivers. Nowadays, it is more of a forgotten relic of GM's 1980s lineup.
Ford Escort
The Ford Escort was an entry-level favorite back in the day. In recent years, it has been replaced by another incredibly popular model - the Ford Focus. While we all love ourselves a zippy Fort Focus, we think our parents had it right loving the Ford Escort.
Dodge Charger
Released in the 2000s, the Dodge Charger is believed to have brought back muscle cars. While it is still one of Dodge’s most popular models, it is believed that the Charger will become completely electric in the near future.
Cadillac CTS-V
The Cadillac CTS-V provides the perfect combination of luxury and performance. This American classic was eventually replaced by the CT5-V Blackwing, which wasn’t quite as popular as the original model. And it isn’t hard to see why, right?
Honda Civic Hatchback
Honda has released a wide range of extremely reliable and practical cars over the years, and the Honda Civic Hatchback is definitely one of them. The car is youthful and efficient, making it a popular entry-level vehicle. While it is still a top seller for the brand, the car is now turbocharged.
Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is arguably one of the most iconic off-road vehicles of all time. Not only does it look rugged, but it performs well on any type of terrain. The Cherokee is still around in a more modernized form, but the original version will forever be legendary.
Chevrolet Astro Van
The Chevrolet Astro Van was an absolute workhorse for both families and trade companies alike. It was spacious, comfortable, and extremely reliable. Unfortunately, the car was discontinued in 2005.
Ford Aerostar
The Ford Aerostar was one of the most popular minivans of its time. In fact, many would still describe it as the perfect family car. Despite its popularity, it was replaced by a different model - the Ford Windstar.
Acura Integra GS
The Acura Integra GS had a lot going for it. It was sporty, performed well, and didn’t cost an absolute fortune. While it was eventually discontinued, it has recently been revived for a new generation. Boy, all of our parents will certainly be happy to hear this!
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a beloved compact pickup truck. Not only does it perform incredibly well, but it also looks great and is relatively fuel efficient (when compared to other pickups). It is still a top midsize option.
BMW X3
The BMW X3 is a luxury SUV, perfect for families and everyday driving. Due to its popularity, the model is still in production and continues to evolve with technology. In fact, a fully electric version is soon to be released.
VW Passat TDI Wagon
The VW Passat TDI Wagon offered the best of both worlds. It was spacious, while simultaneously fuel-efficient and surprisingly light. Despite its great reviews, the car was discontinued from production in 2022.
Fiat 131 Estate
The Fiat 131 Estate was everything that people love in Fiats. It had a quirky, European design that appealed to many drivers, while simultaneously offering great performance and reliability. However, it was eventually discontinued and is now a pretty rare collector’s item. Even so, many of Fiat’s newer models are based on the 131 Estate.
Ford Mustang
Many people consider the Ford Mustang to be the ultimate muscle car. This American machine had everything: the power, the speed, the looks, and the feel. While it is obviously still iconic to this day, there have been a number of less-impressive variants released over the years. There are also hybrid and electric models on their way.
