Cars from the 1990s Whose Presence Is Still Felt Today

The 1990s seems like a long time ago and technology has progressed leaps and bounds between then and now. The smartphone in your pocket has more pixels than the finest TV of the decade and more computing power and memory than the desktops of the day to boot. Likewise, the automotive industry has progressed significantly with minivans that have more power than sport scars of the day and automatic gearboxes with triple the gear count. Yet not all is lost from the decade as the following three designs have each left a lasting legacy that is visible in many vehicles on the market today.

Volkswagen New Beetle

Introduced as a concept in 1994 and as a production car for the 1998 model year the New Beetle was a tremendous sales success for Volkswagen, particularly in the United States. The New Beetle would kickoff the retro themed design party that would last well through the next decade and into the current. Once the hottest trend in automotive design the PT Cruiser, Thunderbird, HHR, Mustang, Camaro and the Challenger would follow in the Beetle's footsteps. While not all proved to be successful in the long run and the retro theme in general appears to be losing steam, the New Beetle has certainly created a long lasting legacy perhaps only overshadowed by its famous rear engine predecessor.

What is your favorite car from the 1990s?
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mre30 - 8/28/2014 11:11:19 AM

+5 Boost

It is with a tear in my eye, that I recall the really, really wonderful BMW's of the 1990's. From the early-1990's (well 1980's really) BMW e30 3-series, to the avant-garde e46 3-series, e34 5-series, and e39 5-series and their fantastic, early "M" cars - M3 and M5. The really fantastic e39 M5 is the one I miss the most. Wow.

Those were the years when BMW really differentiated themselves from the competition, when they were reliable and bullet-proof, and before the sucky run-flat tires.

The Porsche Boxter also stands out as a fantastic ride from the 1990's.

vdiv - 8/28/2014 11:36:56 AM

+2 Boost

...and then the SC-made Z3 and X5 came along and spoiled it all! ;)

J/K, I had an E53, and every ride in it was special, every detail thought out, every experience exceeding the expectations.

85bmw745i - 8/29/2014 12:12:08 PM

+1 Boost

E34 is hands down my favorite of all the 5 series, and the E30 is just great! I love my e30, and miss my e34.

MattDarringer - 8/28/2014 8:09:33 PM

+1 Boost

TVR Tuscan Speed Six 1999
TVR Cerbera Speed Twelve 1997