Ah, the ’80s — a period of neon lights, big hair, and iconic cars. While some vehicles from this era have become timeless classics, others have faded into obscurity. Join us on a journey as we uncover 14 sedans from the ’80s that time seems to have forgotten.
Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport
Produced between 1982 and 1990, the Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport was a car that ruled the streets. With its sleek design and surprising performance, this sedan once symbolized American automotive excellence. However, as the years passed, its legacy faded into the background, overshadowed by flashier models.
Chrysler Fifth Avenue
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue quietly exuded luxury and sophistication in the shadows of its more illustrious counterparts. Loaded with a plush interior and classic styling, this car was as elegant as it was reliable.
Ford LTD Crown Victoria
Long hailed as a symbol of reliability and comfort, the Ford LTD Crown Victoria was once a staple on American roads. Its spacious interior and smooth drive made it a favorite among families and fleet operators. Considering that it came in three versions (a two-door, a four-door, and a five-door station wagon), it was surprising that the car slowly became obscure.
Buick Century
While flashy sports cars stole the spotlight, the Buick Century quietly served as the backbone of many households in the ’80s. The 5th generation of the Century was revamped over the years since its debut in 1982, but by 1996, the ride was phased out and replaced by the more popular generation 6 car.
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera effortlessly straddled two decades, seamlessly blending classic styling with modern amenities. Its sturdy construction and smooth handling made it popular among discerning drivers. However, as the ’80s gave way to the ’90s, this once-revered award-winning sedan fell out of favor with the consumers.
Pontiac Bonneville
Despite its impressive performance and stylish design, the Pontiac Bonneville never received the recognition it deserved. The 7th and 8th generation model lines released between 1982 and 1991 were repeatedly revised to keep up with the market demands, but after a while, with the new cars and the decade’s fuel crisis, more people opted for smaller engines.
Mercury Grand Marquis
As one of the last of its kind, the Mercury Grand Marquis bid farewell to an era of American automotive excellence. During this era, customers had an option for either the 4.8l or the 5.8l V8 engine, which spewed up to 130 horsepower and 150 horsepower, respectively.
Dodge Diplomat
In the heyday of the ’80s, the Dodge Diplomat commanded respect with its commanding presence and rugged performance. As a favorite among law enforcement agencies and everyday drivers alike, this sedan was built to withstand the rigors of daily life. Sadly, the vehicle was discontinued in 1989, with 383,120 units produced.
AMC Eagle
Blurring the lines between sedan and SUV, the AMC Eagle was ahead of its time in more ways than one. With its innovative design and off-road capabilities, this sedan captured the imagination of adventurous drivers. While it also included a turbo-charged engine, the cost of getting one was a bit too steep at the time, so after a while, the car’s market appeal dipped, and so did the sales.
Toyota Cressida
The Toyota Cressida, with its refined styling and superior craftsmanship, was considered the best Japanese luxury car in the 1980s. This sedan offered a smooth ride and a range of amenities, setting the standard for its class. It was also one of the first vehicles to include an automatic motorized passive seatbelt system, which later became typical in all cars.
Volvo 700 Series
Combining Swedish engineering with timeless design, the Volvo 700 Series was a force to be reckoned with in the ’80s. Between 1982 and 1992, the series of cars redefined luxury. Customers could decide between a manual or automatic transmission gearbox and various engine options.
Nissan Maxima
As the flagship sedan of the Nissan lineup, the Maxima once symbolized luxury and sportiness. Its powerful engine and upscale amenities made it a favorite among discerning drivers. Still, the first, second, and third generations of the Maxima released in the 1980s faced huge competition from the Toyota Cressida, and after a while, the car was revamped in 1994.
Mitsubishi Galant
In the competitive world of ’80s sedans, the Mitsubishi Galant emerged as a rising star. The car had an impressive sleek design, agile handling, and a powerful engine, and it’s no wonder it was used as a police car in New Zealand at some point. The 6th generation of the Galant won the Car of the Year in Japan in 1987 and was quite popular in overseas markets.
BMW 5 Series (E28)
When the BMW 5 Series (E28) hit the market in 1981, it took everyone by storm. It would be a mainstay vehicle on the roads for the next seven years. This sedan set the benchmark for driving enjoyment in the 1980s thanks to its two engine options (petrol and diesel), comfortable interior, and reliability.
