When the ’80s aren’t hot anymore
Don’t quote us on it, but we have a hunch: these seemingly ordinary cars from the ’90s are the classics of the future. When The Weeknd is done with its synthesizers and drum machines and we’re a bit tired of the eighties, the next decade will become our new pop culture fascination. Tracksuits in purple and turquoise, skate bikes, Nakatomi and the cars of your childhood – some of which are now almost old-timer age.
Just to be clear, we haven’t forgotten the Ferrari F355, Porsche 993 and BMW E36 M3. But everyone knows that those cars are and will remain popular. No, we’re talking about the forgotten models that you hardly see anymore, but that were typical of the period. Bold styling, clever ideas, sound engineering – you’ll find it all in this list of future classics from the ’90s.
Mazda 323F
They once brightened up the streets everywhere, now you have to look for them with a magnifying glass. The 323F was an extra sporty hatchback from Mazda, a cool alternative to the good c-segmenters of the time. It looked like it could go 280 km/h, and even if it wasn’t, the illusion was enough. And it had pop-up headlights – what more could you want?
Ford Focus (first generation)
A groundbreaking design, and also a fantastic steering car that won many hearts for itself. But like many good Fords, it became so cheap over time that people kicked it off and discarded it. If you still have a good first-generation Focus, you can rub your hands.
Opel Tigra
It was no more than a Corsa with hoods, and the Opel Tigra eventually turned into unremarkable disposable transport. But take a good look at it: there’s a nice little cart, and it doesn’t get much more nineties than this. Find a solid one and make the most of everything. (Come on, that phrase has its place in a list of ’90s classics.)
Toyota RAV4
A dull caravan tractor? Maybe, but also a car that created a whole new segment: that of the compact SUVs that didn’t have to cost the world. The first RAV4 is also still a beautiful thing to see, and in terms of space and technology undiminished practical (4WD!). Also available as shorter three-door, for extra cool points.
Fiat Bravo HGT
Do you remember him? The otherwise not very remarkable Fiat Bravo was available in a 2.0-liter five-cylinder version. Something different than a Golf GTI, and for that sound you would kill. Well search, then you might be able to dig up one somewhere and enjoy something unique.
Alfa Romeo 156
Another one of those cars that could once be spotted everywhere and has now virtually gone up in smoke. Still one of the most beautiful sedans (and station wagons!) of the past 30 years. Like many ’90s classics, it gradually disappeared from the radar, but since it is an Alfa with an army of enthusiasts behind it, you can probably still find a nice copy somewhere.
Volvo C70 (first generation)
After everything was angular at Volvo, but before everything became round, the brand made the first C70 coupé and convertible. Beautifully designed two-door luxury cars that have only become more stylish and distinguished over the years. Equipped with delicious five-cylinder and, because Volvo, probably good for many hundreds of thousands of kilometers. To do!
Any extinct MPV
Who didn’t grow up with it? The first Espaces and Voyagers appeared as early as the 1980s, but spacious and practical classics were also created in the 1990s – after which the body shape was quickly displaced by the SUV. Most family vans have probably been chewed up and gone under, so if you find a good one, you’ve got something special on your hands. And we’re not writing that (just) because the Pontiac Trans Sport in this picture belongs to a TG editor, who still hopes the thing will someday garner appreciation.
