Inspired by the introduction of the new (no longer known as the "New Beetle") Beetle, we consulted Marty Padgett, Editorial Director for TheCarConnection.com, for a list of comeback cars. See some of the biggest revivals below.
Chevrolet Camaro
Whether it’s a pony car or a muscle car, the Camaro has always been one cool ride. Well—almost always. “GM didn't even sell a Camaro from 2003 to 2009, but it stuck with plans to bring back the storied nameplate even through its difficult bankruptcy,” says Padgett.
The new resurrected Camaro comes in coupe, convertible, and hot SS versions. And as Padgett points out, this comeback kid is outselling the Ford Mustang this year.
Debuted: 1967
Returned: 2010
Current MSRP: $23,000 - $32,000
Fiat 500
“While it's in charge at Chrysler these days, [the brand is] also bringing back its sprightly 500 minicar to the mix, with great fuel economy at just the right time in our automotive history.”
Debuted: 1957
Returned: 2012
Current MSRP: $16,000
Ford Explorer
But now it's enjoying another revival in the Ford lineup, featuring some car components under its SUV-ish body. “It's never been better,” Padgett says, citing improved fuel economy, a new turbo four-cylinder for better gas mileage. The panel at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show agreed: they named it Truck of the Year.
Debuted: 1990
Returned: 2011
Current MSRP: $28,360
Buick Regal
“The Regal was supposed to be the next Saturn Aura,” Padgett explains. “Instead, it's a great redirect for the future of the Buick brand, with European handling and styling, and a new turbocharged, manual-transmission version to woo enthusiasts in need of four doors.”
Debuted: 1973
Returned: 2011
Current MSRP: $27,000
Ford Taurus
The famous Taurus name returned when Ford debuted its large family sedan for the 2010 model year, as well as the SHO performance edition, which Padgett calls “a revival twofer that's brought domestic car shoppers back into the fold after all.”
Debuted: 1986
Returned: 2010
Current MSRP: $26,000 - $38,500
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
“Mercedes-Benz wants you to know its latest supercar owes every inspiration to the racing gem that gave it timeless street cred in the 1950s,” said Padgett. “The new gullwing does indeed have doors that rise to the sky—along with some underpinnings that would have been the next Dodge Viper, if Chrysler and Daimler had made their marriage work.”
Debuted: 1954 (as the 300 SL)
Returned: 2011
Current MSRP: $183,000
Mini Cooper Countryman
The new Countryman has some car-derived parts, means the Mini Cooper' range of four-cylinder and turbo-four engines. “Real off-road capability doesn't mean this is for trails only,” Padgett says. “The Countryman's handling does an uncanny job at mimicking that of the smaller Coopers.”
Debuted: 1961
Returned: 2011
Current MSRP: $21,650 - $26,950
Volkswagen Beetle
“In the 1990s, Volkswagen saw the way to fix its waning reputation: by bringing back some of its most famous badges in the U.S., where sales were hurting,” Padgett explains. “The Rabbit returned, only to once again become the Golf; the Microbus flirted with reality a couple of times, and still remains in limbo. But the Beetle returned, and for 2012 it's being completely revamped with an eye to capturing more male buyers by way of better performance and a tougher-looking exoskeleton.”
Debuted: 1938
Returned: 1998
Current MSRP: $19,500
Post Source:http://autos.yahoo.com/news/throwback-cars.html
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