Cars, the more they change the more they stay the same. At least, that’s what it seems when the models hang around for too long. It’s surprising how quickly the design cues of a certain era, from tail fins to huge grilles, can become old and worn out. Some automakers didn’t realize until it was too late that their models needed fresh air. At present, economic uncertainty is pushing models well beyond the new date.
Earlier this week I asked you which models needed new life, and man, there are several models I’d completely forgotten about. I called out the Miata, but the top comment called me out:
This time Miata is not the answer, the ND is a masterpiece, it will always look incredible.
As a big fan of ND, I wouldn’t argue with your commenter Adam Bath. But resting on laurels can quickly become lost in the weeds. I want to see what the Northeast looks like. Either way, you didn’t answer the question but you stuck to your convictions and that’s what matters.
For the rest of you who played along, you had some great suggestions, including a brand new model that was released just about a month ago. Enjoy kindling this Friday-feeling Thursday by scrolling through these answers and have a safe and happy 4th of July!
At least once after AOTD I mutter yes brother
Suzuki Samurai.
We need a small, affordable, and fun off-road thing to combat the giant crap blocking our roads. Luckily for us, this vehicle exists in most parts of the world and would probably be fairly easy to reintroduce here.
from nonsense
Don’t sleep on the next generation of Z
Z, make it really a new car. Also make the front part as good as the back part, then it may be worth giving better results
jaredoflondon
Reject SUVs, embrace tradition
Any American sedan!! They have all left chat and with the current instability in the Middle East as well as skyrocketing car prices, looking at the good quality Taurus, 500, Fusion, 300C, Malibu, Impala, etc. this seems like it would be a great idea right now!!
big Mac
That wood paneling adds a touch of class
We need a new generation of station wagons. Ford Country Squire, Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, Buick Road Master, etc. I’m tired of SUVs as family vehicles.
From Old_SLAAB_Guy
Teslas stuck in time
Sadly, it’s Tesla.
The next generation (born around 2010) have known screens their entire lives and view cars with gasoline or diesel engines without much technology as obsolete old-world things. As a group they have no interest in how the mechanicals of a car work, maintenance, repairs, or any physical things. Virtual reality is huge for them. Their ideal car drives itself while they watch videos, chat, post on media or even sleep. They don’t want to deal with car ownership and taking the car for service. If they leased their Tesla and traded it in every 2 years without taking it in for service even once, it would be pure bliss.
And
In addition to a new CEO, Tesla needs a major redesign. The body style is essentially the same design as the original Model S from 14 years ago. But if Musk has anything to say about the design, it would probably be best to keep the old tired design rather than a fleet of Cybertruck-like looks.
tex and thomas hajdisch
Let’s dodge. We both know you have nothing better to do
Durango. Was rewatching Breaking Bad over the weekend and had to laugh when I saw the current generation (sans full width tail lights) from 15 years ago in Season 4.
From Brent S
Honda still sticks to this line
I realize this may (or may not) be worked on… Honda Ridgeline. While I’m at it, I’ll have a plug-in hybrid version and a slightly more robust look and feel. Please don’t change anything else.
from dinger
a different mazda
Mazda 6. Inline 6, RWD or rear-biased AWD.
with serious taunt
Scratch that. start again
Opening a Pandora’s box with this question, because the more I think about the cars on sale versus their new generation, the less I want that new generation to arrive. The new C63 going 4-cylinder hybrid is a great example of this, and as much as we love having the bag on the Z here, getting a twin-turbo stick shift V6 on a mostly analog layout is really something we should appreciate as enthusiasts (although we don’t). Even my view of the Prelude has changed – with cars the way they are now, and how they should be with emissions and regulations, it’s a sad truth that the Prelude had to be that way, even if we could beg them for proper powertrains (ie C or Type R guts).
You know what, maybe a Ferrari Luce? Just redesign the whole thing, hopefully the next attempt will be much better.
by wind flow
Maybe a new Mustang?
Mustang.
It’s time to anger the enthusiasts and turn the Mustang back into what it was originally designed for: a small, stylish, and cheap runabout. Take it back to its original mission:
“The design teams were given five goals for the design of the Mustang: it would seat four, have bucket seats and a floor-mounted shifter, weigh no more than 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg), be no more than 180 inches (5 m) in length, sell for less than US$2,500 (equivalent to $25,952 in 2025) and have multiple power, comfort, and luxury options.”
from nonsense
