A Definitive Collection Of The Super-Coolest Cars That Were Totally Awesome In The 80s
The '80s were a productive era for cool machinery, and this list is proof.
The 1980s gave us neon, synth-pop, big hair, and a surprisingly stacked lineup of cars that still look cool today. It was the decade when turbochargers, all-wheel drive, and sharper styling turned everyday nameplates into icons.
From boxy hatchbacks and rugged wagons to poster-worthy exotics, these cars helped define what performance and style looked like in the era. Some were affordable, some were outrageous, and a few became legends almost immediately.
Here’s a look back at the coolest cars from the 1980s, one classic at a time.
1. Acura Integra (1986–1989)
2. Acura Integra (1986–1989)
Acura3. AMC Eagle (1980–1987)
AMC
4. AMG Hammer (1986–1988)
5. AMG Hammer (1986–1988)
Ron Strong
6. AMG Hammer (1986–1988)
RON STRONG | CAR AND DRIVER
7. Audi Quattro (1983–1985)
8. Audi Quattro (1983–1985)
AARON KILEY | CAR AND DRIVER
The 80s really knew how to make a boxy car look exciting.
9. BMW M3 (1988–1991)
10. BMW M3 (1988–1991)
BMW
11. BMW M3 (1988–1991)
BMW
12. BMW M3 (1988–1991)
BMW
13. BMW M3 (1988–1991)
BMW
14. Buick Grand National GNX (1987)
GM HERITAGE CENTER
15. Buick Grand National GNX (1987)
RON DERIEMACKER | CAR AND DRIVER
16. Buick Grand National GNX (1987)
GM HERITAGE CENTER
17. Buick Grand National GNX (1987)
RON DERIEMACKER | CAR AND DRIVER
Some of these cars were all about attitude, and the GNX had plenty of it.
18. Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z (1985–1990)
19. Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z (1985–1990)
AARON KILEY | CAR AND DRIVER
20. DeLorean DMC-12 (1981–1983)
AARON KILEY
21. DeLorean DMC-12 (1981–1983)
KEYSTONE/GETTY IMAGES; ARTHUR SCHATZ/THE LIFE IMAGES COLLECTION/GETTY IMAGES; BILL PIERCE/THE LIFE IMAGES COLLECTION/GETTY IMAGES; BEN MARTIN/THE LIFE PICTURE COLLECTION/GETTY IMAGES; MANUFACTURER
22. Dodge Omni Shelby GLH/GLHS (1984–1986)
DICK KELLEY
23. Dodge Omni Shelby GLH/GLHS (1984–1986)
SHELBY
24. Ferrari F40 (1987–1992)
25. Ferrari F40 (1987–1992)
MARK PRESTON
26. Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1991)
CAR AND DRIVER
27. Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1991)
CAR AND DRIVER
28. Ford Mustang GT 5.0 (1987–1993)
29. Ford Mustang GT 5.0 (1987–1993)
FORD
30. Ford Mustang GT 5.0 (1987–1993)
FORD
31. Honda CRX Si (1985–1987)
32. Honda CRX Si (1985–1987)
HONDA
Then there were the small cars that punched way above their weight.
Need another dose of weird? This list of 54 wild collections from different people scratches the same itch as these 80s rides.
33. Jeep Cherokee (1984–2001)
DAVID DEWHURST
34. Jeep Cherokee (1984–2001)
JEEP
35. Lamborghini Countach (1974–1990)
36. Lamborghini Countach (1974–1990)
CHARLIE MAGEE | CAR AND DRIVER
37. Mazda 323 GTX (1988–1989)
CAR AND DRIVER
38. Mazda 323 GTX (1988–1989)
MAZDA
39. Mazda RX-7 Turbo II (1987–1991)
CAR AND DRIVER
40. Mazda RX-7 Turbo II (1987–1991)
41. Mercedes-Benz G-Class (The Late Triassic Period–2018)
MERCEDES-BENZ
42. Merkur XR4Ti (1985–1989)
43. Merkur XR4Ti (1985–1989)
PETE LYONS | CAR AND DRIVER
44. Merkur XR4Ti (1985–1989)
PETE LYONS | CAR AND DRIVER
45. Mitsubishi Starion (1983–1989)
AARON KILEY | CAR AND DRIVER
46. Mitsubishi Starion (1983–1989)
47. Mitsubishi Starion (1983–1989)
AARON KILEY | CAR AND DRIVER
48. Nissan Pulsar NX (1987–1990)
NISSAN
49. Porsche 944 Turbo (1986–1989)
NICK KELLEY
50. Porsche 959 (1986–1989)
51. Porsche 959 (1986–1989)
AARON KILEY | CAR AND DRIVER
52. Saab 900 Turbo (1978–1993)
SAAB
53. Subaru XT (1985–1991)
SUBARU
54. Toyota Celica Supra (1982–1986)
TOYOTA
55. Toyota Celica Supra (1982–1986)
TOYOTA
57. Toyota MR2 (1985–1989)
TOYOTA
57. Toyota MR2 (1985–1989)
TOYOTA
58. Toyota MR2 (1985–1989)
TOYOTA
59. Toyota MR2 (1985–1989)
TOYOTA
60. Volkswagen Rabbit GTI MkI (1983–1985)
VOLKSWAGEN
61. Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon (1984–1992)
VOLVO
By the end, the decade had made even practical cars feel a little cooler.
We all know that the 1980s were a decade filled with neon, synths, mustaches, hairy chests, and adorable hairstyles. However, the 1980s were particularly productive in terms of cool machinery.
Which of these amazing cars did you fancy as a kid in the 1980s? Your personal thoughts are welcome in the comment section below.
Want more “built different” chaos? See these vintage photos proving your grandparents had zero chill.
