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Fiero
In the 1980s, everybody expected another GTO from Pontiac. However, they got a small sports car similar to was something Italians would build. It was a bold move for Pontiac to introduce a compact rear-wheel-drive car with the engine positioned in the center and pair it up with a five-speed manual transaxle gearbox.
1983-1987 Dodge Charger
Although the Charger from the late 70s was slow and threatened to kill the car's strong reputation of the late '60s and early '70s, Dodge felt the name deserved another chance. In those days, the Chrysler Corporation was all about the K-platform front-wheel-drive cars. So, Dodge introduced the Charger as an option on the compact-yet-boring Dodge Omni for 1981.
Dodge Spirit R/T
The Spirit was a compact, front-wheel-drive model Dodge introduced in 1989. In its base form, it was popular with consumers since it had a modern design. It was also of good quality and had up-to-date features at an affordable price. However, the R/T version was far more interesting. It's a shame most people have forgotten about it except for the most dedicated Dodge fans. Since the performance and power output of the base Spirit was nothing to write home about, Dodge decided to introduce a hot rod version. They called it the R/T to resurrect a famous moniker they used in the muscle car era.
Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe
Ford introduced the 10th generation of the venerable Thunderbird in 1989. It had a redesigned platform and a more elegant, sleeker body. Again, this was a luxury coupe with no sporty ambitions. However, the Ford engineers created an interesting performance model car fans considered a muscle car in the Thunderbird Super Coupe.
Chrysler Town & Country Minivan
In the late 70s and the early ‘80s, Chrysler was practically done. Their enormous monetary loss, poor sales, and lack of new models pushed it to the point of no return. When famous ex-Ford executive Lee Iacocca came to Chrysler in the late ‘70s, everybody thought there wasn't anything he could do to save the fallen giant. However, Iacocca proved them wrong, and in just a few short years returned Chrysler to the top position in the industry. The main weapon was a new line of minivan models under the Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth names.
Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
The Ford Thunderbird isn't a car you would normally consider a muscle car. However, in the '80s, Ford introduced a couple of Thunderbirds that could have that designation. They were an interesting addition to the performance car scene in those days. Although the T-bird was available with a V8 engine, the best performing version was the Turbo Coupe, available in 1985.
1981 Imperial
Ford EXP
Ford unveiled this small two-seater in 1982, marking their attempt to fight those affordable foreign sport coupes. The EXP was a genuine two-seater and the first Ford two-seater model since the 1957 Thunderbird. However, they produced them with weak, small four-cylinder engines, and outdated front-wheel drive.
In a final attempt to resurrect Chrysler's luxury division, Imperial, in 1981 they presented an interesting personal luxury coupe. In fact, this was a special project for Lee Iacocca, who came to Chrysler from Ford in the late 70s, saving the company from bankruptcy. He wanted to do the same thing for Chrysler as he did with Lincoln via the successful Mark coupe series.
Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2
Most domestic car buyers were surprised when Pontiac introduced an interesting 2+2 package for its popular luxury coupe in 1986. It was a muscle car the company lacked since the late '60s. But, best of all, it was an interesting version of the Grand Prix, which was a boring car in the '80s.
Buick Reatta
It seems like everybody forgot about the sleek Buick Reatta. But when they introduced it in the late '80s, the Reatta was Buick's halo car. It was a cool looking two-seater coupe or convertible they built on a shortened GM E platform. Under the hood was a 3.8-liter V6 they teamed up with an independent suspension with disc brakes all around.
Ford Mustang SVO
The third-generation Ford Mustang appeared as a 1979 model. It brought necessary modernization to the Mustang. The so-called 'Fox-body' Mustang was sleeker, more modern and aerodynamic. It was also somewhat lighter and more nimble, which reflected in the performance.
1980 Mercury Capri RS
The introduction of the third-generation Mustang had a big influence on Mercury. This is because the brand got its own version in the form of the Capri in 1979. But from 1970 to 1977, Mercury sold the Capri. It was a model they imported from Germany with four and six-cylinder engines.