10 Historic Car Nameplates That Deserve To Be Reborn

Automakers have been mining nostalgia over the past several years when introducing new products, following the tried-and-true pathway of Hollywood studios desperate to snag the attention of fickle audiences by churning out sequel after sequel. The results range from models faithful to their namesake, like the Acura Integra and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, to those that head off in very different directions, such as the Ford Maverick.

That got us thinking: which classic car nameplates deserve to be revived next, and how would they fit into the plans of their respective manufacturers? Here’s our look at 10 past brand names that have been put on hiatus that could make a big impact on today’s automotive market.

Honda Element

Off-roading is “in” right now among the branding magicians in charge of pushing rugged models into showrooms at nearly every price point. Honda is already on board with the TrailSport line of sport-utility vehicles, but so far, that badge is limited to the Passport and Pilot crossovers, neither of which are particularly hardcore.

It’s time for Honda to get serious about the entry-level great outdoors with an off-roader that pulls styling inspiration and its practicality from the brand’s recent past. A sub-CR-V crossover dubbed the Element with its predecessor’s upright looks, large rear doors, and a gaping hatch would, if equipped with Falken Wildpeak tires and a bit of plastic bumper cladding, steal scads of sales away from Subaru’s Wilderness faithful. Just make sure to include the dog ramp that was once available with the original Element, and you’ve got a unique sport-utility that customers will love (and aero engineers will hate).

Honda Fit

Stick with Honda, you may have noticed that there’s nothing in the automaker’s current showrooms that could be labelled “cheap.” With the Civic’s out-the-door price now pushing past $30k, Honda doesn’t have anything capable of combating inexpensive commuters like the Nissan Sentra or the Hyundai Elantra, let alone affordable crossovers like the Chevrolet Trax.

With the subcompact HR-V pushing ever farther upmarket, it makes sense to fill the bottom-rung void with a new crossover reviving the Fit name. Once renowned for its incredible versatility, frugal fuel economy, and fun-to-drive personality, it’s a perfect “Fit” for a budget-friendly vehicle that can be all things to all people. Think of it as the Honda equivalent of the Nissan Kicks, and you’re in the right headspace for Honda to shake things up among bargain-seeking buyers. Just please make sure to bring back the practical Magic Seats that fold the rear seat cushions up to fit taller items inside.

Kia Stinger

Kia has employed the Stinger name for two very different projects. First, it was a dramatically styled sports coupe concept, and then later, a liftback four-door that never quite caught on despite its respectable performance chops and reasonable pricing.

It’s only been gone a few short years, but bringing back the Stinger badge lets Kia do something with its excellent E-GMP electric platform that parent company Hyundai hasn’t managed so far: introduce a true electric sports car. A swoopy-looking Stinger reminiscent of its original incarnation would further separate Kia from Hyundai’s N lineup of hot rod sedans and hatchbacks, and given the modular nature of the platform, it wouldn’t be that hard to do, either.

Chevrolet Volt

One look at what General Motors has to offer across every single one of its brands reveals a gaping hole where a plug-in hybrid should be. It makes sense, then, to return to the name of one of the world’s most prominent battery-assisted automobiles — the Volt — and update it for the modern era.

While the first Volt was a range-extended hybrid that used a gas engine generator to take over when the battery was depleted, there’s no reason not to follow that same path with Volt 2.0. Simply combining a plug-in setup with an internal combustion engine would provide Chevy buyers with a palatable interim step between internal combustion and electric vehicles, especially if it were sized right as a versatile commuter.

Chevrolet Impala

While we’re on the topic, that Volt 2.0 platform could do wonders in a mid-size SUV package. Oh, and we’re calling it the Impala. Before you ignite a firestorm of indignation about heritage, consider that the brand has already slapped the Blazer badge onto a crossover, given it a battery, and somehow managed to avoid the sky falling.

The Impala follows a similar conceit, albeit on the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) side of the equation. A big, family-friendly vehicle that can commute on battery power and road trip on gas would be a welcome weapon in any Chevy dealer’s arsenal, and the Impala name helps keep the package familiar despite its break with tradition.

Toyota Celica

It’s another twofer, and this time we’re tackling the ghosts of Toyota’s past. With Honda about to introduce the Prelude hybrid coupe, there is no better moment for its JDM rival to counter with a revived Celica.

The Honda Prelude pairs chassis bits from the Civic Type R with the Civic Hybrid’s drivetrain. Toyota could go a similar route by nabbing the GR Corolla’s suspension and matching it with the excellent Prius PHEV system. One-upping Honda by offering a PHEV angle would also no doubt appeal to the competitive nature of Toyota’s execs.

Toyota MR2

Speaking of competitive, with the Celica aimed at the affordable performance segment, why not go all-out with an addition to the blazing GR stable in the form of a new MR2?

Of all the models on this list, a revived Toyota MR2 would likely be the most costly from an engineering perspective. It’s simply unreasonable to expect enthusiasts to be satisfied unless this new face embodies the mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-passenger ethos that the original badge was derived from. Toyota has plenty of powerplants that would be at home carrying out the new MR2’s high-performance mission statement (with the GR Corolla’s turbo three-cylinder a particularly appealing option), but unless they flip that hatchback’s underpinnings 180 degrees, developing a mid-engine platform is no small ask.

Acura Legend

Every luxury brand needs a flagship model. As good as it is, it would be tough to paste that label on the Acura MDX, and the pricier ZDX is merely a Cadillac Lyriq in disguise (as Acura borrows its current EV platform from General Motors).

It’s time to bring back the Legend. Once a well-respected premium sedan, when the name was replaced by the RL (and then the almost-forgotten RLX), Acura’s large four-door lost a lot of its lustre. The old-school ‘90s-era name still has cachet, however, and if it can find its way onto an Escalade-baiting full-size SUV or a gorgeous sports coupe to go up against the Lexus LC, it has the potential to shine up Acura showrooms.

Chrysler Imperial

What is Chrysler? Currently, it’s an automaker that builds one minivan, three different ways. Another answer to that question is: it’s the only major North American automaker without an in-house luxury badge. One step towards getting Chrysler into the conversation with (at least) Lincoln would be disinterring the Imperial name.

Let’s forget all about the econo-based derivative Imperial of the early ‘90s, or the mechanically troubled 1981-83 revival. The fourth time’s the charm when it comes to reintroducing the Imperial name, especially if it rides on a strikingly styled version of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s big-boned family hauler platform.

Ford Torino

We’re slowly coming full circle when it comes to pickup branding, with the Maverick Lobo recognizing that there’s room for street truck fun alongside the overwhelming wave of off-road models. This perfectly positions Ford to come out of left field with an all-new Torino…ute.

Before you close that browser window, we know how that sounds. This is the last entry on our badge revival wishlist for a reason, as it’s likely the most far-fetched. It’s worth a mention, however, because Ford is comfortable with taking unusual chances with its own heritage — witness the Lightning EV, the Mustang Mach-E SUV, and, of course, the unibody Maverick itself.

Is it really that much of a stretch to add a cargo bed to the Mustang platform and sell a tire-shredding muscle hauler? Which would have exactly zero competitors? We don’t think so.