1990s Cars That Deserve a Comeback

The 1990s were an undeniably golden era for car enthusiasts. It was a time when automakers pushed boundaries, blending futuristic designs with raw performance and tech innovation.

Cars from this decade weren’t just vehicles; they were statements, icons, and cultural touchstones. With modern reinterpretations like the Hyundai N Vision 74 turning heads, I can’t help but dream about which other ‘90s legends deserve a 21st-century rebirth.

Here’s my personal shortlist of five 1990s cars I’d love to see reimagined for today’s roads, complete with a nod to modern technology and design.

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1. 1990 Toyota Supra Mark 3 (A70)

The 1990 Toyota Supra Mark 3 (technically an 80's car) reimagined for the modern era would be a striking blend of retro design cues and futuristic technology. Picture its squared, angular frame accentuated by sleek LED pop-up headlights that echo the original’s bold geometry, now updated for sharper clarity and a contemporary feel.

Inside, a digital dash would dominate the cockpit, offering a driver-centric interface that combines nostalgia with an Ultra High Definition screen for navigation and performance stats.

The crown jewel of this revived classic? An active drift mode, seamlessly integrating advanced traction control and torque vectoring to let drivers carve corners with precision and flair—whether on a track or winding mountain roads. It’s the perfect homage to the Supra’s legendary legacy while pushing boundaries for modern-day enthusiasts.

Now I'm not referring to a resto-mod of this beauty, I'm referring to getting the pioneers of JDM automotive design out of retirement for one last crack at the ultimate driving machine. Completely redesigned from the ground up whilst still undeniable feeling like a Supra.

With many hours working with a mix of Midjourney AI Image Generation, Adobe Photoshop I've brought to life the car that I've been envisioning for many years. And yes, I know Toyota have already done this with the Mark 5 Supra. But it's just doesn't have the squared off shape I wanted to see. Sorry!

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2. Mazda RX-7 (FD)

The Mazda RX-7, particularly the third-generation FD, remains an all-time favourite among enthusiasts. Its sleek, lightweight body and the unique rotary engine made it a unicorn. While rotaries were finicky and prone to wear, their charm and rev-happy character are irreplaceable.

A Modern Take

What if Mazda brought back the RX-7 with a hydrogen-powered rotary engine? Rotary tech deserves a second chance, and hydrogen could provide the clean-burning efficiency it needs to shine. Wrap it all in a lightweight carbon-fibre body with retractable pop-up-style headlights (modernised, of course), and you’d have the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation.

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3. Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

Nissan’s Z cars have always had a place in enthusiasts’ hearts, but the 300ZX (Z32) from the ‘90s brought sophistication to the line. Its twin-turbo V6 offered serious power, and its wedge-shaped design gave it a futuristic edge that still looks stunning today.

How it Could be Reimagined

A reborn 300ZX could feature Nissan’s e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system, blending electric motors with an updated version of the VR30DDTT V6 found in the current Z. Give it an aggressive aerodynamic design, a full digital cockpit, and a customisable “retro mode” for the dash that replicates the analog gauges of the original.

4. Honda NSX (NA1)

Before the new NSX redefined the hybrid supercar, the first-generation NA1 NSX was a revolution. Developed with input from Ayrton Senna, it was Japan’s answer to Ferrari. Its naturally aspirated V6 and mid-engine layout offered precision and poise rarely seen at its price point.

Rebirth Potential

Instead of a pure supercar, imagine an NSX reborn as an ultra-lightweight sports car with some kind of EV and a focus on driver engagement. No heavy battery packs, just enough to keep it nimble. Pair that with an artificially simulated VTEC soundtrack that kicks in under hard acceleration, and it’d bring back the thrill without compromising on modernity.

5. Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX (2G)

The Eclipse GSX holds a special place in my heart. It was the everyman’s sports coupe, complete with all-wheel drive, a turbocharged inline-four, and a price that didn’t break the bank. Its role in The Fast and the Furious cemented its cult status.

What a New Eclipse Could Be

Mitsubishi desperately needs a halo car, and a modern Eclipse could be it. A plug-in hybrid AWD system, paired with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, could keep it light and agile. Combine the coupe’s silhouette with today’s sleek aerodynamics, and it could even challenge the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ.

Why the 1990s Resonate Today

The ‘90s represent an era of unfiltered car design. These vehicles were mechanical yet accessible, thrilling but not overly sanitised by electronics. Today’s reinterpretations, like the N Vision 74 show that modern automakers are finally beginning to understand how to blend nostalgia with cutting-edge tech.

The Future of Retro

We’ve seen glimmers of hope with cars like the Toyota GR Supra and the Nissan Z. But these cars, while excellent, often lack the same soul that made the originals iconic. The dream? Automakers take the risk to bring back not just the nameplates but the essence of these cars.

Final Thoughts

As someone who grew up seeing these cars in video games on posters and now works as a used car buyer in Brisbane, their rebirth feels more than just nostalgic, it’s an opportunity for a new generation to experience what made the ‘90s so magical. Here’s hoping manufacturers keep taking inspiration from the past to drive the future.