Historical Automobile Brands We Want To See Make A Comeback

The history of the automobile is rich and full of success stories that helped shape the products we buy and cherish today. However, there are many brands that have made a huge impact on the car industry that suffered losses and, unfortunately, ceased production of these models forever.

The following are some of the top car brands that were unfortunately discontinued but who we would love to see make their return to center stage.

The Mighty Hummer

Hummer was a brand that was well-known across America; designed by AM General and sold to the public (under the name “Hummer”) starting in 1992 after the incredibly successful United States Military contract that AM achieved. Sold to GM in 1999, models were on the market for years; marketed and distributed by GM but produced by AM General, including the H2 and H3 models GM designed for customers. However, in 2008 GM put the Hummer brand under review and received multiple offers for purchase, although Hummer had a few opportunities to sell, the Hummer brand ultimately died out due to lack of need for large SUV units that did not fare well with high gas costs. That being said, the Hummer image was well-known and respected in America and given a more fuel efficient unit, or perhaps an electric hybrid, the Hummer brand could make a strong competitor in today’s market. Currently, there is a demand for SUV units, especially those that have a unique look and possess strong fuel efficiency; such a demand provides the perfect opportunity for a return with their expanded Hummer-HX Concept vehicle, as long as it reduces notorious Hummer gas costs.

The Old But Bold Oldsmobile

Founded by Ransom E. Olds back in the late 1890’s, Oldsmobile was deemed one of the top selling car brands in America circa early 1900’s. As the American car market progressed, and new brands took shape, Oldsmobile remained a revolutionary brand that helped innovate car technology, such as the first fully automatic transmission, the first turbocharged engine, and the first front-wheel car in modern USA units. Regardless of an incredible contribution to car technology and service to car markets, GM announced the discontinuation of Oldsmobile production in the year 2000. Oldsmobile should, however, make a return to the markets for a few reasons; their heritage in the auto industry, the return of a strong American brand to compete with imports, and the return of an affordable, high-quality product that Americans can be proud of. Upcoming is a common car name with units still on the streets.

America's Precious Pontiac

Okay, Pontiac had some problems along the way, and it is true that quality of products from the 90’s to the 2000’s were not phenomenal. However, the Pontiac brand was a well-known and historical brand in America. Pontiac was one of the strongest looks during the late 1960’s, especially with the infamous Pontiac Firebird model, that brought a lot of attention away from competitors like Ford. However, due to increasing engine restrictions and the success of other car brands in the early 70’s Pontiac began to struggle. That being said, a few Pontiac units showed promise close to the end of production, including the G8 which received a lot of excitement from the markets and proved to be an affordable and enjoyable car. If Pontiac were to return with an approach focussed on affordable units with a sleek look such as the G8, the reception might be enough to revive the brand. Upcoming is a former GM brand that had incredible reliability.

The Sturdy Saturn

Saturn should be brought back to the market strictly for the reliability of their vehicles. Overall, the failed GM brand was not a fantastic line of company revenue; there were more popular brands in the market, and the units did not need lots of maintenance. That being said, units like the Saturn Sky Convertible or Aura Sedan were strong products that would fair well for customers looking for an affordable car that is reliable. Again, one major reason for bringing back this brand from Detroit, Michigan would be to revive another American brand to compete with imports. Following is a vehicle brand that discontinued in the late 1950's.

A True Classic: Hudson

Hudson is next on this list, with a good reason. Although the company never made it out of the 1950’s and had been left in the rearview mirror for quite some time, the car company had a design that could catch an eye and an engine that was top of the line up until discontinuation in 1957. However, one aspect to the history of Hudson that could create a revived spark in today’s market is that the Hudson Car Company was one of the first major automotive businesses to hire a female designer for their products, by the name of Elizabeth Ann Thatcher. Although revitalizing a brand and designing modern products from scratch is a lot, a car brand with heavy female influence is much needed today. Next on the docket is a car brand that had iconic models.

A Redesigned Plymouth

As a brand, the Plymouth line was created back in the late 1920’s as a competitive product for the affordable car market. Plymouth did well with customers in America as it competed in high-volume production up until the 1990’s. However, the brand began to lose a unique identity as products began to take after other models in the market, as well as prices being drowned out in a heavily saturated market. Near the end, Plymouth, in a hail mary, attempted to rebrand the iconic American company with a new logo and revitalized image, but to no avail. However, today Plymouth models could make a stand as a competitive low-cost unit, given that they restored a unique look that separates themselves from the competition. Upcoming is a French manufacturer which should become a revitalized car producer.

Lost But Not Forgotten: Alpine

Alpine is a French sports car manufacturer modeled after Jean Redele, a motor enthusiast, who helped produce one of few cars following the second world war. Working closely with Renault, a partner in the car designs, many vehicles were produced up until 1995. After which, difficulties occurred when Renault bought out the entire company in the early 1970’s and began struggling with production and competition. Regardless of the history, Alpine vehicles were high quality and possessed a cool, unique look. Although units have been sporadically produced to the current day for the common purpose, as well as competitions such as the European Le Mans Series; bringing back full production today would add another strong French brand to the sports car market. Next, a company well known in America which competed with the Big Three.

Patriotic American Motor Company (AMC)

Created by the merger of two major motor companies back in 1954, one of which was Hudson Motor Car Company, AMC had a strong go in the automotive industry, up until defunct in 1988. An unfortunate downfall of a company which simply did not have the resources or structure to compete with the likes of Ford, GM, and Chrysler. AMC is remembered for various bold and innovative products in an attempt to stay current; including the AMX with a Ford look and the Rambler series which was a family vehicle focused on personal-luxury. AMC making a comeback would be a great burst to the American motor market, maintaining a large following by car collectors. Although certain AMC car intrigue was limited at production, a reboot in image and a quality performing vehicle could be sustained in the middle-class family market.