27 Disliked ’70s Cars That Deserve A Second Look
Back in the day, my neighbor had this brown ’77 AMC Pacer that the whole block loved to roast. It looked like a fishbowl on wheels, and every kid on the street swore it was the weirdest thing ever built.
Fast forward a few decades, and suddenly that same Pacer is popping up at shows, turning heads for all the right reasons.
The ‘70s had its fair share of oddballs, but time has a funny way of making the underdogs feel fresh again.
1. AMC Pacer
Imagine stepping into a bubble. The AMC Pacer, with its wide-body design and fishbowl windows, was the car version of that. Known for its unique shape, this car was often compared to an aquarium on wheels.
Despite the jokes, it was ahead of its time, offering a spacious interior and a surprisingly smooth ride. Many found its looks off-putting, yet today, it’s celebrated for its quirky charm.
Did you know? The Pacer was even featured in the movie “Wayne’s World,” adding to its cult status.
2. Ford Pinto
Remember the infamous Pinto? Often criticized for its safety issues, this compact car was more than just a controversy magnet. With its lightweight design and nimble handling, the Pinto was actually quite fun to drive.
While its reputation was tarnished by reports of rear-end explosions, many collectors now cherish it for its retro appeal. Its affordable price and simplicity made it a staple of 70s driving.
Despite the past, the Pinto’s unique place in automotive history makes it a car worth another look.
3. Chevrolet Vega
Yes, the Vega earned a reputation for rust and overheating, but don’t dismiss it just yet. Designed by GM with refined styling and sporty intentions, the Vega had real potential.
Its aluminum engine was innovative, and in Cosworth trim, it was downright exciting. A lightweight frame and nimble handling made it fun to toss around.
Today, it’s a reminder that even flawed cars can shine with the right care—or at least be way cooler than people remember.
4. Dodge Aspen
The Dodge Aspen, a car often remembered for its mechanical woes, was actually packed with personality. With its elegant lines and plush interiors, it offered a touch of luxury in a compact package.
While reliability issues plagued its reputation, those who owned an Aspen enjoyed its comfortable ride and classic styling. It’s a car that whispered luxury, without shouting about it.
Today, enthusiasts appreciate the Aspen for its vintage charm and nostalgia-inducing presence on the road.
5. Plymouth Volaré
Often overshadowed by reliability woes, the Volaré had more to offer than its reputation suggests.
This was Chrysler’s big swing at downsizing, and while the swing didn’t quite connect, it wasn’t a strikeout either.
Especially in Road Runner trim, the Volaré had muscle car vibes in a post-muscle era.
Its clean lines and plush interiors made it feel upscale. With modern parts support and a loyal following, it’s ripe for a second chance in the spotlight.
6. AMC Gremlin
With a name like “Gremlin,” you might think this car was destined for trouble. And sure, it had its quirks, but it was also delightfully different.
Compact and quirky, the AMC Gremlin offered a bold design choice that stood out from the crowd. Its short rear and long hood gave it a unique silhouette.
Lovers of the unusual find the Gremlin an endearing piece of 70s pop culture, making it a collector’s gem today.
7. Chevrolet Monza
Think of the Monza as a Camaro for the cost-conscious. With bold styling, rear-wheel drive, and even a V8 option, it had the bones of a proper performer.
True, it shared roots with the Vega, but the Monza offered a surprising amount of driving fun. GM even raced them in IMSA!
If you can overlook its early quality quirks, the Monza is a rad little ‘70s coupe with more character than it ever got credit for.
8. Ford Mustang II
The Ford Mustang II, a car often maligned by enthusiasts, was actually a smart, compact version of its muscle-bound predecessor. It was tailored for a changing market looking for fuel efficiency.
Despite its smaller stature, the Mustang II offered a spirited drive and brought the Mustang spirit to a new generation.
Today, it’s admired for its daring departure from tradition and its role in keeping the Mustang line alive during challenging times.
9. Mercury Bobcat
The Bobcat was essentially a fancy Ford Pinto, and that’s where people usually stop listening. But take a moment to admire what it tried to be: a practical, stylish hatchback with just a bit more class.
Mercury added chrome, nicer trim, and extra features to make the subcompact life feel less basic.
And in wagon form, it’s actually kind of charming. With retro styling now in fashion, the Bobcat might finally be ready for redemption.
10. Pontiac Astre
The Pontiac Astre, a car that shared its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Vega, was a compact with personality. Known for its stylish appearance, it offered an engaging driving experience.
Though its reputation was marred by mechanical issues, the Astre appealed to those seeking a budget-friendly, stylish ride.
Collectors today appreciate the Astre for its refined lines and distinctive flair, making it a worthy piece of 70s automotive history.
11. Chrysler Cordoba
The Cordoba became a punchline thanks to Ricardo Montalbán and his “soft Corinthian leather,” but look past the ad and you’ll find a stylish personal luxury coupe with serious presence.
It had bold curves, hidden headlights, and a cushy interior that screamed ‘70s glam. While performance wasn’t its main game, the Cordoba cruised like a dream.
It’s big, brash, and unapologetically retro—exactly what people are starting to appreciate again. Bonus: those opera windows are pure vintage gold.
12. Oldsmobile Omega
Say hello to the Oldsmobile Omega, a compact car that offered practicality and a touch of luxury. It was part of GM’s X-body lineup and known for its spacious interior.
While it didn’t stand out in terms of performance, the Omega was appreciated for its comfortable ride and solid build quality.
Today, it’s a car that collectors look back on fondly, appreciating its role in a transformative era of automotive design.
13. Dodge Magnum
Long before the 2000s revival, Dodge’s original Magnum was a muscle car in a tuxedo. It looked like a Charger dressed for dinner, complete with a long hood, hidden headlights, and a wide, low stance.
Sure, the late ‘70s weren’t kind to horsepower, but with a 400 or 440 under the hood, this thing still knew how to move.
Today, its sharp looks and V8 growl make it a hidden gem in the personal luxury class.
14. Buick Skyhawk
The Buick Skyhawk, a sporty compact with a distinctive look, was Buick’s attempt to capture the youthful market. With its incredible design and hatchback versatility, it offered something different.
While it faced competition from other sportier models, the Skyhawk had a charm all its own, appealing to those who appreciated its unique styling.
Today, the Skyhawk is a rare find, cherished by collectors who see it as a symbol of a time when Buick dared to think outside the box.
15. Plymouth Arrow
The Arrow came from Mitsubishi but wore a Plymouth badge, offering a fun little fastback coupe in an era drowning in land yachts.
It wasn’t fast, but it was light, sharp-looking, and surprisingly peppy with a manual transmission. Its sloping roofline and tidy size made it feel sporty, especially compared to its bloated American siblings.
The Arrow was cheap, cheerful, and different—and that’s exactly what makes it cool today. Plus, finding a clean one now feels like winning the lottery.
16. Toyota Celica (early liftback)
Ah, the Toyota Celica, a car that brought sporty fun to the masses. The liftback version was especially beloved for its cool, coupe-like design.
Though it faced criticism from purists, the Celica offered reliability and a spirited driving experience, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
The early liftback models are now prized for their classic lines and spirited performance, representing a time when Toyota began making its mark on global car culture.
17. Datsun F10
Let’s be real: the F10 wasn’t pretty. With its oddball curves and bug-eyed headlights, it was a tough sell even in the ‘70s.
But underneath the strange styling was a reliable, fuel-efficient hatch that helped introduce America to practical Japanese motoring. It was quirky, dependable, and weirdly lovable.
If you’re into oddball classics with charm to spare, the F10 is your kind of funky time capsule. Think of it as the anti-Mustang—and that’s what makes it fun.
18. Volkswagen Dasher
The Volkswagen Dasher, known elsewhere as the Passat, was VW’s first front-wheel-drive car. With its amazing design and spacious interior, it was a step forward for the brand.
Though not without its faults, the Dasher offered a comfortable ride and practicality that appealed to many families.
Today, it’s a sought-after classic among VW enthusiasts, appreciated for its role in paving the way for future models.
19. Subaru Leone
The Subaru Leone might not have turned heads in the ’70s, but it quietly laid the groundwork for Subaru’s quirky, all-weather reputation.
It was one of the first small cars to offer four-wheel drive, which made it perfect for snowy states before SUVs ruled the roads. Its boxy design wasn’t flashy, but it was smart and durable.
People mocked it for being underpowered and odd-looking, but the Leone was a trailblazer for practicality, reliability, and doing things differently.
20. Mazda RX-3
The Mazda RX-3, with its rotary engine and sporty styling, was a car that promised excitement. Known for its lively performance, it was a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Though it faced challenges with its rotary technology, the RX-3’s unique engine and sleek design have made it a sought-after collectible.
Today, enthusiasts admire the RX-3 for its bold design and performance, making it a standout in Mazda’s history.
21. Fiat 128
Often dismissed as fragile and fussy, the Fiat 128 actually revolutionized compact car design. It had front-wheel drive, a transverse engine layout, and crisp handling that rivaled much more expensive cars.
Sure, its reputation for rust and electrical gremlins scared people off, but when maintained, the 128 was light, agile, and surprisingly fun.
It felt like a European rally car shrunk down for city life. Modern enthusiasts now see it for what it was—a groundbreaking, driver-focused little machine.
22. Renault 12
The Renault 12, a car that offered practicality and comfort, was popular for its spacious interior and reliable performance.
Though not the most exciting, the 12 was a staple in many households, offering a reliable mode of transport.
Today, collectors appreciate the Renault 12 for its classic design and its role in making cars accessible to a wider audience.
23. Opel Manta
The Opel Manta was Europe’s answer to the Mustang—only nobody in America really noticed.
Sleek, affordable, and sporty without being flashy, the Manta handled like a dream thanks to its light weight and rear-wheel-drive layout.
It wasn’t a muscle car, but it offered a different kind of fun: the kind with quick steering and tight corners.
Imported by Buick, it got overshadowed by domestic competition, but today, the Manta is a hidden gem that delivers Euro flair with German build.
24. Peugeot 504
The Peugeot 504, a car that combined elegance with practicality, was known for its comfortable ride and robust build quality.
Its design was timeless, and it offered a level of comfort that was impressive for its time. The 504 was a car that didn’t just transport you; it did so with style and grace.
Today, it’s a classic that collectors admire for its enduring design and the way it captured the essence of French motoring.
25. Triumph TR7
The Triumph TR7, with its wedge-shaped design, was a departure from traditional sports cars. Known for its distinctive look, it divided opinions.
While it faced criticism, the TR7 offered a fun driving experience and was a symbol of British automotive flair. Its unique styling and character make it stand out even today.
Collectors appreciate the TR7 for its bold design and the way it represents a unique chapter in Triumph’s storied history.
26. Alfa Romeo Alfetta
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta, known for its elegant design and sporty spirit, was a car that captured the essence of Italian motoring.
Though it faced reliability issues, the Alfetta’s handling and style made it a favorite among enthusiasts who valued driving pleasure.
Today, the Alfetta is cherished for its combination of beauty and performance, a true representation of Alfa Romeo’s legacy.
27. Saab 99
The Saab 99 was weird. It had an engine mounted backward, a wraparound windshield, and a dashboard that looked like it came from a jet cockpit. But that weirdness also made it brilliant.
It was safe, solid, and built to tackle brutal Scandinavian winters. The turbocharged versions were shockingly quick, and the hatchback design made it practical too.
While it never fit in with Detroit’s lineup, the Saab 99 offered brainy performance long before that was cool. It’s beautifully different.