Over the past century, automakers discovered some vehicles were too iconic to stay gone forever. Whether inspired by nostalgia, advanced technology, or consumers’ changing tastes, these vehicles disappeared from showrooms only to return — sometimes more than once. Some became instant hits all over again, while others enjoyed only a brief second act. These comeback stories stopped popular nameplates from truly fading away. As we celebrate Kelley Blue Book’s 100th anniversary, we’re looking back at 10 memorable automotive comeback stories, from rugged SUVs and legendary sports cars to luxury sedans and American muscle.
Lincoln Continental
Design Through the Decades
Lincoln Continental: Original and Revival
Same nameplate, decades apart. Hover to travel forward.
From the slab-sided icon of 1966 to the flagship revival of 2019.
Original Launch: 1939
Discontinued: 2002
Returned: 2017
Current Status: Discontinued again after the 2020 model year
Edsel Ford commissioned the Lincoln Continental as a one-off personal car, and it easily became America’s most celebrated luxury vehicle. With a presidential pedigree, a smoother ride, and elegant style, the Lincoln Continental defined American luxury for decades. Lincoln revived the nameplate in 2017 after a 15-year hiatus following its 2002 discontinuation. Blending modern technology and classical design cues, this sedan remained in production until 2020. Although no longer being built, the Continental remains one of the brand’s iconic models. With its elegant style, the Lincoln Continental defined American luxury for decades. Lincoln revived the nameplate in 2017. After it had disappeared in 2002, using modern technology and classical design cues. Production ended in 2020, but the Continental remains one of the brand’s iconic models.
Land Rover Defender
Design Through the Decades
Land Rover Defender: Original and Revival
Same nameplate, decades apart. Hover to travel forward.
From the Land Rover lineage dating back to 1948, shown here in its 1990 Defender form, to the all-new revival shown in 2023.
Original Launch: 1948
Discontinued: 2016
Returned: 2020
Current Status: In production
The Defender’s reputation was earned by tackling some of the world’s toughest terrain. The Land Rover Defender was born as a no-nonsense utility vehicle built to tackle farms, jungles, deserts, and nearly every terrain in between. Production of the Defender ended in 2016 after nearly seven decades due to increasingly stringent safety and emissions regulations. The Land Rover Defender retains its off-road heritage while adding luxury, technology, and everyday refinement. Land Rover Defender continues to prove that an icon can’t evolve without losing the spirit that made it legendary.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Design Through the Decades
Toyota Land Cruiser: Original and Revival
Same nameplate, decades apart. Hover to travel forward.
From the rugged workhorse of 1973 to the U.S. market’s triumphant return in 2024.
Original Launch: 1951
Discontinued: 2021
Returned: 2024
Current Status: In production
The Land Cruiser had a worldwide reputation for durability and unmatched off-road capability, having been developed from the rugged Toyota BJ. Adventure Seekers and humanitarian organizations made this vehicle a popular choice. Due to strong customer demand to bring the Land Cruiser back after it left the U.S. market in 2021, Toyota reintroduced the vehicle in 2024. The newest Land Cruisers pair hybrid efficiency and capability that continues to define this nameplate more than 70 years later.
Ford Bronco
Design Through the Decades
Ford Bronco: Original and Revival
Same nameplate, decades apart. Hover to travel forward.
From the trail-ready original of 1970 to the record-breaking revival of 2022.
Original Launch: 1966
Discontinued: 1996
Returned: 2021
Current Status: in production
The Ford Bronco returned after a 25-year absence with modern technology, impressive off-road capability, and styling that paid tribute to its predecessor. After production ended in 1996, anticipation of its return lasted for decades. This 2021 revival, with its retro styling, removable doors, roof panels, and serious trail-ready capability, quickly made the Bronco one of Ford’s most popular SUVs.
Chevrolet Camaro
Design Through the Decades
Chevrolet Camaro: Original and Revival
Same nameplate, decades apart. Hover to travel forward.
From the pony-car original of 1967 to the fifth-generation revival shown in 2023.
Original Launch: 1966
Discontinued: 2002
Returned: 2010
Current Status: Discounted after the 2024 model year
The Chevy Camaro was introduced as an answer to the Ford Mustang. It quickly became America’s defining pony car. After an eight-year hiatus (2002-2010), Chevrolet brought back the Camaro. Chevrolet paired the Camaro’s retro-inspired styling with modern performance and technology when it revived the model for the 2010 model year, reigniting the muscle car rivalry and introducing the Camaro to a new generation of enthusiasts.
Nissan Z
Design Through the Decades
Nissan Z: Original and Revival
Same nameplate, decades apart. Hover to travel forward.
From the original 240Z of 1969 to the retro-modern Z shown in 2023.
Original Launch: 1969
Discontinued: 2020
Returned: 2023
Current Status: In production
The Nissan Z is a sports car that proved to be exhilarating yet not lacking in affordability and reliability. Its roots trace back to the legendary Datsun 240Z. The Z became one of the world’s longest-running sports car nameplates over five decades. The 370Z was retired in 2020, and Nissan revived the Z in 2023. The Z pays tribute to its heritage while looking forward to the future with its twin-turbocharged power and modern technology.
Dodge Challenger
Design Through the Decades
Dodge Challenger: Original and Final Run
Same nameplate, decades apart. Hover to see how it ended.
From the muscle-car original of 1971 to its final generation, discontinued in 2023.
Original Launch: 1970
Discontinued: 1974
Returned: 2008
Current Status: Discontinued after the 2023 model year
The muscular engine and jaw-dropping style made the Challenger a muscle car icon. Delivering V8 power and unmistakable styling, the Dodge Challenger made an impact at the height of the muscle car era. In 2008, their triumphant return embraced the legendary design style while offering today’s performance standards. The Challenger remained a favorite among performance enthusiasts; production ended after the 2023 model year. The Challenger continued in a different form for a very short time, from 1917 to 1983, before the modern-day revival. The Challenger’s 4-door cousin, the Charger, returned for 2006 as a performance sedan and has since entered a new generation with 2-door and 4-door body styles, gasoline-powered models, and the electric Charger Daytona.
Honda Prelude
Design Through the Decades
Honda Prelude: Original and Revival
Same nameplate, decades apart. Hover to travel forward.
From the sporty coupe debut of 1978 to the hybrid revival of 2026.
Original Launch: 1978
Discontinued: 2001
Returned: 2026
Current Status: In production
Combining sporty styling and innovative engineering establishes the Honda Prelude as an engaging driver’s car. With balanced handling and four-wheel steering, it became a favorite among enthusiasts in the ’80s and ’90s. In 2001, production ended, and the prelude remained absent for more than two decades before Honda announced its return in 2026 as a sporty hybrid coupe. This allowed Honda to pay homage to the original’s fun-to-drive character while blending it with more modern elements.
Toyota Supra
Design Through the Decades
Toyota Supra: Original and Revival
Same nameplate, decades apart. Hover to see its full up-and-down history.
From the standalone coupe of 1982 to the BMW-co-developed GR Supra, now on hold again as of 2026.
Original Launch: 1978
Discontinued: 2002
Returned: 2019
Current Status: Production ended after the 2026 model year
The Toyota Supra’s performance potential and pop-culture fame helped it develop a devoted following. Its life began as the Celica Supra before it evolved into one of Japan’s most celebrated sports cars. Toyota revived it for 2020 as the GR Supra after a 21-year absence from the U.S. market. Developed with BMW and based on the Z4 platform, the new generation brought the storied nameplate back to showrooms.
Acura NSX
Design Through the Decades
Acura NSX: Original and Revival
Same nameplate, decades apart. Hover to see its full up-and-down history.
From the Senna-tuned original of 1991 to the hybrid supercar revival, shelved again in 2022.
Original Launch: 1990
Discontinued: 2005
Returned: 2017
Current Status: Discontinued again after the 2022 model year
The Acura NSX had everyday reliability and challenged the traditional supercar. The original NSX featured groundbreaking aluminum construction and precision engineering, with input from Formula One legend Ayrton Senna during its development. Its second generation embraced ingenuity and hybrid technology, and continued the model’s reputation until its discontinuation in 2002.
Legendary automotive models become more than just vehicles. Some become meaningful through the generations. Vehicle comeback stories prove that with striking design, a captivating driving experience, and a passionate fan base, retired models can get a second chance at redemption. As the auto industry continues to change, we may be saying farewell today, but it may not be the last chapter for tomorrow’s automotive legends.
