20 Cars That Were Massively Improved by a Redesign
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The goal of redesigning a car is to make something better than what came before. That's fairly obvious. But in some cases, a simple generation-to-generation change can take an already decent car and make it truly great.
2018 Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln went years without selling a truly interesting vehicle, but once the new Navigator arrived, people finally began to pay attention to the brand again. Here's a used one with low miles you can buy right now.
2005 Porsche 911 (997)
People never warmed up to the idea of a 911 without round headlights, which is one of the main reasons the 996 is the least-popular generation of Porsche's flagship. The 997 changed that with a fascia more appropriately designed to the 911 nameplate. Here's one for sale on eBay right now.
2000 BMW M3 (E46)
The E36-generation BMW M3 was heavily neutered for the US market. Europe's version had way more power, which made us feel like we never got the real M3. The E46 fixed that. With a quick-revving straight-six and over 330 horsepower, it's one of the best M cars ever made. This one's been set up for track days, and can be yours for under $16,000.
2017 Porsche Panamera
The first-gen Panamera drove great, but in terms of looks, it left a lot to be desired. It was shaped strangely, and looked downright awkward at some angles. The new one improved on its style massively, so now it's not so bad to look at. This new GTS model has nine miles on the odometer, and you can own it.
2018 Jeep Wrangler (JL)
The last-gen Wrangler was far from bad, but this newest one is still a huge step up. With aluminum body panels, more engine options, and a totally re-worked suspension, it's worlds more impressive on and off the road. This Sport model is on eBay right now.
2004 Rolls-Royce Phantom
The 2004 Rolls-Royce Phantom was the company's first step into the modern era. Thanks to new BMW ownership, it got a new design, new tech, and a whole lot more luxury. This black one is listed on eBay for just $86,000.
2014 Mazda 3
Next to the older Mazda3, the 2014 car is a masterpiece. The looks are much improved, and the luxurious interior is lightyears ahead. It's also a lot better to drive. The newest 2019 car improves on that. Now all we need is for Mazda to make a Mazdaspeed version. Here's a silver one for sale right now with low mileage.
1989 Toyota MR2 (SW20)
The first-generation MR2 was a small, purpose built sporting machine that didn't cater much to people who wanted a livable everyday car. Toyota changed that for the second-gen SW20, giving it a larger interior, more amenities, and a retuned suspension. This Turbo model is up for grabs right now, equipped with a five-speed manual and a targa roof.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette (C7)
The last-gen C6 Corvette was fantastic to drive, but left much to be desired in the fit and finish department. The C7's interior is miles ahead of the C6 in terms of refinement and comfort, and doesn't feel dated right out of the box. Plus, it's even better to drive. Here's a Grand Sport you can own for yourself.
2016 Mazda Miata (ND)
The NC-generation Mazda Miata was far from a bad car. It was actually incredibly fun. But the new ND-generation Miata somehow makes the NC look like a mistake. This could be the most fun new car on the market. The NC is still a great car, but the ND is a great Miata. Here's a new Club package car for sale on eBay now.
The NC-generation Mazda Miata was far from a bad car. It was actually incredibly fun. But the new
somehow makes the NC look like a mistake. This could be the most fun new car on the market. The NC is still a great car, but the ND is a great Miata." >
2014 Cadillac CTS
The previous generation CTS was too big to be a small sedan and too small to be a midsize sedan. It lived in a weird purgatory. The newest CTS cured that ailment with its growth into the midsize category, new engines, and a gorgeous design. We did lose the coupe and wagon (along with the manual gearbox in the V), but the CTS is able to make up for those losses pretty easily. Here's a V model listed on eBay right now for under $70,000.
The previous generation CTS was too big to be a small sedan and too small to be a midsize sedan. It lived in a weird purgatory. The
cured that ailment with its growth into the midsize category, new engines, and a gorgeous design. We did lose the coupe and wagon (along with the manual gearbox in the V), but the CTS is able to make up for those losses pretty easily." >
2016 Chevrolet Camaro
When the fifth-generation Camaro was released, everyone rejoiced. Chevy's pony car was back! And we were willing to ignore just how heavy and tank-like it was in order to drive one. The Camaro's 2016 redesign moves to a smaller, lighter platform, looks great, and is a hoot to drive. This ZL1 1LE model is up for bidding now.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
The C63 AMG replaced the C55 AMG. Both had naturally aspirated V8s, but the 6.2 liter in the C63 was a wild engine, one of the all-time greats. This 2008 model is for sale right now for just $16,000.
The
was the replacement for the C32 AMG. The C32 wasn't a bad car, but there's something to be said for replacing a small supercharged six with a honking naturally aspirated V8. We'll take the V8 any day." >
1979 Ford Mustang (Fox Body)
The Fox body came after the disappointment known as the Mustang II. While it wasn't great when it first came out, the Fox was around for nearly 15 years and just got better and better during that time. Look for these to become a future classic. Here's a nice GT listed on eBay for under $19,000.
The Fox body came after the disappointment known as the Mustang II. While it wasn't great when it first came out, the Fox was around for nearly 15 years and just
during that time. Look for these to become a future classic." >
2015 Ford Mustang
The Fox body Mustang wasn't the only revolutionary model in the Mustang's history. The current model, which came onto the scene in 2015, was a massive step forward for the car, with new looks, an Ecoboost four-cylinder engine choice, and independent suspension for the first time ever. Here's a V-8 model for sale right now.
2014 McLaren 650S
The McLaren MP4-12C was a great car for McLaren Automotive's first effort, but it felt like it was only at home on the track and wasn't as much fun on the street. McLaren took that to heart and updated the 12C to become the brilliant 650S. This one looks to be in great condition, and you can own it today.
The
was a great car for McLaren Automotive's first effort, but it felt like it was only at home on the track and wasn't as much fun on the street. McLaren took that to heart and updated the 12C to become the brilliant 650S." >
2003 Volkswagen GTI (Mk. V)
The fourth generation of the GTI was the culmination of years of growth and addition to the GTI. It was heavy and just not the tossable hatch we came to know and love when it was released. Enter the MK V GTI. It ditched the VR6 for a 2.0 liter turbo four and got back to the GTI's fun loving roots. Without this car, the current GTI might be a fat, awful thing.
The fourth generation of the GTI was the culmination of years of growth and addition to the GTI. It was heavy and just not the tossable hatch we came to know and love when it was released. Enter the MK V GTI. It ditched the VR6 for a 2.0 liter turbo four and got back to the GTI's fun loving roots. Without this car,
might be a fat, awful thing." >
2016 Honda Civic
Honda lost the plot with the 2012 Civic. It felt cheap, it didn't drive great, and it was a rare mis-step from compact car kings. Thankfully, Honda realized the mistake and the 2016 Civic is all sorts of great, either in sedan or coupe form. This high-performance Si model is listed for sale on eBay right now.
Honda lost the plot with the 2012 Civic. It felt cheap, it didn't drive great, and it was a rare mis-step from compact car kings. Thankfully, Honda realized the mistake and the new, 2016 Civic is all sorts of great, either in
or coupe form." >
2011 BMW 5-Series (F10)
The E60 5-series had two things against it. First were the looks that would scare children. Second was the iDrive unit that was nearly impossible to use. BMW fixed both issues for the F10 5er, which is a gorgeous car with a fantastic infotainment experience. Winner. This one has a V-8, and you can own it.
The E60 5-series had two things against it. First were the looks that would scare children. Second was the iDrive unit that was nearly impossible to use. BMW fixed both issues for the F10 5er, which is a gorgeous car with a fantastic infortainment experience. Winner.
2017 Audi A4
The last A4 was a fine car. But it wasn't a great car. This new A4 though, is a return to form right when Audi needs it. It's fun, it's luxurious, and it can take the fight right to the BMW 3-series. That's what it has to do. Here's one for sale right now on eBay.
The last A4 was a fine car. But it wasn't a great car.
though, is a return to form right when Audi needs it. It's fun, it's luxurious, and it can take the fight right to the BMW 3-series. That's what it has to do." >
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