7 Underrated American Cars That Deserve More Respect
I won’t lie to you, I’ve never been a huge fan of American cars. They are often lagging behind in technology and they lack the refinement that many European car brands have. That said, there have been plenty of American cars that have stood out over the years as being great vehicles. Unfortunately, not all of them have gotten the respect they deserve. Here are seven of the most underappreciated cars that were made right here in the United States.
1. AMC Javelin
AMC is a car brand that no longer exists, but they did make some good cars. Despite the Gremlin overshadowing any decent vehicles AMC made, the Javelin stands out as one of the most underrated American cars. It was a serious competitor to the Mustang and Camaro but never got the recognition it deserved. It featured aggressive styling, powerful V8 options, and even found success in Trans-Am racing. Ultimately, AMC lacked the marketing power of Ford and GM, leaving the Javelin in the shadows. Its wide stance and flared fenders made it stand out, but many buyers simply overlooked it for more mainstream muscle cars. In today’s market, it has become a rare gem that some enthusiasts and collectors seek out.
2. Pontiac G8 GXP
The Pontiac G8 GXP was one of the best sleeper sedans ever built, yet it was gone before most people noticed. Powered by a 6.2L LS3 V8 with 415 horsepower, it delivered serious performance with a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Its rear-wheel-drive platform gave it sports car-like handling, making it a true competitor to European sports sedans. Unfortunately, Pontiac’s shutdown in 2010 cut its lifespan short, leaving it without a proper legacy.
3. Chevrolet Impala SS (1994-1996)
Chevrolet is one of those car brands that just feels American. The Impala SS of the mid-90s produced some serious power, despite being a full-size sedan. Featuring a 5.7L LT1 V8 producing 260 horsepower, it offered surprising speed for a car its size. The blacked-out exterior, sport-tuned suspension, and bucket seats gave it a menacing presence that stood out from the standard Impala. It had a lot of potential, but the Impala SS was only produced for a few years, limiting its impact in the muscle car world. Chevy decided to bring the Impala back in the 2010s, but it was ultimately discontinued once again in 2020. However, it never got the respect it deserved as a great American car.
4. Mercury Cougar
The Mercury Cougar started as a more refined alternative to the Mustang but never gained the same level of fame. It featured sleek styling, luxury touches, and powerful V8 options, making it a hidden gem in the muscle car era. While it shared many components with the Mustang, it had a longer wheelbase and a more upscale design. The high-performance Eliminator trim offered serious speed, yet it remained in the shadows of its Ford sibling. As Mercury faded away, the Cougar became an even more forgotten piece of American automotive history.
5. Cadillac CTS-V
Cadillac has stood out in the American car industry as a provider of luxury vehicles, but the CTS-V is one of the most underrated performance cars in U.S. history. Equipped with a supercharged 6.2L V8 producing up to 640 horsepower, it was a luxury sedan that could embarrass supercars. The CTS-V combined Cadillac’s premium interior with raw muscle, making it an unexpected powerhouse. All that being said, it struggled to break through Cadillac’s reputation for building sedate luxury cars. Many buyers overlooked it in favor of European rivals, not realizing it could outpace BMW’s M5 and Mercedes’ AMG sedans. It never got the recognition it deserved before being discontinued.
6. Ford Thunderbird (2002-2005)
When Ford revived the Thunderbird in the early 2000s, it aimed to bring back the spirit of the original 50s model. The car featured a stylish retro design, a comfortable ride, and a 3.9L V8, but it never became the hit Ford expected. Many buyers were confused by its positioning—was it a luxury cruiser, a performance car, or a nostalgic collector’s item? It didn’t have the raw power of the Mustang, leading some to dismiss it as a weak attempt at reviving a legend. As time has passed, enthusiasts have begun to appreciate its unique design and smooth driving dynamics, but it was a little too late.
7. Pontiac 2+2
The Pontiac 2+2 was a unique, short-lived muscle coupe that was built for NASCAR homologation purposes. It featured an aerodynamic fastback design, a wide stance, and a 5.0L or 5.7L V8 under the hood. While its design was race-inspired, its performance never quite matched its aggressive appearance, leading it to be overshadowed by Pontiac’s Trans Am. It was produced in limited numbers, making it a rare find today. Many muscle car fans don’t even know it exists, yet it was an important piece of Pontiac’s motorsports history.
Time to Give These Cars the Respect They Deserve
You probably haven’t even heard of these cars and, if you did, you pulled it from the depths of your memory to recall them. They wound up being drowned out by more popular vehicles (like the AMC Javelin) or they didn’t receive the marketing attention they needed (CTS-V). In some cases, they were just ahead of their time. That said, many of these American cars are now gaining visibility, and value, as enthusiasts recognize their unique appeal. So, if you’re looking for something cool to add to your collection, these seven vehicles would be absolutely amazing finds.
Read More
4 Things Fans Are Eager To See In The Upcoming F1 Season
Is Now The Time to Buy a Used Tesla?
Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.