In this video, we drop back in time to the 1980s and take a look at some of the cars of the 1980s.The 1980s is often remembered as a decade of materialism, consumerism, big hair, and pop culture dominance marked by the rise of MTV, blockbuster movies, the emergence of personal computers, and a strong focus on free-market economics, often associated with the "Reagan Revolution" and the "yuppie" lifestyle; it also saw the continuation of the Cold War and significant technological advancements.

In 1970, Pontiac reshuffled its intermediate lineup to include Tempest, LeMans, LeMans Sport, GTO, and GTO Judge. The LeMans nameplate replaced the Tempest Custom, while the top LeMans series was renamed LeMans Sport. Body styles included a four-door hardtop sedan, two-door hardtop coupe, and convertible. New features included Firebird-inspired front bumpers, wrap-around taillights, and crease-style body lines. Chevrolet's 250 cu in straight-six engine replaced the Pontiac OHC six-cylinder. V8 options included 350 and 400 cu in engines with 2-barrel carburetors and a 330 hp 400 cu in 4-barrel engine with dual exhausts. The 350 HO was discontinued.In February 1970, Pontiac introduced the T-37 Hardtop Coupe, replacing the Tempest for the two-door pillared coupe. Marketed as "GM's lowest-priced hardtop," it was undercut by the Chevrolet Chevelle. The GT-37 package added muscle car features like V8 engines, Rally II wheels, dual exhaust, and sporty accents.For the 1971 model year, Pontiac rebranded its lineup. For the 1971 model year, Pontiac dropped the Tempest name altogether and introduced its intermediate lineup as T-37, Lemans GT-37, Lemans, and Lemans Sport The GTO and GTO Judge were a separate line.

The 1970s car advertisements mirrored the cultural shift from the 1960s’ counterculture to a more individualistic and self-expressive era. The 1970s embraced personal freedom and innovation. Car ads of this time highlighted themes of performance, style, and luxury, often featuring sleek, powerful vehicles that promised a sense of adventure and status. The oil crisis of the 1970s also brought a focus on fuel efficiency and economy, with manufacturers responding to consumers' changing priorities. The 1970s car commercials blended technological optimism and evolving social values. Lets take a look at some of the car commercials of the 1970s.

In the late '90s, family SUVs were all the rage, combining car-like comfort with SUV capabilities: spacious trunks, roomy interiors, and great visibility. Unlike rugged off-roaders, these were for people who needed a higher ride height and a bit of off-road cred. The Durango filled the niche left by the legendary Ramcharger.Built on the Dakota pickup’s body-on-frame platform, the Durango didn’t hide its roots. Its five-door body aimed to widen its appeal and it was larger than competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Ford Explorer but didn’t look bulky. The design mixed contemporary trends with retro touches, such as the front fenders below the hood and a massive crosshair grille.In its first model year, an optional third row allowed up to eight passengers—though two adults back there for more than a hundred kilometers was a no-go. The interior mirrored the Dakota’s, highlighting the era’s trend towards unification. Initially, it came with a 5.2-liter Magnum V8 engine, underlining its utility.So, while the flashy sports cars get the spotlight, it’s the workhorse Durango that keeps the wheels of daily life turning.In 2003, a rear-wheel drive version and a 4.7-liter V8 with 235 horsepower were introduced. Excitingly, a special edition Shelby SP360 was released, packing a supercharged 360-horsepower Magnum V8. This rare gem had a snazzy interior, four separate seats, a rudimentary third row, reinforced suspension, disc brakes all around, and an upgraded automatic transmission.

Scout 80s were built between 1960 and 1965. These models were identifiable by a boxy, utilitarian design with removable sliding windows and a fold-down windshield. The rugged, no-nonsense look was geared towards functionality. Interior: Basic and spartan, with bench seating and minimal amenities aimed at utility. Engines: Powered by a 152-cubic-inch inline-four engine producing 93 horsepower.Red Carpet By the end of 1964, International Harvester had already built 100,000 Scouts. To celebrate this achievement, International Harvester marketed a “Red Carpet Series” Scout 80 in 1965 which was white with a red interior and had a “Custom” badge under the window on each door. Every International Harvester dealer was allotted one Red Carpet Series Scout 80 to promote the brand. This Scout was a step up from regular models; it was marketed to attract more people and was often advertised with women in mind.

The Motor Trend Car of the Year (COTY) is an annual Car of the Year award given by Motor Trend magazine to recognize the best new or significantly refreshed car in a given model year. Motor Trend's Car of the Year is "one of the most prestigious honors bestowed in the auto industry." The trophy for the winner, a depiction of calipers, is often used in the winning automaker's marketing and advertising. Most cars that win the award report a spike in sales.In this video, we go over all cars that were the car of the year for the 1970s decade.

Chevrolet began production of its all-steel "carryall-suburban" in 1934. GMC brought out its version later in 1937. The Suburban was available in both passenger and cargo versions, offering optional side and rear access doors or a tailgate, as well as a Canopy Express with an open cargo area. This versatility made it a popular choice for various commercial and personal uses.Priced just under $700, which is about $16,200 in 2024 money, the Suburban was powered by the Chevrolet Stovebolt 206 cubic inch straight-six engine producing 60 horsepower at 2300 rpm and 125 lb⋅ft of torque at 1200–2000 rpm.The redesign in 1941 made the vehicle two inches longer and increased its weight by a couple of hundred pounds to around 3,500 lbs. Chevrolet versions of the Suburban were equipped with a 216 cubic inch Stovebolt six engine, producing up to 90 horsepower, while GMC versions used a 228 cubic inch engine with 93 horsepower. The Suburban was still offered as a two-door vehicle, with a choice of side-hinged rear doors or a tailgate and hatch.

Here's a list of the top 20 American sports cars from the 1970s known for their sexy rear ends, along with a brief description of what made them stand out:Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (1972): The split rear window and sleek design made it a head-turner.Production Years: 1968-1982Split Rear Window (Earlier Models): While the 1972 model didn't feature the split rear window, the legacy of this design element continued to influence its allure. The sleek and elongated rear design gave the Sting Ray an aerodynamic and futuristic appearance.Curvaceous Fenders: The Corvette's curvaceous rear fenders added a touch of elegance and aggression. The pronounced curves gave the car a muscular and sporty look.Quad Taillights: The four round taillights were a distinctive feature that became a signature design element for the Corvette. They not only enhanced the car's visual appeal but also provided a sense of symmetry and balance.Performance and Presence:Wide Stance: The Corvette's wide stance and low-slung profile contributed to its commanding presence on the road. This design made the car look fast even when it was standing still.Integrated Bumper: The rear bumper was seamlessly integrated into the design, giving the car a clean and cohesive look. This integration added to the car's sleek and modern appearance.