The Complete List of Cars Made In 1989

The late 1980s marked a fascinating crossroads in automotive history, a period where manufacturers began to blend the angular aesthetics of the decade with evolving technologies. From sleek sports cars to dependable family sedans, 1989 was a year that saw a diverse array of vehicles hitting the dealerships, each reflecting the design trends and engineering advancements of the era.

In this comprehensive list, we’ve compiled 96 Cars Made in 1989, showcasing the incredible variety, from the sophisticated Acura to the reliable Volvo. For each entry, you’ll find below key details including the Model, its specific Body Style, and any Notable Feature that made it stand out in its time.

What made cars from 1989 unique compared to previous years?

The late 1980s saw a strong shift towards more aerodynamic designs and the increasing integration of electronic systems, like anti-lock brakes and fuel injection, as standard features. There was also a growing emphasis on safety and fuel efficiency, alongside a continued passion for performance, leading to a distinctive blend of innovation and classic styling that set them apart from earlier models.

Were there any significant automotive trends from 1989 that influenced future car design?

Absolutely. The push for more efficient engines and lighter materials, coupled with advances in safety technology and in-car electronics, laid much of the groundwork for the 1990s and beyond. Many of the luxury and performance features that became common in subsequent decades were either introduced or significantly refined in models around 1989, setting a clear trajectory for future automotive development.

Cars Made in 1989

Images and Descriptions

Acura

A highly respected car that proved Japan could build world-class luxury vehicles. The Legend was praised for its smooth V6, high-quality interior, and sophisticated driving dynamics, competing with European rivals.

Acura

A favorite among young enthusiasts, the Integra offered a premium and sporty alternative to a Honda Civic. It was known for its high-revving engine, sharp handling, and excellent build quality.

Alfa Romeo

A true Italian sports sedan with a passionate V6 engine and quirky styling. Its unique engineering provided exceptional handling, making it a cult favorite for driving purists in its final year.

Alfa Romeo

The classic Spider continued its long production run, offering a pure, top-down driving experience. It was less about speed and more about style, sound, and the joy of open-air motoring.

Audi

A well-built compact executive sedan that offered a sense of durability and safety. The addition of Quattro all-wheel drive provided superior all-weather traction, a key Audi differentiator.

Audi

This executive car was notable for its sleek, low-drag body that improved fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise. The turbocharged 200 model offered impressive, understated performance.

Bentley

Combining opulent British luxury with startling acceleration, the Turbo R was a “gentleman’s express.” It offered the performance of a sports car in a package of ultimate comfort and prestige.

BMW

The E30 was the benchmark for handling and driver involvement in its class. Its balanced chassis, smooth inline-six engines, and iconic design made it a massive success and a future classic.

BMW

Considered one of the greatest driver’s cars ever made, the M3 was a legend in touring car racing. Its high-revving four-cylinder engine and telepathic handling are still celebrated today.

BMW

The E34 set a new standard for mid-size luxury sports sedans. It blended classic BMW styling with modern engineering, offering a superb balance of comfort, performance, and refinement.

BMW

This flagship sedan competed directly with the Mercedes S-Class, offering cutting-edge technology and luxury. The 750iL’s V12 engine was a symbol of ultimate prestige and effortless power.

Buick

A traditional, full-size American car prized for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. The LeSabre was a consistent top-seller, appealing to buyers who valued comfort over sportiness.

Buick

This niche, hand-finished Buick was more of a personal luxury cruiser than a sports car. Its most notable feature was the advanced Electronic Control Center touchscreen, a novelty for the era.

Buick

The Riviera offered sleek styling and a host of luxury features. Like its two-seat sibling, it featured the advanced touchscreen control system, setting it apart from its domestic competitors.

Cadillac

The DeVille was a top-seller for Cadillac, offering a plush ride, acres of interior space, and classic brand prestige. Its V8 engine provided smooth, effortless cruising power.

Cadillac

An ultra-luxury roadster with a unique production process where bodies were flown from Italy to Detroit for final assembly. It was Cadillac’s ambitious, stylish, but slow-selling halo car.

Chevrolet

The Beretta offered a sportier look than its four-door counterpart. It was a popular and affordable coupe, with performance-oriented versions like the GTU appealing to younger buyers.

Chevrolet

The third-generation Camaro was the definitive muscle car of the 80s. The IROC-Z package, with its powerful V8 and aggressive looks, was the most desirable and recognizable version.

Chevrolet

One of the last of its kind, the Caprice was a favorite of families and police departments for its durability, size, and comfort. It represented the end of an era for American cars.

Chevrolet

The Cavalier was GM’s answer to the Japanese compacts. It offered a wide range of body styles and was a common sight on American roads, valued for its affordability and availability.

Chevrolet

The C4 Corvette continued to be a performance benchmark, blending V8 power with advanced features. The introduction of the ZF 6-speed manual transmission was a major upgrade for enthusiast drivers.

Chevrolet

Smaller and more maneuverable than full-size SUVs, the S-10 Blazer was perfect for both city driving and light off-roading. It offered truck-like utility in a more manageable size.

Chrysler

This front-wheel-drive luxury sedan provided a plush, comfortable ride and traditional styling cues like a vinyl roof. It was a popular choice for buyers seeking classic American luxury in a modern package.

Citroën

A futuristic French executive car that won European Car of the Year. Its computer-controlled suspension delivered an exceptionally smooth ride, and its design was distinctively avant-garde.

Daihatsu

A small, fuel-efficient Japanese subcompact that was a newcomer to the US market. The Charade was noted for its peppy three-cylinder engine and practical hatchback design.

Dodge

The Daytona, especially in Shelby trim, offered impressive straight-line performance from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It was a popular and distinctly American take on the sporty coupe.

Dodge

A holdover from the 1970s, the Omni was one of the first successful FWD American small cars. By 1989 it was a basic, no-frills budget option for economical transportation.

Dodge

A successor to the Omni, the Shadow offered more modern styling and features. Its practical five-door liftback design looked like a traditional sedan but offered greater cargo flexibility.

Dodge

Replacing the dated Aries, the Spirit was a huge step forward for Chrysler. It was a straightforward, practical, and space-efficient sedan that sold in massive numbers and helped revive the company.

Eagle

Launched under the new Eagle brand, the Talon was a rebadged Mitsubishi Eclipse. The TSi AWD model, with its turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, was an instant performance icon.

Ferrari

A raw, uncompromising supercar built to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary. With a twin-turbo V8 and lightweight carbon fiber body, it was the ultimate road-going race car of its time.

Ferrari

An icon of 80s excess, the Testarossa’s dramatic styling and flat-12 engine made it a bedroom wall poster favorite. It offered a blend of exotic performance and grand touring comfort.

Ford

The Bronco was the quintessential American 4×4, known for its tough body-on-frame construction and powerful V8 options. It was equally at home on the highway or on a remote trail.

Ford

The workhorse of taxi fleets and police departments, the Crown Victoria was built on the long-running Panther platform. It was known for its durability, comfort, and spaciousness.

Ford

The Escort was Ford’s hugely popular global compact car. It offered economical and reliable transportation for millions, with sporty GT and Pony models adding a dose of fun.

Ford

An entry-level hatchback that offered basic transportation and excellent fuel economy. The Festiva was an early example of global platform sharing, providing a low-cost option for first-time buyers.

Ford

The lightweight Fox-body Mustang GT was the king of affordable performance. Its powerful and easily modified 5.0-liter V8 engine made it a dominant force in street and strip performance.

Ford

Intended as a potential Mustang replacement, the Probe was based on the Mazda MX-6. The GT model’s turbocharged engine and modern styling won over many fans of FWD performance.

Ford

Continuing its reign as a top-seller, the Taurus’s aerodynamic styling looked years ahead of its rivals. It set the standard for American family sedans with its FWD layout and user-friendly interior.

Ford

The “Super Coupe” was a major leap forward, winning Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. Its sophisticated chassis and powerful supercharged engine made it a world-class grand touring coupe.

Geo

Part of GM’s new import-fighting brand, the Suzuki-built Metro was a champion of fuel efficiency. It offered basic, reliable transportation for budget-conscious buyers and was surprisingly fun to drive.

Geo

The Prizm offered the best of both worlds: a familiar domestic brand name with Toyota’s legendary quality and reliability. It was essentially a Corolla in a slightly different wrapper.

Honda

The third-generation Accord was at the peak of its popularity, renowned for its reliability, refined engineering, and high-quality feel. It was the benchmark against which all other family cars were judged.

Honda

The fourth-generation Civic was praised for its double-wishbone suspension, providing excellent ride and handling. It was a well-built, efficient, and fun-to-drive car that came in multiple body styles.

Honda

The CR-X was a masterclass in small car engineering. The Si model, in particular, was a favorite among enthusiasts for its sharp handling, peppy engine, and surprisingly practical layout.

Honda

A stylish and technologically advanced sports coupe, the Prelude’s standout feature was its mechanical 4WS system. It improved both high-speed stability and low-speed maneuverability.

Hyundai

The Excel’s primary selling point was its rock-bottom price, making new car ownership accessible to more people. While not known for quality, it played a crucial role in Hyundai’s growth.

Infiniti

Launched alongside Lexus, the Q45 took a sportier approach to luxury. It boasted a powerful 4.5L V8 and a minimalist design that notably lacked a traditional front grille.

Jaguar

The XJ-S offered a uniquely British blend of performance and luxury. Its smooth and potent V12 engine made it an effortless high-speed cruiser with timeless, elegant styling.

Jeep

The XJ Cherokee was a revolutionary vehicle, blending rugged off-road capability with car-like comfort and practicality. Its timeless design and versatility made it immensely popular.

Jeep

A direct descendant of the original military Jeep, the Wrangler was the ultimate off-road vehicle. The 1989 model continued the YJ generation, known for its controversial square headlights.

Lamborghini

Still turning heads, the Countach received its final and most flamboyant update. The 25th Anniversary model featured dramatic new bodywork and remained the definition of an exotic car.

Lancia

A road-going version of a rally champion, the Integrale was an all-wheel-drive performance icon. It offered blistering acceleration and tenacious grip, wrapped in an aggressive, purposeful body.

Lexus

This car shocked the automotive world. Its whisper-quiet V8 engine, flawless build quality, and aggressive pricing immediately challenged the dominance of established German luxury brands.

Lincoln

The new Continental broke from tradition with a front-wheel-drive layout and sleek, aerodynamic styling. Its electronically controlled air suspension provided a smooth, comfortable ride.

Lincoln

The Town Car was the epitome of traditional American luxury: big, comfortable, and V8-powered. It was a favorite in the livery industry for its spacious rear seat and cavernous trunk.

Lotus

The “Giugiaro” wedge design of the Esprit was updated with smoother lines by Peter Stevens. It offered exotic looks and incredible handling, proving a small engine could deliver supercar performance.

Mazda

The Mazda 626 was the driver’s choice in the mid-size sedan category. It offered a more engaging and sporty driving experience than its main rivals, the Accord and Camry.

Mazda

An instant classic, the Miata perfectly captured the spirit of small British sports cars but with bulletproof Japanese reliability. Its lightweight, balanced design delivered pure driving joy.

Mazda

The Multi-Purpose Vehicle was a unique take on the family hauler. Unlike its FWD competitors, the MPV was initially rear-wheel drive and offered a more car-like driving experience.

Mazda

The second-generation RX-7 offered a smooth, powerful turbocharged rotary engine and excellent balance. It was a sophisticated and unique alternative to traditional piston-engined sports cars.

Mercedes-Benz

This compact sedan was engineered to the same high standards as its larger siblings. The 190E 2.6 model offered a smooth inline-six, while the Cosworth was a high-performance legend.

Mercedes-Benz

Often cited as one of the best-built cars ever, the W124 was a masterpiece of engineering. It offered a combination of safety, comfort, and longevity that was second to none in its class.

Mercedes-Benz

A massive leap forward, the new SL was a high-tech marvel. Its innovative automatic roll bar, which deployed in an accident, set a new standard for convertible safety.

Mercury

Sharing the Thunderbird’s new advanced platform, the Cougar XR-7 offered the same supercharged V6 performance but with a more formal and luxurious design, including its signature roofline.

Mitsubishi

The Eclipse offered head-turning “jellybean” styling and exciting performance. The top-tier GSX model featured a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, making it a formidable street performer.

Mitsubishi

This was Mitsubishi’s answer to the rally specials from Europe. The Galant VR-4 packed advanced technology and blistering performance into an unassuming four-door sedan body.

Nissan

The 240SX quickly became a favorite for its fantastic RWD chassis balance and light weight, which made it fun to drive. It would later become a legend in the world of drifting.

Nissan

This wedge-shaped sports car was a popular icon of the 1980s. Its turbocharged V6 provided strong performance, and it offered a host of high-tech features for its time.

Nissan

With a new generation for 1989, the Maxima cemented its reputation as a fun-to-drive family sedan. It offered a smooth V6 engine and a sport-tuned suspension that set it apart.

Nissan

The Pulsar was famous for its unique “Sportbak” wagon-like rear hatch, which could be swapped out to create a small pickup-like vehicle. It was a fun and highly versatile car.

Nissan

A technological tour de force, the R32 GT-R featured a twin-turbo inline-six and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. It utterly dominated Japanese touring car racing, earning its legendary nickname.

Oldsmobile

This new front-wheel-drive Cutlass had sleek, aerodynamic styling that was a radical departure for Oldsmobile. It was a modern take on the popular American personal luxury car.

Peugeot

The Peugeot 405, sold in the US as the 405 Mi16, was praised by critics for its brilliant chassis tuning. It provided a level of driver engagement rare in family sedans.

Plymouth

Like the Spirit, the Acclaim was a modern and highly successful mid-size sedan for Chrysler. It offered good value and interior space, becoming a popular choice for American families.

Plymouth

A sibling to the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, the Laser offered the same exciting performance and styling. The RS Turbo model was the top performer in Plymouth’s lineup.

Pontiac

The STE (Special Touring Edition) was Pontiac’s attempt to build a domestic rival to European sport sedans. The availability of all-wheel drive was a rare and advanced feature for the time.

Pontiac

The SSE package transformed the Bonneville into a striking and button-heavy performance sedan. It featured aggressive body cladding and a cockpit-like interior with numerous controls.

Pontiac

To celebrate 20 years, Pontiac released a special Trans Am featuring Buick’s turbocharged 3.8L V6. It was a “sleeper” that could outperform Corvettes and Ferraris in a straight line.

Pontiac

Like its sibling, the Cutlass Supreme, the new Grand Prix was a modern, front-wheel-drive coupe. The turbocharged STE and McLaren models offered a significant performance boost.

Porsche

The 964 was a thoroughly modernized 911, with 85% new parts. The Carrera 4 was the first model released, bringing all-wheel drive to the 911 for the first time for enhanced stability.

Porsche

The S2 model gave the 944 a significant power boost without a turbocharger, making it one of the largest four-cylinder engines of its day. This resulted in a fast, well-balanced sports car.

Saab

The “classic” Saab 900 was known for its unique clamshell hood, center-mounted ignition, and aircraft-inspired design. The Turbo model provided exhilarating and unexpected performance.

Subaru

A small, practical hatchback, the Justy’s most notable feature was the option of an ECVT. It was one of the first cars in America to offer a continuously variable transmission.

Subaru

The first-generation Legacy was a critical car for Subaru, moving the brand upmarket. It introduced the brand’s now-standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system to a mainstream family car.

Subaru

The XT was one of the most aerodynamic cars of its time, featuring a joystick-like shifter and an asymmetrical steering wheel. The XT6 model came with a six-cylinder boxer engine.

Toyota

The Camry built its reputation on being an incredibly dependable and well-built family car. It offered a comfortable ride and a user-friendly experience that appealed to a massive audience.

Toyota

The Celica was a popular and reliable sports coupe. The top-of-the-line All-Trac Turbo model was a rally-inspired homologation special with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine.

Toyota

The Corolla was the definition of a sensible, dependable compact car. It was affordable to buy and own, offering basic transportation that would seemingly run forever with minimal maintenance.

Toyota

Often called a “four-door Supra,” the Cressida used the same smooth inline-six engine and rear-drive layout. It was a comfortable and powerful Japanese luxury sedan for those in the know.

Toyota

The first-generation MR2 was a small, lightweight “pocket rocket.” Its mid-engine layout provided excellent handling, and the Supercharged model offered a thrilling boost in performance.

Toyota

The A70 Supra was a potent and stylish GT car. Its 3.0-liter inline-six engine, especially in turbocharged form, delivered smooth and impressive power, making it a formidable performer.

Volkswagen

The second-generation Golf was a hugely popular and practical car. The 16-valve GTI model was a performance icon, beloved by enthusiasts for its sharp handling and high-revving engine.

Volkswagen

The Jetta offered the same solid German engineering as the Golf but in a more traditional sedan body. The sporty GLI version was essentially a “GTI with a trunk.”

Volvo

The Volvo 240 was a symbol of safety and longevity. Its simple, robust design and cavernous wagon version made it a favorite for families who valued practicality above all else.

Volvo

A more modern and luxurious alternative to the 240, the 740 continued Volvo’s tradition of safety and practicality. The Turbo model offered surprising performance for such a stately car.

Cars Made in Other Years