In the late 1980s, General Motors launched a bold experiment—Geo. This new brand was created to capture the hearts of drivers seeking affordable, fuel-efficient, and fun vehicles. Geo’s compact lineup arrived just as America’s appetite for small cars was growing, offering a fresh alternative to the era’s bulky rides.
Though Geo’s journey was brief (1989-1997), its cars quickly gained a loyal following thanks to their quirky styling, reliable engineering, and wallet-friendly price tags. Despite its short lifespan, Geo left an undeniable mark on automotive culture, sparking nostalgia and admiration that persists even decades later.
There’s something undeniably magical about a crisp manual shift—the satisfying snick of a lever sliding perfectly into gear, the tactile feedback that puts you in command of every rev, and the pure connection between driver and machine. In today’s world of seamless automatics and paddle-shifted transmissions, a truly rewarding manual gearbox is a rare and coveted treasure. Enthusiasts know that these shifting experiences offer a sense of control and engagement that can’t be replicated.
This article celebrates 20 cars that deliver the most satisfying manual shifts, making every drive unforgettable.
Every automotive enthusiast carries in their heart a special list of cars long retired from production but never forgotten. These discontinued models evoke deep nostalgia, reminding us of eras defined by innovative design, thrilling performance, and unique charm. Often ahead of their time or simply too niche for the mainstream market, these vehicles have grown more desirable with age, becoming sought-after gems among collectors and fans alike. Join us as we explore 20 unforgettable cars that have been discontinued but continue to captivate, excite, and inspire—a select group we’d eagerly welcome back into our driveways today.
A national gathering of Ford Motor Company’s best high-performance cars will converge in East Moline, Illinois on July 17-19 as the Boss Nationals carries on the tradition of recognizing and promoting the history of Dearborn’s best.
If your blood doesn’t flow Ford blue, then perhaps a primer is in order: anything with the Boss name, from the 1969-70 Mustang Boss 302 and Cougar Eliminator, 1969-70 Mustang Boss 429 and Cougar, and 1971 Mustang Boss 351 are the vehicles of honor. And don’t forget the latter-day Mustang Boss 302 that was built for 2012-13! All were primo performance cars, with the vintage models being top collectibles for decades.
In addition, this year there will be special recognition for Cobra Jet Fords and Mercurys built with the Drag Pack. That means any 1969-70 428 Super Cobra Jet and 1970-71 429 Super Cobra Jet vehicles, both mid-size and pony cars!
For the show field, there will be multiple judged classes plus one for non-judged cars, all held at the Bend XPO in East Moline, Illinois. The calendar of events is as follows:
Thursday, July 17: Load-in and set-up at Bend XPO
Friday, July 18: Car show (including judging) and swap meet
Saturday, July 19: Car show, more judging, swap meet, and awards
Sunday, July 20: Must be out of the building by 9 a.m.
New for 2025 is the Super Stallion Class for Thoroughbred Judged cars—this is for the best of the best! To qualify, car must have received two MCA Thoroughbred Gold, SAAC Division II, MCACN Pinnacle, or Boss Nationals Gold awards, or a combination of such.
Registration , lodging, and more information can be found on the Boss Nationals website www.bossnationals.com. Plenty of food, pop (said some Midwesterner), beer, and Bosses to be had!
When most people think of high-performance vehicles, sleek and agile sports cars immediately come to mind. However, there’s an unexpected contender that occasionally manages to steal the spotlight: the humble sedan. Often stereotyped as practical family cars built more for comfort and convenience than adrenaline-fueled thrills, sedans have repeatedly defied expectations by outperforming their sporty counterparts in various competitions and real-world scenarios. From surprising victories on racetracks to superior performance in handling and acceleration tests, these family-friendly vehicles have demonstrated that practicality doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing performance. Let’s explore twenty memorable instances where sedans left sports cars trailing behind.
The year 1999 stands out as a milestone in automotive history—a time when bold design met remarkable innovation.
Fast-forward 25 years, and the cars launched during this era are now officially recognized as classics.
From exhilarating sports cars to refined sedans and pioneering SUVs, these vehicles not only redefined performance and style, but also left a lasting mark on global car culture.
As we revisit the diverse lineup of models that shaped the roads at the turn of the millennium, it’s clear that 1999 was more than just a year—it was a turning point for the industry.
Of all the mid-size muscle cars of the 1960s and ’70s, the Dodge Charger is the absolute coolest of them all. It had a starring role in “The Dukes’s Of Hazzard,” and then it also starred in a number of “The Fast and the Furious” movies.
These Chargers are in my option the very definition of a badass muscle car: great engines, dramatic styling, and are big imposing cars. A fine example of a top-tier 1970 Dodge Charger R/T is our AutoHunter Spotlight for today.
This car is powered by its legendary, numbers-matching 440 Six Pack V8. The freshly rebuilt engine is mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Finished in Light Gold Metallic with a white vinyl roof and matching “Bumblebee” stripe over a Black and Charcoal vinyl interior, it is offered by the selling dealer with a framed original broadcast sheet and clear title.
It is said to have received a complete restoration in 2019, with the seller stating that this Charger is one of 187 known V-Code 4-speed Charger R/Ts produced with Dana 60 rear end and 3.54 Sure Grip, according to the 1970 Charger Registry. Other features include the correct 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels that are clad in F70 Firestone Wide Oval raised white letter tires.
The interior of this Charger looks excellent, with correct Black and Charcoal vinyl upholstery, wood dash trim, center console with Hurst pistol-grip manual shifter, and factory AM radio.
Under the hood is where the awesome is most evident. The factory 440 Six Pack V8 looks correct in every way. If you are worried about power, don’t be as this engine produces 390 horsepower at 4,700 rpm and 490 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm.
When you take a look at the Chrysler broadcast sheet, which is the build sheet in Mopar-speak, you’ll find that this car is exactly as it was delivered from the factory when new. Having that broadcast sheet with the car is important in verifying that the vehicle is correct and raises this Charger to a level higher than Chargers that have been modified over the years. To me it is the perfect car to take to the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals or any local show; it is also eligible for many regional concours events due to it being such a nice, correct, and rare example.
If you are looking for a top-tier muscle car, this vehicle is one you should seriously consider placing a bid or three on, but do so quickly as the auction for this 1970 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Six Pack ends on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
Whether it’s in real life, or in a movie or TV show, seeing a convoy of large, black SUVs usually means someone important (such as a politician or an executive) is on the move. Typically, those rigs are from General Motors, but soon you might see a group of 2025 Jeep Wagoneer COVs (Command Operations Vehicle) flying past you to bring a VIP to his or her next destination safely.
According to Stellantis, “The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer COV, developed at the request of and in cooperation with, federal, state and local government agencies” is a vehicle designed for VIP protection and law enforcement.
Fundamentally, the Wagoneer COV is largely a regular Wagoneer. It has leather seats for eight passengers, three-zone climate control, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension system. Its 10-inch heads-up display with night vision and 360-degree surround-view camera are a great fit for this important kind of work; they work in conjunction with approximately 130 other standard safety and security features to keep occupants safe. The Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbo I6 under the hood delivers 420 horsepower and can bring the Wagoneer COV to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.
Of course, it takes special equipment to turn the three-row rig into VIP transportation. Whelen grille, side, and front and rear interior light bars make it clear to onlookers and other drivers that the COV is not your ordinary Wagoneer. Even those who can’t see the COV will know it’s nearby thanks to the Whelen siren system, which is connected to a speaker mounted behind the grille. Inside, a Power Distribution Center with dedicated circuits for equipment (camera, computer, radio, radar, siren, printer, modem, etc.), and cargo/weapon storage areas are there to make the driver and personnel’s jobs a bit less stressful.
Agencies that purchase the Jeep Wagoner Command Operations Vehicle will receive three years of Jeep Connect services, such as remote start, plus 10 years of access to the Safety and Security Package, which includes Recall Alert and Stolen Vehicle Assistance. If the Wagoneer COV gets swiped while you’re on assignment, be prepared for plenty of paperwork—including a pink slip.
The automotive world stands on the brink of a revolutionary shift. Electrification, advanced driver assistance, and daring new designs are rewriting the rules of what’s possible on four wheels.
Across 2025 and 2026, a remarkable lineup of vehicles will debut, each promising to redefine performance, sustainability, and luxury. These game-changing cars are more than just transportation—they’re statements about where innovation is headed.
Join us as we spotlight the 20 vehicles set to shape the future of driving and influence the entire industry.
During the muscle car era, it was not unusual for companies to offer exhaust extensions or fancy exhaust tips as an option. However, only one manufacturer offered a special exhaust tip option that came with a unique bumper. One of these cars, a 1971 Buick GS two-door hardtop, is our Pick of the Day. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Like Chevrolet, Buick changed its approach to its mid-size high-performance cars for 1971. In Buick’s case, the GS 350 and GS 455 were combined into a single Gran Sport series, available with 350, 455, and Stage 1 455. This was the year that compression was lowered for all of GM’s brands, so the standard 350 dropped from 315 to 260 horsepower, while the 455 dropped 35 to 315 horses. The top-dog Stage 1 went from 360 to 345 horses. The 350 came standard with a column-shifted three-speed, while either 455 required a four-speed or automatic to be specified. Unlike 1970, the 350 was not available with a floor shifter for the three-speed.
The GS (and Skylarks in general) were given a mild facelift, with the grille now featuring two nostrils underneath the front bar of the bumper; out back, the license plate moved up on the bumper to eliminate the trim that connected the taillights for 1970. For GSs, the grille’s pattern (which differed from the Skylark’s) was repeated in the grilles for the ram air system.
Interestingly, a front bench seat was standard. Compare this with other performance models within GM, such as the Pontiac GTO, and Oldsmobile 4-4-2, as they both came standard with bucket seats. Aside of bucket seats, buyers could opt for a vinyl notchback seat, which included an armrest.
New was the “Through Bumper Exhaust Extensions,” sales code E6 and UPC code N25. Unlike the Oldsmobile 4-4-2’s notched bumper with “trumpet” extensions, this option featured a rectangular hole punched through the bumper. Only 2,033 folks ordered a GS with this bumper.
This 1971 Buick GS is of 5,986 two-door hardtops powered by the 350 four-barrel. It’s also one of 552 painted Fire Red. This GS features Pearl White bucket seats with an added console. “All original with factory repaint,” says the seller. “The body is straight and free of dents or scratches.” The interior is in “outstanding shape,” presented as a clean and well-maintained cabin. Several options include console, tachometer (appears to be added), air conditioning, push-button Sonomatic AM radio, white vinyl top, driver-side mirror, and Buick’s famous chrome mags.
“Mechanically, everything is dialed in—all gauges, lights, and turn signals function properly,” adds the seller. Sounds like a “hop in and drive” car! And when you separate yourself from $42,995 to drive off in this Buick, be sure to shake that thang because the tail is what makes this one stand out.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com