The automotive industry thrives on innovation, and staying competitive often means making bold changes. Manufacturers are left with little choice and must refine their designs and technology to meet evolving consumer demands. Some vehicles have been completely transformed by bold redesigns, going from underwhelming to iconic. Here are 14 cars that found success through major updates.
Chevrolet Camaro
In 2002, Chevrolet launched a new Camaro that removed many angles, gave the vehicle a muscular, powerful look, and replaced the body with a sleek design. The car just didn’t look like a Camaro. The 2010 Camaro changed all of that with a return to a more boxy style that screamed muscle car instead of a regular sedan, effectively reigniting interest in the iconic muscle car.
Mazda3
Mazda’s vehicles were known for their balance of quality and performance even before 2014, but the Mazda3’s redesign that year elevated the model further. The 2014 update introduced a sleeker design and improved the interior’s material quality, making it a competitive choice for drivers seeking sporty handling and refinement. It also looks like a very happy smiley face, which can’t be bad.
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is a vehicle built with affordability in mind in a very competitive compact class. Toyota introduced a conservative style in 2013 that looked lumpy and bland. The next generation of Corolla fixed the styling and excited enthusiasts with a new hatchback design, lightweight body, and GR edition that offered more variety and performance.
Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion’s most notable redesign occurred in 2013, bringing significant improvements to styling, performance, and interior quality. The updated front grille, reminiscent of Aston Martin’s design, added a touch of sophistication, helping the Fusion stand out in the crowded midsize sedan market.
Ford Mustang
You know a redesign works for the better when sales jump for a couple of years. That was the case for the newly designed Mustang introduced in 2005. Ford went from a more futuristic, aerodynamic back to its roots in muscle cars with a boxy front end, a mix of square and circular lights, and a new platform with a longer wheelbase, which made the interior bigger, too.
Honda Civic
The 2006 Honda Civic marked a dramatic departure from its previous design, featuring a shorter hood, a simplified grille, and a more modern, streamlined appearance. While the new 1.8-liter engine offered improved performance, the redesign was more about aesthetics and quality, which reinvigorated the Civic’s reputation as a stylish and reliable compact car.
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai tried hard to make the 2011 Elantra worth looking at, and they succeeded. Gone were the old-school econobox looks, and in came a curvy design that didn’t look like an inexpensive vehicle. The gas mileage improved, going from 31 mpg to 38 in one year.
Jaguar XJ
The Jaguar XJ underwent a complete transformation with its redesign, shifting from a traditional sedan with rounded headlights to a sleek and modern luxury car featuring angular headlamps and a bold new grille. Inside, the XJ introduced advanced technology, including a dual-view center console that allowed passengers to view multimedia content while keeping the driver’s screen focused on navigation or controls.
Kia Optima
In the late 2000s, the Kia Optima looked boring. Without many lines to define the car, it did well at blending in if that’s what you were going for. Like the Elantra, the Optima got a radical redesign. The hood offered more angles and a more distinct look that didn’t just look like a rounded rectangle. Thankfully, Kia replaced the engine with the same one from the Sonata, giving it 200 horsepower and making it a much more exciting drive.
Nissan Maxima
It’s hard to pinpoint a year for Maxima redesigns because Nissan has effectively avoided turning back the clock on style. The sporty sedans’ cosmetic upgrades have helped keep it relevant, going from the boxy designs of the 1990s to a more aerodynamic shape in the 2010s and a handsome, aggressive look more recently.
Mazda Miata
This one might be less common on the road, but it’s instantly recognizable to those who know it. The Mazda Miata has long been in a league of its own as a lightweight sports car. The 2016 model brought a refreshed design and a notable boost in performance, increasing its horsepower from 155 to 181—a significant upgrade for a car in its class.
Lincoln Navigator
In 2018, Lincoln gave the Navigator a much-needed overhaul. The redesign significantly improved the interior, incorporating high-quality materials, state-of-the-art safety features, and an upgraded infotainment system. On the exterior, the oversized grille with prominent chrome accents and the bold Lincoln logo made a strong statement, giving the Navigator a commanding presence on the road.
Chevrolet Impala
The final generation of the Chevrolet Impala, introduced in 2014, marked a major improvement for the model. It featured a modernized exterior design, an updated infotainment system, and a refined interior that elevated its status to near-luxury. The 2014 Impala was well-received and earned accolades, including being named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2014.
Chevrolet Corvette C8
The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 introduced a groundbreaking mid-engine design that revolutionized the classic sports car. While maintaining its distinct Corvette identity, the C8 offered a dramatic redesign that elevated its performance and aesthetics, turning it into a true competitor among entry-level supercars. Its bold styling and exceptional engineering made it a standout in the sports car market.
Drivers Notice When Vehicles Look And Feel The Same For Too Long
Vehicle redesigns are an auto manufacturer’s way of keeping up with stiff competition and slumping sales. For many automakers, a total refresh also represents a major financial commitment and a risk that seems to have succeeded for many of these models, especially the Corvette C8, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic. Keep your eyes out for vehicles coming out in the next year that are set to turn it up a notch.
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