Though not as blatantly backward-looking as some of the other candidates on this list, the 2009 VW Rabbit harkens back to a simpler time in transportation—one where style came as a bi-product of functionality. VW resurrected the Rabbit name after a decades-long hiatus and the successor to the throne is a fitting replacement for its plucky ancestor. Unlike the anemic Rabbits of old, this little car gets up and goes thanks to a 170 horsepower 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine. The slick six-speed automatic transmission makes motoring a breeze, too.

The 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS is probably one of the most overlooked cars in GM’s stable.

Not every American car out there with a classic tilt has a huge V-8 under the hood. The 2009 Chevrolet HHR SS is probably one of the most overlooked cars in GM’s stable. It’s true the looks aren’t for everyone, but there’s no denying this ride’s vintage style. The look is pulled straight from GM’s panel trucks from the mid ‘50s, but it’s what’s under this retro’s hood that’s really surprising. Chevrolet blessed this ride with a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. That means plenty of go-quick fun without the headache at the pumps.

If you’re looking for a ride with a bit more British flair, look no further than the 2009 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop.

If you’re looking for a ride with a bit more British flair, look no further than the 2009 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop. MINI’s no novice to the retro scene, but the company has managed to keep its products relevant through multiple drivetrain and performance package updates over the years. The most impressive of those has to be the John Cooper Works package, which includes a 208 horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, sport suspension and quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission – not to mention some awesome aesthetic additions.

Ford helped to kick off the retro-styled craze with its fifth-generation car. That body style pulled elements from the successful late ‘60s and early ‘70s Mustangs in a way that was strikingly different than anything else on the road.

Ford helped to kick off the retro-styled craze with its fifth-generation car. That body style pulled elements from the successful late ‘60s and early ‘70s Mustangs in a way that was strikingly different than anything else on the road. Ford plans to continue that move by refreshing the Mustang for 2010 to compete with the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. Though the now-familiar shape stays largely the same, the new body builds off of the beefier-looking ’69 Mustang with muscular rear haunches and a more narrowed front-end.

Big, heavy and remarkably slow despite its potent 6.1-liter Hemi V-8, the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 could be better on a number of levels. Except style.

Big, heavy and remarkably slow despite its potent 6.1-liter Hemi V-8, the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 could be better on a number of levels. Except style. Every inch of this sizeable rig drips with charisma thanks to cues lifted directly from the Mopar success: the 1970 Dodge Challenger. The car was made famous by cult movies like Vanishing Point, where one mighty Challenger took on the best police departments from multiple states had to offer. It’s as if Dodge managed to bottle all that cool and unleash it on today. If you’re in the market for retro Americana, this is it.

The Camaro is back, and General Motors has made sure the resurrected name will live up to its ancestry.

The Camaro is back, and General Motors has made sure the resurrected name will live up to its ancestry. Aside from styling swiped from one of the most attractive Camaros in history – the 1969 – this car is blessed with some serious power. Just behind the front Bow-Tie, The General has graced the Camaro with your 426 horsepower V-8. Unlike its ancestors, this is one Chevrolet that’s designed to handle, too.