With the beginning of the new year, a fresh batch of cars turns 25 years old and thus are considered antique according to many state licensing authorities, auto insurance companies and the Antique Automobile Club of America, the world's largest collector car club.
Twenty-five years ago was 1993, the year that the movie "Jurassic Park" ruled the box office and Whitney Houston topped the pops. Feeling old yet? Don't worry, you're about to feel older.
Here are the notable vehicles that were redesigned or debuted in 1993.
�� Audi 90: Unfairly smeared by "60 Minutes," Volkswagen's luxury brand was rebuilding its reputation when it fielded this new entry-level model with sleeker styling and a 2.6-inch longer wheelbase. A 172-horepower 2.8-liter V6 powered the front wheels through a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. Quattro four-wheel-drive models were offered, but only with the manual transmission.
�� Cadillac Fleetwood: General Motors redesigned its rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan for 1993, endowing it with more modern, aerodynamic styling � although its looks were the most modern part of the car. The chassis dates to 1977, while the name, pulled from Cadillac's smaller front-wheel-drive sedans, dates back decades. As you'd expect, a Brougham package was optional; a soft ride was standard.
�� Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird: This muscle-car duo was new for 1993, returning as a three-door hatchback. A new 160-horsepower 3.4-liter V6 and five-speed manual transmission was standard on base models, while Camaro Z28, Firebird Formula and Trans Am trims had a 5.7-liter V8 and a six-speed manual. A four-speed automatic was optional on all models. Anti-lock brakes were standard.
�� Chrysler Concorde/Dodge Intrepid/Eagle Vision/Chrysler LHS/New Yorker: These front-wheel-drive sedans debuted with innovative "cab forward" styling that proved popular enough to save Chrysler Corp. Built on the LH platform, which some critics called Last Hope, they differed only in styling. Engines included a 153-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 or a 214-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Of the five cars, only the New Yorker had a front bench seat to lure traditional buyers.
�� Ford Probe/Mazda MX-6: Built in Michigan, these front-wheel-drive sports coupes were redesigned for 1993. The Probe three-door hatchback and Mazda MX-6 two-door coupe were powered by a 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 164-horsepower 2.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Collectors take note: Ford outsold the more graceful Mazda 3-to-1.
�� Honda Civic del Sol: Honda replaced its beloved CRX hatchback coupe with the Civic del Sol, a two-seat quasi-convertible with a removable roof panel. Weighing 24 pounds, the panel fit into a frame in the vehicle's trunk. The del Sol used a shortened Civic platform with 102 horsepower in base models and 125 horsepower in Si trim. Sadly, this novel concept never matched the CRX's popularity.
�� Lexus GS 300: Filling in the lineup between the ES 300 and LS 400, the GS 300 would never prove as popular as either of its siblings. The rear-drive sedan was sportier than its stable mates, which may have been the problem. A 220-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission, also used in the LC 400 Coupe, was standard.
�� Lincoln Mark VIII: Feeling very much like a posh muscle car, Lincoln redesigned its Mark series for the first time in nearly a decade. Power came from a dual-cam 4.6-liter V8 that funneled 280 horsepower to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. An electronic air suspension, speed-sensitive power steering, traction control, a CD player and a voice-activated cellphone were optional.
�� Mercedes-Benz 500SEC Coupe: A four-seat, two-door coupe joined Mercedes-Benz's flagship line for 1993, powered by a 315-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and a four-speed automatic transmission. Traction control and anti-lock brakes were standard. Large, heavy and quite thirsty, this is a car for someone who is unashamed about conspicuous consumption.
�� Nissan Altima: Replacing the Stanza in Nissan's lineup, the first Altima looked very much like an Infiniti J30 in miniature. Power came from a 150-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission and four-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive sedan's sporting manners ensured its success, something that could never be said of the Stanza.
�� Subaru Impreza: It's hard to remember a time when the Impreza wasn't offered, but it arrived as a replacement for the oddly named Loyale in 1993. Debuting as a four-door sedan and five-door Sport Wagon with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, its 1.8-liter flat four produced 110 horsepower. Subaru would drop the front-wheel-drive model on its way to becoming a more mainstream automaker.
�� Volvo 850: This boxy replacement for the equally boxy 740 was an important model. It was Volvo's first front-wheel-drive car, as well as the first car in the world equipped with side airbags. Although it looked much like the larger 940 series, it was 8.2 inches shorter. The transverse 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine produced 168 horsepower through a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission.
Other new models: Honda Civic Coupe, Hyundai Sonata, Geo Prizm, Mazda 626, Mercury Villager, Mitsubishi Diamante Wagon, Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Quest, Toyota Corolla.
