The 1980s was a decade of notable developments in technology and design, and arguably, the automotive industry exhibited those advancements more clearly than any other. The deepening focus on efficiency that had forced the downsizing of cars and their drivetrains in the late 1970s would inspire new, wind tunnel-tested shapes that were motivated by innovatively designed engines. Performance and style were interpreted through a fresh filter, and buyers in America and Europe were spoiled for choice by the wide range of clever and attractive economy, luxury, and sports cars appearing on dealer lots. The most promising of these 1980s automobiles were rewarded with prestigious Car of the Year titles: In the United States, Motor Trend magazine recognized a domestically produced car, as well as an import, each year, while numerous international automotive publications collaborated overseas to award the equally coveted annual European Car of the Year prize. We’ve gathered the 1980 through 1989 COY/ICOY/ECOY winners on these pages for a retrospective, because it’s fun to look back on those modern-classic cars through today’s lens. Do you feel their choices stood the test of time?

Cars of the year for the 1980s.