Every new year brings changes in the automotive world. We welcome new cars into the fold; we bid farewell to those cars departing from their lineups. But the yearly turnover is not just a big deal when it comes to new cars in showrooms; it’s also a big deal for importing classic cars.
See, the United States has what’s called a 25-year import rule. Essentially, any used car 25 years or older can enter the U.S. without meeting emissions and safety regulations. So exotic cars that were once “forbidden fruit” only sold in places like Europe and Japan finally become available to bring into America …. after they become old enough to rent themselves from Hertz.
As we head into 2024, cars that entered production in 1999 are now eligible for import. Here are seven newly available classics that caught our eye.
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Audi A2
AudiIf you liked the design aesthetics of the first-gen Audi TT but needed something a bit more practical, Audi put the A2 — a supermini, four-door, van-style hatchback — into production in late 1999. It was super-lightweight, with an aluminum construction to help with fuel efficiency.
Audi RS 4 Avant
AudiAudi launched production of the original RS 4 Avant in late 1999. The sporty compact was wagon-only in RS form and packed a 375-horsepower twin-turbo V6 that was wielded with a six-speed manual transmission.
Citroën Xsara Picasso
CitroënCitroën had the Xsara compact car. In 1999, they launched a van version, Xsara Picasso. In quirky French fashion, it’s shaped like an egg with five pillars and had a rake windshield that made a straight line to the front fascia before the Cybertruck made it cool.
Honda Avancier
HondaWhat’s the only thing better than a Honda Accord? Well, in 1999 Honda built the Avancier, which was effectively an Accord wagon. No manual transmission, alas, but it could be fitted with a 3.0-liter VTEC V6 that packed around 215 hp.
Honda HR-V
Wikimedia CommonsWant an Isuzu Vehicross but a little less unfortunate-looking? Try the original Honda HR-V. It was still a subcompact crossover, but originally a two-door model (the only version available). And you could option one with a roof spoiler because … sure, why not?
Hyundai Equus
HyundaiHyundai launched the Equus in 1999, well before the play with the horses where Harry Potter went nude became A Thing. (Mitsubishi also sold a version called the Diginity.) It was a full-size, V8-powered luxury sedan. Think of it as Hyundai’s take on the LS 430 — to the point Hyundai considered marking it in America as the LZ 450.
Toyota FunCargo
ToyotaThe Toyota FunCargo (aka Yaris Verso) was released in the Japanese market in late 1999. It was built on the same platform as the Scion XB, but far more rounded, with styling Jeremy Clarkson described as “an ugly snake that ate a wardrobe.” It also had rear seats that store in the floor for a completely flat loading space.