Peugeot: The Lion That Left America

Peugeot is one of the world's oldest brands, starting with coffee grinders before cars. In the US, it is a nostalgic memory of comfortable sedans and Lieutenant Columbo's beat-up convertible. In Europe, it is the king of hot hatches and rally stages. It represents the quirky, comfortable side of French motoring.

Peugeot Hero Vehicle

Model Lineup

Explore the current production vehicles.

205

The car that saved Peugeot and created a legend. The 205 was a brilliant supermini, but its GTI version is the icon—a lightweight, giant-killing hot hatch that defined a generation. The mid-engine Turbo 16 variant was a Group B rally monster.

Production 1983-1998

508

The stunning flagship fastback sedan and wagon. The 508 is a masterpiece of modern automotive design, with a dramatic 'saber-tooth' light signature and a high-tech i-Cockpit. The PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) is a high-performance hybrid halo.

Production 2011-Present

3008

The game-changing SUV that reinvented the Peugeot brand. The 3008 is a multiple 'Car of the Year' winner, celebrated for its bold, futuristic design and its revolutionary, driver-focused i-Cockpit interior. A massive European success story.

Production 2008-Present

208

The modern, charismatic supermini with a lion's heart. The 208 stands out with its aggressive styling and high-tech interior. The all-electric e-208 version is a key part of the brand's push into a sustainable and stylish future.

Production 2012-Present

405

The handsome and critically acclaimed family sedan. The 405 was a huge success, but its legendary, high-revving Mi16 sport sedan was a true 'sleeper.' The winged Turbo-16 variant famously conquered the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in record time.

Production 1987-1997

RCZ

The stunning, Audi TT-rivalling sports coupe. The RCZ was a true design statement, famous for its beautiful proportions and unique 'double-bubble' roof. A bold and exciting halo car that proved Peugeot could build a world-class, desirable coupe.

Production 2009-2015

504

The legendary, indestructible workhorse of the world. The 504 was renowned for its ruggedness and comfortable ride, becoming a symbol of durability, especially in Africa. The beautiful Pininfarina-designed Coupe and Cabriolet are timeless classics.

Production 1968-1983

206

One of the best-selling Peugeots of all time and a true rally superstar. The 206 was a stylish and hugely popular small car, but its WRC (World Rally Championship) version was a dominant force, cementing the brand's motorsport legacy.

Production 1998-2012

406 Coupé

Often called one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Designed and built by Pininfarina in Italy, the 406 Coupé is a masterpiece of timeless, elegant design, frequently compared to classic Ferraris. A true modern classic.

Production 1997-2004

905 / 908

The Le Mans-conquering legends. These V10 and V12-powered sports prototypes were dominant forces in endurance racing, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans multiple times. They are the ultimate expression of Peugeot's engineering and motorsport prowess.

Production 1990-1993, 2007-2011

106

A tiny, featherweight city car with the heart of a lion. The 106 was a hugely popular and fun-to-drive little car, but the Rallye and GTI versions were legendary 'pocket rockets,' celebrated for their incredible handling and giant-killing performance.

Production 1991-2003

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"Just One More Thing..."

For a specific generation of Americans, Peugeot is defined by one man: Lieutenant Columbo. In the hit TV show, the disheveled detective drove a battered, grey Peugeot 403 Cabriolet. It was the perfect car for him—eccentric, European, and looking like it had seen better days, yet undeniably reliable.

Peugeot sold cars in the United States from 1958 until 1991. They were known for two things: incredible ride comfort and idiosyncratic engineering. They left because they couldn't compete with the Japanese on price or reliability, but they left behind a cult following.

The King of Hot Hatches: 205 GTI

While the Volkswagen Golf GTI invented the "Hot Hatch" segment, the Peugeot 205 GTI perfected it. Launched in 1984, it was lighter, sharper, and arguably prettier than the Golf.

It was famous for its "lift-off oversteer." If you lifted your foot off the gas in a fast corner, the back of the car would slide out. It was dangerous for inexperienced drivers, but absolute heaven for skilled ones. Today, it is one of the most collectible 80s cars in the world.

The Secret to the "French Ride"

Peugeots are famous for gliding over bumps that would shatter the spine of a German car driver. How?
For decades, Peugeot was one of the only manufacturers in the world that built their own shock absorbers in-house rather than buying them from suppliers like Bilstein or KYB. This allowed them to tune the suspension perfectly to the chassis, creating a "magic carpet" ride quality that even Mercedes struggled to match.

Rally Dominance: Group B

Peugeot isn't just about comfort; they are animals on dirt. The 205 T16 was a mid-engine monster that dominated the insane Group B rally era in the mid-80s. Later, Ari Vatanen famously climbed Pikes Peak in a Peugeot 405 T16, creating the award-winning film Climb Dance.

The 505: The African Workhorse

The Peugeot 505 (the last rear-wheel-drive sedan they made) was sold in the US as a luxury competitor to BMW. However, its real legacy is in Africa. Because of its rugged suspension and simple mechanics, the 505 became the definitive bush taxi of the African continent, racking up millions of miles on non-existent roads.

Buying Advice: The Import Rule

Since Peugeot left the US in 1991, most cool Peugeots must be imported under the 25-year rule.

  • 205 GTI: Check for rear axle issues. The rear beam axle is prone to wear and is expensive to rebuild.
  • 505 Turbo Wagon: These were sold in the US. They are massive, comfortable, and fast. If you find one that hasn't rusted away, buy it. It is the ultimate hipster station wagon.

Peugeot proves that a car doesn't have to be hard to be sporty, and it doesn't have to be new to be cool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a new Peugeot in the United States in 2026?

As of 2026, Peugeot does not have an official new car sales network in the USA. While parent company Stellantis previously considered a 2026 return for the brand, the strategy shifted to focus on established North American marques like Alfa Romeo and Chrysler.

However, many Peugeot technologies are integrated into US-spec Stellantis vehicles. American enthusiasts can also legally import classic Peugeot models that meet the 25-year import rule, such as the legendary 205 GTi or early 2000s icons like the 206 and 406 Coupe.

Which Peugeot models become legal to import to the US in 2026?

2026 is a milestone year for US collectors as vehicles manufactured in 2001 officially reach eligibility under the 25-year rule. This includes the highly sought-after Peugeot 206 GTi 180 (RC) and the pininfarina-designed Peugeot 406 Coupe final editions.

Importing these requires filing DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1. Once cleared, these French classics are exempt from modern federal safety and emissions standards, allowing them to be fully registered and driven on American roads.

What is the Peugeot Panoramic i-Cockpit® found in 2026 models?

The 2026 Panoramic i-Cockpit® is a signature Peugeot interior technology featuring a floating 21-inch curved HD display. It combines the head-up display and the central touchscreen into a single unit positioned above the compact steering wheel.

The system includes i-Toggles—fully customizable touch-sensitive buttons that allow drivers to program shortcuts for their favorite climate settings, contacts, or navigation destinations. This cockpit architecture is often cited as a benchmark for ergonomics and digital luxury in the European automotive market.

What are the performance specs of the 2026 Peugeot E-3008?

The Peugeot E-3008 is a flagship electric fastback SUV built on the STLA Medium platform. In 2026, the high-performance Dual Motor AWD version delivers 320 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 6.4 seconds.

For long-distance travel, it offers a "Long Range" variant with a 98 kWh battery, providing up to 435 miles of range (WLTP). It supports DC fast charging up to 160 kW, capable of recharging from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

How does the 2026 Peugeot 408 GT compare to luxury crossovers?

The Peugeot 408 GT is a "dynamic fastback" that blurs the lines between a sedan and an SUV. It features a striking silhouette with "cat-like" sharp lines and a slightly raised ground clearance of 7.4 inches. In 2026, the PHEV 225 version combines a 1.6L turbo engine with an 81 kW motor.

Inside, the GT trim offers AGR-certified seats with massage functions and a premium Focal® Hi-Fi system. While not sold in the US, its design language influenced several 2026 Stellantis models currently available in North America.

What is Peugeot’s "Hypersquare" steering technology?

Introduced in 2026 concepts and slated for near-future production, Hypersquare is a rectangular steer-by-wire control system that replaces the traditional circular steering wheel. It features circular touch controls at each corner and eliminates the mechanical steering column.

This technology allows for a retractable dashboard and a more spacious cabin environment during autonomous driving modes. It represents Peugeot's vision for the next decade of human-machine interface (HMI) design.

Can I get service for my classic Peugeot in the USA?

While Peugeot left the US market in 1991, servicing a classic Peugeot is supported by a network of European car specialists. Since Peugeot is part of Stellantis, some specialized components and diagnostic knowledge are shared with professional shops that service Alfa Romeo or FIAT.

For engine parts, US owners often rely on the Peugeot Club of America or source genuine parts from Canada, where the brand maintained a presence longer than in the US. Many 80s and 90s models share mechanical roots with models from the PSA era, making parts sourcing relatively stable.

What is the range of the 2026 Peugeot E-5008 7-seater?

The Peugeot E-5008 is one of the few fully electric 7-passenger SUVs in its segment. For 2026, it offers a 73 kWh battery providing a range of 310 miles, or a Long Range 97 kWh version reaching up to 410 miles (WLTP).

The interior features a 2-3-2 seating configuration with a sliding second row, making it a highly practical family vehicle. It is popular among US-based international residents who seek European efficiency and packaging in a family-sized EV.

What defines Peugeot’s "Allure" design philosophy in 2026?

In 2026, Peugeot’s "Allure" philosophy is defined by three pillars: Emotion, Allure, and Excellence. Visually, this is represented by the "Three-Claw" LED light signature at the front and rear, and a grille that seamlessly fades into the bodywork.

The goal is to create a feline, athletic stance that stands out from the traditional "boxy" SUV shapes common in the US. This design direction has won multiple international awards, establishing Peugeot as a leader in European automotive fashion.

Is the Peugeot 508 PSE still the brand's performance flagship?

Yes, the Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) remains the high-performance halo car for 2026. This plug-in hybrid sports sedan produces 360 horsepower and features a lowered suspension, widened tracks, and 20-inch wheels with high-performance Michelin® tires.

The PSE division uses data from Peugeot’s 9X8 Hypercar racing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) to fine-tune the hybrid energy management, providing a "electrified performance" experience that rivals the Audi S4 or BMW M340i in Europe.