Revisiting the Most Underrated 90s Cars

When discussing 90s cars, the conversation often gravitates towards iconic models like the Mazda RX-7 or the Honda NSX. While these vehicles are undeniably impressive, there’s much more to the decade’s automotive scene than just these well-known stars.

Sure, the Toyota Supra and Nissan Skyline are legendary 9os cars, but today we’re exploring the lesser-known gems of the era. These are the models that may not have been the center of attention but had plenty to offer when given a chance.

90s Cars That Stayed Under the Radar

1. Mazda 323 GT-R

The Mazda 323 GT-R is a classic example of a rally-inspired hot hatch that often remains in the shadow of more renowned models. Despite its understated presence, the 323 GT-R packed impressive features that set it apart in its era. It boasted a turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-four engine, which delivered a lively and engaging driving experience. The addition of all-wheel drive provided remarkable traction and stability, making it exceptionally adept at tackling both twisty roads and challenging weather conditions.

With its compact design, the 323 GT-R was a 90s car that offered nimble handling and a responsive feel that many enthusiasts appreciated. Its rally heritage was evident in its performance-oriented tuning, making it a standout option for those who sought a blend of speed and agility in a practical, everyday vehicle.

2. Nissan 240SX (S14)

Often overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the Nissan 300ZX, the Nissan 240SX (S14) stands out as a remarkable vehicle in its own right, offering a superb balance of performance and comfort. Introduced in the early 1990s, the 240SX (S14) featured a rear-wheel-drive layout that provided a pure and engaging driving experience, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and tuners alike.

This 90s car was equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-four engine, delivering a solid mix of power and efficiency. Its well-tuned suspension, including struts at the front and multi-link setup at the rear, contributed to a smooth ride and precise handling, allowing the car to handle curves and corners with confidence. The balanced chassis and responsive steering added to its appeal, making it not just a fun car to drive but also a practical one for daily use.

Inside, the 240SX (S14) offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior. The cabin featured an ergonomic design with supportive seats and a straightforward dashboard layout, ensuring that essential controls remained within easy reach. Though it didn’t achieve the high-profile status of the 300ZX, the 240SX (S14) earned praise for delivering a satisfying driving experience while maintaining everyday comfort.

3. Toyota Celica GT-Four

The Toyota Celica GT-Four, particularly the ST185, was a formidable competitor in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and a standout example of Toyota’s engineering prowess in the early 1990s. This rally-bred model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which delivered impressive power and performance, crucial for the demanding conditions of rally racing.

Its advanced all-wheel-drive system, known as ATTESA, was designed to provide optimal traction and stability, allowing the GT-Four to tackle a variety of surfaces with confidence. The suspension setup was meticulously tuned to handle the rigorous demands of rally stages, offering both agility and durability. With its rally heritage, the ST185 boasted a robust build that could endure the harshest driving conditions while maintaining competitive speeds.

Despite its technical achievements and success on the rally circuit, the Celica GT-Four ST185 did not achieve the same level of fame as some of its rally rivals, such as the Subaru Impreza WRX or the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

4. Eagle Talon TSi

The Eagle Talon TSi, a sibling to the Mitsubishi Eclipse, was a turbocharged sports coupe that offered a compelling mix of performance and affordability in the 1990s. It had a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, which delivered an impressive 190 horsepower. This power, coupled with a well-designed all-wheel-drive system, allowed the Talon TSi to accelerate quickly and handle with agility, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciated its responsive driving dynamics.

The Talon TSi’s performance was further enhanced by its sophisticated suspension setup, which included independent struts at the front and a multi-link rear, providing a balance of comfort and sharp handling. The car’s lightweight construction and turbocharged engine made it a strong contender in the sports coupe category, offering exhilarating acceleration and precise cornering.

Overall, the Eagle Talon TSi struggled to capture the limelight compared to some of its more famous rivals in the tuning world. Models like the Honda Civic Si and the Subaru Impreza WRX often overshadowed it, thanks to their widespread recognition and strong aftermarket support.

5. Ford Probe GT

Introduced in the early 1990s, the Probe GT was powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced around 165 horsepower, offering a spirited driving experience with smooth acceleration and responsive handling.

But truthfully, it didn’t quite capture the recognition it deserved in the American performance car landscape. While it offered a dynamic driving experience and was equipped with advanced features for its time, such as a fully independent suspension and a sophisticated turbocharged engine, it often found itself overshadowed by more iconic models like the Mustang or the Camaro.

The Probe GT’s association with Ford’s more mainstream lineup, rather than its performance-oriented divisions, may have contributed to its lower profile. In addition, the Probe GT faced unique positioning. Straddling the line between a sports coupe and a more practical everyday vehicle may have diluted its appeal to enthusiasts seeking either extreme performance or luxury.

6. Subaru SVX

One of the most notable features of the SVX was its distinctive window design, which included a set of fixed rear side windows framed by a unique curved glass arrangement. This design not only set it apart visually but also contributed to its sleek and aerodynamic profile.

Under the hood, the SVX was powered by a 3.3-liter flat-six engine, known as the “boxer” engine, which produced around 230 horsepower. This engine was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience.

The flat-six engine, mounted low in the chassis, contributed to the car’s low center of gravity, which enhanced handling and stability. Additionally, the SVX came standard with Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive system, which offered excellent traction and control in a variety of driving conditions.

The Subaru SVX never quite achieved the level of popularity that it might have deserved. Factors such as its relatively high price point may have contributed to its modest sales figures. Not to mention, the SVX’s unconventional styling and its positioning as a niche product may have further limited its mainstream appeal.

7. Honda Prelude SH

The Prelude SH was equipped with a 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC engine, which delivered around 190 horsepower. This engine was paired with a well-tuned suspension system, which included strut-based suspension at both the front and rear, allowing for a refined and responsive driving experience.

The combination of a high-revving engine and advanced suspension technology made the Prelude SH a joy to drive, offering a balance of performance and comfort that was ahead of its time. However, Honda already had two showstoppers dominating the sedan market: the iconic Civic and Accord.

These models, with their widespread popularity and reputation for reliability, tended to capture more attention and sales, leaving the Prelude SH as a less prominent player in Honda’s lineup

8. Isuzu Impulse RS

The Isuzu Impulse RS is a rare 90s car that boosted a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and robust acceleration. Its multi-link suspension system contributed to exceptional handling and ride quality that drivers appreciated, setting it apart from many of its contemporaries.

Even with these strengths, it struggled to gain significant traction in the market, largely due to the competitive landscape filled with well-established rivals like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Honda CRX.

Limited marketing and a relatively low production volume meant that this 90s car did not capture the attention of a broader audience, leaving it as a hidden gem for those who discovered its unique qualities.

9. Chevrolet Beretta GTU

The Chevrolet Beretta GTU, a distinctive performance variant of the Beretta series, emerged in the early 1990s as a car that combined sporty aesthetics with capable driving dynamics. With its aggressive design elements, including a sculpted front bumper, pronounced side skirts, and a rear spoiler, the GTU exuded a bold and aerodynamic look that set it apart from the more subdued standard models.

Beneath its striking exterior, the Beretta GTU had a 3.1-liter V6 engine, delivering around 160 horsepower. The GTU’s sport-tuned suspension further enhanced its performance, offering improved handling and cornering prowess.

Despite these appealing features, the Chevrolet Beretta GTU did not garner significant acclaim in the broader automotive landscape. Positioned among Chevrolet’s more iconic models, such as the Camaro and Corvette, the GTU often flew under the radar. Additionally, its relatively limited production run may have contributed to its lower profile in the performance car segment.

10. Alfa Romeo 164 Quadrifoglio

The Alfa Romeo 164 Quadrifoglio, launched in the early 1990s, was a standout in the luxury sports sedan market with its distinctive Italian flair and performance-oriented design. Equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, it delivered a spirited driving experience characterized by its smooth power delivery and responsive acceleration.

All things considered, the 164 Quadrifoglio remained relatively obscure outside of dedicated enthusiast circles. Its limited availability and the relatively niche appeal of Alfa Romeo in the North American market contributed to its lack of broader recognition, overshadowing what was a well-regarded and capable luxury sedan.

What do you think of our list of underrated 90s cars? Did we miss any of your favorites? Don’t forget to like and share this post with fellow car enthusiasts.