What are some of the obscure or forgotten “sports” cars of the 90s-00s?
Posted by CarGuyKy@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 371 comments
I’m talking cars that manufacturers made that would have been considered sports or sports versions of cars.
Ford Probe GT
Nissan Altima ser
What is your favorite obscure sport car
WillieMakeit77@reddit
Does anyone remember the Contour SVT?
DJScaryTerry@reddit
Yeah! That's a car I haven't heard about in a while. That 2.5L absolutely screams
Legitimate-Web-5540@reddit
Or Taurus SHO
WillieMakeit77@reddit
In ‘95 or so my neighbor had one. The head gasket blew and it never ran again.
jango-lionheart@reddit
Engine by Yamaha (really)
applesauce143@reddit
Just the head
jango-lionheart@reddit
Not what I read, back in the day, but I wouldn’t be surprised that Yamaha didn’t make V-8 blocks
fluteofski-@reddit
Yamaha made the Volvo V8s in the late 2000’s. Those things were pretty sweet. 4.4L 300hp
WillieMakeit77@reddit
Yep.
RIF_rr3dd1tt@reddit
My 1st car. 1993 (2nd Gen), automatic, the forest green color.
Shhhhawing@reddit
That was my first car also! 1995 Taurus ( only had the regular v6 though)
mtbguy1981@reddit
They were all forest green!
wickedcold@reddit
Am I that old that those are considered “obscure” now?
bigcoffeeguy50@reddit
It was made into 2019 how can that be a forgotten car
Salt_Efficiency5843@reddit
The Ecoboost ones don't count.
The V8s not really either.
Needs a 5-speed and a intake of dead snakes designed by tuning fork folk
dogturd21@reddit
My wife had both a Taurus SHO manual , and a Contour SVT . Both were pretty good cars for a soccer mom with a lead foot.
WillieMakeit77@reddit
In ‘00 I bought a ‘99 Cougar that had the 2.5L. It was ok. I had it until ‘09 or so.
Additional_Tea_5296@reddit
My daughter had to buy an 02 with that motor, it wasn't cared for well before she bought it with 60k. I changed the oil a lot and got the motor cleaner. Lasted her another 60 thousand before it blew up.
DJScaryTerry@reddit
I'm surprised it ran that long!
WillieMakeit77@reddit
It wasn’t all very fast but it do 130 mph.
The alternator was the only “major” repair that was needed. It was only “major” because it was hard to get to.
dogturd21@reddit
Interesting - the alternator went out on the wife’s Contour as well . It was almost impossible to replace without a lift.
Katyw1008@reddit
Svt 2.5 and regular 2.5 run very different
WillieMakeit77@reddit
I think the differences were the cams and intake manifold. The ‘99 2.5 Cougar was rated at 170 hp and SVT 2.5 was rated at 195-200. The power gap wasn’t all that wide.
Katyw1008@reddit
Cams intake and throttle body. Heads also had different porting. And different exhaust manifolds. And yeah a 15% difference in peak power is pretty large. Yes it was only about a half second faster to 60. But having had both engines on a track it's a world of difference.
WillieMakeit77@reddit
Ah yeah I forgot about the heads.
The SVT revved higher I assume?
Katyw1008@reddit
Actually no it didn't. I mean if you changed the tune or ran a standalone yes it would go higher and be more usable however no redline and fuel cut rpms were the same(basically Ford didn't want to re engineer the water pump and alternator for higher rpms(same reason the sho v6 didn't rev higher than it did required more engineering of the accessories)
tnseltim@reddit
That’s almost 20% more power. Definitely noticeable, and especially for those days.
RIF_rr3dd1tt@reddit
It was known for handling very well
Slm18181@reddit
Loved mine
TallDankandHandsome@reddit
My wife saw one the other day, and didn't know what she saw. She said it was the weirdest car she's ever seen. I know exactly what it was.
WillieMakeit77@reddit
😂
AC-burg@reddit
Mercy had a Mystique of the same spect but didn't ha e a SVT badge of any sort
RIF_rr3dd1tt@reddit
And the Marauder, but it was not like some super sports car or anything
WillieMakeit77@reddit
The Marauder came out too late. They should’ve done it in ‘96 when the Impala SS was around. By the time Ford did the Merc Marauder big cars like that were more or less out of fashion.
AC-burg@reddit
That was a Crown Vic/Town Car people that had them lover them. They were rare I didn't know about them until I went to a car show and saw a couple.
Critical-Range1213@reddit
There’s one that parks in my work deck. I always liked that car as a 4 door sport sedan enthusiast.
AC-burg@reddit
So no SHO of 89 to 95 then?
WillieMakeit77@reddit
Ehh.. Maybe. Head gasket problems were pretty common though.
Critical-Range1213@reddit
I’d take Tim Allen’s first gen in the Santa Claus or Conan O’briens green second gen!
AC-burg@reddit
I owned 3 I never had the dream color combo mine were red. I wanted a blue or green one. I had 3 green regular Tauruses 2 mint green ugly and the 2 jade/forest green ones like the SHOs were. I went from those SHOs to 3.5 6spd Maximas 02 and 03s and Now I'm in a 12 G37s sedan 6spd.
Critical-Range1213@reddit
I’ve always been a sport sedan guy. Never had a sho but did have the regular 92 Taurus with the 3.8.
I peaked when I had a 2015 Chevy ss. Now I’m pining for a Cadillac black wing of any kind. But I’ll be in my gti for a while longer.
AC-burg@reddit
I'm scoping blackings myself I need the 5 4 just won't cut it for me lol. I drove 2 SS manuals and was underwhelmed. I was expecting it to really blow me away compaired to my G37. That I did some research and realized that power to weight is a real thing lol they are almost identical. If this blackwing isn't nasty it will stay on the lot for 85 to 110K I'll spending
WillieMakeit77@reddit
Is it the red one?
Critical-Range1213@reddit
It’s silver but pretty good shape whoever owns it!
flipfloppery@reddit
It was called the Mondeo ST200 in the UK and Europe.
I own it's successor, the Mondeo ST220 which the US didn't get (Mexico got 200 as a special edition).
It has a 3 litre V6 that puts out a claimed 226hp (most came from the factory with ~230-235 though).
With a CAI, cat-back SS exhaust with backbox delete, a high-flow cone filter and remap its sitting at ~245-250.
It handles amazingly and the chassis is sublime.
flacoman954@reddit
Had a'98, went like hell
Naught2day@reddit
Came here for this. I saw one about a month ago at Whataburger. We were in the wife's Focus ST and the the guy gave me a thumbs up. I can't remember the last time I saw one on the road before that. It is an ugly little car but awesome at the same time.
That_One_Guy_1980@reddit
I'd still love to have one!
WillieMakeit77@reddit
Me too sort of. But I’m affraid that it’d be a little lack luster these days. I have ‘00’s era V8 car that makes 345 hp and it’s on the slower side of life these days. I don’t think 200 hp would cut much mustard. Nor do I think it’d turn too many heads here. Everyone would just think it’s an old four door car. 😂
Beginning-Whole8770@reddit
had a friend that had one that was five speed, fun little car
hung_kung_fuey@reddit
Chrysler prowler.
Junebug35@reddit
That was a crazy looking car. My dad really wanted to get one for my mom, but the price was insane.
hung_kung_fuey@reddit
Yea, you coulda had a viper for like…10k more it some trunk space
nickp123456@reddit
Plymouth?
hung_kung_fuey@reddit
Pretty sure Chrysler/Plymouth/ consolidated to Chrysler before selling out to Benz
EchoesFromWithin@reddit
The last few years it was badged as a Chrysler.
nickp123456@reddit
Oh, interesting - so both. There's piles of cars that have been marketed across sister companies... But this seems unique as it kept the same name, Prowler. Are there any other cars that have been cross-branded and kept the exact same name?
EchoesFromWithin@reddit
Right off hand? The Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth Neon.
VastSail5844@reddit
Chevy Beretta GTU
Oldsmobile Calais Quad 442 W41
Informal_Ad4399@reddit
I miss my Beretta GT (wasn't a U). It was pretty sporty. The interior just sucked ass. Mine was graphite with a dark red interior.
adrianbarrow@reddit
do you remember what year? they refreshed the interior around 1991 - 1992 model years. Based on your description, I think it was probably a 1989 or 1990
Informal_Ad4399@reddit
I think it was an 89. I can't fully remember.
What I do remember os the door panels being the issue. They interior grab handle wasn't secured to the door. It was secured to the lower panel. So there was no real structural brace to hold it in place. It would eventually cause the entire door panel to break in half at the seam and the lower portion break the plastic holders from the door itself.
adrianbarrow@reddit
yeah that seems about right for late 80s - 90s GM build quality
outline8668@reddit
Daytona IROC R/T Spirit R/T
Junebug35@reddit
Finally, someone mentioned my dream car, Daytona IROC R/T. I did get a very close with my first car, a base model 1988 Daytona. It looked very similar, but lacked a turbo, AC, power windows/locks... I loved that manual transmission, though!
attgig@reddit
Add the duster to the list which was actually 2 doors
LoudBrick609@reddit
Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird having a legitimately good LS1 engine option from 1998 on is not given the attention it deserves. Most people remember the relatively crappy for the time LT4 and V6 options.
Cadillac XLR, the base was a respectable 320hp, the XLR-V was 443 HP with the supercharger.
Pontiac GTO, first year had the LS1 and 350hp, second and third year got the LS2 which had 400hp. They imported an Australian/Holden car to the USA, a disaster financially later repeated with the Chevy SS.
Dodge Stealth RT Twin Turbo, the sister car to the Mistubishi 3000gt VR4. AWD, twin turbo V6 doing 300hp in early years, 320hp in the latter years. Much less remembered than the VR4.
Chevy Trailblazer SS and Saab 97-X Aero. They slapped a 400hp LS2 V8 outta the Vette into a mom SUV. Lot less remembered than the various Chrysler "let's put a 5.7 and 6.1L Hemi in everything" models in the 2000s/2010s or the latter "Hellcat in everything" of the late 2010s.
Goff1976@reddit
4th gen F bodies are no where to be seen.
I suspect a large percentage of them were robbed of their LS1s.
I still love my 02 SS convertible. Most fun for the money ever.
WillieMakeit77@reddit
Is there a good place in the DFW that works on 4th gen F-Bodies?
Goff1976@reddit
Calvert Automotive in Denton has been good for me.
CarGuyKy@reddit (OP)
I’m a LS1 Fbody owner. It does get a fair bit of attention when I do drive it
WillieMakeit77@reddit
I have a ‘00 Z28 with 34k miles on it. It’s ok.
NoIntroduction6034@reddit
It's just a Trailblazer SS with amusingly more expensive insurance.
CarGuyKy@reddit (OP)
No doubt, but still lol
Heyoteyo@reddit
Dude that lives where I frequently walk my kid has a really pretty red Dodge Stealth. It looks like it would be super fun to drive.
Informal_Ad4399@reddit
I loved the look of those Magnums. I wish they'd bring it back.
DeadFed461@reddit
I had a friend that had an rt, that SoB was fast for the day.
No-Enthusiasm3579@reddit
I have number 330? of 556? Saab 9-7x aeros, not sure of the exact numbers,
Zapatos-Grande@reddit
The Magnum SRT-8 was such a sleeper before the face lift, too. Really just bigger wheels, mildly more aggressive body work, Brembo brakes, and bigger exhaust tips are what set it apart from the R/T. The face lift got the typical SRT treatment with a hood scoop and more aggressive body kit.
jasonreid1976@reddit
The 4th gen refresh F-Bodies are criminally underrated some times.
I'm really hoping they add them to FH6. I'm having a blast in that game but they have only two Pontiacs as it is.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I still want an XLR
LoudBrick609@reddit
I want a fast hard top convertible, but people even caught on to the 200S being relatively quick with the 3.6 V6 and you can't even get those cheap anymore.
Was looking for a 200S, ended up with a 5.7 300C lmao.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
What does that have to do with an XLR?
Ironically though, I to drive a 5.7 300C.
LoudBrick609@reddit
The XLR is a retractable hard top convertible as well.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Ohhh kay, had forgot about that. Reminds me of the Pontiac G6 as well.
GreySFguy@reddit
1999 to 2002 Qvale Mangusta
leftfootbraker@reddit
GSX, Talen, Laser. Some of the golden era for American Japanese cars. 4g63 Mitsubishi power plant in a gorgeous american 2door coupe.
90210fred@reddit
Ah, you guys will have missed the FTO - UK had a few legit imports after loads of grey ones. Mitsi power plant, gearbox and suspension designed by Porsche (ie both were good but consumables)
DJScaryTerry@reddit
None of those are forgotten
AnotherIronicPenguin@reddit
None of them are American, either. But at least he got "coupe" right.
leftfootbraker@reddit
Bro literally assembled in the US at a factory under 200 miles from me.
AnotherIronicPenguin@reddit
A Japanese car assembled in America is still Japanese.
Terrh@reddit
Designed and built in USA by American workers using mostly US parts, sold under a US brand, with mostly US engineering, not really available outside of US and Canada....
Yup, definitely a Japanese car!
leftfootbraker@reddit
You telling me, 0 parts are from DSM, and every single part came from Japan, and that fully assembling the car in America doesn't impact the definition, EVEN SLIGHTLY that it is American? Go on then bud, your goal posts are 100 yards past.
AnotherIronicPenguin@reddit
Didn't change my position whatsoever. Can't be moving goalposts if I haven't changed my position.
Let me ask...
Is a BMW X3 an American car? Assembled in South Carolina. A Nissan Frontier or a VW Atlas? Both assembled in Tennessee. And is an F-150 a Mexican car because it was assembled in Mexico? Or would you call it American because it belongs to an American brand?
leftfootbraker@reddit
100% would say assembly location is a sizeable portion of what defines being "made" in. Those are american quality standards, american manufacturing plants, using american workers, and american techniques. Assembly location matters, and is part of what defines being made in. Not entirely, but a reasonable amount.
AnotherIronicPenguin@reddit
Now who is moving goalposts? "Made in" was never part of the conversation.
I would also argue that foreign automakers operating on US soil are NOT using American quality standards or American techniques. They're using quality standards and manufacturing techniques of the parent brand.
But by all means go on and enjoy your American Mitsubishis, Mexican Fords, and Canadian Hondas.
leftfootbraker@reddit
DSM literally assembled them not a Japanese plant. You must be an ai chatbot
HeliumAlloy@reddit
hatchback not coupe
ridgebackm@reddit
Porsche 928, Mitsubishi S3000 with 4 wheel stearing
PerformerBrief5881@reddit
love the 328! what is an s3000? you mean honda s2000 or mitsu 3000gt?
jrileyy229@reddit
There are a lot of prob GT / mx6 in lemons racing... Because Mazda really overbuilt them....tank of a motor/trans
PerformerBrief5881@reddit
I drove as probe gt in 24 hours of lemons. the engine was well known for over heating and sending parts of its inside outside when it did. we upgraded cooling and enjoyed the full race in ours.
jrileyy229@reddit
Any car you're going to endurance race and drive like a race car... Not a street car... You have to help it breathe better. $100 Amazon oil cooler and some radiator ducting is necessary
CarGuyKy@reddit (OP)
A probe is why I posted this. I was leaving Walmart and one that was lowered with wheels came in as I was leaving. Did a double take like was that a freaking probe. Been years since I saw one
rottenbox@reddit
Saw a second Gen probe last night after not seeing one in probably 15 years. There used to be one around the corner from my mom's house but it's been a long time since it was there.
Both were that dark purple colour they came in.
SnooMaps4388@reddit
2000s kid here: I don't think I've ever seen a Probe in person. My dad had one before I was born though and I've always kept a look out since. Damn things must be extinct out here.
Grom_a_Llama@reddit
Dodge Neon SRT4
Grom_a_Llama@reddit
And nissan silvia
hawkMhan13@reddit
The Chevrolet Beretta was a beautiful shitty thing.
adrianbarrow@reddit
I have 4 of them right now
adrianbarrow@reddit
Chevrolet Beretta GTZ!
MagnusAlbusPater@reddit
Subaru SVX
Eagle Talon
Lotus Elan
Isuzu Impulse
CarsandTunes@reddit
My first car was an eagle talon TSI
motoMACKzwei@reddit
Always had a soft spot for the Talons!
WillieMakeit77@reddit
Me too. Ole bump on the hood. 😁
attgig@reddit
Talon, Laser, and eclipse. They were one of the cars that I really wanted.
sunbro2000@reddit
I loved my laser but oh boy was it a pile of steaming unreliable shit. More unreliable than my rx7 lol
Hukthak@reddit
We had one from 1990-2000, bought new and maintained it well and never had to take it to the shop for emergency repairs.
motoMACKzwei@reddit
I looked at a bunch when I was 17 and my Dad talked me out of them. Ended up with a POS 1998 Mustang GT. It was fun, but had way too many issues with it before getting hit by someone and selling afterwards lol
attgig@reddit
Loved the talon and laser but ended up with a hand me down Plymouth acclaim. Not quite fun.
Oldjamesdean@reddit
I had a white 1990 Eagle Talon AWD TSi. That car was a beast in its day.
-Not-Your-Lawyer-@reddit
SchneidfeldWPG@reddit
I remember the Talon TSI's being really quick, but I never see them anymore.
OkTradition6318@reddit
My brother had one that was fast AF. He had it dyno'd at 400whp, on that little car!
My mom, unbeknownst to him, taught me how to drive a standard in it. I had bought a '97 Civic EX that was a 5-speed and was getting delivered that week. So she took his car to teach me. She used to drag race her '69 Chevelle SS396 in California in the late '60s/early '70s, so I learned how to drive like her.
I remember leaving a Cavs home game late one night and fell asleep. I woke up at one point and the speedometer was buried. It was about 110 miles from the arena to our house, he did it in 43 minutes.
tnseltim@reddit
I saw a Subaru svx yesterday, first one I’ve seen in years. Still looked awesome!
HunterShotBear@reddit
It’s a shame the SVX only came in a manual.
iluvdrt@reddit
It only came in an automatic you mean.
HunterShotBear@reddit
Yup. Don’t know how I fat fingered that one wrong.
Gonna_do_this_again@reddit
The SVX was so close to being great. If they would have went more sports car instead of luxury coupe they really could have had something.
LV_Devotee@reddit
I miss my SVX. The only automatic I actually enjoyed driving.
-Economist-@reddit
Dodge Shadow and Ford Escort GT. 😎😂
8URVTEC@reddit
The red headed step child of the Talon/Eclipse, the Plymouth Laser. God i miss my AWD Laser every day.
nullpassword@reddit
That thing with plastic panels and known for catching fire. Itty bitty trunk. You know what I'm talking bout.
KeepYourMindOpen365@reddit
Pontiac Fiero?
nullpassword@reddit
That's the one.. buddy in high school had one
No-Handle-66@reddit
Honda S2000
tez_zer55@reddit
The Honda 2000. 2 friends had them & I was bound & determined to get one. I ended up with a GTO instead.
AKRISONER@reddit
Mazda protege MP3
zanerjlowery@reddit
MAZDA MX 6 GT (PROBE)
Psychological_Rip676@reddit
Bugatti EB110. Amazing car for it's time, but was outshined by the McLaren F1.
Hot_Sprinkles_650@reddit
dodge shadow turbo cars were a lot of fun. so was the lebaron turbo.
also, slightly earlier than youre asking but the Dodge Omni GLH was a freakin sleeping demon in its day.
Initial-Ad8966@reddit
Nobody mentioned the Lincoln Mark VIII, or the Mercury Marauder.
Both RWD 4.6L v8s that can be HIGHLY modded.
Lexus SC 300/400. The same chassis as the Supra. 300 could be found in manual with a 2jz. 400 came with a respectable V8 that could be easily supercharged.
Similarly, the GS300.
Dodge Neon SRT is also slept on during this era.
All the American V8 sedans had lots of potential for power. Crown Vic/Grand Marquis and the Caprice/Impala.
TallDankandHandsome@reddit
Ford escort cosworth, sho Taurus, The Bonneville, Grand Prix GTP, Honda Odyssey (only cuz I lost the one in a drag race and it hurt ever since)
rabidbea@reddit
Honda S2000
cream-of-cow@reddit
Merkur XR4Ti
cheddarsox@reddit
The razor company?!
cream-of-cow@reddit
A sub-brand of Ford and sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships. The original idea was to have Merkur dealerships, but that idea was dropped and double-winged cars didn't sell to Lincoln-Mercury customers and the target customer who sought European cars wouldn't cross-shop at L-M.
AC-burg@reddit
Ero police picked up those. It came with different rear wings rated for differnt top end speeds
YeahIGotNuthin@reddit
Ford sent a couple of Merkur cars to each Ford dealer, including a bunch in the Midwest where most Ford sales were crown Victorias, F150s, and tractors. Car & Driver spoke to one of those dealers who still had a couple of unsold Scorpio and XR4ti models after a year or two, who told them, ”They told us ‘Merkur’ was German for Mercury, and it’s the closest planet to the sun and a liquid metal and a Roman god of speed. I guess my customers didn’t need none o’ them things.”
cheddarsox@reddit
I was making a joke, but thanks for the lesson!
The two are not affiliated. Merkur as a razor manufacturer predates the Ford snafu.
cream-of-cow@reddit
They both have double blades
cheddarsox@reddit
You deserve that one!
Oldjamesdean@reddit
Same with the Isuzu I-Mark RS Sedan, 1989 was the last year.
jasonreid1976@reddit
I saw one of those for the first time ever last year. Completely surprised by it.
RIF_rr3dd1tt@reddit
Ford Thunderbird SC
Inevitable_Quail_835@reddit
First generation Nissan Sentra SE-R.
The Tri- Star triplets. Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser and Mitsubishi Eclispe
HostileNative1979@reddit
Shelby Daytona. Turbo car, petty quick for what it was.
Ok_Friendship_4332@reddit
Vue Red Line
Ok_Friendship_4332@reddit
Cavalier Z24
IUsedToLikeLimericks@reddit
Mitsubishi FTO GPX (2.0 MIVEC V6)
Mazda MX3 V6 (1.8 V6)
N47881@reddit
Mitsubishi Starion followed by the 3000GT-VR4
HuckleberryHappy6524@reddit
Dodge stealth too.
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
Starion is a good DSM callout.. Most folks know the 3KGT
OkTradition6318@reddit
A guy I went to college with had a Starion when I had my '94 3000GT. That Starion was really quick! Much faster than my car.
stupiduselesstwat@reddit
Nobody is going to mention the Volkswagen Corrado?
HuckleberryHappy6524@reddit
My first car. I had the G60. That car was ridiculously ahead of its time. I would absolutely still drive one now.
Bagheera383@reddit
Pontiac GTO
Crzymk101@reddit
Mitsubishi Eclipse Car Not The Suv Wannabe..
chrisj2103@reddit
I always wanted a VW Corrado.
Crzymk101@reddit
Mazda Rx7
AnotherIronicPenguin@reddit
Hmm...
Ford Escort GT. Mazda MX-3 and MX-6 V6. Mazda 323 GTX. Isuzu Impulse RS. Subaru SVX, Legacy GT, Outback XT, Forester XT. Toyota Matrix XR-S/Pontiac Vibe GT, Celica GT-S, MR-Spyder, VW Jetta GLX/VR6. Audi Ur-S4/S6.
Over in truckland I think I'd be remiss not to mention the Chevy 1500 454SS, Ford SVT Lightning, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited.
sprocketpropelled@reddit
Your mention of truckland reminds me of the supercharged frontiers and tacoma x-runners that were offered. Way rad.
NaturalEquivalent192@reddit
Owned a 2003bMatrix XRS several years back and it was quite the joy to drive. Getting comfortable running to high RPMs for the "boost" or whatever it was called was a learning curve. I didn't like the position of the shifter but for a small car my 6'3" 230 lb frame fit incredibly well and the useable space was incredible. I would definitely get another as a second option but I need more comfort from a daily.
**Obligatory mention that the Pontiac Vibe GT is the same car in Pontiac skin if you want that white sunglasses and bleached tips Y2K asthetic
NoIntroduction6034@reddit
Chevy S-10 Xtreme in truckland? The GMC Syclone and Typhoon for sure.
Informal_Ad4399@reddit
There is a gorgeous all black XTreme right around the corner from me. I want to stop and ask to look at it so badly.
AnotherIronicPenguin@reddit
Great trucks. Syclone and Typhoon aren't forgotten though.
Seymour_Tamzarian@reddit
What no love the for Honda’s Del Sol
dwarfpike@reddit
While not a true sports car, he Chevy Beretta GT was surprisingly quick and fun during the late 80’s.
concow77@reddit
Pontiac GTO or G8
El_mochilero@reddit
My friend had a Mercury Capri
It was like Mercury’s attempt at a Miata. Convertible and manual transmission.
jack-t-o-r-s@reddit
Isuzu Impulse
Murky-Golf-239@reddit
Dodge Neon SRT4
michalfabik@reddit
MTX Tatra V8
muffmuppets@reddit
For me it’s always:
92-99 3000GT VR-4
04-06 Pontiac GTO
97+ Eclipse GSX or Talon TSI
All 3 are phenomenal cars for the money!
Lucky_Fisherman1165@reddit
Merkur xrt-4
Formal-Tradition6792@reddit
What about the ‘70s? I was the proud owner of a 1970 Mustang Mach 1!
No_Shirt_4850@reddit
Dodge Conquest, or Mitsubishi Starion. Both the same. Good looking car.
molodjez@reddit
Any of the Mazdaspeed cars like the Mazdaspeed 6!
Jt8726@reddit
Mazda mx3 precidia
Bread-fi@reddit
Maserati Shamal.
I love how they look - big integated box flares on late 80s/early 90s compact car designs (e30 M3, R32 GTR, 22B) is peak automotive styling to me and the Shamal really exemplifies it.
MacandMandy69@reddit
Chrysler LeBaron GTZ Convertible
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Studebaker Avanti, look it up they were made into the 90s.
Illustrious_Risk5493@reddit
They were "making" them in my hometown Villa Rica using Camaro/Firebird chassis.
Warhammer517@reddit
Ford Focus SVT
Volkswagen Corrado
Eagle_Fang135@reddit
Ford Taurus SHO.
Eagle Talon TSI AWD - won the Pikes Peak Challenge.
moonlite_equilibrium@reddit
Achieva SCX W41
lord_scuttlebutt@reddit
Volkswagen Sirocco comes to mind.
FlatButtFrankie@reddit
Honda Prelude
Reiji806@reddit
I had a 93 Subaru SVX for one summer until I found out that it had a salvage title the car lot had lied about. Beautiful car and it got so many compliments. I just knew I couldn't afford to fix anything if it went wrong as a college student.
ActuaryFew6884@reddit
I haven't seen an Acura Vigor in a long time
OkTradition6318@reddit
I miss mine! I had a '93 GS that I bought in '07. Drive it all over SoCal, then cross country to Florida, took it with me to Sicily, then Hawaii, where it sadly never left. Parts were an absolute nightmare because of the 5-cyl. The cam position sensor went out and my mechanic (Japanese specialist) and I spent about 6 months trying to save it before throwing in the towel. The part simply was not available and no junkyard I called had one. I ended up scrapping it in 2018 and got an '05 RL to replace it with, which I drive now.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky
ApprehensiveClub6969@reddit
Ex’s parents had a Solstice GXP for a while. They let us borrow it for a weekend. Damn thing was about as quick as my Mustang GT and handled great. Fun little car.
NeilJBorja@reddit
Is that the one with the weird hump in the trunk? Seeing that protrusion makes me irrationally angry, like the cargo space is some kind of sick joke.
g-wilks@reddit
We had a Pontiac Solstice at our college as a manual transmission test mule. Essentially it was just a shop car the professors would set up tests on and for other uses. But it stood out to me that you had to remove the passenger side lower fender panel to even access the battery. And well, the battery was dead, so we couldn’t put a jump pack on it, couldn’t open the trunk, and had to tear so much of the car apart just to get some power into the car to even move it. I think we just put it in neutral and rolled it back into the car cage on the lower lot haha! We also had a Saturn SC2, that was just for manual transmission classes, it was too old to work on any other parts, because if they broke we couldn’t get replacement parts. We were a GM and Toyota sponsored school, so we had cooler cars to play around with anyway. A pair of 2015 Stingray Corvettes, 2015 Escalade, some nicer Cadillac Sedans and Lexus SUV’s, at the time new FR-S, and my personal favorite was the 2018 Lexus RC-F V8! I’d have that one car over both the corvettes any day!
Wolfsburg78@reddit
So they didn't point out the positive post next to the fuse box under the hood designed for jumping the car?
g-wilks@reddit
Yes, you’re right! It should have! I remember finding that on Google, and looking at the car to see it just wasn’t there anymore. It was a car that had been taken apart and reassembled by students for 10+ years, that was unfortunately one of the parts that was conveniently left off the car from a past student that was cutting corners to save time, and never put back on, along with the fuse box that was zip tied back in... The school actually had a running tab with the parts departments of both the local GM and Toyota dealerships for replacement parts, because parts went missing or were broken so often. But they didn’t keep the older vehicles as maintained as the new ones. I looked around and realized that most of my classmates were offspring of shadetree mechanics that were taught shortcuts their whole lives, and that really made me appreciate how anal I am about how I take on a job, keeping everything labeled and organized, and taking notes through the whole job! That way I’m actually confident in my work, and know that anyone else I do repairs for I’m not questioning if I put all the flywheel bolts in, or if I remembered to put oil in the rear differential haha!
Zealousideal-Fix9464@reddit
Bro damn near every single roadster (including the solstice) has jump terminals under the hood.
Must have been a dinger of an auto shop if no one could figure that out.
Wolfsburg78@reddit
Cargo space lmao. The weird hump is the gas tank. Put down the top and your cargo had better be in plastic grocery store bags.
splynneuqu@reddit
Or do the shooting brake body mod.
Gonna_do_this_again@reddit
There's a couple around town here in Arizona I see fairly often
Absentmindedgenius@reddit
I've been noticing these a lot the past couple months. I hear the turbo ones are fun.
Goivacon2@reddit
Man those solstices were so small on the inside, I’m 5’8 and it really felt small, I couldn’t imagine being 6’+ inside of one
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Of topic but ever car person should get the chance to sit in a C1 Corvette. They look OK in pics, and you're thinking 50s American car, to plenty of room, nope, f'n tiny. Most modern Americans couldn't drive one.
Goivacon2@reddit
Really? I always assumed there was decent space, not like crew cab F150 type space but still a decent bit of space
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Nope, in case it isn't obvious the seat doesn't adjust, nor does the steering wheel, pedals, anything. The gap between the seat and steering wheel is too small for most big Americans, the gap between the seat back and peddles too much for anyone over say 5'8" and the big steering wheel is in the way. The door opening is tiny and oddly shaped making it hard to get in and out, and the door is really thick leaving little room for broad shoulders.
Guilty-Log6739@reddit
Believe it or not my neighbor has a sky. It’s still a good looking car. Too bad that it wasn’t continued by another GM brand after Saturn was shuttered
Broad-Eagle9657@reddit
My father had the turbo one and was quick, but you sat so low all you ever saw was your hood. Its was the scariest driving position. Im 5ft 11 and felt like needed to sit on a damned phone book to see. Felt like sitting in a coffin.
turbospeedweasel@reddit
You guys really were shit out of luck when it came to GM giving you the Saturn Sky. We got the VX220 over here which was a lovely bit of kit.
UsualNo9091@reddit
There’s a Solstice/Sky car club near me and it’s awesome to see them all gathered. Cool little car. Nice to have a Miata alternative (sort of) for a little while.
jaredthegeek@reddit
The Redline GXp versions specifically
ShermansWorld@reddit
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 - 90's ... all wheel drive, 4 wheel steering, twin turbo v6... i think it even had an active rear wing and active aero dynamics...
Wasn't the quickets, it was heavy... but... had potential.
Skunkworkscs2@reddit
I just got one! The plan is to put it on a diet.
OkTradition6318@reddit
Be prepared. The car requires a blood sacrifice every time you lift the hood. Everything is so tight inside the engine compartment, you will skin your knuckles. Join 3si.org if you haven't already, tons of great info there!
ShermansWorld@reddit
I don't think there's much you can remove, except for the seats... I remember looking under one and it seemed everything was bolted to each other... Very crammed.
Skunkworkscs2@reddit
This one has a lighter 2 piece drive shaft. You can also do a rear steering delete which saves about 35 lbs if I recall. Rear seat delete and lighter front seats would be good too
mburtz@reddit
I always wanted one of those.
OkTradition6318@reddit
I had 2 of them, a '94 and a '95. Great looking car, but so damn heavy!
ShermansWorld@reddit
Ah... Also Ford Thunderbird Super coupe... Supercharged!
e90t@reddit
Iirc, the msrp on these was over $45k.
ShermansWorld@reddit
Ya... That too, expensive.
Salt_Efficiency5843@reddit
I loved the trashy dodge stealth version,.
keats53@reddit
Mitsubishi Dangan ZZ, first car available from the factory with 5 valves per cylinder, and available in fwd or awd. I think the first generation was 3 cylinder and later on it was upgraded to a 4
tampastang@reddit
Honda Prelude, VW corrado, Mitsubishi 3000GT
Illustrious_Risk5493@reddit
VW Scirocco
el-art-seam@reddit
Mitsubishi 3000GT and Eclipse
Naught2day@reddit
93 Sentra SER with it's SR20DE.
smthngeneric@reddit
Thunderbird super coupe. Was meant to be a grand tourer and competitor to the m5 and I think it was pretty ahead of it's time. Supercharged 3.8l v6, rwd, optional 5 speed, independent rear suspension, electronically adjustable shocks dampening, variable power steering, electro-hydraulic abs. Unfortunately the abs and headgaskets were prone to failure but when everything worked as designed I think it was a respectable contender for a "luxury gt" car and they're a blast to drive. I regret selling mine all the time.
ToneThugsNHarmony@reddit
Cadillac xlr
GlassCannon81@reddit
Eagle Talon. Easily the coolest of the Eclipse/Probe/Laser family.
f1fandf@reddit
Ford GT9O
G_o_O_s@reddit
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Monte Carlo SS
CafeRoaster@reddit
The Dodge Neon SRT-4 was mean.
Sentra SE-R was in the same category and also pretty mean.
I don’t think it’s forgotten, but the Eclipse GSX was every kid’s dream car at the time. My buddy wanted a GTO Twin Turbo though.
SVT Lightning if we’re including trucks.
ReplacementKnown5405@reddit
There was a Mazda Protege MP3 or Mazda Mx-3 which I believe had one of the smaller V6 engines ever produced at 1.8L
Cereal-Killa-@reddit
Dodge Stealth/ Mitsubishi 3000GT
rottenbox@reddit
At one point my cousin had 4 or 5 stealths (3000gt was never sold in Canada as far as I know). His good one and a whole bunch of beaters/crashed ones he bought to harvest for parts knowing it would be impossible to find them in a few years. Probably cornered the Ottawa market for them for a few years.
jkn75@reddit
Beretta GTZ
TWrecksActual@reddit
Acura Integra GSR
aagent86@reddit
The Nissan Pulsar !!
yotmokar@reddit
92 Alfa Romeo spider, VW scirocco
Still-Speed-3632@reddit
Pontiac Aztec
Decent_Can_4639@reddit
TVR Griffith?
BN3163@reddit
Not even of the same era, but the '79 to 80 Plymouth Fire Arrow is severely underrated.
No-Understanding-912@reddit
Ford Lightning
GeneralJohnStark@reddit
Cutlass Calais 442
Uncle-Istvan@reddit
Toyota mr2 spyder
GeneralJohnStark@reddit
I have one with 31k miles and it's AWESOME.
AlGuderian@reddit
My mom had one. That sucker could move.
BeardBootsBullets@reddit
He said, “obscure or forgotten.” You just read, “What are some ‘90-‘00s sports cars?”
Use_Your_Brain_Dude@reddit
Only 36k ever sold in North America. The last time I saw another mr2spyder on the road was 2019. That's pretty obscure to me.
moles-on-parade@reddit
I waved at one from my Miata just last Thursday. We both had our tops down and were stoked to see each other.
ms_merry@reddit
I had one. In Chicago. During a blizzard. I have never seen another MR2 in all these years. I drive regularly back and forth to Florida and Colorado. I have never seen one. I’ve been to 45 states in all sorts of weather. Never seen another. They’re fairly recognizable.
BeardBootsBullets@reddit
You probably live in a place with snowy winters if you haven’t seen an MR2 Spyder in eight years.
Use_Your_Brain_Dude@reddit
30 minutes from a major city in a rural area morphing into suburbia. I hate shoveling.
BeardBootsBullets@reddit
And… I bet that it snows a lot. Warmer locations have quite a few MR2 Spyders.
motoMACKzwei@reddit
I saw 3 while roadtripping from NJ to Florida over the past few days!
UsualNo9091@reddit
I see them all the time and there are always a few for sale on marketplace. It’s also a cult classic car.
hemibearcuda@reddit
Volkswagen curado. I was never an import guy, but this was a pretty cool concept for the time, especially with the supercharger.
Beakman256@reddit
Not sure if they’re really underrated, but I feel like I don’t see enough Dodge Stealth / Mitsubishi 3000GTs around anymore.
Alternative-Day6612@reddit
Neon srt-4. Loved my 04
AGMiMa@reddit
Galant VR4
ConsequenceNo5043@reddit
I've owned three of them or 1/1000 of all of them shipped to the US
Salt_Efficiency5843@reddit
Body color wheels ftw
Whitediggity@reddit
Dodge Daytona
Ok-Zone-1430@reddit
Mitsubishi 3000GT
Yay for floppy front wheel drive torque.
BloinkXP@reddit
Plymouth Laser RS Turbo
ottrocity@reddit
ITT people name sports cars.
None of these are obscure.
The Kelly Python is obscure.
Immediate-Count-1202@reddit
Dodge Shelby Charger.
qwexor@reddit
Toyota Celica, but not the base version
badlodge@reddit
I had a Pontiac 6000 SSE AWD. Push button on center council for rear axle engagement.
Thatguy468@reddit
How have we not hit the Ford Probe yet?
CarGuyKy@reddit (OP)
In my original post. lol
MarkVII88@reddit
Toyota MR2. Nissan Sentra SE-R. Mazdaspeed Protege. Honda Prelude
Suicidal-Loner@reddit
Chevrolet Cavalier with the z24 package
vincentrb79@reddit
Infiniti G20 sport was a Nissan Sentra SE-R in a tuxedo.
GamingGems@reddit
Mercury Capri XR2
Isuzu impulse XS
anything Panoz
No-Understanding-912@reddit
Panoz!
johnjj1213@reddit
Impulse. Well played.
pndfam05@reddit
Opel Kadett Rallye
SpunNumeroUno@reddit
Nissan Maxima Se was kinda cool.
blanthony80@reddit
Jaguar XJ220
Hi_its_me_Kris@reddit
tommykaira zz
Aqueouspolecat@reddit
Caliber SRT-4. Produced for 2 years and only 5674 units were made.
brbshavingmytoes@reddit
I didn't realize they were that low of production numbers. A lube tech at the dealership I worked at had one and all of the other mechanics and parts guys (myself included) clowned on him for it. This doesn't change my opinion on it, it's still a joke of a "fast car" but interesting to know.
Aqueouspolecat@reddit
Supposedly they were going to make around 20k cars like they had with the Neon SRT-4 but we all remember what happened in 2008, 2009.
burner51591@reddit
Dodge viper.
NemesisZeroCool@reddit
Always liked the Acura legend
Alternative-Idea7313@reddit
Honda crx
NP2OlderNC@reddit
Second car I ever owned was an 84. Best friend had a 91. So many good memories and times in those little rockets.
NP2OlderNC@reddit
Nissan 240SX
Gonna_do_this_again@reddit
Any TVR
1362313623@reddit
Chevy Cavalier Z24, Mazda RX7, Ford Taurus SHO, Eagle Talon, Toyota MR2, Ford Escort Cosworth, Dodge Shadow turbo, Honda S2000, so many good options
cropguru357@reddit
Plymouth Prowler
Specialist_Yak2347@reddit
Chevy Impala
SparkeeMalarkee@reddit
Mazda Mx6
RWLemon@reddit
Lotus Carlton
Barry_NJ@reddit
Subaru SVX
SirWillae@reddit
Mitsubishi GT 3000
johnjj1213@reddit
GMC syclone
GMC Typhoon
GaryE20904@reddit
I said the same thing!!! LOL
GaryE20904@reddit
GMC Typhoon?? GMC Syclone ???
FF7addict93@reddit
Acura legend, people might only know about it because ludacris still has his. Might be more on the luxury end at the time but could be sporty in my opinion
rankchank@reddit
Buick Reatta
boomhower1820@reddit
Chrysler Crossfire
K57-41@reddit
Crossfire SRT6 especially
ObviousAlias7@reddit
I remember when 3000GTs and DSM Eclipses/Talons were everywhere
losromans@reddit
Eagle Talon TSI AWD.
Ok_Concept_4245@reddit
04-06 Lancer Ralliart - was a hopped up version of the base lancer. Bigger brakes, 5 Lug Wheels/Axles, bigger displacement, strut tower brace from the factory, stuff like that.
Nothing compared to an EVO of course, but a nice step up from the basic Lancer.
Fun to drive with the 5spd Manual
jaydubyasalt@reddit
Dodge Stealth/Mitsubishi 3000gt
Absentmindedgenius@reddit
Dodge Stealth. When I tell someone I have one, they have to look it up. I went to get a part from the mitsubishi dealer and they were like "sir, this is a mitsubishi dealership." Okay, nevermind. How about a part for my 3000GT?
RiskyMFer@reddit
Isuzu Impulse
idiot_sauvage@reddit
1992 Plymouth Laser RS Turbo AWD Had one in black
Necessary-Score-4270@reddit
Ford Probe
And before that my absolute dream of a car, the Ford EXP / Mercury LN7
largos7289@reddit
Not the 90's but the Dodge Conquest. It's got that enduring sexy styling, but the interior is dated.
changeofr8@reddit
Saab 95
Talentless_Cooking@reddit
I had an S12, the pedesessor to the S13. I loved it, really good car. I ended up replacing it with an R32.
bluestlouismr2@reddit
Toyota mr2
bean-burrito-supreme@reddit
Thunderbird
groggs@reddit
When I was pretty young — like 2nd or 3rd grade I think — my grandfather bought my grandmother a V8 Thunderbird. Every time she’d pick me up from school, she’d accidentally bark the tires after turning into the car rider pickup line.
SbrbnHstlr@reddit
My first car was a SuperCoupe, my father later went on to buy a 5.0HO.
Love those things!
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Shit, I'd forgot about those and I sold them new.
SailingSpark@reddit
I think the BMW z3 has kind of fallen into obscurity, overshadowed by things like the miata and s2000.
My definition of sports car seems to be different than most here. I think of purpose built cars, not hotted up versions of regular cars. Solstice/sky yes. Not so much the contour svt
myth2adrenaline@reddit
Does the Ford Probe count? As a kid it looked kinda sporty
athensslim@reddit
I was a broke college kid in 1995 driving an old MG, the girl I worked with that I had the biggest crush on drove a ‘91 Capri XR2 that she’d have me look at when she thought something might be wrong with it.
That’s my vote.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Pontiac G6, two door, hard top convertible.
Lanky_Membership_382@reddit
Venturi Atlantique. I’m still waiting for Polyphony to bring it back…
MaleficentBowler5903@reddit
Chevy Cavalier Z24. Nissan 240SX. Nissan 300Z. Mustang 5.0. Madza RX-7. Ford Taurus SHO.
Crafty-Historian8589@reddit
Speaking of 60's vette. Look closely at the welds on the frame. Bubble gum welds with burnt thru holes. Horrible and terrifying all at once.
Intrepid-Yak-8636@reddit
1996 Porsche 911/993
Crafty-Historian8589@reddit
Mazda mx6 gt turbo
DatCarpet@reddit
Dodge avenger
TruthSeekingTactics@reddit
I had one... it was an absolute dog. Unreliable as well.
Like the celica commercial of the time, the only thing it had going for it was "Looks Fast"
foolproofphilosophy@reddit
Eagle Talon
userunknown677@reddit
Volkswagen corrado
userunknown677@reddit
Volkswagen corrado love it
Spiritual_Vegetable3@reddit
Z31 Nissan 300zx or z32 TT VERSION. the former is really available cheap; the latter rusted away and finding a good one now is big $$$$
ckeeler11@reddit
Chrysler Conquest
numbersev@reddit
Mazda MX6
Isuzu Impulse RS (AWD)
DJScaryTerry@reddit
BMW z1. Technically it's an 89 but they went til 91 so technically counts.
TruthSeekingTactics@reddit
Ive only ever seen a z1 in germany, but i love the way the doors fold down!
MuchAd3273@reddit
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 with all wheel steering!!
Motor Trend's Import car of the year in 1991.
It was my dream car during my teens.
SlenderLlama@reddit
Hyundai Tiburon. I can’t forget it because I have a junker one lol
speedyhemi@reddit
How about the Hyundai Accent GT, only made them for 2 years (96-97) with a DOHC with 10 extra horsepower vs the SOHC. I can't forget it cause there is one in my driveway with a tiburon motor swapped in it.
DeFiClark@reddit
Dodge Stealth (Mitsubishi 3000 with Dodge badges) Dodge Conquest (Starion)
Neon R/T
Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Eagle Talon
Let’s not forget the GMC Typhoon (the first hi-po SUV)
djsnoopmike@reddit
9th gen Corolla XRS
Angelblues13@reddit
07 Mazdaspeed 6
Rex_Steelfist@reddit
Galant VR4
Significant-Way-7893@reddit
Isuzu Impulse, Geo Storm
Status_Papaya_4323@reddit
Mitsubishi 3000GT, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky
drpepperfan69420@reddit
Isuzu Impulse, Tuned by Lotus™
Repulsive-Editor5063@reddit
Fiat Coupe
Funny_Copy726@reddit
Im still fond of Isuzu impulse and Subaru XT
pastrythug@reddit
Honda del sol V-tec t-top
Turbowilo@reddit
Renault 21 Turbo
Slow-Sky-9386@reddit
MazdaSpeed 3.
KCpaintguy@reddit
I don’t know how obscure or anything but my dad had a couple different Lexus SC430s that I just loved. He still has his 99 and that thing is just sweet
PinkGreen666@reddit
Subaru SVX
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The '93 Mustang Cobra
ManyCoyote8002@reddit
Toyota Celica GTS
JohnnyDread@reddit
In America, the Merkur XR4Ti. Common in Europe as the Sierra, but was pretty rare in the US.