Top 25 Best Cars of the 90s
The nineties were great for a lot of things – the music (Backstreet Boys, Britney, Mariah, Shania, Destiny’s Child, Bon Jovi and so many more), the fashion that promoted function over style (although bandanas and light up sneakers were certainly stylin'), the awesome TV shows like Dawson’s Creek, Saved by the Bell, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and movies like anything Disney, Clueless and the Matrix, and even toys like Beenie Babies, walkmans and portable CD players. Cars of the 1990’s were being designed for speed, and the boxy look of the 70’s and 80’s was quickly vanishing in place of sleeker styles.
The Handy And Compact Ford Ranger
The second-generation Ford Ranger pickup was discontinued in 2012 and replaced with many larger-sized trucks, but many 90’s fans of the smaller pickup loved the Ford Ranger for its compact size that was perfect for one-man jobs.
The Large And Glamorous Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator came out in 1998 and was an instant hit. It was Lincoln’s very first and likely best SUV. Able to seat a large family and handle rugged terrain with ease, it was also luxurious, glamorous and not lacking in attitude.
The Best of the 90’s: The Rugged Hummer H1
The Humvee made a grand entrance wherever it went with its size that seemed too large for the roads. It even left its mark off-road as it left a trail of destruction behind. Though a loud and some say uncomfortable vehicle because of its enormous engine, it definitely qualifies as a favorite of the 90’s.
The Sweet Classy Lexus LS400
The big Lexus LS400 showed fans of the 90’s that luxury vehicles were becoming accessible to all. Although the S-Class was spacious and comfortable, the full-sized Lexus was too, and the big Lexus also appealed to lovers of the reliable Toyota.
The Fun And Sporty BMW M5
The fun and sporty BMW M5 rolled out in 1998 and was a hit as a large family sedan. Rumor has it that BMW came out with the M5 after seeing the Jaguar XJR.
The Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
90’s fans loved the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning when it came out in 1999 for its supercharged V8 and lowered suspension. The transmission from the V10 SuperDuty truck was used for the SVT Lightning as the regular F-150 gearbox would have caused an explosion.
The Sporty BMW M Coupe
Although the BMW M Coupe has been dubbed as “clown shoe” by some because of its large clown shoe-like appearance, in the late 90’s, this car was all the rage among BMW fans.
The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
This cop car was the last rear-driven Ford sedan sold in America. It faithfully served police officers while on duty and after retirement, went on to faithfully serve taxi drivers. They were built to last so no wonder they were so popular in the 90’s.
The Turbocharged GMC Syclone And Typhoon
The early 90’s brought the slammed and turbocharged GMC Syclone and the Typhoon, an SUV version. Both vehicles exhibited surprising power and speed that had fans in the 90’s cheering heartily.
The Four-Wheel Steering Nissan 300ZX
At the start of the decade, the Nissan 300ZX was in its second generation and was named Import Car of the Year by Motor Trend. The car was the first to be designed using a CAD program and had numerous computer-controlled features including four-wheel steering.
The Super Fast Jaguar XJ220
The Jaguar is mostly known for its grand tourers and luxury sedans, but the super fast Jaguar XJ220 took the record for the fastest production car and is also considered very reliable and stable at high speeds.
The Cute And Sporty Mazda Miata
This adorable car was popular among car enthusiasts in the 90’s for its stylish design, speed, and reliability. Even to this day, it is a favorite of many and considered on the best that money can buy in the sports category.
The Sleek And Fabulous Ferrari 500
90’s fans loved 90’s cars, but the sleek and fabulous Ferrari 500 tops the 90’s cake with its aggressive, elegant and sporty look that has stood the test of time.
The Cool And Compact Nissan Skyline
Affordable and sporty, the car was a favorite among teens and college students. Although its specs do not seem so impressive off the bat, the car managed to lap the Nordschleife in under eight minutes and at the time, was only one of two cars to do so.
The Third Generation Mazda RX-7
This sports car came out in 1992 and is considered to be one of the most affordable sports cars ever made. This beauty was Japan’s first twin-turbocharged export.
The Sporty Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
A favorite sports car of the 90’s, even as sales declined, prices rose, and the car was considered one of the most desirable in the U.S. The last car was produced in 1996, but it was certainly never forgotten.
The High-Performance Ford Escort RS Cosworth
It was in the early 90's when this vehicle become a hit with its race car features and road car interior. It was the first road car to produce downforce in both front and back.
The Infamous Dodge Viper Of The 90’s
This popular sports car of the 90’s was built for speed and popular with teens and adults alike, but there also seemed to constantly be issues with the model that put its drivers in harm's way. Regardless, it was a favorite of drivers.
The Adorable And Affordable Toyota Supra
Even before Fast & Furious, the Supra was considered a supercar and a favorite of street racers in the 90’s. It had so much potential because of its tuning capabilities and affordability.
The Reliable Family Buick Roadmaster
The amazing Buick Roadmaster could tow up to five thousand pounds. Along with its V8 engine and rear-wheel drive, this car was a favorite of mommies all over the U.S. for a good reason.
The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
90’s fans loved this muscle car when it came out in 1993. It was much needed since the Shelby Mustang was temporarily discontinued in the 70’s (revived again in 2005). This brilliant car could compete with almost any sports car that existed.
The Sleek And Stylish Ferrari F50
While the Ferrari F50 does not get much attention these days because it is overshadowed by the F40, its predecessor, in the 90’s, it was every car aficionado’s dream sports car.
The Brilliant And Beautiful Acura NSX
This game changer supercar showed the world in the 90’s that supercars could be not only fast but also be reliable. This vehicle did not need a ton of maintenance and repair, making it a favorite of fans in the 90’s.
The Insanely Loud And Fast Lamborghini Diablo
This favorite of the 90’s was named after a famous fighting bull from Spain. Like the bull, the car was loud, fast and stylin'. It appealed to the kid in all of us.
The Super Fast McLaren F1
This car came out in 1992 and was on most car enthusiast’s dream car list. Those who had the pleasure of driving one claimed it handled perfectly. Even the engine bay was lined with twenty-four karat gold.