The 90s were a golden era for car enthusiasts—a time when turbocharged engines, angular designs, and raw driving thrills collided. But while everyone fawns over the usual suspects (think Supra, NSX, or RX-7), some gems slipped under the radar. These underrated classics are ripe for rediscovery—whether you’re a collector or just love a good underdog story.
Why These Cars Deserve More Love
Honestly, rarity doesn’t always equal value. Some of these models were overshadowed by flashier rivals, while others suffered from bad timing—launched just before a trend took off. But today? They’re affordable, unique, and packed with quirks that modern cars lack. Let’s dive in.
The Hidden Gems
1. Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Spyder (1994)
Sure, the 3000GT wasn’t exactly obscure, but the VR-4 Spyder? That’s a unicorn. Only 1,800 were made, blending a retractable hardtop with all-wheel drive and a twin-turbo V6. It was heavy, sure, but try finding another convertible with that much tech in ’94. Today, clean examples hover around $20K—far less than a comparable Supra.
2. Isuzu VehiCROSS (1997-2001)
This thing looked like it drove straight out of a sci-fi movie. With its cladding, aggressive stance, and torque-on-demand 4WD, the VehiCROSS was a trailblazer (pun intended). Isuzu only built 5,958 units worldwide, making it a cult favorite. The irony? It’s now more sought-after than the Trooper it was based on.
3. Nissan Pulsar GTI-R (1990-1994)
Dubbed “Godzilla’s little brother,” this hot hatch packed a 227-hp turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. Built to dominate rally racing, it was too raw for mainstream buyers. Today, surviving examples are rare—especially outside Japan. If you find one, expect to pay $30K+ for a clean one.
Underrated Luxury Sleepers
4. Infiniti Q45 (1990-1996)
Infiniti’s first flagship sedan had a 278-hp V8, rear-wheel drive, and tech like active suspension—yet it flopped against Lexus’s LS400. Blame the polarizing styling and vague marketing. Now? It’s a bargain for ’90s luxury, with pristine models under $10K.
5. BMW 850CSi (1992-1996)
The 8 Series was always exclusive, but the CSi was next-level. With a 375-hp V12 and a six-speed manual, it was a GT car with supercar DNA. Only 1,510 were made, and prices are climbing—fast. A $50K buy today could double in value.
Oddballs Worth a Second Look
6. Subaru SVX (1991-1996)
Those windows-within-windows? The 3.3L flat-six? The SVX was Subaru’s weird, wonderful grand tourer. Hampered by an automatic-only transmission and a steep price, it faded fast. Now, it’s a retro-futuristic collectible—if you can find one.
7. Mazda MX-3 (1991-1998)
The MX-3’s party trick? A 1.8L V6—the smallest production V6 ever. Lightweight and rev-happy, it was a hoot to drive. But squeezed between the Miata and RX-7, it got lost in Mazda’s lineup. Today, it’s a quirky, budget-friendly project car.
Where to Find These Cars Today
Here’s the deal: most of these aren’t sitting on dealer lots. Try:
- Auctions: Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids.
- Forums: Model-specific groups (like the VehiCROSS Owners Association).
- Importers: For JDM rarities like the Pulsar GTI-R.
Final Thoughts
The 90s gave us icons, but the real fun lies in the shadows—the cars that dared to be different. Whether it’s the SVX’s spaceship styling or the Q45’s forgotten luxury, these underdogs tell a richer story. And honestly? That’s what makes them special.