Found: 5 Performance Cars from the ’90s That Deserve a Second Chance

The end of the 20th century was ripe with relative one-hit wonders. Some deserve another go at it.

Published May 12, 2017

Updated August 24, 2022

Editor’s Note: We love scouring the internet for reasons to spend money we don’t have on cars we daydream about owning, and these are our picks this week. All prices listed are bid amounts at the time of publishing.

The ’90s were a period of trial and error with a lot of things: pagers, hypercolor tee-shirts and chain wallets, to name a few. As far as cars go, the end of the 20th century was ripe with relative one-hit wonders too. While some should never see the light of day again (looking at you Geo Metro convertible), others deserve a second chance.

1992 Subaru SVX LS

What we like: One could argue that the Subaru SVX lives on in the BRZ, but Subaru’s newest front-engined rear-drive sports coupe could definitely do with a bigger brother. A low-slung coupe with a boxer-six engine and AWD sounds incredibly enticing — just the car Subaru needs.
From the seller: N/A

Mileage: 76,656
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA

Bid Now: $3,900

1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4

What we like: If any car brand needs an injection of fun, it’s Mitsubishi. A modern 3000GT would be incredible, not to mention stiff competition for the SVX successor Subaru should be making.
From the seller: These cars are getting very hard to find with low miles. Always garage kept and babied all its life. The car is all stock other than an Apexi Blowoff Valve and a rear strut tower brace. Driving this car is a true pleasure.

Mileage: 60,000
Location: Mount Washington, Kentucky

Bid Now: $13,000

1994 Porsche 968

What we like: The 944 was replaced by the 968 which was in turn replaced by the Boxster. And while the 718 Boxster and Cayman are perfectly adept sports cars, there’s just something about an accessible front-engined, rear-wheel-drive coupe.
From the seller: It has only been driven 47,605 actual miles and runs and drives like new. This 968’s history has been documented since new and was a one-owner car until last year.

Mileage: 47,605
Location: Saint Ann, Missouri

Bid Now: $34,770

1991 Volkswagen Corrado

What we like: Europe still gets the Scirocco (which the Corrado replaced), but the U.S. only gets the Golf. And as great as the hot hatch may be, a model that sits above it would be a nice step up. Plus, who wouldn’t welcome the return of a supercharged inline-four engine?
From the seller: N/A

Mileage: 89,322
Location: Tampa, Florida

Bid Now: $7,500

1997 Acura Integra GS-R

What we like: Sure, the RSX replaced the Integra, but it was the little ’90s coupe that earned the car legendary status with tuners. And looking at Acura’s lineup now, an Integra/RSX successor would be welcomed with open arms.
From the seller: It is said to be unmodified and features a cloth interior, new catalytic converter, new brake pads and rotors, and a recent oil change.

Mileage: 117,45
Location: Los Angeles, California

Bid Now: $8,000