The Best Cars Of The 90s

The Best Cars Of The 90s


July 7, 2023 | Kaddy Gibson

The Best Cars Of The 90s


The 1990s were some of the most interesting years in our culture. It was also one of the most creative decades for the car industry and saw the rise of innovative technologies like electronic engine control and fuel injection systems. It was also a fashion forward time in the industry, as sleek curves became more favored than the clunkier designs of the past. A lot of great vehicles got their start in the 90s, but some were ahead of the curve when it came to style and performance. These are five of the decade’s most incredible cars.


McLaren F1

McLaren F1Shutterstock

Advertisement

After its introduction to the world in 1992, the McLaren F1 quickly became the star of the decade. Its sleek, aerodynamic design was instantly attractive to drivers and the car was full of brawn beneath all that beauty. The F1 was equipped with a powerful BMW V12 engine which, in addition to the exterior design of the car, enabled it to hit a top speed of 240 mph. At the time, the F1 was the fastest car on the road, and it still reigns supreme as the fastest naturally aspirated car ever built.

Nissan Skyline GT-R

Nissan Skyline GT-RShutterstock

Advertisement

With its late introduction to the world in 1999, the Skyline GT-R R34 wasted no time in proving its mettle. It featured an improved electronic AWD system that split the torque and an I6 RB26 engine that gave it 276 horsepower. Drivers loved this car because it was affordable yet powerful and could hold its own against speed demons like the Ferrari F355. The R34 model was the last of Nissan's GT-R line, but it will always be remembered as one of the decade’s best cars.

Toyota Supra Turbo

Toyota Supra TurboShutterstock

Advertisement

The Toyota Supra Turbo is one of the most popular sports cars of all time, especially since its cameo in The Fast and The Furious. When this model was introduced in 1993, its speed quickly gained the attention of street racers. With a 2JZ-GTE twin-turbocharged I6 engine and 320 horsepower, the Supra Turbo easily outperformed rivals like the Mazda RX-7 and Nissan 300ZX. It could also go from zero to 60 in just under five seconds and had better tuneability than most other cars of its generation. All in all, it’s easy to see why this car was one of the kings of the track and an icon of the 90s.

Dodge Viper

Dodge Viper Shutterstock

Advertisement

The 1992 Viper RT/10 threw caution to the wind and lacked many common safety features. It also renounced simple luxuries, like air conditioning, glass windows, and outer door handles. Yet, it more than made up for the lack of creature comforts with high performance and speed. This stylish, compact convertible was equipped with a raging V10 engine that gave it 400 horsepower and lightning-fast acceleration. With a lightweight fiberglass body and no ABS or traction control, it took a skilled driver to master the Viper. This car commanded respect and a place among the best vehicles of the decade.

Lotus Carlton

Lotus CarltonLotus Press Room

Advertisement

The Carlton hasn’t received as much widespread acclaim as other popular 90s cars, but it is unequivocally great. As a sports sedan, the 1990 Carlton wasn’t very flashy, but don’t let its looks fool you. The Carlton sported a twin-turbo I6 engine that produced 380 horsepower and a top speed of 176 mph. It could outrun the Ferrari Testarossa and was so fast that the UK Parliament wanted to ban sales of the little car. Luckily for motorheads, calls for the ban were unsuccessful, and the Lotus Carlton went on to achieve legendary status as one of the greatest cars of the decade.

 

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4


READ MORE

Steering Wheel

60s Cars That Everyone Loved

Cars in the 60s were an extension of one’s personality. Driven to capture the spirit of an unforgettable era, this article unveils the standout features that defined 1960s cars.
January 27, 2025 Miles Brucker
Dodge Weapon Carrier

The Dodge Brothers Left Ford And Built An Empire That Changed History

What if you were pivotal for an automotive giant but decided to walk away? This is the story of the Dodge brothers, whose departure from Ford Motor Company was the birth of a new legacy.
January 17, 2025 Miles Brucker
Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Williams-Honda FW11B, Grand Prix of Austria, Osterreichring, 16 August 1987. Nelson Piquet leads Williams-Honda teammate Nigel Mansell in a shower of sparks

The Weirdest F1 Race Finishes

When Nigel Mansell’s gearbox failed just before the end of a race, the desperate driver tried to push his car across the finish line—but the consequences were devastating.
February 9, 2025 Samantha Henman
Cadillac_Deville_convertible

The Timeless Evolution Of Cadillac

Trivia time: what do Adam Sandler, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Clint Eastwood, and Rita Hayworth have in common? They all loved their Cadillacs. What made them fall in love with the brand that rewrote the standards of the industry?
January 5, 2025 Peter Kinney
Lincoln Motor Company

The Lincoln Motor Company secured a $10 million government contract in 1917 and started a journey that transformed automobile manufacturing forever.

Edsel Ford once said, "Father made the most popular cars; I want to make the best," and that's precisely what The Lincoln Motor Company did. So, here's how the company began and continues to craft its cars.
January 16, 2025 Peter Kinney
Chevrolet_Impala_LTZ

Everyone Love It For A Reason: The Reign Of The Chevrolet Impala

Imagine a car that wasn't just about transportation but was a rolling piece of engineering brilliance. The Chevy Impala drove the highways of possibility, turning every mile into a story of power and spirit.
January 28, 2025 Peter Kinney