We have many lists of the most iconic and legendary performance cars from the '90s, and these are usually topped with stars, such as the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, and Mitsubishi 3000GT. It's not just JDM greats either — the final decade of the 20th Century was a peak for supercars and there are lists of these, too. Highlights include the mighty McLaren F1, Ferrari F50, and Jaguar XJ220.Enthusiasts are well versed in the rallying icons of the '90s, too, the most iconic of which include the Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. All of these icons have been discussed many times over, but still, there are so many more unsung heroes. Here, we will shine a light on some of the more uncelebrated machinery from the '90s, from modest economy sports models to performance-focused coupes.Figures rounded for quality. 0–60 mph times are sourced from available real-world road tests or the manufacturers themselves, where available. Pontiac Sunfire GT (1995–2002) Average Auction Value: $6,000 PontiacPontiac The Sunfire was built until 2005, but the GT trim with its more powerful engine was discontinued after 2002. GM's 'Quad 4' has a better reputation than the Sunfire. For 1996, the engine became the 'Twin Cam' and torque was raised — contemporary tests showed that the economy coupe could hit 60 mph in the seven-second range. A potential project car that appeals for its simplicity. Pontiac Sunfire GT (1995–2002) Specifications Ford Taurus SHO (1992–1995) Average Auction Value: $6,500 Bring A TrailerThere is understandably a lot more love in the forums for the Ford Taurus SHO. The SHO was the performance variant of the Taurus and went through four generations overall, and the nameplate is now out of business. For the first three generations, it was characterized by its use of a Yamaha-engineered V6 and front-wheel drive.Bring A Trailer A manual was still around for this second generation, something that would later be removed, sadly, for the third and fourth generations. The fourth and final generation surprised with a powerful twin-turbo V6 and all-wheel drive. We like this one for its available manual gearbox and its simple 90s lines that are less fussy than the subsequent model's. 0–60 mph was proven in around seven and a half seconds. Ford Taurus SHO (1992–1995) Specifications Lotus Elan SE (1989–1995) Average Auction Value: $8,500 LotusIt's no secret that the '90s Lotus Elan will not stay cheap forever — the British sports car features baby-supercar styling, its turbocharged engine offers punchy performance, and its handling was praised by period reviews. In today's world of heavy, tech-laden sports cars, this one offers everything a budget-conscious purist could ask for. Except for rear-wheel drive, but that didn't stop the Elan from handling exceptionally well.Cars And Bids A manual was standard, and since Lotus was owned by GM, a Japanese engine from Isuzu was used. 0–60 mph came around in the six-second range — not bad at all. It did not sell that well in the US since the Mazda Miata stole a lot of its thunder, thanks to a much more affordable price, similar performance, and delicate rear-wheel drive handling. An interesting fact about the Elan is that under 5 percent were sold with the less-powerful, naturally-aspirated version of the engine, meaning most are turbocharged 'SE' models. Lotus Elan SE (1989–1995) Specifications Dodge Spirit R/T (1991–1992) Average Auction Value: $11,000 BringATrailerWhat do the Dodge Spirit and Ford Mustang have in common? Well, aside from affordability, not much. Except that the rare, performance version of the bland Spirit had about the same power as a period Mustang GT. This was thanks to the turbocharged four-pot given to the Dodge Spirit R/T, and its relative lack of weight meant that 0–60 mph was over in around six seconds and the quarter mile in about 15 - roughly the same as the Mustang.Dodge A sturdy Getrag manual 'box was thrown in for good measure with heavy-duty brakes, as well as some tasteful wheels and not much else, making this curio unknown to many bystanders and a fun addition to any collection, especially as it's generally cheap to buy. Only about 1,200 were built. This was one of the fastest front-wheel drive cars and the fastest sedan in the US at the time. Dodge Spirit R/T (1991–1992) Specifications Isuzu Impulse RS (1991) Average Auction Value: $13,000 Bring a TrailerHere's an obscure item - the Isuzu Impulse RS, so rare that it can rival many supercars. It is based on the brand's second and final generation Impulse, which shipped to the US in under 10,000 examples. However, the Impulse RS was produced in 600 examples for 1991 only. It wasn't just a set of RS decals, either, since the coupe was fully equipped to be a formidable rival to the likes of the Mitsubishi Eclipse or Nissan 240SX. This was thanks to a powerful, twin-cam, turbocharged four-pot and Lotus-tuned suspension.Bring A TrailerThe engine was also used by the Lotus Elan since both the British outfit and Isuzu were siblings via GM, but something the Impulse had which the Elan did not was all-wheel drive, another surprising feature for the RS. Contemporary reviews noted the car's passive rear-wheel steering and available ABS, but downsides included a significant lack of refinement, which made this model best for those spirited Sunday morning drives on a twisty favorite - interestingly, all imported Impulse RSs featured manual transmissions only, which goes some way to illustrate the focus of this rare and strange automotive animal. Isuzu Impulse RS (1991) Specifications Nissan 240SX (1995–1998) Average Auction Value: $21,000 Bring-A-TrailerWe'd have to concede that the Nissan 240SX — or Silvia, as the model family is known in other markets, including its home country, Japan — is not an obscure and unappreciated '90s model. It was appreciated as a capable and affordable option, and tuners also realized the potential of the platform, since it is rear-wheel drive. Values and part prices have significantly increased, although the model remains more affordable than the real JDM icons of the '90s, like the Mazda RX-7, Toyota Supra, or Nissan 300ZX.Nissan Other markets received the Silvia in turbocharged form, but the 240SX made do with a relatively tame 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated four-pot. Despite this, most authoritative road tests said that the model was balanced and fun to drive, even with its modest power output, with nimble handling and precise steering. Plus, there's scope for modification to make one more powerful or even create a drifting machine, which a great many have already done. Nissan 240SX (1995–1998) Specifications Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo (1991–1996) Average Auction Value: $21,500 Bring a TrailerYou could say the same thing about the Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo — that its merits are already well-known. However, the sibling to the Mitsubishi 3000GT (GTO in Japan) has long been less acclaimed compared to its Japanese cousin. This is strange, considering the almost identical mechanical underpinnings and performance. Many sources suggest the Dodge badge and marketing, with other clues being the altered rear end and less-aggressive look of the Stealth.Bring a Trailer But one person's loss is another's gain, and the flagship version of the Stealth can hit 60 mph in the 5.5-second range thanks to the same twin-turbo V6 that made the 3000GT VR-4 an iconic '90s car. Dodge stopped selling the Stealth after 1996, and the 3000GT soldiered on until the end of the decade. We like the Stealth for its underappreciated status, especially for the performance offer — enthusiasts may soon come to realize the fact that it warrants more love. Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo (1991–1996) Specifications Pontiac Grand Prix GTP (1997–2003) Average Auction Value: $22,000 Hagerty Although it's a model that is more likely to be a surprise for many casual enthusiasts, the merits of the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP are no secret. The front-wheel drive W-Body was no sports coupe or sedan, even in GTP form, thanks to a focus on comfort and only a lazy automatic four-speed. However, the supercharged version of the 3.8-liter Buick V6 added 40 horsepower to the regular V6's output, and 280 pound-feet of torque was on the table. It added up to a 6.6-second 0–60 mph time; not bad for a mid-size front-wheel drive sedan of the time.HagertyWider tires, tuned suspension, and other features like wider tires and unique wheels were fitted. Many sources point to a rear wing also being fitted. From the front, the coupe version (both coupe and sedan variants of the GTP were available) looks like a close relative to the final Pontiac GTO that would come a year after the penultimate Grand Prix generation's demise. An attractive, capable, and surely underappreciated machine that can also be a daily driver. Just be warned that the fuel economy has been reported to be around 15 MPG for city driving. Pontiac Grand Prix GTP (1997–2003) Specifications BMW 850i (1991–1994) Average Auction Value: $27,500 Bring A Trailer Let down in its own era by high pricing, a recession, as well as the cost of gas, the first BMW 8 Series was also not perfect. It was heavy (around 4,000 pounds) and less agile than some rivals in its price stratosphere. Today, the car's reasonable pricing makes it look more favorable, but you must be quick, as collectors and enthusiasts have seen values rise significantly in recent years. There is another issue — fuel economy. The V12 is widely reported to have a real-world economy rating of about 12 MPG.BMW We could go on about the issues — aging electronics — but that's not a phenomenon unique to the BMW E31. Let's look instead at the supercar styling, the comfortable grand tourer ride, the array of luxury features such as cruise control, adaptive suspension, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and heated and power-adjustable seats. V8 or V12 engines were fitted, and 0–60 mph for the 5.0-liter V12-equipped 850i was in the seven-second range. BMW 850i (1991–1994) Specifications Porsche 968 Coupe (1992–1995) Average Auction Value: $28,000 Bring a Trailer Yet another model that, despite its many qualities, remains in the shadow of other machinery from that time. In this case, the 968 is in the shadow of its own sibling, the 911. That doesn't make it any less capable, and the successor to the 944 was improved in many ways despite looking very similar. This last of the front-engine, water-cooled, transaxle sports car lineup was reported to handle very well, thanks in part to that rear-mounted transaxle gearbox, which helped it to have a 50:50 weight distribution.Porsche Handling was precise, and the 968 was both agile and composed. Power was adequate rather than bonkers, but 0–60 mph came around in as little as about six seconds. Since it is improved over the 944, this is arguably the best way to experience a front-engined '90s Porsche, as refinement, comfort, and features were all elevated, but values are higher for this rarer model. The design of this model would actually preview some of the 993-generation 911's styling, too. Either way, the 968 is a great alternative to the other iconic front-engined Porsche of the 90s, the 928. Porsche 968 Coupe (1992–1995) Specifications