Muscle cars have been a favorite subject of car reviewers and enthusiasts everywhere. What better car is there for going fast around corners or on the straight-away? With great torque, speed, and a low price tag muscle cars are a fantastic choice for someone looking to get into a fun used car without too much hassle.
Most people assume that new car technology is the best way to go; however, with used cars, you can get an older model for a great price, and if well maintained it will run like new. With gasoline prices at an all-time high, the thought of driving around in a fast car that gets good gas mileage isn't bad either.
Here are ten of the best muscle cars from the 1990s, you should buy.
- 1. 1997 Dodge Viper GTS
- 2. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
- 3. 1996 Ford Mustang GT
- 4. 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS
- 5. 1995 Pontiac SLP Formula Firehawk
- 6. 1992 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
- 7. 1995 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
- 8. 1993 Mkiv Toyota Supra 2JZ
- 9. 1991 Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo
- 10. 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
101990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
Last but not least, we have a true American classic. This car has a maximum speed of 175 mph and can go from 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds. Although its top speed is around 180 mph, you'll want to stay under 80 mph as much as possible because the horsepower on this car is just over 400 at 5300 rpm. This car is extremely powerful with a great body style, but it may be too much for the amateur driver. Turn this car over to someone who really knows how to handle an engine like this and you won't regret your choice.
91991 Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo
If you aren't looking to go too fast, this car would be the one for you. The horsepower on this car is just enough – about 160 @ 6100 rpm – but it makes up for that in great gas mileage and practicality. This lightweight, four-wheel-drive vehicle features 4 cylinders with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Combined, this car can get up to 29 mpg.
81993 Mkiv Toyota Supra 2JZ-GE
This car has a lot to offer, including high horsepower with great gas mileage. . With a hidden turbo, this car is capable of going 0-60 in approximately 3 seconds. Not only is it fast, but it's also extremely reliable having no problems with the engine, transmission, or rear differential. The mid-range price tag on this car makes it an excellent choice for people who are looking to get into the muscle car game without spending their life savings.
71995 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R
This amazing vehicle comes equipped with a 5.8-liter V8, which will go from 0 to 60 in about 3 and a half seconds. It's also well designed, both inside and out. Interior features include air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt wheel, and keyless entry (keypad). It also has a great suspension system.
61992 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
This car features all the things you would expect from a muscle car; smooth power, great looks, and something to show off. With an average mpg of 18 city/26 highway, this car isn't just for big heads – it's also eco-friendly. This muscle car has a lot going for it – a great body style and a 5.7-liter turbocharged V8 engine capable of going 0-60 in just over 4 seconds. The vehicle has a horsepower of 330, and torque comes in at 340 ft-lbs. This car might cost more to maintain than the previous cars – with an air conditioning system that will make you regret your purchase if not maintained well. Otherwise, it's an awesome car for someone looking for something new and unique.
51995 Pontiac SLP Formula Firehawk
One of the only FWD (front-wheel drive) cars on this list, it still has great performance. With a horsepower rating of 310 and a torque rating of almost 350 ft-lbs, this car can go from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds flat. The body style is sleek with 16″ wheels; however, these are not alloy rims, but steel. The suspension is stiff, which may have some drivers feeling uncomfortable, but it makes it easier to keep your car under control when puttering through the city or on long trips.
41996 Chevrolet Impala SS
This car is the definition of “reliable and stylish.” It has a great body style and runs extremely well. With a 5.7-liter V8 engine and an automatic transmission, speeds of up to 120 mph are achievable without too much trouble even for those who aren't professional drivers. The horsepower on this car is 275 and it has a torque rating of 330 ft-lbs – enough to give you the ability to go from 0-60 in around 5 seconds.
31996 Ford Mustang GT
The horsepower behind this car is 255. With a rear-wheel-drive style transmission, it has the ability to go from 0-60 in about 5 seconds flat. This car is great for the price, and for anyone who wants to get into a vintage yet still modern muscle car. It also has a pretty high torque rating for such a light car – 320 ft-lbs – which will definitely come in handy during those tight turns or when you're trying to beat that stop sign.
21997 Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
The C5 generation of the Chevrolet Corvette was a mild upgrade from the C4, but it made big strides in performance and technology. After receiving chassis improvements, such as a new wheelbase and suspension, the Corvette was one of the best-handling cars of its time. It has an LS1 V8 that produced 345 horsepower in stock form, making it easier to modify. The C5 had great brakes and the suspension was more comfortable than previous generations of Corvette.
11997 Dodge Viper GTS
This car is extremely fast. With huge horsepower (450) and torque (500 ft-lbs), this car has the ability to go from 0-60 in under 4 seconds. The most amazing thing about this car, though, is the fact that it comes with a “money back” warranty. If you have a problem with this car within the first year of purchase, they will buy it back from you for what you paid for it. The body style on this car is also incredible with an open roof of carbon fiber, giving you the option of feeling the wind through your hair or not – whatever you prefer.
The Bottom Line
These 10 cars are the cream of the crop when it comes to muscle cars from the '90s. If you want a car with a lot of speed and great gas mileage, this is definitely the list for you.
Whether you're looking for power or fuel efficiency, there is something on this list that will suit your needs.
Keyword: The 10 Best Muscle Cars from the '90s, You Should Buy!