When we start thinking of cars that made a strong impact in the auto world, we consider, performance and style with a very less focus on the reliability.
But, it is the reliability of those cars that have made them so much popular and desirable in their era.
So, here we are, presenting you a list of top 30 most reliable cars of the 90s that you may or may not find now in the used cars market.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
1. Toyota 4Runner
Image Credit: Consumerguide
Starting our list of best cars from the 90s is a off-roader from the house of Japanese automaker, Toyota.
Yes, Toyota 4Runner managed to attract a lot of customers due to its capabilities of taking on any road.
What made it strong and reliable is its body-on-frame construction that was missing in its competitors at that time. The efficient engine and firm handling further made it popular in different markets.
2. BMW E49 M5
Image Credit: Ultimacarpage
BMW M series has been a prominent name in the auto world since its introduction.
One such car from the series is the BMW E49 M5 which is also one of the coolest cars of the 90s.
Powered by a S62 V8 engine under the hood, it gave a serious hard time to its competitors in terms of performance and reliability.
With a top speed of 186 mph and capability of clocking 60 mph in 4.8 seconds made it one of the most famous cars of the BMW stable.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Image Credit: Wilwood
The SUV was first introduced in 1993 and since then it has undergone a lot of modifications and upgrades.
The Grand Cherokee was aimed to offer off-road capabilities under the lap of luxury and it became a hit for the manufacturer.
Till date, Grand Cherokee is considered as one of the most competent SUVs in its respective segment.
4. Toyota Camry
Image Credit: Strongauto
There are some cars that cannot be replaced due to their immense fan following and one such car is the Toyota Camry which is not only the most reliable cars of the 90s, it is also one of the best cars from the 90s, which is still in the market, acting as a hot seller for the manufacturer.
The competent engine, comfort, and advanced features have also kept Camry on leading position in its segment.
5. Ford Mustang
Image Credit: Hotrod
An icon that needs no introduction, the Ford Mustang is one of the best sports cars of the 90s, on our list.
Ford introduced the fourth-generation Mustang in 1993 with a less boxy design and improved engine.
The upgraded model helped the company in enhancing the sales figure by up to 40,000 units within a year and managed to clock around 200,000 figure by the end of the year 2000.
This clearly speaks about the car’s performance and reliability in its respective segment.
6. BMW 7-Series E38
Image Credit: Autoevolution
The flagship series of the German automaker, BMW 7 Series has always seen a lot of appreciation due to its on the par luxury, advanced features, and unmatched performance.
The fourth-generation, BMW 7-Series E38 was no exception. It was the first car to feature a satellite-based navigation system and brand’s first to feature five-speed automatic.
7. Ferrari F50
Image Credit: Googleapis
The F50 was introduced in 1993 in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the manufacturer.
What made Ferrari F50 one of the best sports cars of the 90s is its 4.7-litre V12 engine that was tuned to deliver a maximum power output of 750 hp and a peak torque of 347 lb-ft.
The suspension supported street as well as aggressive driving, making it one of the much desirable cars for the consumers.
8. Honda Civic
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Honda Civic is the next car on our list, which managed to gather a lot of appreciation in the 90s.
The car was best suited for the family of 5 and its sporty performance further gained the attention of consumers.
It also scored high on the utility factor which made it one of the hot sellers for the manufacturer in the 90s. Even today, Civic is one the prominent sedans in the global market.
Also Read: 21 Things You Didn’t know about Lamborghinis
9. Ferrari F355
Image Credit: Ultimatecarpage
Introduced in the year, 1994, Ferrari F355 became one of the hot topics in the auto world instantly.
It was the replacement of Ferrari 348 and succeeded by Ferrari 360. What made Ferrari F355 one of the coolest cars of the 90s was its power packed performance, which was a result of its first ever 5-valve engine that was capable of delivering 375 hp of maximum power.
10. Jaguar XJ 300
Image Credit: Aronline
One of the premium sedans was also one of the most reliable sedans in the 90s.
Yes, the Jaguar XJ 300 is the next car on our list which is established as a strong name in the segment due to the focus on build quality, improved reliability and state-of-the-art design elements used by the manufacturer.
The car was so famous that Queen Elizabeth II herself visited the factory in 1994 to order one for herself.
11. Honda Accord
Image Credit: Consumerguide
The key competitor of Toyota Camry, Honda Accord is the next most reliable cars of the 90s on our list.
A safe, dependable, reliable and a great option for daily commutation, made Accord a great performer for the company.
The car has grown in different dimensions till date and become an irreplaceable model for the company due to its success over the years.
12. Jeep Wrangler
Image Credit: Zombdrive
Jeep has always proved its capabilities when it comes to producing most competent off-roading vehicles for the customers.
Jeep Wrangler is one such car, which is a well-established model due to its unmatched potential of taking on any terrain with ease.
Since its introduction, the SUV has managed to mark a remarkable position in the segment and it is still going strong in the current generation.
13. BMW M Coupe
Image Credit: Kinja
When it comes to some of the coolest cars of the 90s, we cannot miss the M Coupe from BMW, which was based on the M Roadster.
It was rigid, convertible and offered great performance.
It was powered by a S54 engine which was the most powerful engines of that time. It used to deliver a maximum power output of 315 hp and peak torque of 252 lb-ft.
14. Porsche 911 GT3
Image Credit: Pinterest
The 911 GT3 made its entry into the global market in 1999 and became one of the best sports cars of the 90s.
The first generation GT3 was offered with only the most necessary items in the car, to achieve an optimal weight for great performance.
It was powered by a 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine with a maximum power output of 360 hp.
15. BMW E36 M3
Image Credit: Cloudfront
The BMW E36 M3 was the second member of the M series which was introduced in the year 1992 and in 1995 in the US market.
It was available with two body options: roadster or a coupe and later, a convertible option was introduced.
It was termed as one of the best handling cars of the 1990s, making it also a favorite pick for the speed enthusiasts.
16. Saab 900 NG
Image Credit: Autotempest
Saab 900 NG could be claimed as one of the best cars from the 90s due to its impressive styling and great handling.
It was offered in 2 body styles which include a 3 or 5 door configuration.
A special transmission was also introduced with the Turbo SE model for offering a hassle-free gear changing experience to the driver.
Also Read: 21 Best Car Modifications that add value to your Car
17. Jaguar XJ220
Image Credit: Wikipedia
One of the 90s cars that were produced for just a limited period, between 1992 and 1994, the Jaguar XJ220 is the next car on our list.
The 2-seater was manufactured by collaborating with Tom Walkinshaw Racing, making it one of the fastest cars of the 90s.
It was later overshadowed by the marvelous McLaren F1 and we still don’t know why the manufacturer did not upgrade the XJ220 to compete further.
18. Lamborghini Diablo
Image Credit: Topgear
Diablo can be tagged as one of the most iconic cars of the 90s whose development was initiated by the company in mid-80s.
It was well prepared to replace the Countach and was capable enough to turn heads when on road, either still or moving.
It was powered by a mighty V12 engine that was backed by dual overhead cams and computer controlled multi-port injection. It delivered 492 hp of maximum power and 420 lb-ft of peak torque.
19. Lotus Esprit V8
Image Credit: Evo
The Esprit V8 was introduced to spice up the standard Esprit range of the company.
It was a powerful sports car which was evolved by deploying all-aluminum, twin-turbocharged 90-degree V8 engine that was capable of delivering a maximum power of 500 hp and later it was re-tuned to deliver 300 hp.
It was also one of the fastest cars of the 90s which could clock 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
20. Maserati 3200GT
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Definitely one of the best cars from the 90s, the Maserati 3200GT is the next car on our list.
It was mainly developed for the European market and gave a hard time to all its competitors in terms of styling, comfort, luxury, and performance.
It was powered by a 3.2-litre V8 engine with 365hp of maximum power, mated to a manual transmission.
21. Second-Generation Mazda Miata
Image Credit: Guideauto
A car that is still prominent for the manufacturer, the two-seater Miata has proved its worth in each decade since its introduction in the global market.
Also known as MX-5, the Miata was one of the slickest vehicles of the 90s, whose styling was inspired by RX-7.
It was equipped with a 1.8-litre unit capable of delivering a maximum power of 140 hp and peak torque of 116 lb-ft.
22. Lexus LS400
Image Credit: Cars
The consumers who had their trust on Toyota were mainly the ones who upgraded to the luxury division of the manufacturer, Lexus.
The car which competed against the S-Class from Toyota’s fleet was Lexus LS400.
Although it could not become the segment leader, it certainly was the best among the lot which offered ample comfort, reliability and a strong engine, which made it one of the best cars from the 90s.
Also Read: 21 Best Ferrari Cars of all Time
23. Nissan Skyline R33
Image Credit: Kinja
One of the cars that can be easily placed in the fast and furious lot of the 90s is Nissan Skyline R33, which is the next car on our list.
The Skyline R33 was introduced in 1992 with a range of engine options but, the one which gained maximum attention was the turbocharged RB28DET which used to deliver a maximum power of 295 hp.
24. Oldsmobile Aurora
Image Credit: Classiccars
A mid-size luxury sports sedan from Oldsmobile made a significant name in the 90s. It was equipped with a V8 engine which was inspired by Cadillac Northstar V8.
It used to deliver a maximum power of 250 hp and peak torque of 260 lb-ft.
What made it a star was its automatic transmission with two modes: normal and powershift, which delivered an improved experience to the drivers.
25. Porsche Boxster
Image Credit: Peicanparts
A car which has ruled almost two decades in its segment, the Porsche Boxster is definitely one of the best sports cars of the 90s.
Inspired by the 550 Spyder, the Boxster introduced a completely new design with great capabilities on the road.
It was powered by a six-cylinder unit with a potential to deliver a maximum power output of 201 hp and ability to clock 0-60 mph in just 6.7 seconds.
The low center of gravity and aerodynamic features offered great handling experience.
26. Toyota Supra A80
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Another reliable car from the fast and furious lot, the Toyota Supra is our next most reliable cars of the 90s when the demand was power and performance.
It was offered with two engine options from which the one with turbochargers was more famous. It used to deliver 320 hp of maximum power and acceleration of 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
27. Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VI
Image Credit: Evo
The sixth generation Lancer was introduced in 1999 with new intercooler, new pistons and titanium turbine-wheel.
The upgrades helped the manufacturer in improving the overall performance of the sports sedan, helping it to regain its lost position with the earlier generation, making it one of the best cars from the 90s.
28. Audi TT
Image Credit: Squarespace
Audi TT was introduced in the year 1998 and till date, it is one of the key models of the manufacturer’s lineup.
It was offered with a 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a maximum power rating of 222 hp.
With the introduction of electronic stability system, rear spoiler and suspension modifications, Audi improved its handling at high speeds, further making it one of the much desirable cars of the 90s.
29. Ford Ranger
Image Credit: Consumerguide
The Ranger introduced in 1993 was under the production till 2012 with minute updates, which reflects the trust that people had on this model of Ford.
The Ranger did exceptionally well what it was designated to, which is carrying the load with ease. It offered ample space, great capability, efficient engine and exceptional reliability, making it the top pick for the consumers opting a pickup in the 90s.
Also Read: 30 Best Japanese Sports Cars of all Time
30. Lincoln Navigator
Image Credit: Strongauto
An SUV, which set a benchmark for others in terms of unmatched luxury and performance.
The Lincoln Navigator gave a tough time to all the other manufacturers in its respective segment.
It was big, offered ample comfort, it was stylish and had a great road presence, making it one of the best cars from the 90s. It is still a stunning SUV in its respective segment, regulating the sales chart of the manufacturer in an effective manner.
So, these are some of the most reliable cars of the 90s from a different segment that ruled the hearts of the consumers across the globe in an effective manner. Do let us know the ones which were missing on our list in the comment section.