Automotive aficionados remember warmly in the 1990s as a period marked by exciting Japanese sports cars, German sport sedans, and a few good American muscle cars. Some gems in the rough from the 1990s, on the other hand, have been mostly lost or do not receive the recognition they crave.

The adoption and implementation of fuel injection, ABS, and power steering increased dependability, reliability, and practicality throughout this period. These cars are modern enough to be dependable and approachable, but ancient enough — and now uncommon enough–to be fascinating.

The 1990s showed us that you didn't need a college diploma to succeed. The auto industry was eager to serve the fresh money, as well as the engineering created to remain inside the pollution restrictions that killed the muscle car and restored true power to automobiles. It didn't hurt that gas was inexpensive. The value of many classic 1990s automobiles, such as the Porsche 993, Acura NSX, and Toyota Supra, has risen in recent years. However, there are still some good deals to go around for. We have some excellent news for you if you couldn't afford a high-end vehicle back then but still want to drive one today. Here are a few undervalued 1990s performance automobiles that deserve more attention. All of these vehicles are available for less than $15,000.

10 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
Via: Mecum Auctions

In the 1990s, the SVT Cobra was one of the most powerful automobiles available. Fortunately, costs are still cheap, so you can purchase one for less than the cost of a new Mitsubishi Mirage. It was also a pricey epoch.

1993-Ford-Mustang-SVT-Cobra
via mecum

A completely new Cobra cost $60,000 when it was first released. There are several used Ford Mustangs under $15,000, and the SVT Cobra is one of the best.

Related: Hot Wheels Releases Club-Exclusive 1993 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R

9 Lexus LS400

The pioneer model of the Lexus
Via: Lexus

Toyota's luxury division, Lexus, was established in 1987. That in itself shows their dependability and quality. To some, the Lexus LS400 may not sound like a favorite car, but the mixture of comfort, stateliness, and ultimate reliability makes for a very enticing package.

Second Gen Lexus LS 400 UCF20 Diamond White Pearl
via Wikimedia Commons

With inflation, a brand new LS400 would cost you $40,000, or $79,000 today. But why invest in that when a secondhand LS4000 can be had for around $7,000 right now?

Related: Battle Of The Luxury Crown: Mercedes-Benz S Class Vs Lexus LS

8 BMW M3 (E36)

Black 1999 BMW M3 E36
via mecum.com

The pricing of the first-generation M3, the E30, has skyrocketed in recent years, but the E36, its replacement, is still a steal. This is most likely because US-market M3s lack the more powerful motor available in Europe, but it's still a fine car.

BMW M3 (E36) parked on drift track
Via wallpapersafari.com

M3's mid-late-nineteenth-century sister is still out there and can be had in good shape for roughly $15,000. Plus, you can mod the hell out of it as the M3 was built to take it. There's a reason track days have so many of these.

Related: 10 Things Everyone Forgot About The BMW E36 M3

7 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am

1996-Pontiac-Trans-AM-WS6
via classic

The Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am was a more economical but still high-end automobile from the 1990s. The initial price of this fast-looking car was $25,000, and it is now regarded as a collector's item.

Via CLASSIC.com

Just because a car is in high demand doesn't guarantee it will be prohibitively expensive. For $10,000, you can have a Trans-Am if you're prepared to do some work under the hood. And if you're willing to put in a little extra effort, you can locate them for even less.

Related: Rare 1999 Pontiac Trans Am 30th Anniversary Convertible Heads To Mecum

6 Porsche 944 Turbo

1991 Porsche 944 Turbo S2 LES
via Wikimedia Commons

For Porsche fans searching for a more economical and reliable ride, this high-end 1990s vehicle is a must-have. In the 1990s, driving a Porsche 944 Turbo off the lot wasn't inexpensive. They introduced the Porsche 944 Turbo in 1982 and was an immense success, lasting until 1991.

1991 Porsche 944 Turbo S2 LESvia Flickr
via Flickr

It's a small window for a 1990s car, but a good-condition 1990s Porsche 944 Turbo can be found for roughly $15,000 right now. If a Porsche from the 1990s is on your dream list, now is the time to hunt.

5 Mercedes-Benz SL500

Courtesy Hagerty

In 1990, a brand new Mercedes-Benz SL500 would have set you back $80,000. In today's money, that's the equivalent of $160,000. The high-end Mercedes belonged to the SL class of Grand Tourer sports cars, which dates back to the 1950s.

1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500
via Wikimedia Commons

As expensive as the SL500 was 3 decades ago, it can now be had for a remarkably low $12,000 in used reliable condition. If this is the car you've wanted since they originally released it, there's never been a better opportunity to own one!

4 1997 Chevrolet Corvette C5

1997 Chevrolet Corvette
mecum.com

A C5 Corvette may be had for roughly $15,000 or less, which is a fantastic deal. This is a 175-mph automobile with a near-bulletproof 350-horsepower V-8 and excellent handling. Sure, Chevy didn't put up its best effort inside, but it's a fair deal.

Via Mecum Auctions

The good news is that there are still many out there, and older Corvette owners are notorious for storing their cars in the garage until weekend car shows.

Related: Why This 1999 C5 Corvette Appeals To Jay Leno Over European Exotics

3 Toyota MR2 Turbo

Toyota MR2 Turbo
via Wikipedia

Isn't it a shame that Supras from the 1990s are so expensive? Consider the MR2 Turbo, Toyota's other high-performance automobile at the time. Today, the turbo version of Toyota's midship runabout is becoming more difficult to come by, but with a little patience and Googling searches, you can find one for $10,000 or even less.

Toyota MR2 GTS Turbo
via Wikimedia Commons

That's not much for a fantastic mid-engine setup with plenty of tweaking options. It's about Toyota's dependability and maintenance costs.

2 Porsche Boxster

1999 Porsche Boxster 2.5 Front
via Wikimedia Commons

You'll never be able to purchase a brand new Porsche for $10,000 in your lifetime. When Porsche first introduced the Boxster in 1997, it turned the sports car market on its head. Since then, the Boxster has become a cultural icon. And the Boxster is still a fantastic deal.

1999 Porsche Boxster 2.5 Rear
via Wikimedia Commons

It isn't the prettiest Porsche, but it has a superb chassis and just enough power to take advantage of it. A nice one may be found for less than $10,000, which is a fantastic deal. And don't think that it is just a poor man's Porsche.

1 1993 Ford Probe GT

1993 Ford Probe GT
via Wikimedia Commons

The Mazda MX-6 was the basis for the Ford Probe, a sporty front-wheel-drive coupe. It was rumored to be the next Mustang, but Ford knew right away that a front-wheel-drive Mustang without a V8 option was a horrible idea. The probe appears to be new and fluid, lacking the slab-sidedness of the preceding high-cowl body. It feels rigid, stable, athletic, and controlling, and it drives with passion and confidence.

1993 Ford Probe GT
via Wikimedia Commons

The V-6 engine in the Probe will move you in more ways than one, and there is no excess of noise to inform dolts and bees that they are driving a sports vehicle. For $10,000, you can have an exceptionally well-preserved and low-mileage 1993 Probe GT.