The 90s marked a significant milestone in the automotive industry. Vehicle designs shifted from flashy futuristic ideas to more practical models that aimed at improved driver experience. Most brands abandoned the poor finishes and boxy design models that dominated the previous decade. Also, automakers achieved significant technological advancements to improve speed, efficiency, and comfort, explaining why many cars built in the 90s are becoming increasingly popular with collectors.

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Although overall vehicle performance was generally improved in the 1990s, electric steering and advanced chassis controls had not been realized by then. Therefore, the iconic models built in this era are among the last to deliver the mechanical hand-to-wheel-to-road connection rarely found in today's models. Here are a few of these 1990s sports cars that are still favorites to most avid car enthusiasts.

10 Acura NSX

Acura NSX
Via supercars.net

The NSX is among the best cars that were sold under different nameplates in different countries. Built initially as Honda NSX, the car was sold as Acura NSX in the North American market. The Acura NSX impressed many car enthusiasts with a unique exterior design inspired by the F-16 fighter jet cockpit. This model relied heavily on advanced aerodynamics and benefited from the late Formula One World Champion Ayrton Senna's input.

Acura NSX
Via moneyinc.com

The Acura NSX is iconic for being the first mass-produced model featuring an all-aluminum body, available in coupe or Targa top trims. Under the hood, the NSX packs either a 3.0-liter or 3.2-liter V6 engine. These engine variants are paired to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

9 Saab 9000

Saab 9000
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Following the turbocharged Saab 900 and 90 models' success, Saab Automobiles introduced the Saab 9000 to continue their onslaught in the executive car market. The Saab 9000 utilizes the Type Four platform developed in conjunction with Fiat Automobiles. As a result, the Saab 9000 has a similar outward appearance to Fiat's Croma and Lancia Thema models and there are even some interchangeable body parts.

Saab 9000.
Via netcarshow.com

Saab offered the 9000 as a five-door liftback or a four-door saloon. Before production ceased in 1998, the Saab 9000 featured several engine variants; 2.0-liter inline-four, 2.3-liter inline-four, and 3.0-liter V6. Saab also offered turbocharged variants for the 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter petrol engines.

8 Ford Mustang Cobra R

Ford Mustang Cobra R
Via mecum.com

The Mustang Cobra R was an exclusive racing model built for racing events or private collectors who never planned to drive them. The 1993 model marked the first of three Cobra R models, mostly recognized as the smallest and lightest. Ford excluded rear seats, air conditioner, rear carpeting, roll-up cargo cover, speakers, radio, foglights, and sound deadener, among other items from the base model to make the Cobra R 450lbs lighter.

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Ford Mustang Cobra R
Via silodrome.com

Ford built only 107 units for the 1993 model year, all featuring a Fox-body design and Vibrant Red Clearcoat paint. Despite having power steering, the Cobra R features manually-operated door locks, mirrors, windows, and bucket seats. This car packs a 5.0-liter small-block V8 engine mated to a modified five-speed manual T-5 transmission.

7 Porsche Boxster

Porsche Boxster
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After the previous 550 Spyder model, the two-seat Boxster was Porsche's first roadster design model. This iconic Boxster symbolized a commercial turnaround for Porsche after enduring falling sales and an outdated product range. The Porsche Boxster is fondly remembered as Porsche's largest volume seller before the Cayenne arrived in 2003.

Porsche Boxster
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The Boxster is powered by a water-cooled 2.5-liter flat six-cylinder mid-engine that allows for near-perfect weight distribution, neutral handling, and a low center of gravity. Although some factory models had a casting complication that resulted in the mingling of oil and coolant system fluids, Porsche inserted new sleeves to curb recurrence.

6 McLaren F1

McLaren F1
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The McLaren F1 made its mark in the automotive industry as one of the first production cars to incorporate a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. Like a high-performance car, the F1 boasts high power and low weight through high-tech innovations and expensive materials such as gold, titanium, magnesium, carbon fiber, and kevlar.

McLaren F1
Via uncrate.com

Unlike most modern sports cars, the McLaren F1's proprietary design features a centrally located driver's seat in front of two passenger seat positions. The McLaren F1 packs a 60-degree 6.1-liter BMW S70/2 that delivers 618bhp and 586lb-ft maximum torque. The car accelerates from 0-60mph in three seconds, with the ability to reach a top speed of 240mph.

5 Mazda RX-7

Mazda RX-7
Via supercars.net

By early 1992, Mazda was already building the third-generation two-door RX-7 coupe model. This RX-7 model boasted an updated body design and increased width dimension transitioning it into the upper-level luxury sports cars category. After these upgrades, Japanese sales took a hit due to non-conformity in dimension regulations.

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Mazda RX-7
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The third-generation RX-7 houses a 1.3-liter twin-turbocharged twin-rotor 13B-REW engine that churns out 252bhp. In North America, the RX-7 is available in base, R, and Touring models. Mazda took a significant hit in RX-7 sales because they lasted till 1995 in the US market before succumbing to a weak economy and escalating MSRP. Despite the challenges, the RX-7 pushed on in the Japanese market until 2002.

4 BMW 540i

BMW 540i
Via carsandbids.com

The 540i is classified under the third generation of BMW's iconic 5 Series, internally labeled BMW E34. BMW provided the 540i in a five-door wagon, and 4-door sedan body trims, although the first was not marketed in North America. The 540i features traction control and stability control.

BMW 540i
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The BMW 540i boasts a naturally-aspirated 32-valve 4.0-liter DOHC V8 that offers 282bhp at 5800rpm and 295lb-ft peak torque at 4500rpm. The six-speed manual transmission in this model pushes it to a top speed of 155mph. BMW also offered an optional five-speed automatic transmission. The 540i's 1675lbs curb weight allows it to cover 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds.

3 Mazda Miata

Mazda Miata
Via carsforsale.com

The Miata is popular among the 90s models for its dynamically balanced, technologically modern, light, small, and minimally complex design. Some avid enthusiasts refer to it as the spiritual successor to the Italian and British roadster sports cars that dominated the 50s and 60s. The first-generation Miata was available from 1989, while the second generation started in 1999.

Mazda Miata
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The early Mazda Miata models featured a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive. A 1.8-liter engine variant debuted in 1993 alongside an optional detuned 1.6-liter budget model distinguished by its pop-up headlights.

2 Dodge Viper GTS

Dodge Viper GTS
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The Viper GTS coupe was unveiled for the 1996 model year as a second-generation Dodge Viper. The GTS model took design cues from the Shelby Daytona to feature a distinct double-bubble roof that allows for helmet use. The Viper GTS prides itself on being the first Viper model that features airbags, air conditioning, power windows, a rear muffler, and power door locks.

Dodge Viper GTS
Via carpixel.net

The Viper GTS has an 8.0-liter V10 engine that develops 450bhp at 5200rpm and 490lb-ft maximum torque at 3700rpm. Like most Viper models in the 1990s, the GTS model was available in three or four color choices per model year. Although stripes were optional from 1996, the 1996 model is the only one with stripes that run through the rear license plate area.

1 Ferrari 550 Maranello

Ferrari 550 Maranello
Via carpixel.net

The 550 Maranello grand tourer is unique for being the first two-seat 12-cylinder model in 23 years to feature a front-mounted engine with a rear-wheel-drive layout. The Maranello endears to many Ferrari fans since it's named after the town that's home to the Ferrari factory and headquarters. The 550 in the nameplate represents the model's engine, a naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter Tipo F133A/C V12 engine.

Ferrari 550 Maranello
Via: carpixel.net

This engine is mated to a manual 6-speed transmission, generating 478bhp at 7000rpm and 419lb-ft maximum torque at 5000rpm. The 550 Maranello features aluminum body panels, tubular steel space frame, double wishbone suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars, rack and pinion steering, 18-inch magnesium alloy wheels, and anti-slip regulation.

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