10 Cars From The 90s That Are Now Worth More Than Their MSRP

Cars of the 90s were truly unique and simple compared to the cars made today. There were no driver-assist features, backup cameras, or fancy sound systems readily available for every car. Instead, drivers got to enjoy the simple pleasure of driving, including the sound of the engine, manual transmissions with only five gears, and affordable prices by today’s standards.

Back then, the average price range of a new car was $15,000 to $17,000, with high-performance sports cars costing around $18,000. Fast-forward 30 years and some of these cars are now rare, driving up their value significantly. Today, some enthusiasts will pay a premium for some of these cars from the 90s. With that in mind, here are 10 cars we found that command values well above their original MSRPs.

10

1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo

Value: $25,000

The 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo became a classic in the early 2000s and is even more so now. Aside from its sporty wedge shape and efficient aerodynamics, what set the MR2 apart from other cars in the era was its mid-engine layout and rear-drive configuration, which was mostly reserved for supercars back then.

Performance Specifications

Additionally, the MR2 Turbo’s turbocharged engine produced a lot of power at the time, which enabled the lightweight car to get up to speed very quickly, especially when paired with the manual transmission. With all that performance, it’s hard to believe that the MR2 Turbo retailed for around $18,000 when it was new, and clean examples can now be found for around $25,000.

9

1993 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo

Value: $40,000

Before the 350Z and the 370Z, there was the Nissan 300ZX, which featured a low-slung shape, a potent engine, and plenty of high-tech features. The 300ZX was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine that gave the car exhilarating acceleration, while its HICAS four-wheel steering system gave it precise handling, setting it apart from other sports cars of the time.

Performance Specifications

The 300ZX was also available as either a coupe or a Targa top convertible, making it a hit with enthusiasts back then and now. Due to its current scarcity and timeless look, many clean Nissan 300ZX examples with low miles can be found for around $40,000, which is a little more than its original MSRP.

8

1995 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Value: $40,000

Although many muscle-car enthusiasts prefer the newer Ford Mustang body styles over the older ones, it’s hard to deny the SN95 style from the mid-90s. One trim level in particular, the Mustang SVT Cobra, was especially unique with its 5.8-liter V8 engine, sourced from the F-150 Lightning, that pushed 300 horsepower to the rear wheels.

Performance Specifications

The Mustang Cobra also handled well with its beefed-up suspension, unique alloy wheels, and sticky tires, but it was the whole package that made this car special. As such, clean examples have sold at auction for around $40,000, which is nearly double the price of when it was new.

7

1993 Mazda RX-7

Value: $44,000

It’s hard to find a completely stock 1993 Mazda RX-7 Turbo nowadays, but if you do, you can expect to pay a premium for it. However, it could be worth the price considering they’re going up in value. But value aside, the RX-7 is also a joy to drive with its twin-turbo rotary engine, even though most enthusiasts will happily swap it out for an LS engine from Chevy or a K-Series engine from Honda.

Performance Specifications

But no matter which engine motivates it, no one can disregard the third-generation Mazda RX-7’s aggressive look and cockpit-like interior that not only looked cool back then, but still looks good today. Of course, we can’t forget those flip-up headlights, which were popular in the 90s and a classic feature today.

6

1997 Acura Integra Type R

Average Value: $45,000

When the Acura Integra Type R came to the U.S., Honda enthusiasts nearly exploded at the mere sight of it. Technically, it doesn’t look much different than the standard Integra, aside from a larger wing and different wheels, but it’s what you can’t see that counts. Underneath its hood is a high-revving 1.8-liter engine that made nearly 200 horsepower and came with an 8,400-rpm redline.

Performance Specifications

Additionally, it had stiffened double-wishbone suspension and a five-lug wheel setup for better handling, in addition to more chassis bracing and weight reduction to make it handle better. Some critics even raved about its handling characteristics, saying that it handled more like a rear-wheel-drive car.

But performance wasn’t the only thing the Integra Type R had going for it, as Acura only produced 320 for the 1997 model year, making it super rare. Due to this scarcity, it’s not uncommon for a 1997 Integra Type R to be priced at anywhere between $45,000 to $100,000, depending on the condition it’s in.

5

1991 Acura NSX

Average Value: $65,900

The 1991 Acura NSX doesn’t need much of an introduction, but for the unfamiliar, it was one of the brand’s first models and the most affordable supercar in its day. It even rivaled more expensive exotics, like the Ferrari 348, with its superb chassis engineering and high-revving VTEC engine.

Performance Specifications

Back then, the Acura NSX retailed for around $60,000, but now, that’s how much one with over 300,000 miles on the odometer costs. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see first-generation Acura NSXs selling for over $100,000, depending on the car’s condition.

4

1995 Dodge Viper RT/10

Average Value: $73,300

The Dodge Viper was once called the “widowmaker” due to its propensity to get squirrely with too much throttle input. That unpredictable oversteer was due to the car’s sheer power and lack of traction control, making the Viper a menace for drivers who didn’t respect its authority.

Performance Specifications

Its raucous V10 was what made the car so great, yet so dangerous, making the Dodge Viper RT/10 one of the most revered and recognized cars in automotive history. Its reputation has also earned it a high price tag in the current market, with versions selling for around $50,000 and up to the mid-$70,000 range for pristine models.

3

1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe

Average Value: $75,000

The 1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe was a high-performance version of the popular Z3 roadster. It was powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six engine that made over 200 horsepower. But what really set it apart from the rest was its hatchback shape and hardtop, which made it look unusual from the side profile angle.

Performance Specifications

That side view gave it the nickname the “clown shoe,” because it looked like a shoe with its bubbly top and elongated hood. Funny name aside, the Z3 M Coupe was quite the performer in its day and its rarity in the market has given it a high value that’s nearly double what it once cost.

2

1995 Toyota Supra

Value: $85,100

We can thank the “Fast and Furious” franchise for the elevated prices on the fourth-generation Toyota Supra, but there’s more to it than just a spot in a couple of movies. Most of the Supra’s greatness comes from its timeless look and venerable 2JZ turbocharged six-cylinder engine.

Performance Specifications

That engine sent over 300 horsepower to the rear wheels, which is plenty. But enthusiasts over the years have found ways to extract over 1,000 horsepower from it, making the Supra one of the most popular platforms to modify. In turn, this popularity has also made it one of the most expensive platforms in the current market, with many clean examples fetching over $100,000 at auction.

1

1993 Porsche 911 (964)

Average Value: $90,000

The 1993 911 (964) has long been considered a masterpiece of the brand’s air-cooled era by Porsche enthusiasts. This version of the 911 melded a classic design with modern elements, which included a 250-horsepower flat-six engine that delivered an exhilarating driving experience, a power steering system, and ABS.

Performance Specifications

The 964 was also available in rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive setups to aid it in the handling and traction departments. Today, the 964 is a highly coveted model due to its blend of visceral performance and legendary heritage.