Whether your taste gravitates toward Euro, JDM, or American models, the 1990s produced special examples across the board. The 90s were a simpler time and the sports cars of this era have a certain rawness about them. Many enthusiasts are quick to say that this era produced the most iconic sports cars ever and no other era can match the quality found in the 90s.

We aren’t sure we can go that far, but there are more than a handful of exceptional sports cars from this era. This wide selection range allowed us to keep our list of the top 10 most iconic sports cars of the 90s as diverse and interesting as possible. So, whether you enjoy inline-six turbos or V-10-powered fire breathers, join us on an explorative journey of 90s icons.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources. The models below have been ranked based on their horsepower output.

10 Mazda Miata (NB)

Horsepower: 140

There is no better way to begin a list of 90s icons than with the NB Mazda Miata. The second-generation Miata refined all the details that made the original NA Miata great all while improving its shortcomings.

Performance Specifications

In 2024, the Mazda Miata is still as ubiquitous as it was decades ago. Yet, if given a choice between all the existing generations, the NB is always the top pick.

Pros

• Overall, better than an NA
• Cheap and simple fun
• Analog, yet comfortable

Cons

• Every year there are fewer clean examples
• Automatic models
• Hardtop prices

9 Acura Integra Type R (DC2/DB8)

Horsepower: 197

The only FWD platform on our list is none other than the legendary Acura Integra Type R. Featuring the iconic B18C5 engine with a lofty 8,400 rpm redline, this limited-edition Integra was always destined for greatness.

Performance Specifications

This Type R model remains the most authentic “Type R” Honda available stateside. Its limited production numbers and cult following ensure that prices for these compact coupes will always be on the rise.

Pros

• The best FWD chassis ever?
• The B18C5 engine is one of Honda’s best
• A true “Type R”

Cons

• Limited production numbers
• Sky-high prices compared to GS-R models
• “Type R” configuration can be built in the aftermarket

8 BMW M3 (E36)

Horsepower: 240

Our only BMW on the list is the balanced BMW E36 M3. Despite being aggressively ‘nerfed’ compared to its European equivalent, the US-spec M3 managed to be an exceptional driver’s car.

Performance Specifications

Although the US-spec M3 did make 76 fewer horsepower than the European model, this alone was not enough to dock the value of the E36 M3. The driving experience of the E36 M3 rivals any of its contemporaries of this era and is a fan favorite for a reason.

Pros

• One of BMW’s most balanced performance cars
• Amazing aftermarket support
• Plentiful availability

Cons

• US-spec ‘nerf’
• 328i with mods can be as fast
• Automatic models

7 Mazda RX-7 (FD)

Horsepower: 240

Our second Mazda on the list is the beautiful and revered FD RX-7. The FD was the end of an era for Mazda, and we have yet to see a return to form.

Performance Specifications

Much of the allure of the FD stems from its twin-turbo rotary heart, its amazing proportions, and its solid performance. We can only hope that Mazda will nut up, take some risks, and be different once more like they were when they made the FD RX-7.

Pros

• The last great rotary
• The pretty girl in the room
• Bi-partisan acclaim

Cons

• Engine rebuilds are scheduled maintenance
• Automatic models
• Realizing rotaries also get very bad mpg

6 Acura NSX (NA1)

Horsepower: 266

When Honda decided their performance target for the first-generation NSX was to be a Ferrari, you knew it was going to be special. With drop-dead sexy styling, a balanced mid-engine chassis, and a high-revving engine, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Acura NSX NA1.

Performance Specifications

The Acura NSX drives as good as it looks and remains an underrated supercar for sports car money. While expensive to maintain and knowledge about the platform is far from universal, rest assured, Honda will never make a car like the NA1 NSX again. Drive one and you’ll know what we mean!

Pros

• Ferrari experience for Honda prices
• Ayrton Senna approved
• Has no equal and always stands out

Cons

• The special engine and transmission can require very expensive maintenance
• Very limited repair experts
• Scary low production numbers

5 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)

Horsepower: 276

Few cars have as much hype surrounding their name as the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R. Considering it was the last great inline-six-powered Nissan, its reputation as a standout model is deserved and then some.

Performance Specifications

Considering its forbidden fruit status, the R34 GT-R remains a rare and seldom-found vehicle despite its popularity. The R34 GT-R Skyline was the culmination of ten generations of development and the twin-turbocharged RB26DETT 2.6-liter inline-six that powers it is a timeless icon of automotive engineering.

Pros

• Legendary chassis
• Legendary engine
• Forbidden fruit status

Cons

• Even though now legal, registration can be a headache
• Parts availability
• The loopholes you will need to jump through to have one

4 Toyota Supra (MKIV)

Horsepower: 321

If there was a standout feature of 90s sports cars, it would be the performance engines of this era. No engine is more representative of this than the 2JZ-GTE 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine found in the fourth-generation Toyota Supra.

Performance Specifications

The 2JZ inline-six platform established itself as the backbone of the tuning world for decades since its release. Without the MKIV Supra‘s continued success and acclaim, Toyota would never have decided to bring the Supra back. We are glad that they did!

Pros

• 2JZ-GTE remains a dominant platform decades later
• Underrated balanced chassis and driving quality
• A true “driver-focused” cockpit-style interior

Cons

• Supra tax is real
• Automatic models are prevalent
• Performance per dollar has dropped as more of these become collector’s items

3 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C5)

Horsepower: 385

Rounding out our top three is the high-performance C5 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Even the base model C5 with the LS1 engine is an absolute blast to drive, but the LS6-equipped Z06 model was the cream of the crop for the generation.

Performance Specifications

The 2001 model year Z06s comes with 385 horsepower, while 2002 and newer models made a hefty 405 ponies. With every performance upgrade you could think of, the tried and true Z06 is more than ready to take on any sports car from the 90s.

Pros

• Amazing performance per dollar ratio
• A true performance machine with few shortcomings
• Hardtop only

Cons

• Interior quality is okay at best
• Gas guzzler loopholes
• LS6 v. LS3 performance pound-for-pound

2 Dodge Viper (SR I)

Horsepower: 400

Our runner-up in the battle of 90s sports car icons is the American Lamborghini: the V-10-equipped Dodge Viper SR I. When speaking about no-nanny purist driver’s cars, the first-generation Dodge Viper argues for the top spot.

Performance Specifications

A lightweight chassis with too much torque and no safety aids was always going to be a dangerous combination. Yet, the Dodge Viper wore this fact like it was its heart on its sleeve.

The clear and purposeful intention of the first-generation Viper is what still makes this crazy American sports car as alluring today as it was years ago. Don’t say you’re a purist if you haven’t first tried taming a Dodge Viper.

Pros

• Unashamedly raw in every way
• The quintessential American V-10 sports car
• 1960s approach in a 1990s body

Cons

• Terrible power per liter ratio
• A/C was an option
• Rare engine means limited parts and repair expertise

1 Porsche 911 Turbo S (993)

Horsepower: 424

The 993 generation Porsche 911 Turbo S is one of Porsche’s greatest 911s and a true icon of 90s greatness. A supercar killer created solely for punching above its weight, the 993 Turbo S meant business.

Performance Specifications

The air-cooled twin-turbo flat-six engine would be the last of its kind and the 993 Turbo S would be its greatest implementation. With its iconic widebody styling completing a blend of both classic and modern 911 design, the 993 generation 911 stands out as one of its era’s defining sports cars.

Pros

• The last of the air-cooled engines
• The “perfect” generation 911
• Supercar performance

Cons

• Collector’s car prices out almost everyone
• Even “cheap” 993 models are not cheap
• Too rare is not a good thing