The 1990s Was a Great Decade for Car Lovers
The 1990s was a great time for car enthusiasts. So many classic motors rolled out across that decade — it's tough to keep track of them all! But what were some of the most popular efforts from the '90s? Let's find out. Yep, we'll be taking a deep-dive look at a selection of those models right here, touching on their whereabouts today as well. It's time to go back in time, folks...
1990 Ford Escort
The 1990 Ford Escort might not be the biggest motor, but it certainly attracted a large fan base upon its release. This car was reliable, affordable, and offered some nice engine options. The 1.4-liter was especially decent when it came to fuel economy. It could get 37.2 mpg combined. Today, the Escort is no more — its American production run ended in 2003.
1991 Acura NSX
We'll just come out and say it — the 1991 Acura NSX was a super impressive vehicle. The gorgeous exterior? The eye-catching headlights? Chef's kiss! The 3.0-liter V6 engine wasn't anything to be sniffed at, either. It could produce 270 horsepower and hit 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. After a 10-year production hiatus in the mid-2000s, the NSX was finally retired in 2022.
1990 Volkswagen Polo
There was much to like about the 1990 Volkswagen Polo. It offered a comfortable ride, had a practical interior, and boasted excellent fuel efficiency. The 1.3-liter engine could get roughly 39.2 mpg combined. Wow! Fortunately for Polo fans, the model's still being produced today. And it looks better than ever.
1990 Renault Clio
It felt like the Renault Clio was everywhere during the 1990s. Folks couldn't get enough of it! The 1990 model was a particular standout. It came with a variety of engine options that made urban driving fun. And its fuel economy was fantastic, too. The 1.4-liter could get a combined 41.5 mpg. The Clio's still going strong today.
1993 Ford Mondeo
The 1993 Ford Mondeo had a lot in its favor. It made for a very comfortable drive, helped by a spacious interior. The engine options were excellent as well. Both the 1.8-liter and the 2.0-liter could pick up some serious speed on the road. Today, the Mondeo model is still in production in China and the Middle East — but it retired everywhere else in 2022.
1990 Rover 200
The Rover 200 was something of a '90s mainstay. It was very popular across that decade. But the 1990 model might be the standout. It's got that classic Rover look and came in a variety of decent trims. The hatchback was awesome! Sadly, the 200 left the stage in 2005 when Rover went out of business.
1990 Vauxhall Astra
If you loved boxy motors in the '90s, then the 1990 Vauxhall Astra would've been perfect. But what else did it have going for it? Well, the car had a superb fuel economy. Its 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine could get 38.2 mpg combined. The popular model's still around today, boasting a slicker design.
1992 Nissan Micra
The 1992 Nissan Micra was exactly that — it was tiny compared to most other cars on the road! But even so, this motor proved to be hugely popular across the decade. It didn't cost an arm and a leg to buy and had a very fuel-efficient engine. Now, the model's in its sixth generation.
1990 Honda Civic
Reliable? Check. Fun to drive? Check. Fuel-efficient? You bet! Yes, the 1990 Honda Civic was a very popular choice. You could get it as a sedan, a wagon, or a hatchback at the time. The model's still kicking about today — it's currently in its 11th generation.
1990 Volkswagen Golf
Take it from us, folks — the 1990 Volkswagen Golf was tougher than it looked. It was an extremely durable car on the road! On top of that, its fuel economy was insanely good. The diesel model could get 47.9 mpg combined. Woah. No wonder people loved it. The Golf is now in its eighth generation.
1990 Toyota Camry
The 1990 Toyota Camry had quite the fan club. Its durability was much appreciated in the past, as were its reliable performances. But is the model still popular today? Absolutely! After 43 years, its production run continues to go from strength to strength.
1994 Dodge Ram
It's not hard to understand why the 1994 Dodge Ram gained so much popularity. It was a blast to drive, offering a comfortable ride and excellent handling. The engine options were impressive, too. Today, the model's simply known as a Ram pickup.
1990 Chevrolet Corvette
There's no other way of saying it, folks — the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette was an absolute stunner. Just look at it! Under that gorgeous hood sat a 5.7-liter V8 engine, capable of producing 245 horsepower. While the Corvette is still around today, this particular model takes some beating.
1993 Peugeot 306
1993 marked the debut year for the Peugeot 306. And boy, did it leave an impression! It had style, handled like a dream, and performed brilliantly on the road. The car was also pretty fuel-efficient. In the end, the 306 bowed out in 2002.
1990 Ford Fiesta
What made the 1990 Ford Fiesta so popular? Simple — it was very easy to drive! It proved to be the perfect vehicle for motorists who were just starting out. And the model continued to stick around all the way up until 2023.
1990 Nissan 300ZX
The 1990 Nissan 300ZX was a jaw-dropping effort. That exterior design was so cool for the time! It wasn't a slouch in the performance department, either. Its 3.0-liter V6 engine was capable of reaching 222 horsepower. Unfortunately, the model was discontinued in the year 2000.
1993 Vauxhall Corsa
The 1993 Vauxhall Corsa attracted quite a bit of buzz in the United Kingdom during the '90s. First-time drivers loved it! The car had a comfortably spacious interior, while its fuel economy was decent as well. This model shows no signs of retiring yet.
1990 Vauxhall Cavalier
Commonly referred to as a "dad car," the 1990 Vauxhall Cavalier was an excellent choice for drivers with families. It came with a ton of different engine options! Yet despite its popularity, the model's production run ended in 1995.
1990 BMW 3 Series
Classy, stylish, and oodles of fun to drive, the 1990 BMW 3 Series was hugely popular across that decade. How could you turn your nose up at this beauty! The model celebrated its 50th year in production in 2025.
1991 GMC Syclone
The 1991 GMC Syclone was a fearsome vehicle. It had a monstrous turbocharged V6 engine under the hood, capable of reaching 280 horsepower. You can't say the name wasn't fitting! Its cult '90s status only grew after the model was retired in 1992.
Through: Calreyn88