Sports Cars That Deserve More Hype
Not every sports car gets its moment in the spotlight. Some had the looks, speed, and soul but slipped under the radar. But just because these cars didn’t become household names doesn’t mean they weren’t worth remembering. Let’s give them the recognition they should’ve gotten years ago.
Mazda MX-6
Everyone remembers the Miata, but the MX-6? Totally overlooked. This sleek coupe had great handling, a smooth V6, and real ‘90s charm. It was sporty, comfy, and affordable, but somehow forgotten like yesterday’s cassette tape collection. This baby deserved way more fanfare than it ever got.
Isuzu Piazza (Impulse)
Styled by Giugiaro and tuned by Lotus, how was this not a hit? The Isuzu Impulse was quirky, agile, and surprisingly advanced. But Isuzu’s reputation for trucks didn’t help, and marketing flopped harder than its sales. Still, this oddball deserved more than a blink in the ‘80s rearview mirror.
Saab Sonett III
The Sonett III was a fiberglass-bodied Swedish sports car that sounds like a fever dream, but it was real and it was adorable. It looked like a baby supercar and came with front wheel drive sass. Unfortunately, it lacked the muscle to match the looks, and America just wasn’t ready for sporty from Saab.
Opel GT
It looked like a baby Corvette and was nicknamed “the poor man’s Vette,” but the Opel GT was more than just a pretty face. With its pop-up headlights and European flair, it had real charm. Sadly, GM never gave it the push it needed to shine in the US.
Mitsubishi Starion
Turbocharged, rear wheel drive, and full of ‘80s attitude, the Starion was a blast to drive. It had the muscle to back up its boxy good looks, but it got overshadowed by the Supra and RX-7. It also didn’t help that no one knew how to pronounce its name.
Toyota Celica GT-Four
The Celica was always a cool ride, but the GT-Four was a rally legend in disguise. With all wheel drive and turbocharged power, it was the car that made the streets its playground. But the lack of US exposure kept it from achieving the fame it truly deserved.
Alfa Romeo GTV6
Italian elegance? Check. V6 power? Check. A soundtrack that could make you swoon? Absolutely. The GTV6 had it all. Beauty and brawn and handling to match. But Alfa Romeo’s inconsistent presence in the US market meant this gem never got the spotlight it was begging for.
Datsun 240Z
Before Nissan became a global giant, the Datsun 240Z was the sports car to beat. Light, agile, and affordable, it gave the Europeans a run for their money. It deserved more credit for being a serious contender that could still put a smile on your face today.
Ford Probe GT
The Probe GT was a "what could have been" car. It had the looks, turbo power, and front-wheel drive handling capabilities. However, it was overshadowed by the Mazda MX-6. Ford just didn't give it a chance to shine, and that’s too bad because it could have been iconic.
Pontiac Fiero
The Fiero had the looks, the handling, and mid-engine capability. However, many dismissed it as a joke. It was underpowered and went through an identity crisis, but had it gotten the right tuning, it could have been a star. It was a hidden gem; it just needed the right spotlight.
The Delta Integrale was Italy's answer to the rally scene. It was an absolute beast! However, even though it achieved near legendary status in Europe, the American market never really embraced it.
Nissan 240SX
A lightweight frame combined with a silky smooth chassis made the 240SX almost feel as though it were built specifically for sideways action. Despite its cult following now, the Nissan 240SX did not receive the recognition it deserved until long after its prime.
BMW Z3 M Roadster
Sure, the BMW Z3 was popular, but the M Roadster was an entirely different legend. With a stout inline-six engine and a chassis just waiting to be driven hard, this little roadster would embarrass bigger, flashier sports cars. Unfortunately, it was overshadowed by its more famous M3 sibling.
Fiat 124 Spider
Before the Miata, the 124 Spider was the go-to affordable roadster for driving enthusiasts. With gorgeous Italian lines and a peppy engine, it was fun to drive. But Fiat’s lack of consistency in the US meant it didn’t get the following it deserved.
Subaru SVX
The Subaru SVX is one of the rides that was well ahead of its time. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and its unique glass canopy made it look like a spaceship. It was a surprisingly capable front-wheel drive coupe, but it went under the radar due to Subaru’s quirky reputation and awkward marketing.
Honda CR-X Si
Lightweight, fast, and ridiculously cute, the CR-X Si was a fun, fuel-efficient ride before that was even cool. The handling and a rev-friendly engine were a hit, but the Honda badge prevented it from getting the full sports car respect it should have received.
Volvo P1800
Yes, Volvo made a sports car, and yes, it was beautiful. The Volvo P1800 had curves and class, not to mention reliability (one lasted over 3 million miles). But the Swedish badge made people think it was all safety, no speed. Shame, because it was a real head-turner.
Acura RSX Type-S
The RSX Type-S had a high-revving engine, razor-sharp handling, and enough tech to make early-2000s drivers feel special. It was a true performer, but it never got that recognition. Blame the boring looks or the fact that it was an "entry-level" vehicle.
Mercury Capri XR2 (‘91–’94)
Front-wheel drive, turbocharged, and so much fun, Mercury's answer to the Miata was the Capri XR2. But awkward styling and marketing meant it was buried in no time. Say anything you want, but it was spunky and weird and deserved better than being referred to as "the other little convertible."
Renault Alpine A310
The A310 had wild styling and a rear engine layout that just screamed "cool," but it was always in the shadows of its famous rally-winning sibling, the A110. It was an obscure vehicle outside of Europe, but this fiberglass wedge was so much more, and we wish it had gotten the recognition it deserved.
Toyota MR2 Spyder (3rd Gen)
Mid-engine, super light, and surprisingly affordable, the third-gen MR2 was a pure driver’s car. But its soft styling and small trunk turned off buyers who wanted flash. That’s sad, because under the hood it was a backroad-blasting go-kart that put bigger cars to shame.
Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder
Rear engine? Turbocharged? From Chevy? Yep. The Corvair Monza Spyder was ahead of its time. Unfortunately, it also came with handling quirks and a certain Ralph Nader book that doomed its rep. Still, this oddball had real sports car potential in the ‘60s.
Plymouth Laser RS Turbo
Overshadowed by its DSM twins, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, the Laser RS Turbo never got the love it deserved. But under the hood? Same punchy turbo goodness. It just needed better branding and maybe a less “office printer” name.
Mazda MX-3 GS
It had a sporty hatch with a tiny 1.8L V6, the world’s smallest production V6, in fact. The MX-3 GS had nimble handling and a big personality in a small package. But it was too quirky to go mainstream. Still, for those who knew, it was a surprisingly fun ride.
Triumph TR8
With a V8 engine crammed into a classic British roadster, the TR8 was Triumph’s muscle-bound wild child. It had power and presence, but quality issues and poor timing tanked its chances. However, if you want old-school charm with serious grunt, the TR8 had it in spades.
Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo
Built alongside the Mitsubishi 3000GT, the Stealth R/T Twin Turbo packed AWD, all-wheel steering, and twin-turbo power. But while the 3000GT got all the attention, the Dodge version flew under the radar. It looked sharp, drove like a beast, and totally deserved more than second-string sports car status.
Pontiac Solstice GXP
Cute? Yes. Capable? Very. The GXP took this roadster from “meh” to “heck yes” with turbocharged power and sharp handling. But just as it hit its stride, Pontiac hit the chopping block. If GM had kept it going, this little stunner might’ve become a true modern classic.
Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
The GSX was the hottest version of the Eclipse, and a tuner icon. But as the Eclipse morphed into a bloated coupe, the GSX’s glory days faded. Still, the original had the goods to hang with the big boys.
Fiat X1/9
A wedge-shaped, mid-engine Italian targa for the price of a compact sedan? Yes, please. The X1/9 was more fun than its tiny engine suggested, with go-kart handling and funky charm. Unfortunately, rust and reliability kept it from greatness, but when it worked, it was a party on four wheels.
Subaru XT Turbo
Angular, futuristic, and full of quirks, the XT Turbo was Subaru’s wild child in the ‘80s. With a digital dash, push-button 4WD, and an airplane-style cockpit, it looked like it came from a sci-fi flick. But buyers weren’t ready for that much weird, and it quietly vanished.
TVR Griffith
British muscle wrapped in sleek, curvy madness. The TVR Griffith had insane power, no driver aids, and a “hold on tight” personality. It was raw and ridiculously fun, but too wild (and unreliable) for mass appeal. Still, if you love your cars unfiltered, this one was rockstar-level fun.
AMC AMX
Think of it as a muscle car with a compact twist. The AMX had serious V8 power and a shorter wheelbase for snappier handling. But AMC’s underdog status kept it in the shadows. If it wore a Chevy badge, you’d know its name.
Suzuki Cappuccino
With rear-wheel drive and a removable roof, the Cappuccino was a kei car with serious spirit. Unfortunately, it was never officially sold in the US, but we still think it deserved a shot.
Lotus Elan M100
The Elan had the misfortune of being front-wheel drive, which was basically heresy for Lotus fans. But it handled brilliantly, thanks to Lotus' magic, and delivered a unique, balanced ride. Critics loved it, but buyers didn’t show up. A rare miss for Lotus, but one that deserved way more appreciation.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
Hyundai isn’t the first name that comes to mind when you think of performance, but the Genesis Coupe R-Spec had power, RWD, and attitude. It was meant to take on the Mustang and 370Z, but never quite ignited. Still, it showed Hyundai had some performance chops under the bonnet.
