Some cars might not have gotten their time in the spotlight, but that makes them all the more special. These are the unsung heroes of the automotive world: Cars that were either ahead of their time, overshadowed by marketing missteps, or misunderstood. Some offered innovative engineering, while others delivered thrilling performances at a bargain. Here are 22 such underrated vehicles that need more love!
Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 (2006-2007)
Take a regular Mazda 6, inject it with turbocharged madness, add all-wheel drive, and slap on a six-speed manual transmission. Mazda reinforced the chassis, stiffened the suspension, and added a limited-slip rear differential. The 0-60 mph sprint took 5.4 seconds, with a 155 mph top speed. Unlike its lively Mazdaspeed 3 sibling, the Speed 6 leaned toward a refined yet aggressive driving experience. It was quick, practical, and fun, but unfortunately, it never gained the same cult following as the WRX or Evo.
Pontiac G8 GXP (2009)
If you wanted a four-door Corvette but didn’t want to sell a kidney for a BMW M5, the G8 GXP was your answer. Derived from the Australian Holden Commodore VE, the GXP packed a 6.2L LS3 V8, the same engine found in the C6 Corvette, producing 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It could also sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, making it Pontiac’s most powerful production car ever. Pontiac’s untimely demise meant this beast never got the recognition it deserved.
Saab 9-3 Viggen (1999-2002)
A front-wheel-drive Saab with torque steer that could rip your arms off? Sign us up! Built in Trollhättan, Sweden, the Viggen featured a stiffened chassis, upgraded suspension, a limited-slip-like electronic differential, and big Brembo brakes. Its aerodynamic body kit reduced lift by 50%, and its distinctive Lightning Blue paint (on early models) set it apart. Only 4,600 units were built worldwide, making it rare. Saab’s eventual decline meant this Swedish missile never found mainstream success.
Volkswagen Phaeton (2002-2016)
Imagine if Volkswagen built a Bentley-level luxury sedan. Oh wait, they did! Built on the D1 platform, it shared components with the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur. The Phaeton featured air suspension, a 4-zone climate system, and an optional W12 engine (6.0L, 444 hp). Other powertrains included a 3.0L V6 TDI, 3.2L and 3.6L V6s, and a 4.2L V8. The problem? Nobody wanted to spend six figures on a car with a VW badge, so it faded into obscurity.
Chevrolet SS (2014-2017)
Think of it as the American M5 that nobody noticed. It came exclusively with an automatic (2014-2015) or optional 6-speed manual (2015-2017), making it a true enthusiast’s sleeper. Built in Australia as a rebadged Holden VF Commodore, the SS featured Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, and a limited-slip differential, delivering an engaging drive despite its unassuming exterior. But, despite its sleeper status and thrilling drive, low sales meant it disappeared from the market too soon.
Acura RSX Type-S (2002-2006)
The RSX Type-S had a screaming 2.0L i-VTEC engine, a slick six-speed manual, and sharp handling. Replacing the Integra, it featured a more refined yet aggressive design, with a sloping roofline, a wide stance, and a clean, aerodynamic profile. The front end sported Acura’s signature pentagonal grille, flanked by sharp, angular headlights, while the rear had a subtle lip spoiler and dual exhaust tips, reinforcing its sporty intent. It was essentially the spiritual successor to the beloved Integra, but the lack of a Honda badge in the U.S. kept it from reaching its full fanboy potential.
Cadillac CTS-V Wagon (2011-2014)
A station wagon with a supercharged 6.2L V8 making 556 horsepower? Yes, please! Designed under Bob Boniface, Cadillac’s exterior design director, the CTS-V Wagon retained the sharp, angular Art & Science styling of the CTS sedan but added a long-roof design, making it aggressive and functional. It also featured a functional rear hatch with 25.4 cubic feet of cargo space, blending supercar power with real-world usability. Produced in limited numbers (~1,764 units), it remains a unicorn among high-performance wagons.
Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 (1988-1992)
Often overshadowed by the Lancer Evolution that succeeded it, the VR-4 pioneered Mitsubishi’s rally-bred AWD and turbocharged 4G63T engine, the same powerhouse later found in the first-gen Evo and DSM cars. Producing 195 hp (JDM) or 237 hp (USDM facelift), it featured a viscous-coupling center differential, rear limited-slip differential, and four-wheel steering (4WS), a cocktail of engineering finesse rare in sedans of the time. And, though largely forgotten, the Galant VR-4 set the blueprint for Mitsubishi’s AWD dominance, making it one of its era’s most underrated high-tech rally sedans.
Ford Taurus SHO (1989-1995, 2010-2019)
The Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output) remains an underrated sleeper, blending unassuming family sedan looks with serious performance. The 1989-1995 first-gen SHO, designed under Jack Telnack’s aerodynamic “jellybean” philosophy, featured subtle body tweaks: Unique front/rear fascias, side skirts, and a tasteful decklid spoiler. Inside, it had bolstered sports seats and a 140-mph speedometer. But, despite its prowess, the SHO was overshadowed by dedicated performance cars.
Volvo 850 R (1995-1997)
The Volvo 850 R was a boxy Swedish brick with 250 horsepower and a manual transmission. Unlike its more rounded, organic-looking rivals of the ’90s, the 850 R embraced sharp, boxy Scandinavian minimalism, making it instantly recognizable. The aerodynamics were subtly enhanced with a factory body kit, a low-slung front bumper, and a rear spoiler, which actually helped with high-speed stability. And, despite its 250-hp turbocharged five-cylinder, the design remained deceptively subtle, one of the coolest “wolf in sheep’s clothing” cars of the ’90s.
Honda CR-Z (2010-2016)
A hybrid with a manual transmission and sporty intentions, the CR-Z had potential but never quite took off. Its one-motion wedge shape, aggressive headlights, and muscular fenders gave it a dynamic presence, while the compact dimensions (4,080 mm length, 1,740 mm width) made it nimble in urban settings. And, despite mixed reviews on power (1.5L IMA hybrid, 122 hp, 128 lb-ft with MT), its handling was praised. The CR-Z remains a cult classic, with its design aging better than its hybrid performance.
Toyota Celica GT-Four (1986-1999)
The Toyota Celica GT-Four (1986–1999) was a rally-bred beast hidden under a sleek, underrated design. Across its three generations (ST165, ST185, ST205), Toyota crafted a turbocharged AWD coupe that looked deceptively mild but packed serious performance. Plus, designed with Group A rally homologation in mind, it had a low drag coefficient (~0.31), aiding high-speed stability. However, it was overshadowed by flashier contemporaries like the Lancer Evo and Subaru WRX STI. Sadly, its rarity means few know about it today.
Nissan Maxima SE (1995-2003)
A front-wheel-drive sports sedan that packed a 3.5L V6 and a manual option, the Maxima SE was the four-door sports car Nissan wanted us to love. With a 5-speed manual option (rare but glorious), it embarrassed more expensive cars at stoplights. The SE trim meant a sportier suspension, a factory spoiler (for extra speed, obviously), and cool “Maxima SE” badging that meant business. Also, the 2002-2003 models got the VQ35DE (3.5L V6, 255 hp), making them even spicier. Unfortunately, it never got the same respect as the Altima’s turbocharged successors.
Suzuki Kizashi (2010-2013)
The Suzuki Kizashi (2010-2013) was Suzuki’s big, bold, and ultimately doomed attempt to go premium. Kizashi means “something great is coming,” but in reality, a financial disappointment came. Under the hood, it packed a 2.4L inline-4 engine with 180-ish horsepower, paired with either a 6-speed manual (yay!) or a CVT (boo!). All-wheel drive was an option, making it a rare AWD sedan. Plus, it handled shockingly well, like a budget Audi, but nobody cared because they were too busy buying Camrys.
Porsche 968 (1992-1995)
The 968 was the ultimate evolution of Porsche’s transaxle era, with near-perfect weight distribution and a 3.0L four-cylinder engine. Despite being beautifully engineered, it was almost as pricey as a 911, which led to dismal sales (only 12,776 units). Special mentions go to the 968 Club Sport, a stripped-down, track-ready beast, and the ultra-rare Turbo S, which made 305 hp and could obliterate Ferraris of the day. Sadly, in 1995, Porsche pulled the plug, and the 968 bid adieu, making way for the Boxster.
Audi S8 D2 (1996-2003)
The Audi S8 D2 (1996-2003) happened when Germans decided a luxury sedan should also be a missile. Based on the A8 but injected with V8 madness, it packed a 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 (335 hp, later bumped to 355 hp) and Quattro all-wheel drive, meaning it could outpace many sports cars. And, with timeless styling, bank-vault durability, and the ability to embarrass newer cars, the S8 D2 remains a legend. Just be ready for parts prices that’ll make your wallet cry.
Mazda RX-8 (2004-2012)
The Mazda RX-8 (2004-2012) was Mazda’s last hurrah for the legendary rotary engine, and boy, did it make an impression. Powered by the 1.3L Renesis rotary, it screamed to 9,000 RPM, producing ~232 hp (manual) or ~197 hp (automatic). But torque? A modest 159 lb-ft, meaning you had to rev it like a caffeinated maniac to get moving. Still, the RX-8 was a lightweight, high-revving, corner-carving machine loved by enthusiasts (and feared by mechanics). Mazda pulled the plug in 2012 due to emissions regs, leaving the rotary to rest.
Lexus GS F (2016-2020)
The Lexus GS F (2016-2020) was Japan’s four-door muscle car in a tailored suit. The GS F had a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), adaptive suspension, and six-piston Brembos, making it shockingly good in corners for a 4,000+ lb luxury missile. Lexus even gave it quad-tailpipes that looked fake but weren’t! Despite all this, it never quite stole the show from German rivals like the M5. But with old-school V8 charm, Toyota reliability, and zero turbo lag, the GS F remains a cult classic. Practical? Maybe. A future legend? Probably.
Jaguar XJ X351 (2010-2019)
The Jaguar XJ X351 (2010-2019) was Britain’s answer to the question, “What if a luxury limo could also be a bit of a hooligan?” Designed under Ian Callum, it ditched the old-school grandeur for a sleek, futuristic look that made German rivals seem a bit… square. Under the hood? A range of engines from a polite 3.0L diesel to a downright mischievous 5.0L supercharged V8, capable of catapulting this aluminum-clad beast to 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds (in XJR form). However, Jaguar’s reliability reputation kept many away.
Dodge Magnum SRT8 (2006-2008)
A muscle wagon with a 6.1L HEMI V8? Yes, please! With Brembo brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and a snarling exhaust, the Magnum SRT8 was a menace to unsuspecting sports cars. The only transmission? A five-speed automatic with AutoStick. Sadly, Chrysler axed the Magnum in 2008 due to “poor sales” (not enough dads were brave enough). Today, it’s a rare cult classic, beloved by wagon enthusiasts and speed freaks alike.
Infiniti M45 (2003-2010)
The Infiniti M45 (2003-2010) was a luxury sleeper that snuck a V8 into a midsize sedan and hoped no one would notice. Spoiler: people noticed. The second-gen (Y50, 2006-2010) hit the gym with sharper lines and a meaner face, still packing that glorious V8. It also handled well for a 4,000+ lb car, with RWD (or AWD on the V6 M35), a 5-speed auto, and a surprising appetite for premium fuel. Sadly, Infiniti ditched the V8 for the M56 in 2011. The M45? It is a rare gem, mostly found tearing up used car lots or silently intimidating BMW drivers.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (2017-Present)
This car is a Ferrari in disguise but still plays second fiddle to BMW M3s. The carbon-fiber driveshaft, hood, and roof keep it light, while its active aero front splitter makes it stickier than a toddler’s fingers. It laps the Nürburgring in 7:32, humiliating some supercars. The interior? It’s beautiful but glitchy because, well, it’s an Alfa. The 8-speed ZF automatic is crisp, but a manual was offered (if you lived in Europe). Downsides? Let’s just say “check engine” lights love Italian flair. But when it works, it’s pure magic: Sharp steering, razor-sharp chassis, and an exhaust note that could make angels weep.
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