What Were You Driving?
If you were on the road in the 90s, you might remember seeing some of these cult classics and popular picks. Whether you drove one yourself or simply stared at them in magazines, here are the 20 most popular cars of the decade.
1. 1990 Ford Escort
This car looks small and unassuming at first, but it was adored throughout the 90s due to its affordability and reliability. While the Escort has been discontinued in most markets, its popularity remains unbeaten in China of all places.
2. 1990 Renault Clio
On the other hand, it was pretty common to see your neighbors driving around in a Renault Clio. Despite its European origins, where it is still in production, this 1990s version was known for being a solid city car with a solid fuel economy.
Mic from Reading - Berkshire, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
3. 1991 Acura NSX
This car was all the rage in Japan, and was considered a supercar by some as it merged reliability with style. The futuristic look with the pop-up headlights stole hearts, and the car would be revived again in 2015, only to end production in 2022.
4. 1990 Vauxhall Astra
Vauxhall was all the rage in the United Kingdom and Europe, and is still going strong. Considered the quintessential British family car, the design was practical and simple, if not a bit boxy.
Kieran White from Manchester, England on Wikimedia
5. 1990 Volkswagen Polo
Everyone’s familiar with Volkswagen, and while the brand has dipped in recent years, some offerings are still remembered for their class and comfort. The Polo in particular was known for its fuel economy and high-quality build. It’s actually still in production today, and has an even sleeker look than before.
Alessandro Vecchi on Wikimedia
6. 1993 Ford Mondeo
Ford is undoubtedly still going strong, and has reinvented itself as the perfect producer of all-American pickup trucks. But back in 1993, it was known for its family-sized sedan. Retaining its sport edge, the Mondeo was known for its spaciousness and was eventually discontinued in 2022.
7. 1992 Nissan Micra
This car looks tiny and unassuming at first. Some even describe its face as innocent-looking. However, it was extremely popular in the 90s, and was a favorite for students. Why? Because it was super affordable!
8. 1990 Rover 200
The Rover is a car that simply looks comfortable. With a more rounded look and a soft grille, it looks like the car you can hug. Unfortunately, the brand no longer exists, but people still look back on this British classic fondly.
Charlie from United Kingdom on Wikimedia
9. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is actually still very popular to this day, and is probably the brand’s best offering. But back in the day, it was known for its tight build and durability.
Tim Gillin from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
10. 1990 Honda Civic
Everyone loves a Honda Civic, and it remains one of the most popular cars in global markets across the world. The truth is, the Civic never really fell off, and has been adored now and then as a reliable and fuel-efficient favorite.
11. 1993 Peugeot 306
Peugeot is a French brand best known for its stylish look and nimble handling. The 306 has all of that going for it, with sharp angles and a low-slung look that was super in. Now it’s a hard car to get your hands on, but retains a fan base among vintage car enthusiasts.
Detectandpreserve on Wikimedia
12. 1990 Toyota Camry
You can buy a Toyota Camry to this day, and you’ll likely love it. After all, it is one of the best-selling sedans across the world. Back then, it was considered highly reliable and very durable, and even its boxy look wasn’t enough to deter fans.
No machine-readable author provided. Ilya p assumed (based on copyright claims). on Wikimedia
13. 1990 Chevrolet Corvette
While few people were able to afford this car, it certainly had a reputation. It was considered a pure American sports car and had a striking look that caught eyes. While Corvette is still producing models, the 1990s variant will always be a collector’s piece.
14. 1990 Ford Fiesta
Another fun offering by Ford was undoubtedly the Fiesta, which ironically also had a cheerful-looking face. While this car was discontinued in 2023, it’s remembered as easy to drive and a solid pick for new drivers.
15. 1994 Dodge Ram
Ram really came out with its iconic pickup truck look in 1994. The grille was essentially redesigned to fit the semi-truck look, making the vehicle appear tough and modern for its time. Nowadays, it remains one of the top truck picks in the U.S.
16. 1993 Vauxhall Corsa
Returning to the world of Vauxhall, the Corsa was another popular choice in the United Kingdom. The original version had a cute vibe and was a preferred pick among entry-level drivers.
17. 1990 Nissan 300ZX
This car was already looking futuristic for its time, with the sleek curves that got consumers enthused. While it wasn’t affordable for most, it was renowned for its advanced tech and notable performance. While the car is now discontinued, many believe the Nissan Z is a solid improvement pick.
18. 1990 BMW 3 Series
Everyone knows the 3 Series is still one of BMW’s top models, and it was equally popular in the 1990s thanks to its clean look and signature grille. Many found it to be the best pick for young professionals, as it gave off an aura of sportiness and class.
19. 1993 GMC Syclone
At first look, this pickup truck has a lot going for it. Its lowered stance offers it a more sporty look, and the black adds a nice polish. While not everyone could afford it now, nor then, it has a cult status for its insane speed and collector’s value.
20. 1990 Vauxhall Cavalier
Considered the quintessential dad car in the United Kingdom, the Cavalier was a great pick for families. Unfortunately, it was discontinued and replaced by both the Vectra, and then eventually the Insignia.
