Earning the fifth spot on my list is the first-generation DSMs. Introduced in 1989, the Plymouth Laser, Eagle Talon, and Mitsubishi Eclipse, which were jointly developed between Mitsubishi and Chrysler helped bring all wheel drive performance to the masses. Equipped with different trimlines with different powerplants, the trio had a vehicle/powertrain combination to suit a wide range of buyers, not unlike the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird twins. I don't like the base models, so I wont delve into them. The ones that get my attention, are the 4G63 powered AWD models. With a stout 195 horses stock, this powertrain gave birth the rise of "import tuning", with several examples pushing over 500 horses without serious internal engine modifications.
Earning fourth in my rankings is the Ford Explorer and its various offshoots. Introduced in 1999 to 1991, the original Ford Explorer combined the ruggedness of an off-road vehicle with the compactness of a station wagon, to produce a vehicle that many an automaker would copy. While certainly not the first SUV, the Explorer gave way to what we now know as the SUV phenomenon. The legendary Jeep Cherokee came out in 1984, but the Ford Explorer popularized the formula. With two and four door models, stickshifts and automatics, two and four-wheel-drive models, and virtually everything in between, Ford created a hit. Not long after its introduction, the Explorer earned a place on the top-selling cars list. A first for an SUV, but certainly not a first for Ford. The Taurus would go onto that list, too, as would their F-150 line of pickup trucks. Even though a good chunk of Ford Explorers were cash for clunked, they honestly didn't get that bad of gas mileage, nor were they unreliable. A good number of first gens can still be found roaming the roads in search of new owners.
Coming in at number three would have to be the Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick/Vitara. Again, despite Jeep offering the Wrangler, these GMSuzuki twins were a tad more civilized, came in more trim levels, and offered more doors. Even though they were flimsy, and highway speeds gave them the feel of a lawnmower, the reliability was, and is top notch. My dad owned a 1993 example for 12 or 13 years straight without a fault, mechanical or otherwise. I think we logged about 140,000 miles on ours, too. Certainly a testament to the reliability, as it never put up a fight, it never left us stranded, and never got us stuck in the winter, even though ours was only a 2WD convertible model. Rust is the main downfall, but should you find a rust-free example, be prepared to enjoy miles and miles of fun driving experience.
Number two on my list would have to be the MK V Golf GTI. Normally, I shudder at most new cars, and with this car, I honestly don't care for the styling one bit. What I do care for is the driving experience. No, I haven't driven one, but I have ridden in many, one of which has been driven hard. And what a treat it is. From the 200 HP Turbo 4, to the DSG transimission, this car is about driving fun. From the reviews I've read, and the Top Gears I've watched, it seems as though the MK V brought back the magic of the GTI legacy that was missing from the MK IV. One can only hope the MK VI will do the same. (BTW sorry for the shit modified version above)
Finally, number one on my list has arrived. I present to you the 2002-2007 Subaru Impreza WRX and STI. I love these cars, especially the first iteration "bug eye" version, so named for their headlights. With 227 horses, AWD, and gobs of tuning potential, the WRX is essentially a streetable rally car. Famous in Japan since 1992, the first generation Impreza was brought to America in 1994 to do battle with Mitsubishis smaller offering, which I forget the name of at the time of this writing. The 2.5 RS sparked a following that convinced Subaru to bring the real deal over to us. No stranger to motorsport and passion behind cars, Subaru followed suit, and brought over the WRX in the fall of 2001, it quickly became a hot seller for Subaru enthusiasts and tuner folk alike. However, in 2008, when it was redesigned into a hatchback, that world got pissed. Enthusiasts bitched, car magazines cringed, the press hated it. So far, Subaru has done nothing to bring us back the Impreza and WRX we all knew and loved. A damn shame, really, because in an attempt to win over more buyers, they lost a lot of their loyal following. Including me.
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