PERFECT 10: AMERICA'S HOTTEST TUNER CARS

In the June 2008 issue, we called out our choices for the Top 10 tuner cars of all time based on pricing, parts availability and tuning capability. We know there are a ton more out there and we want to know what tops your list!

Talk about the cars we chose and add a few to the list; you can even talk *** if you feel like it.

As a reminder, here's our top 10:

10) Scion xB/tC
9) Honda S2000
8) Subaru WRX/STI
7) Mitsubishi Evo
6) Mazda RX-7
5) Toyota Supra
4) Nissan 350Z
3) Nissan 240SX
2) Honda Civic
1) Acura Integra

Thought provoking responses may be published in Super Street, so answer wisely and not like a complete ***  

-JDMwong  

Okay, I know the JDM fan-bois are going to run me out of town for saying this, I think the original SRT-4 should have made the cut. I know it was based on the POS Neon, but it was hard to beat for bang-for-the-buck.  

esanchez:
Okay, I know the JDM fan-bois are going to run me out of town for saying this, I think the original SRT-4 should have made the cut. I know it was based on the POS Neon, but it was hard to beat for bang-for-the-buck.

+ for the SRT-4

no WRX?   No Volvo 240 coupe turbos?  The original drifting machine!  

haha, ok I take back the WRX comment, didn't see it listed.

How about Buick Grand Nationals? MR2? The OG 1.6L Miatas?  

These ten cars are all great platforms to perform your first set up or build, i agree with the whole bang for your buck with the SRT-4 but if you look at that platform 2.4l boosted stock off the lot. Not to many people respect those cars in the tuner field due to the lack of work needed to make it "FAST" dont get me wrong its a nice cheap way to get "FAST" quick but then id respect the people that buy a real project car and spend the endless nights searching for rare panels and pieces and the crazy amount of money dumped into over nighting parts from japan and the rush of getting your hands on something so many others just dont have yet. too me those are real tuners not SRT-4 owners.

THE END  


wonder girls ( taeguki pride )

"if you aint tuckin rim, then you aint DUMPED"

Considering it's been over a decade since the top two cars took the spocom scene by storm it's pretty amazing that they're still at the top.  The only travesty here is that it'll only perpetuate more poorly done Tegs and Civics.  The ratio of Excellent builds to Poor builds is greatly on the right of the equation.  In another decade the these two will probably fall off as the Zs and Evo's come down in price for used examples as they reap the same benefits that Honda owners have for so long.  I'm waiting for the price of my Evo IX parts to come down now that the X is out ^.^  

I must point out the obvious, your thread stated "America's hottest tuner cars", but your list consist of all Japanses makes.  So where is the American list of tuners?  built by American compaines.

Not trying to start a tiff, but its in your thread statement, not mine.  
http://www.theautolog.com/recoveryone-1
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2686604

as an integra owner I was very happy to see "my" car as number one. Sadly I don't know the Scion very much since it's not selled here in europe but I missed the Mitsubishi eclipse which is also a great platform to start tuning, and you can get really beautiful results.
In my opinion I would have placed the WRX before the Evo.  

I'm wondering if the integra and RSX were grouped together as a single car class?

Either way, I'm curious to see if they'll suffer from being discontinued or start to gain a huge fanbase like the Supra and 240SX have been enjoying from their short-cut lifespan.  

K there's Civic and xBox on the list but No AE86 or Mr2's ?!?!?! And why'd they have to separately rank the WRX and Evo, it's so awkward when they're like evil twins.  
"Mitsubishi eats Hondas like I eat rice"

youd think at least theyd put the ae86 up there like come on that car is like god (well not really but still its that cool old guy that trys to act all modern and "hip" lol)  

the AE86 is garbage thats why. i have to agree with you on the eclipse. They're great cars and i'm really suprised it wouldn't beat out a scion  

LOL! You say they're garbage but if you ever get stomped by one get back here and tell us about it. That is as old school as you can get with an import. You have to look hard to find one and getting parts is hard but for originality sake... priceless. Look at all the drift competitions and tell me if those AE86s don't look cool drifting. I'm a little partial to Toyota, being Puerto Rican and all. I will never turn my back on Nissan but Toyota has legendary quality and looks. Well, for a time they didn't look so hot but the quality was still there. LOL! The AE86, and its cousins, when done up correctly are pretty cool. Install a JZ engine and you have the makings of a monster with old school flare. That's just my oppinion, though. I grew up seeing them done up when there wasn't a tuning industry that catered to us tuners. That was a long time ago. Now that there is an industry that caters to us and the new cars, don't forget what started it all to begin with. Muscle cars and those few people that wanted to have fun getting more out of their 4 banger. Now look how far things have come.
 
How you drive is your buisness. Remember that you're not the only one on the road!

a couple years back when i was reving my 280hp civic i was racing in a time attack eventand i got destroyed by an ae86 (not so garbage) [i love how everyone calls it AE86 and not corolla and nows what it is lol (i took out my girl friend and saw an Ae86 lol and wowed it and she asked why i was wowing an Ae86)i guess corolla isnt as cool as AE86 LOL)  

LOL! Agreed. LOL! That is my point exactly. I'm not saying that there aren't Corollas out there that suck, due to owner negligence. But c'mon, if well put together and running strong doesn't gain it some respect then what will? Dang! Even a Kia could gain my respect if well built! LOL! I'm not saying that Toyota is compared to one but well built is well built. No matter the car!
TheHormone just gave his experience with one and was "awe" struck! When a car can do that... RE-SPECT!  
How you drive is your buisness. Remember that you're not the only one on the road!