90's coupes

[Vista]

Given the choice of what was available in the 90's what would you choose? Bear in mind that these were all top dollar motor cars from their respective manufacturers, and almost all can be had at bargain basement prices now.

 

Try and look past the front wheel drive issue as most cars available then were front wheel drive. Where available my selection is based around the largest engine model available however I've chosen v6's as opposed to turbo / super charged if available.

 

For me the choice is always difficult due to the ever present 6 cylinder M3 BMW. However try and make your choice realistic, i.e. pick what you would like and could actually afford to buy, run and maintain rather than just what you'd love to have.

 

1. Vauxhall Calibra

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 02769.html

 

 

The Calibra was the car that brought the affordable coupe back to the fore. Now its plentifully available on the secondhand market and based as it is on Cavalier mechanicals, you'd think it would make perfect sense. But does it?

 

The cynical would say "a Cavalier with a body kit". There's a little more to the Calibra than that, but it is true to say that all the mechanicals are from Vauxhall's time-served repmobile. Thats no bad thing the Cavalier had some storming engines in its life. This is also good news for the second-hand buyer. There can be few cheaper coupes to maintain than this one.

 

2. VW Corrado

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 02777.html

 

 

 

Once upon a time, Volkswagens were, as the name suggests, in German, 'people's cars' sensible and solid transport. Even in the mid-Eighties, despite the success of the Golf GTi, people still thought of Volkswagens as dependable rather than desirable. All that changed in 1989 when the company unveiled the Corrado. It was undoubtedly the most elegant Volkswagen to date and would go on to be the company's fastest ever car. It died at the hands of Volkswagen's cost-cutting accountants, after an all-too-brief six years in production. It seems there's no longer any room for low-profit image leaders...

 

Equipment levels are high, though later cars were better specified, which adds both desirability and resale value. Whatever you spend, you'll be buying a great-looking sports car that can seat four adults something lacking in many other coupes. The other advantage to Corrado ownership is the Volkswagen dealer network. Parts are plentiful, though not always cheap. In VR6 guise, this is a 150mph car, though not a temperamental one.

 

3. Ford Probe

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 02710.html

 

 

It's impossible to talk about the Ford Probe without mentioning two facts. Firstly, it was an American Ford based on Mazda underpinnings and secondly, it was a latter-day replacement for the good old Capri. As such, it did well to recapture all the good things about the original Capri and draw cleverly on that 1990s-style US image - the kind you associate with MTV, Coke and Levis. Cool, in a word.

 

Buyers eventually took to the Probe, though not as enthusiastically as Ford would have liked. Often, more than a little help was needed from dealers eager to discount the cars. Both four and six-cylinder versions were generously equipped and drove well. Yet in this part of the market, it's image that counts: smart and stylish as it was, the Probe never had it.

 

4. Mazda MX6

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 02728.html

 

 

The Mazda MX-6 is not a car to stir passionate debate amongst car enthusiasts. It does nothing poorly, quite a lot well and had a relatively low-key existence. It never received the adulation lavished on the MX-5, or the engineering novelties of the MX-3 V6. In a crowded corner of the marketplace, the MX-6 suffered at the hands of more attention-seeking competitors such as the Vauxhall Calibra, Toyota Celica, Ford Probe and latterly the Fiat Coupe.

 

Despite this, the MX-6 has some seductive qualities. The engine suits the cars nature perfectly, allowing languid cruising and then should the feeling take you, a firm accelerative punch. Its not the most characterful V6 around, but then the MX-6 isnt the most charismatic car. Its understated, elegant and capable and is starting to look like an interesting used buy.

 

5. Honda Prelude

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 02167.html

 

 

The early 1990s were glory days for Honda. On the Grand Prix circuits, their years of domination had sent rival manufacturers back to the drawing boards. Yet for all the money spent projecting a race-bred image for the company, buyers continued to think of Hondas only as common-sense cars. The Prelude coupe was supposed to change all that.

 

It didnt and the result is that it makes a tempting proposition on the used market. Whether you choose a fourth or fifth generation model, the same thing comes as standard unusual styling. The latest design is, in fact, quite conservative, until your eyes reach the headlights. Some go so far as to call them ugly, but coupes are by nature a personal choice.

 

6. Alfa GTV (I know the oicture is of an 03 model but they were available from 96)

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/06032006/45/t/ ... gtv-0.html

 

 

The GTV Coupe and Spider have always been head turners so it's little surprise that Alfa Romeo kept the styling changes in 2003 to its attractive duo subtle. A deeper spoiler, bigger grille and more angular headlamps are about it for the exterior, the interior seeing the biggest changes with lower seats, improving the driving position, new instrumentation and a redesigned centre console. There's still precious little space for oddment storage, and the boot isn't exactly spacious on either the GTV or Spider, meaning it'll be squashy bags rather than suitcases for a weekend away.

 

The engine range is improved too, the 3.0-litre V6 being replaced with the 240bhp 3.2-litre unit, which makes a fabulous noise while also making the GTV one of the fastest cars Alfa has ever made. It's best heard in the Spider, but the lack of body stiffness means the power can't be used to full effect. As ever, it is the GTV that is the better choice for fans of big power.

 

7. Fiat Coupe

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 02707.html

 

 

The Fiat Coupe is one of the finest affordable sports coupe you can buy. It may be far removed from other Italian legends like Ferrari and Lamborghini, but it shares their most important ingredient: passion. And just like the greats, the Coupe is a car thats been visualised, designed and created by enthusiasts. It comes in two guises: the standard 2.0-litre 16v or 20V model and the flagship Turbo 16v or 20v. The two later five-cylinder 20v models are worth the extra money particularly the 220bhp Turbo variant, which really offers supercar performance on a budget. A real flyer, it will reach 60mph from rest in under seven seconds.

 

8. Audi Coupe

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 03183.html

 

 

If ever a manufacturer had set itself a tough task to follow it was Audi. The legendary Quattro Turbo and the Coupe models that basked in its reflected glory had served Audi famously during the eighties, but come the end of the decade were looking both literally and figuratively somewhat square. The models that followed never really took off for the Ingolstadt company, expectations having been cranked up to fever pitch. Despite the fact that the B3 series coupe was something of a disappointment, Audi persevered and refined the model gradually, turning it into 1992s facelifted B4 model, which ran until the end of 1996.

 

As a used buy, the Audi coupe benefits from the lukewarm reception it received. Prices are surprisingly affordable for a car thats well built and well regarded by those in the trade. Except for the rocketship S2 variants, they dont exactly fly, either off the forecourt or up the road, but if youre after a coupe for the longer term, a used Audi makes a sound bet.

 

9. BMW 3 series Coupe

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 04637.html

 

 

 

The BMW 3 Series coupe established itself as the default choice as the premium compact coupe of choice in the nineties. Mercedes were slow to respond, not launching the rival CLK model until 1997 and Audis Coupe never really overcame the wholesale indignation of the fact that it pointedly wasnt an Audi Quattro. This left the field clear for BMW to clean up and during its lifespan it developed the E36 series Coupe to a finely honed excellence. Used examples are plentiful, but youll need to be on your toes if you want to avoid the rogues.

 

Prices have fallen to levels where the cars are getting into the hands of those who cant afford to maintain them, so shop with care.

 

10. Mercedes CLK

 

Ok, this one was a late comer so is a lot more money than the rest, but was still a 90's coupe

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 04879.html

 

 

 

Think Of A Modern Mercedes And The CLK Is The Model You Tend To Picture. In Both Coupe And Convertible Forms, It Embodies The New Image The Marque Would Like To Cultivate - And Is Highly Sought After On The Used Market.

 

In the metal, the Coupe's profile is hunched and aggressive to an extent that photos fail to adequately communicate. Where the SLK roadster is pretty, the CLK is belligerent. Finding one filling your rear view mirror, you automatically move over. And you automatically recognise it for what it is; a car in its own right.

 

Arguably, you have to go back to a car like the 300SLR to find an affordable Mercedes coupe or cabriolet model of which that was really true. The E-Class coupes and cabriolets that the CLK replaces were after all, like their predecessors, merely two-door versions of the old E-Class saloon. Not so here. Though the CLK shares the 'four eyes' headlamp arrangement of the E-Class range, in most other respects, it's actually quite different. In fact, Mercedes has used a variety of ingredients to make this car what it is. A floorpan from the C-class; the better suspension, brakes and gearbox developed as part of the SLK programme; and a variety of engines used across both C and E-class ranges. All of which makes it quite appropriate that the CLK lies neatly between these two model line-ups, in terms of both size and price.

 

11. Renault Megane Coupe

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 04316.html

 

 

If asked what Britains favourite coupe has been in the years 1996-2001, what would you plump for? The Ford Puma would have to be a strong candidate, as would the Hyundai Coupe. Vauxhall Calibra and Ford Probe sales tailed off while the Ford Cougar never really hit the ground running. That headline across the top of this article may well have scotched any attempt at building surprise, but it was the Renault Megane Coupe, an unprepossessing little coupe that you folk just cant get enough of. With good reason too.

 

12. Ford Puma

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 04294.html

 

 

This was the car that proved Ford to be back on track as a company that really could design affordable sports cars that were versatile, yet exciting to drive. Based entirely on the excellent Fiesta running gear, the Puma got its own 1.7-litre engine before adding the Fiestas 1.4-litre unit as demand increased.

 

Jackie Stewart and the design team really produced a winner here, so residuals have stayed high. Dont worry: pay the extra and own one. Its the finest small coupe ever made.

 

Certainly, this car turns heads, with its fared-in headlamps, kicked-up tail and distinctive side slashes. The hunched profile is also surprisingly practical. This is one of the very few small coupes you can buy that can actually seat two adults in the back. It's more likely however, that owners will want to flip the rear seats forward and make use of the generous 240-litre load capacity. The detail touches are pleasing too. Both the fascia and the doors are trimmed with aluminium, while the gear-knob is a single cast lump of the same stuff and the Racing has it on the pedals, too. The instrument dials strike a different chord too - white-faced a la Fiesta Si.

[andrewg1323]

i'd take the audi with the corrado in second

 

You are however forgetting the top dollar coupe! The megane coupe

Which i do actually quite like in the yellow

 

I'll get me coat!

[Kieran]

the audi its so cool

[RFChris]

Vista, i fins this poll a little unfair.....lets face it, it's the Corrado every time!

[Jimbob-Squarepants ©]

I have been lucky enough to drive most of these motors in my past... but I would have to vote for the Fiat... especially if it is the Turbocharged model.

[Vista]

i'd take the audi with the corrado in second

 

You are however forgetting the top dollar coupe! The megane coupe

Which i do actually quite like in the yellow

 

I'll get me coat!

 

 

Just for you mate I've added it in and while I was at it I reckoned the Puma is a worthy (if a little girly in some of that company) contender too

[spooner]

must be the gtv for me,used to do a lot of cam belts on these,course had to road test=big smiles

[Pipster007]

For me it's the Corrado 1st, but a very close 2nd it's the Audi

[Vista]

must be the gtv for me,used to do a lot of cam belts on these,course had to road test=big smiles

 

I'm with you mate I went for the GTV but it was a hard fought battle with the corrado, I love them so much I've owned 3 of them! Ultimately though I decided that a coupes main driving factor should be style over common sense and the Alfa has style by the bucket load.

[Dom]

I quite like the Ford Cougar, got a good name and its a Ford.

[Copey]

the audi but i do agree on the couger front, they are pretty nice, much better than the Probe

 

 

 

 

 

 

p.s Ford Probe should die!!! stupid pile of american rubbish!! how did that replace the Capri

[Vista]

I hadn't considered the Cougar as I thought it was a noughties coupe rather than a 90's one. You're right though, it was 1998.

[escortmad79]

Where's the "none of them" option?

[Vista]

Where's the "none of them" option?

 

It's there mate, select something else and tell us why, keep it 90's though.

[marky4]

corrado

[Twinkle]

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/ca ... 02303.html

 

volvo c70 but im biased as i have this one

 

[Jimsiss]

VW Polo 1990-94

 

The car may look like a hot hatch but its actually a coupe:

 

 

The top two models were:

 

The GT - 1272cc injection engine with 75bhp 73ftlb of torque and a standard top speed of 125mph

 

The G40 - 1272cc infection engine, supercharged, with 113bhp 111ftlb of torque and a standard top speed of 122mph (0-60 in 8.1 secs)

 

Both of these cars as standard will beat their equivalent cars (the saxo VTR and VTS) and with modifications will beat most hot hatches. The motorsport G40 (Cup cars) would easily produce 200bhp which in a car that weighs around the 700kg mark is pretty quick.

 

I'm not biased at all

 

My daily driver for when I pass, the GT :

 

[Vista]

Hmmm Polo coupe, Volvo coupe, it's easy to forget just how many there were, I didn't mention the Celica, the Nissan 200SX or the 406 coupe either. Personally I won't argue that the Polo was a cracking little car but I always thought the coupe badge VW gave it was a bit of a stretch.

 

Come to think of it I reckon we had a much wider selection of coupes then than we do now.

[surfingturnip]

A nissan skyline or 200sx because I'm a teenager and like to be awkward

[Arched Escy]

RX7,Supra,Skyline,Silvia,Cougar....oh and the BMW 8 series!!!Always liked em for some reason.

[bronze4door]

i like the 200sx and my friend has just bought an fto which is but ugly but has 180bhp v6 and loads of torque

[Cookie]

Bmw coupe all day long, not a great fan of the Germans but they can build a beemer I'll give them that

 

Also liked the rover coupe t-bar, had a turbo version, was a crackin car

[Vista]

Rover Coupe, another one I hadn't considered.

 

Is it me or has the demand for coupes gone off the boil as many of the manufacturers mentioned don't have one anymore, I'd say it's because they're all trying to kill two birds with one stone and have a coupe/convertible with a folding tin top.

 

i.e. Focus CC, Tigra CC (is there an Astra CC too?) VW EOS CC, Peugeot 206 / 307 CC

 

They may work as convertibles I quite like the Focus CC myself, but are these cars really any good as coupes?

[mk2_escort_chick]

I'm gonna get spat on, but..the tigra.

I know you all think that I'm saying it because Dean has one...well yes and no.

My bro used to have one and i loved it!!

Then he sold it when he met the moose that is his wife

Dean's one goes like stink and i think they're nice looking.

Yes-I would have one!

Although they have 4 seats, they're really a 2 seater-coz there's no room in the back for 1 person, let alone 2!

[Daggle]

For me it has to be the Honda Prelude VTEC of course, I used to work for Honda in the early nineties and I remember being very impressed by this

 

 

Yes I know its a bit plasticky but get beyond that and its a really good motor