Cars manufactured in the 90s are renowned among car enthusiasts for their durability, classic looks, and reliability. Many of the models designed in this decade still run smoothly today (with great care and maintenance, of course!) and are now highly regarded and well-loved by many.
Let’s take a drive down memory lane and recap some of the most reliable cars of the 90s and why they are highly sought after today.
Seven of the Most Reliable 90s Cars
- Toyota Camry
First sold in 1982, the Camry series became one of the best-selling cars in the 90s (Toyota’s top model for 19 consecutive years) thanks to its high-quality materials and highly reliable gasoline engine.
The series continuously improved as newer models were released during that decade. For instance, the late 90s Camrys had better fuel economy and were given more advanced safety features. With its comfortable interiors and classic design, this compact, four-door sedan became a favorite family and corporate car. So if you look up other videos or articles about the most reliable 90s cars, there’s always a good chance that you’ll find the Toyota Camry.
- Honda Civic
Another favorite as a family car, the four-door Civic sedan was ideal for a family of five or daily drivers who like a well-sized car for carting around laundry, groceries, sports equipment, etc.
The Civic remains one of the world’s most beloved and widely-used Asian sedans, achieving notoriety in the US and other countries. Manufactured at a time when automakers put a lot of emphasis on quality construction and longevity, the Civic is satisfyingly reliable and fuel efficient. It also has a flexible shape that’s easy to customize. Common requests include lowering its height and adding a custom-designed urethane body.
- Jaguar XJ Sedans
The Jaguar XJ belonged to the premium range of 90s sedans and even won the favor of Queen Elizabeth II. Fun fact: the queen was involved in her funeral plans and oversaw the designs for the Jaguar XJ hearse that ultimately carried her remains from the RAF Northolt Royal Air Force station to Buckingham Palace.
This model had an excellent build and classic design. For many Jaguar fans, the models released in 1995-1997 are the most reliable vehicles the brand has ever produced and, by extension, some of the most reliable cars of the 90s. Sadly, Jaguar canceled the XJ series due to production capacity issues. Their current focus on EV (electronic vehicle) production could well piossibly be another causing factor.
- Toyota Land Cruiser
Most motor enthusiasts would agree that The Land Cruiser is a classic! There have been many new iterations in the 2000s, but the 1990s models deserve recognition because they are just that good. The Land Cruiser FJ80 was first released in 1990, and the subsequent models released from 1995 to 1997 gained many fans until today. What made the FJ80s so good was that Toyota continuously improved this all-terrain series and considered the customers’ feedback with every release. Today, it’s not uncommon to see a Land Cruiser FJ80 from the 90s on the streets and in garages in suburban neighborhoods.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
When Chrysler acquired American Motors Corporation (AMC), the development and production of the Grand Cherokee were already underway. It was a good call for Chrysler because the ZJ generation Grand Cherokee became a game-changing luxury SUV truck that inspired other automakers to try their hand at similar models.
The Grand Cherokee ZJ was a fuel-efficient four-wheel with a bigger body and a more spacious interior than the earlier Grand Wagoneer. Built on a unibody platform, it drives smoothly on paved roads and is impressively resilient on the trail.
- Jeep Wrangler
Jeep has long earned a reputation for producing excellent off-roading vehicles, and the second-generation Wrangler did not disappoint. The sturdy convertible top and high clearance allow drivers to go as far off the paved road as they like. It is the quintessential Jeep that people immediately think of when asked about off-road trucks. Very capable and boasting a strong engine, it’s worthy of being recognized as one of the most reliable cars of the 90s.
- BMW 7 Series
This luxury, full-size sedan series was first manufactured in 1977 and is on its seventh generation in 2022. The 90s saw the third generation BMW 7s with the E38 being the first with a diesel engine, built-in television screens, and curtain airbags. It became the first European-made car with satellite navigation, and BMW’s first five-speed automatic car.
The ultimate proof that these cars stand the test of time is that you can still see them on the roads. Many people who first bought these cars in the 90s still have them today, and many of those who bought them recently did so for their reliability and value. These are now considered classic cars, and well-maintained units can potentially fetch a good price.
Selling Your 90s Car? Here’s What You Can Expect
If you own any cars on this list and are considering selling them, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Most buyers prefer classic cars without customizations. Unless you are selling to a specific or niche market, such as off-road hobbyists, buyers are specifically interested in your car’s model will want it to look how it did in the 90s. So remove personal touches like bumper stickers, if possible.
- Cheap fixes can make a big impact on your pricing. Examples are fixing cracked headlights and taillights, defogging covers on light fixtures, replacing worn-out trim, and putting in new floor mats.
- Research your car’s market value. Look at what other sellers are asking for similar models so that you can have a good starting point for negotiations. Of course, pricing your vehicle to par with the market assumes that it was well cared for and is in excellent condition.
- High mileage on the most reliable 90s cars can still land a fair price. These models still have a lot of life left in them despite having more than 100,000 miles on the odometer.
- Some buyers will make an offer without seeing your car. Online buying has become increasingly common, even for classic cars. While it’s highly convenient, it still runs the risk of negotiations going south. Worse, you might find yourself dealing with a problematic buyer who’s either having second thoughts about your agreed price or is unable to make payment on time.
The last scenario can be avoided by choosing a reliable and reputable online car-selling company.
Selling your 90s car through GiveMeTheVin will be a smooth experience and one that can give you a satisfying deal. Our company has 28 years of wholesale car buying experience, and some of those transactions are aired over the radio through the nationally syndicated “John Clay Wolfe Show.” In addition, we process over $1 billion in purchases yearly and are a top buyer and seller in auto auctions all over the country. You will be in good hands at GiveMeTheVin.
Thinking of selling your 90s car? Contact us and get an instant bid offer from our experienced buying team.
