1992 Ford Mustang GT

The 1992 Mustang is Ford's pony car, offered as a hatchback, convertible, or sedan, and it's the one that kept the muscle-car spirit alive through the early nineties. It's a rear-drive car with a lively feel, and the manual gearbox is a joy to row, though the ride can be a bit stiff over rough pavement. The cabin is snug, especially for rear passengers, but the front seats are comfortable and the hatchback offers useful cargo room with a roll-out cover. Owners report that the sunroof and door seals can leak, and the hatch struts may need replacing, but the mechanicals are straightforward to fix. The GT adds the 5.0L V8, a tougher suspension, and a more aggressive look over the base LX, making it the one to get if you want the real Mustang experience. Its 5.0L V8 makes 225 horsepower and sends it to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, and you'll feel every bit of that torque from a stop. The convertible GT gives you open-air driving with a power-operated top, but expect some wind noise at highway speeds and a bit more chassis flex than the hatchback.