Here are some of the cars that are best fitted for customization.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
From when it was first launched until the current model, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is and has always been a car that's incredibly fun to drive. It's not particularly quick off the mark or fast around the track, but its initial form is better suited for relaxed drives. However, if you want to get more out of it, you will find aftermarket parts to suit your taste.
According to Roadandtrack.com, upgrades for the Miata include:
- More powerful V-8 engines
- Stiffer suspension kits for improved handling
- Upgraded brake system
- An aftermarket supercharger for even more power
Jeep Wrangler
The classic Wrangler is also a highly customizable vehicle, although in a different way to the Miata. Some of the many possible modifications are:
- Chassis upgrades
- Adding a lift kit and raising the Jeep, making it easier to handle on rocky trails
- Adding exterior features, such as bumper guards
- Installing intake snorkels, allowing the vehicle to drive through deeper water
Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ
These twin vehicles are similar to the Miata, meaning they are ideal for modifications. They are also very responsive and fun to drive, but their stock engine doesn't allow quick accelerations and high speeds, as confirmed by Autoguide.com. Their base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that can produce a maximum of 205 horsepower. Still, its performance can be improved significantly by customizing it and adding features such as a turbocharger or a supercharger.
Volkswagen Golf and GTI
The Golf and its slightly better counterpart, the GTI, have been known as great vehicles for customization for many generations. The current models have many powerful stock turbocharged engines available, but they are also highly upgradable by adding elements like intercoolers, ignition upgrades, and more. According to a digitaltrends.com article, the Golf's huge popularity over the years means you can easily customize any generation, from those of the early ‘70s up to the current generation.
Subaru WRX and WRX STI
The WRX is also an age-old favorite for customization fans, along with its top-of-the-range STI version. Their main appeal is the fact that their stock versions all have powerful engines, all-wheel drive, and capable transmission, making them an excellent platform to build on. Depending on your preferences, you can install a larger engine for more power, upgrade the brakes for better track performance, plus many other possible modifications.
Chevrolet Camaro
This American classic is a true automotive legend and a truly incredible car even in its stock form, but customizations can make it even faster and better looking. That's why Carfax.com mentions that features such as a bigger intake or a performance camshaft can increase the performance of this already powerful vehicle.
Ford Mustang
In a similar way to the Camaro, the Mustang has been around for decades and is a true symbol of the American automotive industry. Also, like its Chevy counterpart, it has always been an ideal car to improve and customize, no matter what generation it came from. Complex.com says that newer generations have a wide range of potential upgrades, from computerized engine enhancements to superchargers, upgraded ignitions, and much more.
Dodge Challenger
The Challenger also falls in the above-mentioned category of legendary American cars that are very well suited for customization. Over the years, a huge number of available upgrades and improvements have hit the customization market, like chassis additions, improved brakes, as well as the legendary shaker hood scoop kit, which is both a visual and a performance upgrade.
Honda Civic
The Civic has been around for five decades and 10 generations and is one of the most modifiable cars ever. Having been the pioneer of the sport compact cars, the Civic can be customized from top to bottom, enhancing both its looks and performance levels. The most popular Civics for customization are the pre-2000 ones, mainly because of their excellent handling and affordability. And with the latest model featuring a stock turbocharged engine, there are signs the new Civics will continue the customization tradition.
Toyota Supra
Now in its fifth generation, the Supra is one of Toyota's most popular models. Although the more recent models are not yet very popular with customization fans, the old ones certainly are. The most common customizations are engine improvements, with some Supras reaching incredible performance indicators.
Mazda RX-7
The RX-7 is a trendy car and has been for a while now. The main reason is the revolutionary Wankel-type 13B rotary engine, which delivers smooth power in an innovative way. While it certainly has its downsides, like the enormous amount of oil it consumes, the Mazda RX-7 and its rotary engine are a massive hit with fans of customized cars, with some highly modified models generating over 800 horsepower.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Part of Mitsubishi's hugely popular ‘90s lineup, along with the Galant VR-4 and the 3000GT, the Lancer Evolution is no longer manufactured but is still a big hit with customizers. It became popular in the American market in the early 2000s. Since then, many possible customizations have been created, from powerful turbocharged engines to complicated all-wheel-drive systems.
Honda S2000
The S2000, made from 1999 to 2009, was built to commemorate the Japanese manufacturer's 50th anniversary. Its stock version is an exceptional car with great handling and a powerful engine. Despite that, many customizations have been created for it throughout the years. Also, the fact that it was discontinued more than a decade ago with no true successor makes it a limited edition classic.
Classic Volkswagen Beetle
As one of the best selling cars of all time, the Beetle has been customized in a considerable number of ways over the years. They have been customized to be 4-by-4 dune buggies with competent off-road capabilities, high-performing sports cars, fast drag racers, and in countless other ways, adding to the magic and charm of the old Beetle.
Nissan Skyline GT-R
This legendary model's stock version was not impressive by any means, but it had the huge quality of being highly customizable. This lead to countless aftermarket options that turned the Skyline into a beast.
Customizing your vehicle will not only improve its looks and performance, but it may also significantly increase its value. All you have to do is pick the right one, and you'll be on your way.
Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Keith Canete of YourMechanic.com. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at research@caranddriver.com.
Sources:
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g15379245/rotary-reverie-35-years-on-the-cd-wankel-engine-racing-beat/
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a25412500/turbocharger-vs-supercharger-definition/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/awd-vs-4wd/
https://www.carthrottle.com/post/what-is-a-shaker-hood-and-how-do-they-work/
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/g22514662/best-tuner-cars/
https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2019/06/top-10-best-cars-to-modify-the-short-list.html
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/best-tuner-cars/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/best-tuner-cars/
https://www.complex.com/sports/2012/02/the-20-best-cars-for-tuning/
