Our Two Cents: The most underrated vehicle on the market?

Josh Sweeney

Challenging the staff at Hagerty Media with loaded questions has become a thing here at Our Two Cents. The mission is to inform and entertain the reader, and this time is no different. I asked everyone for their opinion on the most underrated vehicle currently on the market. Not a very loaded question, you say?

Consider the fact that we are staffed with several overachieving over-thinkers. There were concerns, as it wasn’t clear if I meant a new, used, or properly classic vehicle. Okay fine, you guys can pick one or give me all three. We have experienced some seriously underrated new vehicles, we all know what we’d buy if a used pre-owned car was in our future, and we all believe there’s a classic that’s clearly in need of more recognition.

Sam Smith: C5 Corvette

Chevrolet

The mythical man himself, Editor-at-Large Sam Smith, came in hard with one of the most underrated performance cars on the market. Nicely done, Sam:

“Most underrated vehicle new or used? For real people? The C5 Corvette. Period, bar none, full stop. If you know, you know; if you don’t, you probably read that line and made a face.

There are cars with better steering and more refined ride and handling, cars with interiors that don’t feel ported over from some forgettable 1990s GM SUV, cars quicker off the line and more forgiving at the limit. But in dollars per horsepower, in reliability, in all-out (and accessible!) pace, in moddability, in the ability to make you feel special at the wheel. They should be more expensive. The only reason they aren’t: GM built a lot of them, and Corvettes carry a certain…image. Which not everyone wants.

Whatever. Great car. And they’re everywhere, at reasonable prices, in good shape.”

Conner Golden: Lexus LC, Shelby GT350, Bentley Continental R

Bentley

Our Features Editor decided to present a new, used, and classic offering for this episode of Our Two Cents. His points are rather convincing:

“New: I can’t really think of an underrated new car, considering you are still unable to walk into a dealership and purchase a new, enthusiast-oriented vehicle without additional dealer markup or some other hassle on the showroom floor. Maybe the Lexus LC 500? It’s very much an Aston Martin as told by Lexus. Incredibly special interior for a mass-production car, distinctive and original design that borrows from nothing, incredible fit and finish, and a wonderful high-revving, free-breathing V-8.

Used: pre-owned metal that’s underrated has to be 2016–2018 Shelby Mustang GT350. It’s an incredibly cool car that absolutely will be a collector’s favorite in the near future. Cars with modest miles (sub 30k) are still “only” hovering at or around $5000 above original MSRP. Get ‘em while you can, folks…

Classic: The most underrated collector car has to be the 1993–2002 Bentley Continental R. My God, this was the most expensive production car for a few years, and you can purchase a nice-ish example for between $35,000–$50,000. These things were $271,000 when new—in 1992 dollars! They have incredible road presence, and were handcrafted at every detail. They drive like the nicest, softest F-150 you’ve ever experienced, but I can’t think of a better trans-continental bruiser for road trips. It’s ruinously expensive to maintain, but for $45,000 or so, you should have plenty in the budget left to keep it chugging along.”

Eddy Eckart: 1993–02 Camaro/Firebird (F-body)

Formulas break the algorithm? Pontiac

Senior Editor Eddy Eckhart hit the same nail that Sam Smith did, only at a more affordable asking price, with an extra pair of seats for kids. (Or very compliant adults.) Not showing appreciation for these F-body products would be a crime, even the earlier models with the LT1. Perhaps especially the LT1, as they are much less desirable but still pack a helluva punch. No matter, here’s what he said:

“Fourth-gen F bodies are one of the most overlooked used/near-collectible performance cars right now. The highlight—for me, anyway—is the 98–02 Camaro SS (I’ll take a ’99 in Hugger Orange with t-tops and a six-speed, please). Third-gen cars, led by the IROC Z, have seen values take off, but the better-in-every-measurable-way 93–02 cars have remained relatively steady. They’re excellent cruisers, and with the manual transmission can get close to 30 mpg on the highway. Go to a drag strip or a road course and you’re bound to see one—Camaros and Firebirds of this era are excellent platforms for any kind of racing. And who doesn’t like T-Tops?

The only downsides are that they’re a little under-braked and the looks—especially the WS-6 Trans Am—aren’t for everyone. Go get you one before the word gets out!”

Kyle Smith: Honda XR650L

2022 Honda XR650L ©2022 Honda

Editor Kyle Smith does a good job representing motorcycles amongst the car-obsessed masses here at Hagerty Media, and he certainly picked a winner in our book:

“For me it’s the Honda XR650L. I admit my bias as I am a documented Honda XR fanatic, but the tried-and-true nature of an air/oil cooled 650cc thumper that can still be purchased right off the showroom floor for $7k is pretty amazing. It’s a go-anywhere, do-anything machine that (for someone with a tall enough inseam) can be a one-bike solution for any two-wheel fun you seek. Throw in that the 650L has been relatively unchanged since its 1993 introduction, so parts and knowledge are plentiful, and suddenly low-mile used 650Ls become an amazing deal.

New or used, I just can’t see a situation where an XR650L is a bad choice for a person looking to have fun on a motorcycle.”

Nathan Petroelje: Honda Element

2002 Honda Element debut side profile
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Associate Editor Nathan Petroelje has utility on his mind. It’s snowing at his house in chilly northern Michigan right now, and we’ve had to deal with him complaining about subjecting his Mitsubishi Montero‘s carpeted interior to the salty, sandy mix of crap underfoot more than we deserve. But we’re starting to think all of his whining was just him setting up the long game to swoop in and pitch this loveable toaster—well played, sir.

“I tend to think of underrated as it relates to the whole ‘you don’t know what you have until it’s gone’ sentiment. Yes, the Honda Element was nearly peak toaster-on-wheels (though the outright throne belongs to Scion’s xB in that department), but it was also deeply utilitarian, friendly as the day is long—this was a Honda, after all—and neat and funky in its own way. Folks drove the wheels off these things—several hundred thousand mile examples are commonplace. But if you could find a low mile example, particularly one with all-wheel drive? Between four driven wheels (with good winter tires!) and those plastic floors, and you’ve got yourself a wicked little winter warrior that will put a smile on your face perpetually. They’re not terribly expensive—four-figure ones are plentiful, and a great daily driver can be had for right around $15,000.

They have cult followings in certain areas, but by-and-large, I think they’re overlooked and underappreciated by society in general—for the mindset of the product planners, and for how useful they were.

Now, if only we can get big H to gin up a modern take on this quirky design!”

Sajeev Mehta: Elantra N, Aztek, Mark VIII

LSC is the OG Lexus LC? Sajeev Mehta

Okay here’s the deal: I don’t think my beloved co-workers are taking my questions seriously enough. A Corvette’s depreciation curve very rarely sinks low enough to reach that true “bargain” status. Everyone’s gonna want a Bentley in theory, and there are plenty of repair shops that will keep them running for a reasonable fee (considering the asking price for parts, that is). My beef stems from underappreciation via depreciation and neglect.

New: The Hyundai Elantra N has all the car guy cred needed in its track-tested bones, and they come with a manual transmission and a wicked pair of front buckets. But will people line out the door for one like a Mustang, VW GTI, or more expensive metal that provides no more fun per dollar than the little Korean that could? Well, perhaps that’s a possibility. But while all new cars seem to hold their values better these days (when’s the last time you saw an advertisement for Truck Month?) it’s a safe bet that the N-spec Hyundais will depreciate harder than anything else in its class. Which leads to neglect . . . and scrappage . . . and a seriously rare and underrated classic in the coming years.

2000 Pontiac Aztek
Pontiac

Used: Do you think all crossover utilities are kinda awful? If so, how much worse was the Pontiac Aztek? Sure, the styling is disturbingly crude, which is what we all focus on. But the absolutely vulgar commitment to functionality and practicality cannot be understated. It’s based on a GM’s ubiquitous U-body minivan platform, so the seats pop out with ease. The Aztek was designed for camping, for crying out loud! Be it classic Fiat Multiplas, Malaise-y AMC Pacers, or the Pontiac Aztek, these underrated statements to neglect and depreciation usually get their day in the sunlight—eventually. But the Pontiac can’t get there soon enough, because I reckon it’s aging better than your average crossover utility from the 2000s. Simply put, it deserves better than a death next to an early Ford Escape in the junkyard.

Classic: The Lexus LC reminded me about my personal bias toward the Lincoln Mark VIII. I’ve owned two, and my current one feels as good as a new car (ancient four-speed gearbox notwithstanding) in terms of performance and eye-catching styling. Yet these minimalist, 280-plus-horsepower machines lack the classic car cache of their wood-paneled Lexus and Mercedes counterparts. I reckon they sell for less than a Northstar V-8-equipped Cadillac Eldorado that’s about to munch on a head gasket, too. If I’m right, that’s the textbook definition of an underrated automobile.

Read next Up next: What a Ford Bronco and a lion hunter taught me about the perfect road trip

Comments

    Most people have not driven a BMW Alpina, and I have a 2008 B7. So almost any Alpina might fit this list. Remarkable cars and the changes they did to my E65 are minimal, but redesign the looks of the car. Add the power and handling and you have a great car.

    Underrated cars? Firebirds are underrated for the most part because they have a design style to be desired, let alone the parts availability, yes, you can slap an LT in one and have all the upgrades you could ever want for it, but you cant get replacements for all the plastic inside that is cracked and poorly made. I guess you just have to tint the windows heavily so no one can see inside.

    Underrated? The Pontiac Aztec? Have you ever worked on one of those, the build quality was terrible. It’s probably one of the, I believe, one of the most universally disliked car.

    How about the car that everyone has forgotten about. The Ford Thunderbird/Cougar not the retro one from the 2000’s I’m talking 1983-97 TBirds, the early 80’s fox bodied ones take a lot of Mustang parts and they have the 5.0/Supercharged/Turbo versions. Later models have independent rear suspension. Why does no one remember these cars?

    Lots of good comments. I have to agree with the MGA (currently own 58), the Trans Am (previously owned 95), all the Jaguars (Currently own 69 XKE) and the Mark VIII is the last of the 2 door Hot Rod Lincolns (currently own a 93 convertible). The Mark VIII was an engineering masterpiece of beauty, comfort, luxury with outstanding performance. The 93 is the year to own for performance, its the only year with one piece driveshaft. Here is my Mark convertible;
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5brA73w1Pg&ab_channel=JackR
    The Mark VIII will be on display today 1-28-23 at the same show in Eustis Florida.

    my 2000 prowler is the most underrated car. I have no idea why these rare beauties are not skyrocketing in value. oh well, I still love it.

    I grew up in Wisconsin in the 50s and 60s, and started driving imported cars when in high school. Owned most of the British makes and three 356 Porsches. Now that I am much older and not able to work on my cars. I have purchased a C5 Corvette. Never liked them but after owning this coupe for over three years, I can tell you I was wrong about them. Best handling trouble free car I have ever owned. Drive it everywhere.

    C6 Z06 This car put the world on notice, America is back. The design and engineering was extremely advanced for the times and at it’s price point, this car was unbeatable. The design is timeless and combined all of the subtleties of previous generations of Corvettes. Arguably still the best value in a supercar in the world.

    The C6Z is a fast car but it didn’t bring anything new to the table over the C5. All of the big breakthroughs were in the C5 unless you consider large displacement “extremely advanced engineering.”

    How about the LS7 in a production car? You would be correct about displacement as well as a few other tidbits. Shorter body, lighter weight, better handling. That’s enough to back up my statements. No C5 could compare, a true factory race car like no other GM ever produced to be a world beater. It was running with cars 3-4 times its price.

    I have a 1998 Firebird Formula WS6. Lighter and faster than the TA’s, and only 221 manufactured. Doesn’t win many trophies, but shows well and gets lots of attention. Only regret is it’s not a manual, although automatics are rarer.

    I think my 1993 Cadillac All ante it is quite under rated. It is one neck of a sports car, it depreciated every time you turn around. I keep mine in good condition.

    C6Zs are great! Other than the reliability issues that plagued them but they’re still very cool. Just saying that the C5 introduced the hydroformed frame rails, transverse transmission, carbon bodywork, the LS platform. There was no significant advancements until the C8, only iterative. Although they got better and better, no doubt there! Just saying that the C5 was the revolution. Not the 6 or 7.

    I’ll go out on limb here and say my 1970 Ford Pinto Runabout hatchback with heavy duty suspension, overhead cam enforce, and 4 speed transmission. Other than the placement of the gas tank, it was a poor mans sportscar. With Michelin tires it could handle corners, snow, and was a blast to drive. Wish I had it back. Call me crazy but not until you’ve driven one thus equipped.

    I have a 1998 Firebird Formula WS6. Lighter and faster than a TA and only 221 manufacturer. It doesn’t win mny trophies, but shows well and gets lots of attention. Only wish is it was a manual, although automatics are rarer for this model.

    In 1963 the “fastest production car in the world” was a supercharged Studebaker Avanti. The last Avanti I saw on TV was being butchered by The Count for Alice Cooper. Under-rated????

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *