1999 was a turning point: it captured the end of some 1990s icons and the debut of models that would shape the next decade—making the model year a rich snapshot for collectors and drivers alike.
This article picks the ten cars that best represent 1999 across performance, design, reliability, and long-term influence—models that mattered then and still matter to enthusiasts today. Selection criteria were simple: engineering impact, real-world appeal, sales or cultural reach, and staying power with collectors or daily owners.
The list groups the picks into three categories—sports and performance, luxury and comfort, and practical, reliable models—so you can see why some cars became icons while others quietly set standards. The model year facts here reference launch years and factory specs (verify exact numbers with manufacturers or outlets like Car and Driver and Motor Trend when needed). Read on for the ten standout cars from 1999 and why they still turn heads.
Sports & Performance Icons
1999 produced several driver-focused cars that balanced outright performance with everyday usability. Many of these models delivered sharp handling, strong engines, and prices that made spirited driving accessible to more buyers.
What ties these cars together is engagement: they rewarded skilled drivers, offered tunability or collectible value, and—crucially—still attract attention at meets and on auction sheets. Details on each model follow below.
1. Chevrolet Corvette C5 — Performance at a Value
The C5 Corvette redefined what an American sports car could deliver in 1999: a modernized chassis and the then-new LS1 5.7L V8 produced about 345 horsepower and roughly 350 lb-ft of torque in early production, giving 0–60 times in the mid‑4‑second range (manufacturer figures vary by year and transmission).
Its independent rear suspension and improved aerodynamics made the C5 feel more composed than earlier generations, yet ownership costs stayed well below contemporary European rivals. Publications such as Car and Driver praised the C5 for its value, and Hagerty notes rising collector interest for well‑kept late‑1990s examples.
2. Porsche 911 (996) — Driver Focus with Modern Engineering
The 996 series marked Porsche’s broad shift to water‑cooled flat‑six engines, a major technical milestone that began in the late 1990s (the 996 debuted for 1997–1999 model years depending on market). Carrera output in that era landed around the 296–300 hp range, giving sharper on‑road performance while improving emissions and packaging.
Beyond the engine change, the 996 balanced daily usability with track capability, furthering Porsche’s move toward cars that worked for commuters and weekend drivers alike. Reviews in Motor Trend and Road & Track at the time highlighted its composure and brake performance.
3. Mazda MX-5 Miata — Pure-Driving Simplicity
The NB‑generation Miata (late 1990s into the early 2000s) stayed true to the model’s ethos: light, balanced, and inexpensive to own. In 1999 many Miata trims used a 1.8L four‑cylinder producing roughly 140 horsepower while curb weight stayed near 2,300 pounds, which kept the power‑to‑weight ratio lively without sacrificing economy.
Mazda’s low running costs, excellent fuel economy and a vast aftermarket sustain resale value and owner enthusiasm. Enthusiast forums and magazines often point to the NB as a sweet spot for daily‑drive fun with minimal headaches.
4. Subaru Impreza WRX — Rally Heritage Meets Daily Use
The GC8‑era WRX brought rally‑bred hardware to everyday roads: a turbocharged flat‑four (roughly 2.0L in many markets) combined with full‑time all‑wheel drive to deliver confident traction and eager midrange power—figures varied by market but many WRX variants produced around 225–230 hp in late‑1990s spec sheets.
That drivetrain translated into year‑round grip, a huge tuning scene, and motorsport credibility that influenced later compact performance cars. Magazines like RallySport and Practical Performance have chronicled how the WRX made rally tech accessible to buyers on a budget.
Luxury & Comfort Standouts
Luxury cars from 1999 showcased advances in safety, refinement, and electronics that later trickled down to mainstream models. For buyers focused on comfort and long‑term quality, late‑1990s flagships set benchmarks for quiet cabins and feature sets.
The next three picks highlight how manufacturers balanced plush interiors with engineering improvements that mattered to owners and competitors alike.
5. Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) — Safety and Refinement
The W220 S‑Class arrived in markets around 1998–1999 and pushed Mercedes’ flagship forward with newer electronics, tighter NVH control, and updated safety systems. Early W220s introduced features that enhanced occupant protection and ride comfort compared with the previous generation.
Owners in the period enjoyed quieter cabins, improved suspension tuning, and advanced (for the time) electronic aids. For detailed technical comparisons consult Mercedes technical releases or period testing in Motor Trend and Autobild.
6. BMW 3 Series (E46) — The Driver’s Compact Luxury
The E46 launched across markets in 1998–1999 and quickly earned a reputation for balanced handling and crisp steering. With engine choices ranging from four‑cylinders to inline‑six variants (examples like the 323i and 328i in many lineups), it offered buyers a tunable platform with strong resale appeal.
Everyday benefits included responsive steering, a taut chassis for cornering, and multiple body styles to suit different needs. Auto reviews from Car and Driver at the time praised its chassis dynamics and long‑term desirability among enthusiasts.
7. Lexus IS 300 — A Newcomer That Redefined Value
Introduced around 1999 in several markets, the IS brought Lexus build quality into a compact, sporty package. The IS300 versions offered an inline‑six in many regions (notably a 3.0L in some markets), giving strong midrange torque and smoother refinement than many competitors.
Buyers got German‑style handling with lower maintenance costs, and publications like J.D. Power often highlighted Lexus’ reliability advantage. That value proposition helped the IS become a long‑term contender against the BMW 3 Series.
Practical, Reliable, and Influential Cars
Several 1999 models put dependability, fuel economy, and mass‑market appeal first. These cars defined daily driving for many households and established expectations for long production runs and sensible engineering.
The three picks below show how makers balanced cost, comfort, and durability for family and commuter buyers.
8. Toyota Camry — The Reliable Family Sedan
In 1999 the Camry (XV20 generation) was the benchmark for midsize reliability and sales success. Toyota’s reputation and the Camry’s durable engines helped many examples reach 200,000+ miles with routine maintenance, a talking point often cited by consumer publications and owner forums.
Practical benefits included low ownership costs, predictable service schedules, and solid resale value—factors that kept the Camry at or near the top of midsize‑segment sales charts in the late 1990s.
9. Honda Civic — Practicality and Efficiency
The sixth‑generation Civic (late 1990s) remained a top choice for compact buyers because of fuel economy, reliability, and a wide range of trims. Economy‑focused versions returned strong mpg figures in real‑world driving, while sportier Si trims offered more engaging performance and a healthy aftermarket.
Simple engineering, easy‑to‑source parts, and low labor complexity made the Civic inexpensive to maintain, which is why many local repair shops and online communities still recommend them as first cars or reliable commuters.
10. BMW M3 (E36) — Enthusiast Performance with Everyday Usability
By 1999 the E36 M3 was nearing the end of its production run in many markets, but it remained a favorite for drivers who wanted a high‑revving inline‑six and a balanced chassis. U.S.‑market E36 M3s commonly produced about 240 horsepower, delivering a usable powerband and communicative steering.
That mix of track capability and daily comfort helped the E36 M3 retain strong enthusiast demand; Hagerty and other valuation guides have shown rising interest in well‑preserved examples from this era.
Summary
- 1999 mixed final model years and influential debuts, creating a memorable crossroads for automakers and buyers.
- These ten cars span performance, luxury, and practicality—each made specific technical or cultural contributions (water‑cooled 911s, LS1 V8s, rally‑derived AWD, and compact luxury entries).
- Many models remain attainable for buyers today, but research is essential: check VIN history, service records, and valuation guides such as Hagerty or NADA before purchasing.
- For firsthand impressions, attend local classic‑car meets, read period tests in Car and Driver or Motor Trend, and connect with owner forums to gauge typical maintenance costs and parts availability.
- Consider test‑driving a candidate to confirm mechanical condition and to experience how 1999 engineering choices still feel on the road.
