1) Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
The previous-generation Nissan Sentra SE-R has become a cult favorite after spending its production run in near obscurity. Underrated status, it seems, is genetic with the current model -- especially with the even hotter Spec V package.
Car guys are always willing to sacrifice comfort in the name of performance for their compact Asian sedans. With the Spec V they're given a head start, but that really won't be an issue with Nissan's target buyer. Part of it is age-related, too. The current Sentra platform doesn't seem as refined as, say, a contemporary Civic. But, again, that shouldn't scare away guys looking for performance on a budget. Besides, we all exhibit more noise, vibration and harshness with age, right?
If you find yourself more than 10 grand shy of your dream to own a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or a Subaru Impreza WRX, the Sentra Spec V can provide a healthy dose of performance at a fraction of the price.
What's more: The 2007 Sentra will be a fresh design, but little is known about the next-generation SE-R and Spec V variants.
2) Panoz Esperante
So you want a two-seat GT in the upper five- to lower six-figure range. Peer pressure tries to steer you towards the more "common" offerings. But there's an uncommonly great alternative out there with an equally uncommon name: the Panoz Esperante.
Like the rival Jaguar XK and Mercedes-Benz SL, the Panoz Esperante is for guys who appreciate a little size and comfort with their speed. Unlike the others, however, the Esperante has more of a sporting character, even in base form. This is no doubt the trickle-down effect of strong racing efforts. Yet the street version still offers all the creature comforts buyers have come to expect, backed by the power of a Ford V8. Its sleek form -- available as a coupe or convertible -- suggests power and grace without shouting the message.
3) Volvo V70 R
We're reminded of the marketing concept from the movie Crazy People: "Volvo: They're Boxy but Good." However funny this slogan may be, it also nailed the collective North American ho-hum view of the automaker. Volvo is out to change that. The sharp, right-angle lines have softened slightly in recent years, without losing the inherent character (exactly where rival Saab has stumbled). For those who want briskness with their boxiness, Volvo offers their R-series.
It would be easy to dismiss the stealthy V70 R at a glance on the street, only to be humbled when the light turns green. It's a surprisingly athletic wagon that -- if you'll forgive the pun -- really hauls. Its five-cylinder turbo is rated at 300 horses, and its cargo space would carry echoes if the interior wasn't so generously upholstered. What's more, the cubism-on-wheels look doesn't cut into the V70's utility (as is the case with other haulers with more sloping sheet metal).
So with its conservative clothes, decent gas mileage and power to spare, it's a wonder this qualifies as an underrated car. It should be selling like crazy. Yet with drivers tiring of large SUVs yet still in need of a capable ride, the V70 R may not be underrated much longer.
What's more: Thanks to the V70 R, we can now say, "Volvo: Boxy, Good, and Brisk."
4- VW EuroVan (1999 - 2003)
For the nonconformist in all of us, the Volkswagen EuroVan was a nice update of the old Bus and Vanagon. The final four years in the North American market saw not only the engine in front, but one with six cylinders delivering (gasp!) triple-digit horsepower and torque. At last, sustained freeway speeds didn't have to coincide with tailwinds and downhill grades. Design, ergonomics and creature comforts evolved with the times, as well.
Too bad it wasn't enough. Buyers were wooed by more contemporary, if more bland, minivans from America and Asia. Other buyers skipped minivans altogether and went for SUVs. VW unceremoniously pulled the underrated EuroVan from North America after the 2003 model year.
Finding a used EuroVan may take some effort, but don't let that stop you. The reward is a vehicle that holds its value reasonably well and doesn't emasculate you for being seen in it. Bonus points for one equipped with the versatile Weekender package, complete with the pop-up top and mini-mini-mini RV accoutrements. Hip? That's in the eye of the beholder. Cool? In its own way. Underrated? Most definitely.
What's more: Rumors suggest a redesigned, neo-retro, Microbus-esque van is on the way.
