20 Cars That Are Only Desirable in One Very Specific Version
Sometimes, the Right Trim Makes All the Difference
Not every car has a reputation worth getting excited about, but every so often, manufacturers release a particular version that completely changes how people feel about an otherwise ordinary model. Whether it's an unexpected engine, a rare manual transmission, or a performance package that makes driving considerably more enjoyable, certain configurations are far more appealing than their standard counterparts. Some of these special editions have even developed dedicated followings, while the rest of the lineup has largely faded into obscurity. Here are 20 cars that prove choosing the right version can make all the difference.
1. Pontiac G8 GXP With the Six-Speed Manual
The regular Pontiac G8 was already a decent sports sedan, but the GXP with a six-speed manual transmission is the one enthusiasts really want. Its 6.2-liter LS3 V8 produced an impressive 415 horsepower, making it far more exciting than the standard V6 model. With Pontiac discontinuing the entire G8 lineup after the 2009 model year, manual-equipped GXPs have become especially collectible.
2. Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged
Most Chevrolet Cobalts were inexpensive economy cars that offered little excitement behind the wheel, but the turbocharged SS was another story entirely. Introduced for 2008, it came with a 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, upgraded suspension, and surprisingly impressive handling. Although an earlier supercharged SS existed, the turbocharged version is generally considered the more desirable performance model.
3. Ford Taurus SHO With the Yamaha V6 & Manual
Few people were particularly excited about driving an ordinary late-1980s Ford Taurus, but the original SHO gave this family sedan a much more interesting personality. Its Yamaha-developed 3.0-liter V6 produced 220 horsepower and came paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The 1989–1991 models are especially appealing because they combine the original Taurus styling with an engine that was remarkably sophisticated for an American family car at the time.
4. Dodge Neon SRT-4
While the standard Dodge Neon was best known as affordable transportation, the SRT-4 managed to attract an entirely different crowd. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced up to 230 horsepower from the factory, depending on the model year. Throw in a manual transmission, aggressive styling, and impressive acceleration, and it's easy to see why enthusiasts still hunt for clean examples rather than ordinary Neons.
5. Toyota Corolla XRS With the 2ZZ-GE Engine
For most buyers, the ninth-generation Corolla was simply a dependable commuter that focused on fuel economy rather than fun. However, the 2005–2006 XRS received a high-revving 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and sportier suspension. With 170 horsepower in the North American model, this otherwise unassuming Corolla had a surprising amount of personality that you wouldn't find in the regular version.
6. Chevrolet HHR SS With the Five-Speed Manual
The Chevrolet HHR's retro styling certainly wasn't for everyone, and its standard versions weren't particularly memorable behind the wheel. However, the SS made things much more interesting, offering a 260-horsepower turbocharged engine when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission. Thanks to its upgraded suspension and unexpectedly strong performance, the HHR SS has earned itself a small but dedicated following.
7. Saab 9-2X Aero
Although the Saab 9-2X looked like a typical European-inspired compact wagon, underneath it was actually based on the Subaru Impreza. The Aero version borrowed its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive hardware from the Subaru WRX, delivering considerably more performance than the naturally aspirated Linear. Produced only for the 2005 and 2006 model years, the Aero is particularly interesting because it combines WRX performance with Saab-specific styling and a badge you don't see every day.
8. Subaru Legacy 2.5GT spec.B With the Six-Speed Manual
The fourth-generation Subaru Legacy was a comfortable, understated sedan, but the 2007–2009 spec.B had a little more to offer. Along with its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, it featured a six-speed manual transmission, Bilstein suspension, and an upgraded limited-slip rear differential. Although the regular Legacy GT was already quick, the spec.B's additional equipment makes it especially appealing to enthusiasts who want strong performance without attracting too much attention.
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9. Chrysler PT Cruiser GT With the Five-Speed Manual
Few vehicles from the early 2000s have received as much criticism for their styling as the Chrysler PT Cruiser. However, the GT version borrowed a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine related to the one found in the Dodge Neon SRT-4, producing up to 230 horsepower in later model years. Pair that with the available five-speed manual transmission, and you've got a surprisingly entertaining driving experience that most people would never expect from a PT Cruiser.
10. Nissan Altima SE-R With the Six-Speed Manual
The third-generation Nissan Altima was a perfectly respectable midsize sedan, although it wasn't exactly the first choice for performance enthusiasts. That changed with the 2005–2006 SE-R, which came equipped with a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, and distinctive styling upgrades. The six-speed manual version is particularly desirable because it lets drivers make the most of that powerful engine without having to settle for the optional automatic transmission.
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11. Ford Flex Limited EcoBoost AWD
At first glance, the Ford Flex looks like a rather unconventional family vehicle, and most versions were built with comfortable transportation in mind. However, the Limited EcoBoost AWD combined its practical, boxy design with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 355 horsepower initially and 365 horsepower in later years. As a result, it was much quicker than you'd expect from such a large family vehicle, offering a level of performance that ordinary Flex models simply couldn't match.
12. Buick Regal GS With the Six-Speed Manual
Buick isn't exactly the first brand that comes to mind when you think of manual-transmission performance sedans, which makes the 2012–2013 Regal GS such an interesting exception. With a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an available six-speed manual transmission, it delivered a driving experience quite different from what most people expected from Buick. While the regular Regal catered to buyers looking for comfortable transportation, the manual GS offered an intriguing alternative to more familiar European sports sedans.
13. Cadillac CTS-V Wagon With the Six-Speed Manual
Cadillac offered several impressive versions of the second-generation CTS, but the CTS-V wagon with a manual transmission has become one of the most desirable configurations. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produced an astonishing 556 horsepower, giving this practical family vehicle performance that could rival serious sports cars. Since relatively few buyers ordered the wagon with a manual, finding a well-preserved example today isn't nearly as easy as locating an ordinary CTS sedan.
14. Volkswagen Passat W8 Wagon With the Six-Speed Manual
Most early-2000s Volkswagen Passats were sensible sedans and wagons that focused on practicality, but the W8 version was something far more unusual. Its compact 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower, and buyers could even choose a six-speed manual transmission. The manual W8 wagon is especially fascinating thanks to its unconventional engine, all-wheel-drive system, and rarity, although potentially expensive repairs mean it's certainly not the right choice for everyone.
15. Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition
The Volvo C30 was already an appealing alternative to more conventional compact hatchbacks, but the 2013 Polestar Limited Edition took things a step further. Its turbocharged five-cylinder engine received a performance upgrade to 250 horsepower, while distinctive Rebel Blue paint and special badging made it easy to recognize. With just 250 examples produced for the American market, this particular C30 is now a rare find that stands out from the regular T5 models.
16. Saturn Ion Red Line With the Competition Package
The ordinary Saturn Ion wasn't particularly exciting, and its unconventional interior design attracted plenty of criticism when the car first arrived. However, the supercharged Ion Red Line offered 205 horsepower, upgraded suspension, and a five-speed manual transmission. For enthusiasts, the version worth seeking out is the Red Line with the optional Competition Package, which added a limited-slip differential, revised instrumentation, and several other performance-focused features.
17. Acura TL Type-S With the Six-Speed Manual
Acura's third-generation TL was a popular luxury sedan, but the 2007–2008 Type-S equipped with a six-speed manual remains one of the most desirable versions. It came with a 286-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, upgraded suspension, Brembo front brakes, and more aggressive styling than the standard TL. While the automatic Type-S was still an impressive car, the manual transmission makes driving considerably more engaging and helps set it apart from the rest of the lineup.
18. Ford Fusion Sport With the 2.7-Liter EcoBoost V6
The Ford Fusion was a familiar sight on American roads, with most buyers choosing it for practicality rather than outright performance. However, the 2017–2019 Fusion Sport featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 producing 325 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, paired with all-wheel drive. Its impressive acceleration made it a surprisingly capable sports sedan, even though its understated appearance gave you little reason to suspect what was hiding under the hood.
19. Honda Accord Coupe V6 With the Six-Speed Manual
Few people would argue that the Honda Accord is a bad car, but the V6 coupe with a manual transmission attracted a very different audience than the typical four-cylinder sedan. The 2013–2017 version paired a 278-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed manual transmission, delivering strong acceleration and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience. Since Honda eventually discontinued the Accord coupe altogether, these manual V6 models represent a particularly interesting chapter in the nameplate's history.
20. Chevrolet SS With the Six-Speed Manual
The Chevrolet SS was already an unusual offering, combining understated sedan styling with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 producing 415 horsepower. However, the 2015–2017 models equipped with the optional six-speed manual transmission are especially appealing because they offered an increasingly rare combination of rear-wheel drive, V8 power, and three pedals. Built in Australia by Holden, the SS never sold in particularly large numbers in America, making the manual versions especially attractive to collectors who appreciate traditional performance sedans.
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