20 Cars That Have Better Aftermarket Support Than OEM Love

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a shining example of a car that thrives on aftermarket love. Its lightweight, balanced chassis begs for upgrades, and the options are nearly endless—from turbo kits and coilovers to custom interiors.
Enthusiast forums and specialty shops offer guidance and parts galore, making it a tuner’s dream.
Find more on the Miata’s aftermarket scene at MotorTrend.

2. Nissan 240SX (S13/S14)

The Nissan 240SX (S13/S14) is a legend among drifters and tuners, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout and endless mod potential.
Factory support may have dwindled, but the aftermarket scene stepped in, offering engine swaps, suspension upgrades, and wild widebody kits that keep the car relevant.
For a deeper dive into the 240SX’s enduring appeal, check out Road & Track.

3. Subaru WRX/STI

The rally-bred Subaru WRX and STI are icons in the tuning world, thanks to their turbocharged powerplants and all-wheel-drive grip.
While OEM upgrades can be limited, the aftermarket is overflowing with options—from bigger turbos and advanced engine management to track-ready suspension kits.
The vibrant Subaru community ensures these cars stay sharp and competitive.
Read about top WRX/STI mods at Car and Driver.

4. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is the quintessential tuner platform, beloved for its affordability and bulletproof reliability.
Enthusiasts transform Civics with engine swaps, turbo kits, custom interiors, and striking body kits, taking them far beyond what the factory ever intended.
The Civic’s modding community is vast and resourceful, ensuring endless possibilities.
Discover the best Civic modifications at HotCars.

5. Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang stands as an American icon, but it’s the immense aftermarket support that gives it true staying power.
From superchargers and performance exhausts to track-ready suspension kits and bold styling parts, the Mustang’s upgrade path is nearly limitless.
Where Ford’s factory catalog stops, the aftermarket keeps innovating, cementing the Mustang’s place in car culture.
Explore more Mustang mods at Motor Authority.

6. Toyota Supra (MK4)

The MK4 Toyota Supra is revered largely thanks to its legendary 2JZ engine, which has become a darling of the aftermarket scene.
With massive turbo upgrades, forged internals, and sophisticated tuning solutions, enthusiasts routinely push this car far beyond Toyota’s original specs.
Aftermarket support has turned the Supra into a world-beater, overshadowing OEM offerings.
Read more about the MK4 Supra’s legend at Top Gear.

7. BMW E30 3-Series

The BMW E30 3-Series is celebrated for its superb chassis balance and timeless design.
Its dedicated community has created a thriving aftermarket, offering engine swaps, performance coilovers, and hard-to-find restoration components that BMW no longer supplies.
Whether you’re building a track car or a pristine classic, the E30’s aftermarket makes dreams possible.
Learn more about E30 ownership at Hagerty.

8. Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI perfectly balances practicality with driving fun, but it’s the aftermarket that takes this hot hatch to new heights.
From ECU tunes and bolt-on power upgrades to custom wheels and aggressive body kits, the GTI community’s creativity knows no bounds.
With so many options, drivers can easily make their GTI unique—well beyond VW’s original vision.
Explore more at Car Throttle.

9. Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is synonymous with off-road adventure, thanks largely to its vast aftermarket ecosystem.
From lift kits and beefy tires to rock sliders, armor, and trail-ready lighting, the range of available upgrades easily eclipses what Jeep offers directly.
This robust support allows owners to transform their Wranglers into truly personalized, go-anywhere machines.
See more Wrangler part options at MotorTrend.

10. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution may be gone from showrooms, but its legacy thrives in the aftermarket.
With a robust turbocharged engine and advanced AWD system, the Evo is a tuner’s playground—supporting everything from big power upgrades to precision suspension setups.
Aftermarket parts keep this rally icon alive, often exceeding what Mitsubishi ever offered.
Explore Evo tuning culture at Jalopnik.

11. Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 has long been a favorite among driving enthusiasts, thanks to its high-revving engine and razor-sharp handling.
The aftermarket scene has embraced the S2000 with forced induction kits, adjustable coilovers, and track-ready aero parts—far surpassing Honda’s own range of upgrades.
This support ensures the S2000 remains a standout on both street and circuit.
Learn more about S2000 tuning at Road & Track.

12. Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma has become a staple for those who crave adventure and dependability.
Its bulletproof reputation has inspired a vast aftermarket, offering overlanding gear, lift kits, heavy-duty armor, and camping accessories that leave Toyota’s own catalog in the dust.
Whether you’re building a weekend explorer or a serious off-road rig, the Tacoma’s aftermarket delivers.
Dive into Tacoma modifications at Gear Patrol.

13. Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro is synonymous with American muscle, and its aftermarket support is just as formidable.
Owners of both classic and modern Camaros enjoy a wealth of superchargers, exhaust systems, suspension kits, and striking cosmetic upgrades unavailable from Chevrolet itself.
This thriving support network lets enthusiasts personalize their Camaros to suit any style or performance goal.
Discover more at MotorTrend.

14. Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger boasts a muscular presence, but it’s the aftermarket that truly unlocks its potential.
From high-powered supercharger systems and performance exhausts to aggressive widebody kits and custom interiors, the Challenger community enjoys a vast range of options that often outdo Dodge’s factory packages.
Enthusiasts find endless ways to make their Challengers stand out.
Explore popular upgrades at Car and Driver.

15. Nissan GT-R (R32/R33/R34)

The iconic Nissan GT-R (R32, R33, R34)—nicknamed ‘Godzilla’—is a legend in the tuning world.
Its RB26 engine and advanced AWD system provide a bulletproof foundation for massive power upgrades, intricate suspension work, and bespoke styling.
A worldwide aftermarket ensures these GT-Rs remain relevant, potent, and endlessly customizable.
Read more about the GT-R’s history and aftermarket at Top Gear.

16. Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 isn’t just America’s best-selling truck; it’s also a top choice for customization.
The aftermarket steps up with lift kits, bigger tires, engine tuners, lighting upgrades, and specialized bed accessories—far exceeding Ford’s own catalog.
No matter the use—workhorse, showpiece, or off-road toy—there’s an F-150 mod for everyone.
Check out F-150 modification ideas at Car and Driver.

17. Acura Integra

The Acura Integra has earned a legendary reputation among tuners, thanks to its lightweight chassis and eager engine.
The aftermarket is packed with turbo kits, intake and exhaust upgrades, coilovers, and brake kits—far more than Acura ever offered, especially for aging models.
This thriving scene keeps Integras fast, fun, and relevant decades after production.
Explore Integra build options at MotorTrend.

18. Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are built for driving purity, but the real magic happens in the aftermarket.
Enthusiasts flock to forced induction systems, handling upgrades, and aggressive styling kits that take these cars far beyond factory limitations.
Their lightweight, balanced platforms make them ideal canvases for personalization.
See how tuners transform these twins at Car and Driver.

19. Volkswagen Beetle (Classic)

The classic Volkswagen Beetle is a cultural icon—and a blank slate for customization.
Its simple design and global appeal have spawned a vast aftermarket, covering everything from restoration parts and performance upgrades to wild custom builds and offbeat conversions.
Few cars are as well supported, ensuring the Beetle’s timeless charm lives on.
Discover Beetle modification options at Hagerty.

20. Lexus IS300

The Lexus IS300 may look like a refined sedan, but beneath the hood lies the legendary 2JZ engine, famous for its robust tuning capabilities.
The aftermarket offers turbo kits, suspension upgrades, brake packages, and custom styling parts that push the IS300 far beyond what Lexus ever envisioned.
It’s the perfect sleeper, with endless modding options for enthusiasts.
See top IS300 modifications at HotCars.

Aftermarket Excellence: Final Thoughts

The true spirit of automotive enthusiasm thrives where the aftermarket community takes over.
Even as OEM support fades, these 20 cars continue to evolve, powered by creativity, innovation, and a shared love of driving.
Aftermarket parts not only keep these legends on the road, but also make them more personal, powerful, and unique than ever before.

Whether you’re restoring a classic or building a modern masterpiece, the vibrant world of aftermarket support ensures the journey is always exciting.
So, get inspired and make your automotive vision a reality!