11. 1984 Pontiac Fiero
The 1984 Pontiac Fiero broke new ground as GM’s first mid-engine sports car and one of the few affordable options of its kind.
Its innovative use of composite body panels and space-frame construction was years ahead of mainstream automotive manufacturing.
Even more impressive, the Fiero managed to deliver sports car looks and handling while still achieving remarkable fuel economy.
As Popular Mechanics notes, the Fiero was a true precursor to today’s accessible, exotic-inspired cars.