19. Toyota Corolla AE86
The Toyota AE86 story is quite interesting since they never intended this model was to be a proper performance machine. However, it became one of the biggest JDM legends of the ’80s. The trick was that the AE86 was a version of the standard Corolla model.
But since the eighth generation was also the last rear-wheel-drive model, the Toyota engineers wanted to add a high revving 1.6-liter engine to see how it would transform the car. And the results were fantastic. In fact, the AE 86 wasn’t the boring slow Corolla, but an agile, light and nimble machine.
It appealed to drivers who wanted a precise driving machine but didn’t have the money for a new BMW E30 325i. Due to its rear wheel drive platform, stiff suspension and optional limited slip differential, the AE 86 became a legend drivers still use in drift events around the world.