Top 20 Obtainable Getaway Cars

25. Volkswagen Golf R

Getaway cars are mostly big sedans, but you should consider this car. The R is the top of the line Golf with a powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. And it delivers a brutal performance for a family hatchback. The R version is a derivative of the mighty R32 Golfs from the early 2000s with those 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6 engines.

However, the latest versions feature a smaller, more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four that delivers 292 HP. As you can expect, the performance is brutal for a family compact. Going from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds and this car can top 155 mph. Even though this is a hot hatch and hot hatches usually come with flamboyant designs, scoops, and spoilers, the Golf R is restrained and discrete.

24. BMW M5 E39

The BMW M5 they built from 1998 to 2003 is widely considered one of the best performance sedans of all time. Most people also think it is the best M5 model and a prime example of German muscle cars. BMW’s M Power department transformed the E39 5-series into a fantastic driver’s machine with numerous upgrades.

The heart of the car is a glorious S62 4.9-liter V8 engine with 400 HP that sends its power to rear wheels through a six-speed manual, which is the only transmission choice. The result is the ultimate driver’s sedan and an instant classic that can jump to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. And although they electronically limit it, it can top 155 mph. Today, the E39 M5 is still an obtainable car.

23. Jaguar XJR

From 1998 to 2002, this generation of the Jaguar XJR featured a supercharged version of the venerable 4.0-liter V8 engine. It powered the rear wheels through an automatic transmission and delivered 375 HP. However, this car is not exactly that unnoticeable and stealth even though it ticks all other boxes. But it is worth a shot since it is fast and comfortable, which could give you an edge over the other more ordinary bank robbers.

22. Audi RS3

From the outside, you could mistake the new RS3 Sedan for a regular A3 four-door. This model retains its elegance but has the same proportions as the standard sedan. You might think this is another boring compact sedan with nothing to show, but as soon as you press the gas pedal, you will understand how wrong you were.

The 2.5-liter unit delivers 400 HP and 354 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful car in its class. The power goes to all four wheels over the signature electronically controlled Quattro AWD system. And that is what ensures the perfect traction and grip in all driving conditions. All of this translates to an incredible performance.

Also, the RS3 Sedan is capable of reaching 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds while topping 174 mph. The only downside is that the Audi RS3 is a fairly new model and although it has four doors, it has limited space inside.

21. Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

Despite the name, most drivers don’t consider the Pontiac Grand Prix to be a performance car. In fact, by the early 2000s, it was just an ordinary GM sedan. However, when they presented the GXP package, suddenly the front wheel drive Grand Prix became a hot performance car.

The GXP package consisted of 5.3-liter V8 with 303 HP going to the front axle, a revised suspension and gearbox. With all that, Pontiac transformed the family sedan into a highway missile. In fact, the GM engineers invested a lot of time to make this front wheel drive car perform and handle like a European performance sedan.

20. Cadillac CTS-V

All the Cadillac CTS-V models are factory hot rods with lots of power and brutal performances. However, only one generation is available for around $10,000 and that is the first they produced from 2004 until 2007. The power comes from LS V8 engine with 400 HP they mated with a six-speed manual transmission.

This combo is good for a sub-five second 0 to 60 mph time, which is more than enough for any speed freak. Since it is now over 15 years old, and it looks like any other old Cadillac, so the CTS could be the perfect getaway car.

19. Audi S4 B6

Most people have always considered the Audi S4 to be a special car in the compact performance sedan class. It features powerful engines and elegant styling. However, because it has the famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard. Audi unveiled the B6 in 2003 and sold it through 2005.

Immediately, consumers praised the B6 generation of the S4 as an accomplished car. Under the hood is the 4.2-liter V8 with 340 HP that sounds great. Best of all, it revs all the way up to 7,000 rpm. The performance is equally impressive with 0 to 60 mph in just five seconds. And even though they electronically limited it, the top speed is 155 mph.

18. Subaru Impreza WRX

Under the hood of the Subaru Impreza WRX is a flat four engine with 2.5-liters of displacement as well as a turbocharger. This combo pumps out a whopping 305 HP that it delivers to all four wheels via the six-speed manual. It’s a true driver’s car with a proper manual gearbox, great road holding and enough power to make this car fly.

The performance numbers are respectable, as well. It only takes 5.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph with 160 mph of top speeds. Because this is a four-door car, it is also quite practical since it can seat five people and has a decent trunk, too. And that’s good enough for the bank robbing business.

17. Ford F-150 Raptor

The F-Series trucks are all over the place, but Raptors are much rarer and recognizable. Still, the F-150 Raptor with its 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 delivering 450 HP and 510 lb-ft could make a great getaway car.

It has a 10-speed automatic transmission with sub-five-second acceleration times. It would work especially well if you should need to go off-road to avoid a police chase or jump over sand dunes to sneak across the border.

16. Toyota Camry V6

The Toyota Camry was never really a performance car. It has always been a boring sedan for family-oriented buyers. This is perfect since the dull Camry will never attract unwanted attention. However, just look at the stats of the 2019 model.

Toyota equipped it with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 301 HP. And it sends all that power to the front wheels over an intelligent eight-speed automatic. And better yet, the new Camry can achieve 0 to 60 mph acceleration times in 5.7 seconds.

15. Ford Taurus SHO

With its powerful EcoBoost V6 engine displacing 3.5-liters and delivering 355 HP to all four wheels, the new Taurus SHO can outperform many current sports cars. The modern Taurus is the perfect evolution of an American sedan that has retained its proportions, design and feel. And yet, it incorporates modern technology and performance.

14. Cadillac Seville STS

During the ‘90s, the Seville had a major redesign that included a brand new platform. Cadillac added a Northstar V8 engine and used a sleek, cool looking design. It gets 300 HP from the 4.6-liter V8 engine and a magnetic ride.

And they topped all that off with a plush interior and numerous other features. Today, those STS models are plentiful and easy to find. They are still relatively fast and stealthy, so if you want to get away in style, use this Caddy.

13. Ford Crown Victoria

This could be an interesting choice, especially if you find an ex-police car painted in police colors. Those cars are affordable and plentiful, so the cops still use them in some states. Using an ex-police car to rob a bank is the ultimate act of irony.

It could work since you can get away unnoticed because all other motorists will think you are a patrol rushing to the scene. The early 2000 Crown Victoria is not exactly fast. But, it is are still powerful enough thanks to the 260 HP V8 engine and heavy duty components.

12. Subaru Legacy GT

Although Subaru produced it for a short period of time, the Legacy GT has always been in the shadow of its more popular sibling, the Impreza STI. However, the Legacy GT offers more refinement and interior space. Also, it comes with stealth looks and offers lots more comfort.

The GT part of the name suggests that this is no ordinary Legacy. The 2.5-liter flat four engine with 250 HP and 240 lb-ft of torque goes to all four wheels, which makes this ordinary sedan capable in the right hands. It may look like a family sedan, but this is almost as fast as the Impreza STI.

11. Buick Regal GS

From the outside, the Regal GS looks dull and uninteresting, which is exactly what you want. However, this is a seriously fast, capable machine. But the secret of the Regal GS is its engine. It is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 270 HP.

Better still, the power goes to all four wheels over an advanced AWD system. And the six-speed manual transmission makes driving fun and engaging. Due to compact dimensions and relatively light weights, the Regal GS can reach 60 mph in around six seconds.

10. Mercedes R63 AMG

If you are not familiar with the R-Class, it’s a minivan Mercedes based on the S-Class sedan. They equipped it with all the conceivable luxuries and powerful engines, making it perfect for crossing continents in the comfort of a leather sofa traveling at 100 mph. However, AMG, the Mercedes performance division, had something to say about that. They introduced the R63 with a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 503 HP. With the stiffer suspension, tons of power, and great performance, the R63 was no ordinary minivan. It was actually a sports car with room for seven people.

The car was expensive when it was new so it didn’t have much of a market. Also, the combination of minivan comfort and sports car performance was strange to customers. However, the R63 AMG was a glorious sleeper with a 4.8 second 0 to 60 mph time and unassuming appearance. Nobody expected that a 5,000-pound crossover could beat a new BMW M3 in a stoplight drag race.

9. Mercedes 500E

Back in the early ’90s, Mercedes produced the successful yet docile W124 E-Class. The elegant sedan was famous for its comfort and refinement rather than its performance and speed. But soon, a team of crazy German engineers changed that. In 1991, they presented the mighty 500E model. This was a high-performance version of their main sedan featuring a different drivetrain, suspension, brakes and engine.

However, the 500E was so demanding to produce, Mercedes asked Porsche to assemble this car. The main feature of the 500E was the 5.0-liter V8 engine pumping out a whopping 326 HP. That was a crazy figure for early ’90s, especially in a formal sedan. The 500 E could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just six seconds, making it almost as fast as a Ferrari 348.

8. Omega Lotus/Lotus Carlton

In the late ’80s, Opel and Vauxhall, GM’s European subsidiaries, presented a full-size family sedan they aimed at comfort and effortless cruising. However, then Lotus decided to turn it into a hot rod and one of the fastest sedans on the planet. And the first step was the engine.

The 3.6-liter six delivered 377 HP, which was massive for the standards of the day and the performance was thrilling, as well. A 0 to 60 mph run was over in just 5.2 seconds and the top speed was a record-breaking 177 mph. But they sold the car in just one color, which they called Imperial Green, a shade of dark green.

7. Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited

Today, fast SUVs are nothing special but in the ’90s, they were extremely rare and obscure. However, Jeep produced one that will be a collector’s item in the near future. This is 1998 5.9 Limited, a one-year, top-of-the-line model. In fact, Jeep equipped with every luxury item they had to offer as well as the 5.9-liter Magnum V8 with 245 HP.

Although 245 HP doesn’t sound like much today, it was a lofty number for the late ’90s SUV standards. The Grand Cherokee 5.9 could be considered as a kind of Jeep hot rod before those modern SRT versions with powerful Hemi engines. They built only about 15,000 so the 5.9 Limited is a definite future classic.

6. Subaru Legacy GT

Produced for a short time, the Legacy GT was always in the shadow of its more popular sibling, the Impreza STI. However, the Legacy GT offered more refinement and interior space, along with stealth looks and comfort. The GT part of the name suggests this is no ordinary Legacy.

The 2.5-liter flat-four engine produces 250 HP and 240 lb-ft of torque sending it to all four wheels. And that makes this ordinary sedan quite capable in the right hands. It may look like a family sedan, but this is almost as fast as a racer Impreza STI.

5. Volkswagen Golf R32

In Europe during the 1990s, the hot hatch class was under heavy fire from insurance agencies, earning the image of a hooligan’s express. This meant most car manufacturers stopped producing such cars. Some produced one mild model they considered a hot hatch. After the crazy ’80s and the high-tech Delta Integrale and RS Cosworth of the early ’90s, the rest of the decade lacked interesting models. Volkswagen’s Golf GTI was constantly selling well and VW was one of the companies that never abandoned the market. But the company was thinking of the future of the hot hatch class. The 21st century brought many technological innovations, electronic systems, and improvements in construction, so why not implement all that in a hot hatch of the future?

This is how the R32 came about in 2003. Volkswagen took the Mk4 body shell and installed the best hardware it had in the early 2000s. That meant the R32 had intelligent all-wheel drive, a 240 HP 3.2-liter V6 engine, a luxury interior, and a host of electronic aids. This wasn’t the first AWD hot hatch or the fastest, despite its 0 to 60 mph time of 6.4 seconds. However, it was the first “Uber” hatch that combined luxury and effortless high-speed cruising with exciting driving dynamics. Also, this was the first hot hatch to use the DSG transmission, which is a standard in this class today.

4. Chevrolet Impala SS

The Impala SS is one of the most legendary names in the history of Chevrolet performance. They offered the original Impalas SS from 1961 to 1969, presenting full-size muscle cars that could beat many other performance cars at the stoplights. With its big-block engines and close-ratio, four-speed transmission unit, the Impala SS was a street-legal drag racer of the highest order. However, as the muscle car era came to an end, they discontinued the Impala SS, only to resurrect it in 1994 as an option on the seventh generation of this legendary model.

Since the early 90s marked the return to performance for most American manufacturers, Chevrolet installed the famous 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine in the full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan. Also, they equipped it with a heavy-duty suspension and components to create a modern-day muscle legend. So for two years, Chevrolet produced almost 70,000 Impala SS models in several colors. However, dark purple was the most popular and sought-after. The engine delivered 260 HP, propelling the big sedan to 0 to 60 mph time of seven seconds. While they’re not exactly spectacular numbers, for the mid-90s, those were quite good results.

3. Dodge Ram SRT-10

Dodge offered the SRT-10 between 2004 and 2006. The SRT-10 is one of the craziest, most powerful, and fastest pickups ever produced. That itself is a hard thing to say since Dodge always had some wild special editions of their trucks. Just look at the specs. The 8.2-liter V10 engine pumped out over 500 H with a 0 to 60 acceleration time of fewer than five seconds. Its fuel economy was in the single digits.

And they topped it off with a crazy bright red or yellow paint job and two white racing stripes. With its big, shiny chrome wheels, you get the idea of what the SRT-10 is all about. It was something you couldn’t miss when you saw it on the street. Of course, with a price tag of over $45,000 the SRT-10 wasn’t exactly a sales hit. However, they produced a decent number of them in its three-year production run.

2. Dodge Magnum R/T

Dodge never built a Charger station wagon or factory Charger convertible and this model was always a two or four-door car throughout its history. However, if you have an irresistible urge for a station wagon Charger there is a way to enjoy the power of the Hemi engine with the practicality of a long roof body. Simply, look for Dodge Magnum R/T.

Equipped with a 6.1-liter V8 Hemi engine pumping out 425 hp and a glorious soundtrack through twin tailpipes, the SRT-8 was a really fast and capable long roof. The design is typical Dodge and since the rest of the mechanics is identical, this car can be considered a station wagon Charger.

1. Dodge Charger GT AWD

A proper muscle car should be V8 powered and rear-wheel drive, right? However, the new Dodge Charger GT AWD breaks that mold as a 300 HP sedan with intelligent, all-wheel drive and sublime driving dynamics.

Since the AWD system requires more space underneath the engine and cabin, the Dodge engineers could only install a V6 engine, which is still good for 300 HP. But the handling characteristics and usability puts this muscle sedan on another level. Not only does the Charger AWD lack any domestic competitors, but it is also more than capable of beating many imports, as well.

Did you find your favorite bank robber’s express on this list of 30 of the best obtainable getaway cars? Even though it wouldn’t be wise to rob a bank and you could end up behind bars, it was fun to imagine flying down the road in one of these vehicles. All of them are a great value and fun to drive.