Although it is possible to modify almost any car, there are some cars that have become very popular because of how easy it is to customize them. For both aesthetics and performance, this applies. These select few cars quickly became popular, growing a wide following that appreciated how mod-friendly they are. Naturally, in the modding culture, their success also spawned entire markets dedicated to manufacturing aftermarket components for these vehicles. Check out this list if you want to know which cars are famous when it comes to modifications.
Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle has been modified in a vast number of ways over the years, becoming one of the best selling cars of all time. They were customized to be 4-by-4 dune buggies with professional off-road capabilities, high-performance sports vehicles, fast drag racers, and to add to the old Beetle’s magic and charm in countless other ways.
Honda Civic
One of the most successful tuner cars ever built. The Honda Civic is undoubtedly one of the most customizable street cars of all time, affordable for young adults as both a new and used vehicle, with a legion of aftermarket companies that completely endorse it. For their better-handling chassis and more tunable engines, pre-2000 versions are favored.
Ford Mustang
This may be the most contested model on the list, but in production numbers, it definitely destroys the competition in its class: this year marked the birth of the 10 millionth Mustang. The Mustang’s closest rival is the Camaro, to put that number in perspective, and although it is still a fantastic vehicle, nearly half as many Camaros have been produced compared to Mustangs (and the production figures of Challenger are much smaller than the figures of Camaro).
Subaru WRX and WRX STI
The WRX, along with its top-of-the-range STI version, is also an old favorite for customization fans. Their key attraction is the fact that they all have powerful engines, all-wheel drive, and capable transmission in their stock models, making them an excellent base to build on. You can add a larger engine for more power, upgrade the brakes for better track performance, plus several other potential modifications, depending on your preferences.
Chevrolet Camaro
Even in its stock form, this American classic is a true automotive legend and a truly amazing vehicle, but customizations will make it look even quicker and better. That is why Carfax.com states that the performance of this already powerful vehicle can be improved by features such as a wider intake or a performance camshaft.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
One of the things Mitsubishi has done well over the years is the Lancer Evolution, which brings a turbocharged four-wheel drive four-door vehicle to North America. In the United States, its popularity as a world class rally car preceded its sale. There are models of the Lancer that have been bought over the years, but it will have the potential to keep up with a Corvette with mild tuning. Some equate it to the Subaru WRX STI and consider them in the tuner community to be major rivals.
BMW 3 Series/M3
The honey of car magazines is also the honey of the garage. Updated Euro (meaning German) cars have become almost as popular as staple Japanese models in the U.S., thanks largely to the 3 Series. The lightweight rear-wheel drive chassis is an excellent base for performance mods, and there is plenty of space to enhance its beautiful yet staid exterior as well. Finding a used 3 Series is also pretty simple, considering its luxury badge. They’ll do some of the past centuries.
Jeep Wrangler
Although the production number of this vehicle is comparatively small compared to the other one on this list (3 million), the reason for it being here is that almost every single one is altered in some way, where there are groups of owners of the other models listed here that will leave their inventory. There’s an enormous number of aftermarket companies producing parts for Jeeps, from tires and lift kits to grab handles and hood latches. Try to locate a Jeep that somehow has not been changed.
