Top 10 Domestic Tuner Cars

1) 04' Ford SVT Cobra- The supercharged SVT Cobra nicknamed the "Terminator" ranks highest on our list because of production numbers, availability, value, and aftermarket parts following. The SVT Cobra is one of the easiest cars to modify with only the need of bolt on parts to make some serious power. Bolt on parts will easily propel this car to 500 wheel horsepower. This factory 380 horsepower monster comes with distinct and reserved styling, 6 speed Tremec t56 gearbox, supercharged V8, and independent rear suspension this car is a real competitor. From the factory the Cobra comes with 390 horsepower and 390ftlbs of torque and rockets from 0 to 60mph in 4.9 seconds and performs the quarter mile in 13.10 at 110mph. It's easy to see why the SVT Cobra hits the top of the list, it's affordable enough for the common man to buy and modify; making it the number one choice.

2) 04' Chevrolet Z06 Corvette- Known as the Terminator killer, this car would have hit the top of the list if it weren't for its hefty price tag even though it's six years old. This is still a supercar that is obtainable for many, but not as obtainable as the Cobra, however when you take in account its somewhat modest insurance rates because of its numerous safety features it may just balance those monthly payments out. The 405 horsepower 3,100 pound car has better performance off the assembly line than the Cobra, first of all it is almost six hundred pounds lighter and has 25 more horsepower; this combination is lethal at the drag strip tearing from 0-60 in only 3.9 seconds and ripping through the quarter in 12.4 seconds at 117mph. The Z06 is also superior in the handling department pulling off a 1.03g skidpad. Other than the price not helping it to the top of the list, the cost of performance parts and the amount of labor required to install them also puts a damper on the common man's pocket book in the modifying department.

3) 05' Pontiac GTO- The two door economy Corvette, this car wasn't widely accepted when it first came out because of its modest body styling cues, but it's the power plant that makes this car appreciated in the aftermarket tuner scene. With a 6.0 liter V8 that develops 400 horsepower and 400ftlbs of torque from the factory it doesn't take much to push this car to astronomical power levels, the stout chevy V8 under the hood of the GTO in combination with its six speed gear box gets it to 60mph in 4.7 seconds and to 100mph in just 12 seconds. A huge aftermarket parts base has accumulated for the GTO borrowing engine mods from its older brother the Corvette. This car is an affordable alternative to the corvette.

4) 05' Ford S281 Saleen Mustang- The S281 Saleen just looks like a super car with extensive aerodynamic mods and a powerful engine this is one heck of a tuner car. There is quite a large aftermarket following for the 400 horsepower supercharged V8. From the factory the car turns impressive number on the track with a 4.6 0 to 60 and a 13.2 at 110mph, mods to increase this engine to exponential power levels won't hurt your pocket book too bad as many of the parts and designs are borrowed from the Cobra which is fairly affordable to modify.

5) 02' Chevrolet Camaro SS- This car has been on the market for some time and has quite a following, GM seems to be taking many of the spots on this list with their LS1 and LS6 styled power plants. The LS1 is a powerful motor that is well tuned from the factory to assist in getting excellent gas mileage for a V8. The Camaro SS comes from the factory with 325hp and 340tq mated to a strong six speed gear box. The Camaro SS has decent performance by getting from nor to 60mph in 5.3 seconds and clipping off a 13.7 at 105mph in the standing quarter mile. This car is subtle in its styling and has been accepted by many of its domestic tuners as being plain jane, this car doesn't seem to broadcast its performance from its body styling which if de badged makes it a sleeper.

6) 02' Pontiac Ram Air Trans Am WS6-This car has the exact same drive train as the Camaro SS, however it has better and more impressive body styling cues. Unfortunately, even with the same engine performance the heavier WS6 is quite a bit slower with a 0 to 60mph time of 5.5 seconds and a slower 13.9 quarter mile time. However, the WS6 Ram Air does get 28 miles to the gallon on the highway, there is plenty of aftermarket support for the WS6 thanks in part to its LS1 GM engine.

7) 05' Dodge SRT-8 Charger- The SRT-8 Charger is a little bit of a new comer to the list and its owner and tuner support is rapidly rising, unfortunately the aftermarket performance parts arena isn't keeping up fast enough with the fan support. The SRT-8 boasts a 425 horsepower 6.1 liter Hemi V8 and great body styling cues such as an aggressive front clip and 20 inch five spoke aluminum wheels that highlight its huge Brembo disc brake system that stops it from 60-0 in only 110 feet. In addition to stopping it can also go, achieving 60mph from a stand still in just under 5 seconds.

8) 05' Dodge Neon SRT-4- All of the cars previously listed had V8 engines under the hood, but the SRT-4 packs a serious punch for the domestic sport compacts with a 215 horsepower 2.4 liter turbocharged inline four that also produces 245ftlbs of torque. Aftermarket fan and performance parts support is fantastic for this platform, even Mopar performance offers staged turbo and horsepower upgrades for this car that allow you to retain a factory warranty. Body styling is great when compared to other economy sports cars, nothing says that this dogs bark doesn't have a bit like the massive air to air intercooler that is highly visible from the opening in the front bumper. Secure sport seats and a tight throw six speed shifter make this a great choice.

9) 08' Chevrolet Cobalt SS- Newest to the lineup is the Chevrolet Cobalt SS which initially gained quite a bit of support from enthusiasts and the aftermarket with its previous model year supercharged engine. In 08' it turned to turbo powered forced induction which will give it many opportunities in the aftermarket. The Cobalt SS boasts Brembo brakes, 260 horsepower turbocharged engine, and a 0.90g skid pad.

10) 04' SVT Ford Focus ZX5- Last but not least the SVT focus, although the SVT focus isn't the fastest or most powerful car on the list it has massive support in the aftermarket world because of its European turbocharged twin brother. It stops on a dime and features an impressive 0.86g skid pad, HID headlights, 17 inch wheels, 170 all motor horsepower, and 28mpg.