What is the most customizable car?

Buying an older or cheaper car and modifying it to make it both unique and better is a long-held tradition in American motoring.

Since Henry Ford first started churning out Model T’s by the hundreds, car owners have been customizing and modifying their cars to make them faster, more job-specific, or just more fancy.

Whatever the goal, it always starts with “more.”

Modifying a car can be as easy as bolting on a new spoiler or as time-consuming as re-tuning the engine and adding a roll cage for racing safety.

Here are ten vehicles that you can easily modify to be faster or cooler than their original.

While almost any vehicle can become a tuner, the cars on this list were chosen based on price, availability (for the car as well as parts and tuning kits) and beginner-level simplicity:

Acura Integra

Before the Acura RSX, there was the Integra.

The Integra was a great-looking little car that came out of the factory with a good start at being excellent. The third-generation Integra is often the one most sought after by tuners for its classic looks and solid build quality. The rare, but very sought-after Type R editions are especially prized.

Ford Mustang GT

The GT 350 designed by Carroll Shelby began it all decades ago, and since then the Ford Mustang GT has been a go-to choice for tuners.

Tuning for the Mustang really took off in the 1980s after the introduction of the “Fox body” Mustang from 1979.

Recently, famous drift racer Ken Block did an extreme modification to a classic 1965 Ford Mustang and has since been traveling the world, tearing up streets and burning tires with it:

Honda Civic

Its simple front-wheel drive platform, excellent handling dynamics and robust transmission have made the Civic a go-to tuner car for weekend performance tinkerers for years.

From outlandish spoilers to over-the-top snorkels and intake cuts, the Civic is extremely popular among street tuners.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

As the world’s most popular roadster, the Miata is prolific enough that cars and parts for them are easily found.

Miatas are often modified for track racing, road course racing, drifting, and autocross. Modifications range from body styling to extreme engine tuning.

The small four-cylinder in the Miata can be tuned and turbocharged or replaced with anything up to a small-block V8, if you have the knowledge and skills.

The car’s excellent handling characteristics, low build, and simple, yet versatile chassis make it a winner all around when it comes to tuning potential.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Although not very well-known in the United States as a general carmaker, Mitsubishi is one of the top names globally in various racing formats.

Since its U.S. introduction in 2003, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has been one of the most coveted sport tuning cars since it arrived.

It features a robust all-wheel drive system, turbocharged engines that beg for bigger turbos and excellent track-ready handling characteristics. Whether on the pavement or in a rally, the Lancer Evolution is usually on the podium when the race is done.

Nissan 240SX