When you think of supercharged cars, your mind immediately goes to expensive high-horsepower versions like the Shelby GT500, Camaro ZL1, and Challenger Hellcat. However, there have been models from several manufacturers over the years that offered great performance but haven't hit their stride in the collector's market, so they can be had at a bargain.
We have used Kelley Blue Books valuation to find you the cheapest supercharged cars you can buy today. They were all great performance cars for their time and, with tuning and tweaking, you can make them into the tire-chewing monster you always wanted. The best part? All the cars on this list fall below the $10,000 mark.
Hotcars has used Kelley Blue Book's typical listing prices when buying from a dealership. The vehicle should have no mechanical issues and few cosmetic flaws. All the vehicles are listed here according to price from most to least expensive.
These Are The Fastest Supercharged Cars Ever Made
Superchargers are not as common as they once were. Looking at these beasts, we wish there were more supercharged cars around today.10 2000 Jaguar XKR Convertible: $9,288
Specs
Displacement |
4.0L V8 |
Power |
370 HP |
Torque |
387 LB-FT |
0 to 60 Time |
5.3 seconds |
The Jaguar XKR is the big brother to the standard XK8 from Jaguar. The XK8 came on the automotive scene in 1996 and came with a 4.0 liter V8 engine that made 270 horsepower. The R version was released in 1998 with several upgrades to the base trim.
First was the now supercharged V8 packing 370 horsepower a huge increase from the naturally aspirated engine. They also added 18-inch five-spoke wheels with Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension. Visual upgrades included a special wire-mesh grille and functional hood louvers to vent engine heat and relieve under-car air pressure. The design is timeless and today is still a car that attracts a lot of attention.
9 2004 Jaguar XJR: $7,661
Specs
Displacement |
4.2L V8 |
Power |
390 HP |
Torque |
399 LB-FT |
0 to 60 Time |
5.3 seconds |
The 2004 Jaguar XJR has an all-aluminum body. The 4.2-liter supercharged V8 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The light weight of the flagship sedan, just under 4,000 pounds, helps it in a few key performance metrics.
The XJR is helped by its advanced electrical systems, self-leveling, and adaptive air suspension. ​​​​ You do not get a lot of interior noise even from the supercharger. That is thanks to the camshaft drive chains and tuned induction paths that have helped reduce engine noise. The design of this 2004 model is timeless and look as good on the road today as it did when it debuted.
8 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP: $5,632
Specs
Displacement |
3.8L V6 |
Power |
260 HP |
Torque |
280 LB-FT |
0 to 60 Time |
6.6 seconds |
In 2005, the Pontiac Grand Prix was starting to get a little old. It still has its nearly indestructible supercharged 3.8-liter V6 under the hood but was overshadowed by the more powerful GXP model with its 5.3-liter V8. That isn't to say that the GTP is a bad car as it still performs well.
The Pontiac Grand Prix GTP is a true performance car. Its styling was also nice and, with the competition package, you get paddle shifters along with a sports-tuned suspension system. This gives you all the thrills and style you want without the premium of the GXP.
Expert Opinion
The venerable Buick-derived 3800 V6 was everywhere throughout the Nineties and Aughts, whether in this supercharged application or elsewhere in so many naturally-aspirated cars. It had an unusually guttural growl under throttle, similar to but aurally distinct from the classic Chevy small-block V8. With supercharged power and the wild styling from Pontiac, the Grand Prix GTP was a surprisingly competent sporty sedan.
These Are The 10 Best Supercharged Cars Under $30,000
You don't have to spend a fortune to own a cool supercharged car.7 2002 Mercedes-Benz AMG C32: $5,469
Specs
Displacement |
3.2L V6 |
Power |
349 HP |
Torque |
332 LB-FT |
0 to 60 Time |
5.2 seconds |
The AMG C32's supercharged engine revs to a 6220-rpm redline, making just shy of 350 horsepower. It is considered a very reliable option from AMG.
There's no manual transmission option and many people prefer to shift a sports car for themselves. However, the suspension gives excellent feedback while still being smooth on back roads. The C32 rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with Z-rated tires. It had no problem keeping up with an M3 in testing at Mercedes-Benz. It was clear the mission was to produce a rival to the legendary beemer, and it seems mission accomplished.
6 2005 Chevrolet Impala SS: $5,432
Specs
Displacement |
3.8L V6 |
Power |
240 HP |
Torque |
280 LB-FT |
0 to 60 Time |
7.5 seconds |
The Chevrolet Impala SS also features the venerable 3.8-liter V6 topped with a supercharger to bring its performance to a respectable level. It has four-wheel independent suspension and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels.
The big black SS also features bright stainless steel dual exhaust tips, fog lamps, and a six-gauge cluster including a boost gauge. The SS has plenty of room for five passengers and all your luggage. Dressed in black, it looks almost sinister on the road.
5 2004 Mini Cooper S: $5,303
Specs
Displacement |
1.6L I4 |
Power |
163 HP |
Torque |
155 LB-FT |
0 to 60 Time |
6.4 seconds |
The Mini Cooper S has always been affordable thanks to its $19,975 base price. It comes with power locks and windows; air conditioning; 16-inch aluminum wheels; remote entry and a traction control system.
The supercharged 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder provides plenty of performance for the lightweight car, and it has an exhaust note that is reminiscent of the original '60s Mini Cooper. The standard six-speed manual transmission is the option you want as shifting gears in the Mini is more fun than any car this size should be.
Expert Opinion
While the modern Mini is nowhere near as mini as the original Mini dating to 1959, it’s still a minuscule car compared to the ever-growing number of hulking crossovers. With the supercharged 1.6-liter four beneath the stubby bonnet, this R53-chassis Mini Cooper S is an absolute blast to drive, with just a hint of torque steer when you really stomp on the right pedal. While my personal garage is currently Mini-free, that may change - my dad and stepmother bought a Mini Cooper S brand new in 2002, and it’s still in the family.
23 Supercharged Cars For Less Than $20,000
Here are 20 ways to get that supercharger thrill for less than $20,000 based on NADA retail values.4 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS: $5,122
Specs
Displacement |
2.4L I4 |
Power |
205 HP |
Torque |
200 LB-FT |
0 to 60 Time |
6.9 seconds |
The Cobalt SS is only offered as a coupe and only with a five-speed manual. It is a true sports car and has the performance to back it up. GM's Ecotec 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine is fed by its roots-type supercharger with a peak boost level of 12.0 psi.
The little coupe has 18-inch alloy wheels and FE5 suspension with a larger front anti-roll bar and stiffer springs. The car performed beyond expectations when it debuted and has found a new life as a favorite among enthusiasts. This one is likely to go up in value, so getting it now is a good idea.
3 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS: $4,616
Specs
Displacement |
3.8L V6 |
Power |
240 HP |
Torque |
280 LB-FT |
0 to 60 Time |
6.5 seconds |
This 2004 Monte Carlo SS is another in a line of GM performance cars with the supercharged 3.8-liter V6. So the power output is similar to the others on the list, as is acceleration. What you get here is a coupe option, and these Monte Carlos look great modified.
If GM had seen fit to give it a manual and rear-wheel drive, it might have filled the void left by the Camaro as Pontiac tried to do with the GTO for the Trans Am. As with any supercharged engine, a pulley change and tune changes everything, so these are a performance bargain.
2 1994 Ford Thunderbird SC: $3,945
Specs
Displacement |
3.8L V6 |
Power |
230 HP |
Torque |
330 LB-FT |
0 to 60 Time |
6.7 seconds |
An underrated gem, the 1994 Ford Thunderbird SC competed against the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 and the Buick Regal GS. It was able to best them in every category. It was nearly as fast as the Ford Mustang GT of that time and would be faster if not for it being so much heavier than the Mustang.
The Ford 3.8-liter supercharged V6 is just as reliable as the unit from GM and has gobs of torque. The available 5-speed manual transmission and selective suspension modes set it apart from its competition. They are fairly rare cars but well worth it if you find one.
Expert Opinion
The Thunderbird has been a weird nameplate over the decades at Ford, as it’s been passed around a bunch of different platforms and differing characters. Starting as a relatively compact sporty car, the T-bird grew into a big, overwrought personal luxury car. In the Eighties, that began to change, and with the adoption of supercharging in this Thunderbird SC it became a genuinely fun car to drive.
These 15 Supercharged Cars Should Be On The Chopping Block
Not every supercharged car will be a screaming tire shredder like Dodge's Demon or Hellcat. Some, like these, are embarrassingly slow.1 1999 Buick Riviera: $2,856
Specs
Displacement |
3.8L V6 |
Power |
240 HP |
Torque |
280 LB-FT |
0 to 60 Time |
8 seconds |
Another in the line of 3.8-liter supercharged V6s from GM. The engine is as stated elsewhere, bulletproof. What sets this one apart from the others is it is a full-on luxury grand touring coupe. It has leather bucket front and back seats and, as a coupe, can easily handle 5 full-sized adults.
It has power windows, locks, seats, and mirrors. It also features a four-way independent suspension. It may not have the all-out performance as some of the others, but it more than makes up for it with its smooth, quiet ride.
Sources: Kelley Blue Book, Ford, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Mini Cooper