Pontiac Fiero

America's own affordable mid-engined car, built from 1984 to 1988, and its reputation problem is well understood. Around one in 400 of the 1984 cars caught fire, mostly because a small three-quart oil pan could starve the engine of oil, and because a wiring harness could touch the exhaust manifold in the cramped engine bay. Cars from 1985 onward were far less likely to burn, and the 1985 GT and the fastback that arrived partway through 1986 are the more desirable shapes. Buy a later car, confirm the recall work and keep a close eye on the oil level.