1983 Nissan Sentra.
My parents bought it for me when I graduated high school because I had a full ride scholarship to college. It was the least expensive car on the market at the time, $4949. No AC, no radio, no options.
Over the 4 years of college, I worked a few jobs to pay to mod it out, before modding was even really popular.
Riken wheels (rwd offset in the back for a lip!)
Kamei front airdam for an 80 celica
rear spoiler
test pipe
ansa exhaust
flipped the air cleaner lid for more air induction
Killer stereo with a 12" sub which was unheard of at the time
1/2 ohm bose aftermarket amp and speakers
concord head unit
and I'm sure some other stuff I have forgotten.
It was pretty quick too. I actually raced and beat 2 different 240sx turbos!
I waxed it weekly and it still looked brand new when it got stolen.
I've loved Nissans ever since.