High-performance mufflers and exhaust systems are as much about looks and sound as they are about horsepower. Most customers who want these types of products want mufflers and exhaust systems that look and sound as good as they perform. It's all about personalizing their vehicle and projecting an image. Customers who buy performance exhaust products are the same ones who buy aftermarket custom wheels, street performance tires, performance shocks, struts and suspension kits, aftermarket sound systems, spoilers, wings, aero kits and other bolt-on accessories.

Polished stainless-steel mufflers and free-flowing cat-back exhaust systems are hot bolt-on upgrade opportunities, and can be easily installed on most import sport compact cars and larger cars, SUVs and trucks. The most popular applications for these kinds of upgrades are the sporty cars that teens, twentysomethings and even some over 30 are driving, such as the Honda Civic, Accord and Prelude; Acura Integra and RSX; Mitsubishi Eclipse and Lancer; Mazda Miata, MX-6, Mazda6, RX-7 and RX-8; Nissan 300ZX and 350Z; Toyota Celica, Matrix and Scion; Subaru WRX; and VW GTI, Golf, Passat and Beetle.

Of course, the market for performance exhaust products certainly isn't limited to only these vehicles. Anybody who drives almost any import make or model could be a prospect for an exhaust upgrade if they are looking for more power or want to customize the appearance of...