Remember 26 years ago? If you’re over 33 or so, you should have pretty good memories of the world not ending when the ol’ odometer rolled over for those of us following the Gregorian calendar, which was literally invented by a Greg. And as a car person, you probably also have solid car memories of the 2000s era, as that first decade of the aughts had some real bangers. Some may have stayed with you as dream cars, or even dreams you’ve managed to make come true; others may have faded with time as mere kid stuff, or just no longer your thing.
I’m sure many of you, like me, thought the Subaru WRX STI (as depicted in the top pic) was one helluva machine, and I’d still love to hoon one even though I’d surely look like Grandpa grabbed the wrong keys. See also the Volkswagen Golf R32 and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for cars I dug then and still dig now, like so many of us do/did.
As for poster cars, put me down for a two-car garage with a Porsche Carrera GT in there, alongside a Ferrari Enzo. Supercars aren’t much of a thing for me, but these two classics still hit for being purposeful, cutting-edge machines of their era, and much classier than, say, a Murcielago.
But of course, we’re probably all thinking exactly the same thing when it comes to 2000s greatness, as Antti has neatly pinpointed:
My serious answer: the 2000-2007 Volvo P2 generation is one of the best real world cars that does most things well, especially in lifted XC70 wagon form. Comfortable, spacious, reliable, durable, in turbodiesel form even frugal. Great seats and really good stereos and a very sensibly laid out dashboard.
My unserious answer: PT Cruiser, for the exact same reasons
Everyone loves an XC70.
Your turn:
What 2000s Cars Are You Totally Into?
Top graphic image: Subaru
The Dodge Zeo concept car and the concept Subaru STX, not the watered down Baja that was produced.
My 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS still gets comments. It may flex like a noodle, but it’s light and has a decent amount of torque. When I bought it new in late 2000, friends had a Celica GTS (now sold) and Civic Si (which got supercharged and then sold), both fun in their own ways. I’ve thought about getting antique plates for mine but I probably drive it too much.
Forgot about the Original pre facelift Murcielago in Manual.
5 Car 2000s Dream Garage
Manual E46 M3 ZCP (2005-2006)- from factory they have the CSL steering rack, brakes and wheels but cost 1/3
Manual Audi B5 RS4 Avant – My Dad had a 5 Speed B5 1.8t from 1998-2013
HPA VW Golf R32- Wookie Sound combined with HPA’s twin turbo kit (it’s in gran turismo 4 to boot)
Mercedes Cl65- Bruising Landyacht with Pagani sound- only 777 made from 2003-2006
2009 Porsche 997.2 911 GT3- 3.8 Mezger Sound+ 8500 rpm = bliss
not car, but a proper SUV. The 4th Gen 4Runner is amazing. I have a 2005 with the V8 and the thing feels better than most new cars i’ve driven. Absolutely bulletproof and the 4.7 2UZ is a gem of an engine.
I’ve never forgotten the Holden Ute HSV Maloo. I hope I can afford to import one in a few years when they’re legal!
I’m currently a proud owner of a 2005
Holden MonaroPontiac GTO currently and I had a 2003 MINI Cooper S for 15 years.I don’t know if it counts or not, since the last model year was 2001. But…BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED, was a 2001 Jeep XJ. It’s hard to explain to anyone who never owned one. Basic, but with everything needed. Mine lasted 220,000 miles, my son totaled it late in it’s life, we rebuilt it and then someone stole it and totaled it again. Is it ok to morn for a car? Sometimes on a Saturday, I troll marketplace and end up having to talk myself out of buying one. I love my current ’21 Wrangler, but it will never be the same in my heart.
2001 Audi S4….. Also, I always was into: The Civic Si hatch with the first k20, The Celica GTS or Matrix with the 2ZZ, or the last MR2.
That or the RS4 avant are my favorite Audi’s ever made…
I used to delude myself that I would be able to import an RS2 when the time came, but that was not to be.
it is way too soon to be calling nostalgically for early 2000s cars ok.That being said, I am a huge fan of the 04/05 STIs, but the one i keep searching for is the C5 Corvette Z06s (in the yellow please).
You have good taste in cars (mine’s not a Z06 because I need the telescoping steering wheel that you can’t get in those).
The king of all SUVs: the 100-series Land Cruiser and LX 470. I’ve owned a lot of cars, but the very best is the LX 470. The ride quality and seat comfort are unmatched at any price point today. They are veritable thrones seemingly riding on a cloud.
Don’t listen to the people that tell you to rip out the LX 470 air suspension. It’s not air suspension—it’s hydraulic like Citroën—and it’s the best thing on the whole car. 2002+ models have more power and a fifth gear, but I think their interior looks worse.
I had mine from 198,000 miles to 250,000ish miles and I still miss it. My GX 550 Overtrail replaced it and it’s sadly not nearly as good!
I can’t believe nobody has said Acura NSX.
A VR6 powered A4 Jetta stick would have been fun. I had its TDI brother for 16 years starting new in 2001.
I agree, though the NSX is a bit more of a 90’s car. I was looking for a 2000’s one to replace my 91 but thought the one available (in the US) that met my specs was too expensive. Got a 370Z instead, which cemented my mid-engine prejudice. But that was a good 2000’s car as well.
Ford GT, Noble M600, Volvo XC90 V8, and Aston Martin Vantage V12 are all 2000s cars I’d readily own (or do own).
However the list of concept cars from the era that I wish had made production (or that I admire) would be longer than a CVS receipt. And mostly FoMoCo products, namely from the short-lived Premier Automotive Group.
Oh, I forgot the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR, the best of the S197 Mustangs.
I’d also consider the Ford-owned and Jaguar-engined Range Rovers, in green over tan or brown.
That would have been the tail end of my BMW and Audi obsession. Loved the M3 sedan and 540i, Audi S4 Avant, and the BMW Clownshoe. The Cayman really grabbed my attention when it came out. The closest I’ve come to considering a new Porsche.
Also the C6 ‘Vette would have been on my list. Oooh! The new Mini Cooper was prime cool, and affordable (to purchase). Someone at work had a Mercedes SLK that looked really fun!
The 2003 Nissan Murano is so cool… no reason in particular….
Green and grey Subaru station wagon, the quirky mom from Oregon always has in the movies. Great looking car.
-Original silver Audi TT series one, with the correct wheels and no spoiler. Just perfect.
-Maybe also Land Rover Discovery 3, just because it looks so much like a PlayMobil toy!
2001 B5 Audi S4 Avant.
Audi R8 – R18 TDI diesel LMP cars.
Currently on my third S4 as a daily driver. Small and fast and relatively nimble (with modifications) yet still has ample room for a 5-month road trip or a tandem kayak.