The Decade Cars Went Wild
Back in the 2000s, every parking lot was a showcase of style statements on wheels—chrome rims gleaming, neon lights pulsing, and spoilers reaching for the sky. Some rides even turned heads like rock stars, symbolizing the decade’s unapologetic love for excess and experimentation. But as trends shifted and tastes matured, those once-iconic cars faded from the spotlight. Here’s a look back at the machines that defined an entire generation’s idea of cool.
1. Chevrolet HHR SS (2008–2010)
With a turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec engine pushing 260 horsepower, the HHR SS mixed retro Suburban looks with modern muscle. Chevrolet’s bold nod to the past thrilled enthusiasts briefly, but by 2010, GM retired the experiment after buyers lost interest in its quirky charm.
2. Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler (1997–2002)
Chrysler’s daring Prowler turned heads with its open wheels and aluminum body straight from a concept car dream. Reality hit harder, though—a V6 engine and automatic transmission dulled the excitement. Still, it remains one of the boldest production risks of its era.
3. Dodge Magnum SRT8 (2005–2008)
The Dodge Magnum SRT8 embodied 2000s excess, giving a family wagon a 425-horsepower HEMI V8 and retro attitude. It hit 60 mph in five seconds, which proved wagons could be wild. Yet its defiant style couldn’t outlast shifting tastes toward SUVs.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
4. Ford Thunderbird (2002–2005)
Ford’s revived Thunderbird promised classic glamour with 1950s-inspired design wrapped in modern tech. The nostalgic convertible turned heads but failed to connect with a new generation of drivers. Sales sputtered, and Ford quietly ended production after just four short years.
5. Lincoln LS V-8 2000
Despite earning MotorTrend’s Car of the Year award in 2000, the Lincoln LS V-8 remains a forgotten gem among luxury sedans. Its Jaguar-sourced 3.9-liter V8 and shared DEW98 platform with the Jaguar S-Type gave it pedigree, though recognition faded as Lincoln’s image shifted elsewhere.
6. Cadillac XLR-V (2006–2009)
With a supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar V8 producing 443 horsepower, Cadillac’s XLR-V roadster delivered striking power from its dedicated production line in Bowling Green. Its retractable hardtop and sleek luxury ambitions reflected Cadillac’s bold confidence, even if today it feels like an extravagant echo of early-2000s excess.
7. Subaru Impreza WRX (2000–2003)
Subaru’s 2000–2003 Impreza WRX shattered the brand’s sensible image with turbocharged performance and rally roots. Its 2.0-liter flat-four and all-wheel drive turned everyday roads into rally stages, while its quirky “bug-eye” headlights became an instantly recognizable, if divisive, symbol of early-2000s speed culture.
8. Pontiac GTO (2003–2006)
After a 30-year hiatus, the Pontiac GTO name returned with the 2003 revival. Its Holden Monaro roots gave this car an Australian muscle beneath understated styling, powered by a potent LS1 V8. Despite lacking the visual punch fans expected, performance purists still celebrate its raw capability.
9. Honda Insight (1999–2006)
When Honda engineers pursued maximum efficiency, the 1999–2006 Insight emerged—an aluminum-bodied hybrid with partially covered wheels and a three-cylinder engine paired with electric assist. America’s first hybrid proved groundbreaking, prioritizing aerodynamics over aesthetics and redefining how small cars could conserve fuel.
10. Acura TSX (2004–2008)
At first glance, the 2004–2008 Acura TSX looked like a modest entry-lux sedan. Its European Honda Accord roots told another story: a 2.4-liter high-revving engine, razor-sharp steering, and engaging handling. The available six-speed manual only deepened its appeal among performance-minded drivers.
11. Lexus IS300 SportCross (2002–2005)
With its eye-catching rear hatch and sleek proportions, the IS300 SportCross stood out as Lexus’s most unconventional creation. The 215-horsepower inline-six kept performance alive, while the automatic-only transmission emphasized refinement over aggression. It remains a rare experiment in luxury-meets-utility design from the early 2000s.
Andrew Duthie from Nashville, TN, USA on Wikimedia
12. Pontiac G8 GXP 2009
What began as Australia’s Holden Commodore became the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, a ferocious sedan powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 producing 415 horsepower. This performance marvel marked Pontiac’s final, most powerful act before the brand’s curtain closed permanently in 2010.
13. Infiniti G35 Coupe (2003–2008)
Built on the same platform as Nissan’s 350Z, the Infiniti G35 Coupe balanced luxury and athleticism with precision. Its 3.5-liter V6 and rear-wheel drive gave it true sports coupe credentials, while its bold styling perfectly mirrored the early 2000s obsession with performance and flair.
DestinationFearFan on Wikimedia
14. Mazda RX-8 (2001–2005)
Mazda’s RX-8 reimagined sports car design with its rear-hinged doors and compact rotary engine. The 1.3-liter unit spun to 9,000 rpm, offering 238 horsepower and smooth delivery. Despite fuel and reliability issues, it showcased Mazda’s fearless engineering spirit and commitment to unconventional innovation.
15. Scion tC (2005–2010)
The Scion tC defined youthful ambition with its 2.4-liter four-cylinder, panoramic sunroof, and sleek coupe styling. Once the darling of 2000s car culture, it captured a generation’s desire for affordable cool. Today, its charm lingers mostly as a nostalgic symbol of simpler automotive trends.
16. Nissan Maxima SE (2004–2008)
The 2004–2008 Maxima SE earned its “four-door sports car” title with a 255-horsepower V6 and confident handling. Its plush interior and spirited performance appealed to drivers wanting luxury without compromise. Though its styling now shows its age, the Maxima’s dynamic soul remains unmistakable.
17. Mitsubishi Eclipse GT (2004–2009)
That oversized rear spoiler signaled the bold design shift of the 2004–2009 Eclipse GT. Its curvy body divided fans, but beneath the styling sat real substance—a 3.8-liter V6 pumping out 263 horsepower. It represented Mitsubishi’s final attempt to keep the sporty coupe spirit alive.
No machine-readable author provided. Vince5735 assumed (based on copyright claims). on Wikimedia
18. Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible (2003–2007)
The Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible embodied Swedish flair with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 210 horsepower and a design unlike anything else on the road. Once a stylish expression of individuality, its charm has since faded alongside Saab’s broader fall from automotive grace.
19. Acura RSX Type-S (2001–2006)
The RSX Type-S carried Acura’s performance torch after the Integra’s farewell and thrilled drivers with its 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine and 210 horsepower. A slick six-speed manual and sharp handling made it a tuner favorite, which defined early-2000s street performance with unmatched precision and reliability.
20. Volvo C30 (2003–2007)
Volvo’s C30 aimed squarely at young trendsetters, flaunting a glass hatch and turbocharged five-cylinder engine with 218 horsepower. Though its design and driving dynamics impressed critics, limited space and niche styling kept it from breaking into the mainstream, leaving it a cult favorite instead.
