{"id":57732,"date":"2022-08-22T17:48:30","date_gmt":"2022-08-22T21:48:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/motor-junkie.com\/?p=57732"},"modified":"2022-11-02T03:42:28","modified_gmt":"2022-11-02T07:42:28","slug":"everyday-cars-from-the-90s-2000s-sure-to-become-classics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.motor-junkie.com\/everyday-cars-from-the-90s-2000s-sure-to-become-classics\/57732\/","title":{"rendered":"Everyday Cars From The ’90s & 2000s Sure To Become Classics"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 1990s and 2000s were two of the best decades for the automotive industry. Cars’ designs went from the boxy-looking vehicles of the 1980s to modern and aerodynamic designs. Engine design also advanced quite a bit and cars became more smooth and efficient. Reliability also increased as the carbureted engines were phased out in favor of fuel injection. Consumer tastes<\/a> were shifting towards SUVs during these decades, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some great cars designed.<\/p>\n

The 2000s also brought many muscle cars<\/a> back into the fold, including the GTO and the Charger. Both of these models were groundbreaking in terms of performance<\/a>, and one is still in production today. The decade also brought many advances in hybrid and electric<\/a> vehicle technology. We looked back at everyday cars from the 1990s and 2000s that will eventually become full-fledged classics as time marches on.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

GM EV1<\/h2>\n

The EV1 sparked a whole lot of controversy and praise at the same time. The car was the very first mass-produced electric car that was sold by a domestic automaker. The design was pulled largely from the GM parts bin but the product was capable and comfortable to drive. There were even a few celebrity owners of the car including Jay Leno and Danny DeVito (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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The EV1 hit the market on a lease program that was direct to the consumers. The problem is that there was no option to buy. At the end of the lease, GM destroyed the EV1 cars, and there was a massive public outcry over it. This event spurred the creation of the popular documentary “Who Killed The Electric Car”.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Jay Leno’s Garage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pontiac Firebird<\/h2>\n

The fourth-generation GM muscle cars<\/a> were also the last of their kind for a decade. The 2002 Pontiac Firebird was a special edition car and the last of an era. It packed a punch with the LS1 engine that came out of the Corvette<\/a>. Perhaps most notable was the styling of the car, which was extreme (via Cars.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Jay Leno’s Garage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fourth generation of the Firebird didn’t sell well at the time and was discontinued by GM. However, the value of the car has exploded in recent years as it’s become a collector’s item. The LS1 engine is one of the best GMs ever made<\/a>. From a performance standpoint, the Firebird is still an exciting car to drive.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oldsmobile Aurora<\/h2>\n

The Aurora was a concept car with a lot of potential. It was the first original and new design from Oldsmobile in decades. The car had a completely aerodynamic design at a time when automakers were still adapting. The performance of the V8 engine was also way ahead of its time (via Hemmings<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The automotive community praised the performance of the Aurora. The luxurious interior was also praised as there was an abundance of technology packed into it. By all accounts, the Aurora was a groundbreaking car and it was sort of the last hurrah for the Oldsmobile brand. GM discontinued<\/a> the Oldsmobile brand in 2004.<\/p>\n

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Mitsubishi 3000 GT<\/h2>\n

The Mitsubishi 3000 GT was the least well-known of the twin-turbo-powered sports cars that came in the 1990s<\/a>. The 3000 GT was packed with technology and performance. If you look at the exterior of the car, you’d easily mistake it for an early Ferrari model. But it was the performance under the hood that made the 3000 GT a classic (via Jalopnik<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Bring A Trailer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the Supra and the Nissan 300ZX have gotten the credit in recent years, it was the 3000 GT that continued to be the underdog. But now collectors are starting to realize how great this car was. There were even a few limited-production models like the Spyder that are highly sought-after.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Ford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ford Probe<\/h2>\n

Ford Motor Company<\/a> had a big vision for the Probe, the car was supposed to replace the Mustang. Unfortunately, the company underestimated the popularity of the original pony car. Consumers weren’t going to give up on the Mustang, and there was a massive outcry (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Probe would trudge on into the 1990s with a modest redesign that gave the car a modern look. While the Probe has not been on top of anyone’s collector’s list, that has changed recently. The 24V model in particular has become highly sought-after as more kids who grew up in the 1990s have the disposable income to collect the cars from their childhoods.<\/p>\n

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Ford Taurus<\/h2>\n

The redesign of the Taurus in the 1990s was probably one of the most controversial things that an automaker has ever done. The new design was modern, but it was also more extreme looking than Taurus owners were used to. The car bombed and sales of the model tanked and never recovered (via Road & Track<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There were some bright spots, though, and one of them was the SHO model. The engineers at Ford managed to stuff a Yamaha V8 into the Taurus. At the time, that was one of the most impressive engine designs. As time goes on, this generation of the Taurus will become more sought after just because of the radical design alone.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Chrysler Corp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dodge Intrepid<\/h2>\n

The Intrepid was the first of the modern cars to come in the new decade, that was the 1990s. Modern design coupled with a host of new technology ushered in the new era at Dodge. The Intrepid replaced a series of failed sedan models that had come before it, such as the Monaco (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Intrepid was initially popular thanks to the cab forward design, which made the interior spacious. As with every carmaker from this era, Chrysler sold variations of the same car under different brands. The Intrepid was the value-oriented model, the Concord was the upscale model and the Eagle Vision was the performance sedan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: VW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Volkswagen New Beetle<\/h2>\n

The Volkswagen New Beetle was a groundbreaking new car and the rebirth of the iconic classic. The New Beetle had a modern design based on the previous model. The new car was equipped with an optional turbo engine, which gave it exceptional performance. There were even unique features, such as a flower holder, built into the dashboard (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: VW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The New Beetle was a massive success and part of the reason Volkswagen was able to get out of financial difficulties. After the New Beetle was launched, there were quite a few new models that hit the market. The new Golf and the Jetta were also successful cars for the company on the heels of the New Beetle.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Chrysler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chrysler PT Cruiser<\/h2>\n

Not to be outdone by Volkswagen, Chrysler also launched a retro-inspired vehicle in the late 1990s. The PT Cruiser was designed to look like a retro roadster. The Chrysler PT Cruiser sold well and started life as the Plymouth Pronto concept car. The PT Cruiser was affordable and cool-looking and consumers loved it (via Consumer Reports<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Chrysler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Chrysler immediately built up a following of fan clubs dedicated to the quirky little car. While the performance was not all that impressive, the rest of the design was. The later model years would bring a Convertible model and a Turbo-powered GT model into the fold. The odd-shaped wagon is one of the notable cars from the early 2000s that will become a collector’s item at some point.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

GM Dustbuster Vans<\/h2>\n

Who could forget the GM dustbuster trio? If you were a kid in the 1990s, you probably remember these vans well. The vans were a new design concept<\/a> attempted by GM. Heralded as the van of the future, the sales numbers certainly didn’t reflect that fact. The Chrysler vans outsold these models in every way, but the design was unique (via Jalopnik<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The vans right now are hardly worth<\/a> driving, but as a collector’s item, they are unique. You’ll never see a car like this again and GM was the only company to build a van like this. Dustbuster vans will become a collector’s item in the future as more cars from the 1990s rust away and go to the junkyard.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oldsmobile Silhouette<\/h2>\n

So why is the Silhouette a collector’s item, you wonder? Well, not only was the first minivan under the Oldsmobile<\/a> banner, but it was also one of the last Oldsmobile models ever produced. The Silhouette had a solid customer base who would buy the van every year (via The Truth About Cars<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It never became a runaway success, but the van did achieve reasonable enough numbers to keep it in production. If you are fortunate to find one of the last models built, it will have a custom red paint job and a custom badge to showcase the end of production. There was a time when Oldsmobile was one of the most influential automotive brands on the road.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Jay Leno’s Garage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chevrolet C5 Corvette<\/h2>\n

The C5 Corvette is one of the best-used sports cars<\/a> on the road. The styling is still beautiful to this day, with the car looking amazingly modern. The performance of the C5 was the best that the nameplate had ever had. The LS1 engine was a smooth-driving engine that was bulletproof in its design (via Road & Track<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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The interior comfort of the C5 was another strong suit. The luxurious leather seating and optional navigation system gave the car an extremely upmarket feeling. The design of the C5 is still very beautiful. The lines of the car resonate with Corvette collectors of today’s era.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: JDM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Honda Del Sol<\/h2>\n

The Del Sol is the epiphany of lightning in a bottle. It was a combination of two great attributes, a lightweight design, and a short wheelbase. The combination made the car handle incredibly well, and even though the engine was not that powerful, the car had a decent amount of pep to it (via Motor 1<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Civic Del Sol is quickly becoming a rising star in the used car market. The unique design of the car, coupled with the bulletproof reliability, makes it the perfect collector’s item. Honda has built a reputation for creating reliable and fun-to-drive cheap cars and the Del Sol was the epiphany of that statement.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Geo Tracker<\/h2>\n

The Tracker was the original small SUV<\/a> to hit the market in the 1990s. Sure, the Suzuki Samurai came before it, but it was the Tracker that was comfortable and modern. The Tracker had many positive attributes, such as a true four-wheel drive system and a removable top (via Repair Pal<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Tracker will continue to rise in value and eventually become a sought-after classic<\/a>. The Tracker was the first compact SUV sold by GM. The ZR2 model is highly sought after, and the models built from 98-2003 are quite modern. The Tracker was not as popular as the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CRV, but the build quality and off-road capability made it a much better option than the car-based models.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Honda CR-V<\/h2>\n

The Honda CRV was the first original SUV with a Honda badge on it. The CRV was car-based, which was a massive improvement at the time. The gas mileage was much better, and the car-like handling appealed to consumers. There was an optional all-wheel-drive variant, which has attracted a lot of interest in recent years (via Car Gurus<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first generation of the Honda CRV was everything that made Honda’s from this era great. The simplistic build quality provided excellent reliability and economy. The CRV was not the most groundbreaking SUV, but the compact and solid design made it one of the best-built models on the roadways.<\/p>\n

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BMW Z3 Coupe<\/h2>\n

The Z3 Coupe is a car that you seldom see on the road because even when it was in production it was quite rare. But the Z3 is not hard to come by if you know where to look for one. The short wheelbase and the hatchback design are not only visually appealing, but the car has some of the best performance on the road (via Consumer Reports<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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The Z3 was built in an attempt to bring an affordable compact beamer into the marketplace. While the car wasn’t popular when it first hit the market, it has become highly sought-after in recent years. Right now, the M3 is on a roll with popularity, but once that cools down, the Z3 is the next car from the era that will bubble.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Jay Leno’s Garage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Porsche 911<\/h2>\n

The 911 is a car that has been around for decades. The design of the car has always been classic there is nothing else that looks like it on the road. The 911 has not yet peaked at obscene prices, as there are so many other cars caught in the price bubble right now. But the 911 from this era will definitely rise in price and value as time goes on (via Car Gurus<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 911 is something that anyone who enjoys driving wants. The short wheelbase and spirited performance were all designed to give the car an edge. When collectors think of a Porsche model the 911 is a car that comes up often in conversation. You can’t beat it when it comes to an excellent design and great performance.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG<\/h2>\n

The Mercedes-Benz roadsters of the 1990s were great cars. The design was far ahead of its time and there were plenty of new luxury features that were built into the cars. The SL55 for example is one of the most well-known roadsters from this era. Of course, the SL body style was one of the most well-known cars on the road (via New Car Test Drive<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As with any car from this era, the SL Class has depreciated. You can find these for sale for as cheap as $1500 if you live in a large metropolitan area. Not every model that’s for sale is going to be worthwhile, and you’ll come across a lot of junk. But the value of this car will only continue to rise as time goes on.<\/p>\n

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Toyota Supra<\/h2>\n

Let’s not mince words here. Most car fans know the Toyota Supra Turbo is already a classic and a highly valued one. But that’s only because people are trying to relive their glory days<\/a> in the 1990s. Once that bubble subsides, there will be many of these Toyota Supra models that become highly sought after by collectors (via Auto Detective<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Toyota<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even the base Toyota Supra from this generation is worth picking up. The styling was far ahead of its time and the engineering was impeccable. You aren’t going to find a better driving car for the price. Because most collectors want the turbo-charged models, the base models are still fairly mint and you can find them often. Another advantage to the base model over the turbo model is that a lot of the turbo models have been raced or heavily modified.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Acura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Acura NSX<\/h2>\n

The NSX broke the mold for what a foreign supercar could be. There was no fancy V8 engine, but the NSX handled business well. The styling was ahead of its time and everyone knew what this car was. The NSX was sold for decades in basically the same body style, and the price for an original model has remained affordable for what you get (via Car Gurus<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Early models might not be as easy to come by as say a mid-1990s model. The car was steadily improved as time went on, from the interior being refined to a smoother exterior. If you want a car that is going to turn heads and is already an instant classic you can’t go wrong with the NSX. Honda did everything right when it came to designing a true supercar that someone could enjoy.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dodge Intrepid R\/T<\/h2>\n

The Intrepid R\/T is a rare car if you can get a limited edition one with the Dale Earnhardt Jr badging on it. The reason the Intrepid R\/T is rare is that it marked the Dodge’s return to the NASCAR circuit after a decade. The Intrepid R\/T didn’t have much performance improvement and it’s more of a collector’s car for diehard NASCAR fans (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s not to say this generation of the Intrepid is a bad car, because it’s not. The interesting thing about it was that the engine was pretty good in terms of performance. The interior was big and comfortable and the design was modern. Dodge<\/a> would sell the R\/T model until 2003 when the new Dodge Charger was heading to the market.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dodge SRT-4<\/h2>\n

The SRT-4 was big news when it hit the market in the 2000s. There was a new generation of drivers about to turn 16 who had grown up with “The Fast & The Furious” movies and the “Need For Speed” video games. The SRT-4 was everything these drivers wanted and it came from the factory ready to go (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The SRT-4 is a very popular car right now because more people are discovering just how great it was. You can find these cars just about anywhere and now is the time to jump on one. The value of the SRT-4 is going to skyrocket as time goes on. This was a real collectors car with a unique paint job and performance that you wouldn’t expect.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Ford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ford Focus SVT<\/h2>\n

No one ever expected the Ford Special<\/a> Vehicles Team to pimp out a Ford Focus, but they did. Not only did they do that, but they turned it into a drag-strip beast. The Ford Focus SVT was offered in many body styles, including a five-door hatchback. The performance was praised by the automotive press, and the handling was also praised (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The factory body kit and spoiler gave the car a unique look and it let you know that this is not your ordinary focus. The car was excellent in every sense of the word. The value of the Focus SVT is only going to go up as time goes on. Like any SVT product, the Focus SVT is a collector’s car and is worth considering.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Intimidator SS<\/h2>\n

The final generation of the Monte Carlo was not the most impressive car performance-wise, but there were a few special editions<\/a> that came out. Because this was the car that GM was running on the NASCAR circuit, they had a partnership with many teams. The Intimidator SS was the first product of this partnership (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 2003 models were only a decal and appearance package, but in 2004 GM decided to add the supercharged V6 engine. There were only 4000 models made in 2004, which makes this Monte Carlo quite rare. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find one, you’ll come across the SS model quite often.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pontiac GTO<\/h2>\n

General Motors got a lot of flack for the 2004 GTO when it hit the market. Enthusiasts were not impressed with the styling whatsoever, especially not when Ford was releasing a retro-inspired Mustang<\/a>. To say that GM missed the boat on this generation of the GTO would be an understatement, but there were some cool features that the car had to offer (via The Truth About Cars<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credits: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first of which was the new Corvette-derived power plant that was under the hood. The GTO was one of the fastest production models that GM sold at the time. Although the styling was passable at best the GTO did have a lot of performance to offer. You can still find this model of the GTO for a reasonable price and it’s sure to skyrocket as the car becomes a future classic.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto Evolution<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cadillac CTS<\/h2>\n

The Cadillac CTS was the first modern Cadillac that became successful other than the Escalade SUV. The CTS was designed using the new Cadillac design language and the car was an instant hit. Coupled with the performance and the luxury features the CTS brought a whole new generation of car buyers into Cadillac showrooms (via Motor 1<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto Evolution<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The CTS had a lot of great options and the styling was timeless, with first-generation models still looking great today. If you are a Cadillac enthusiast then a first-generation CTS model is worth considering. The car had a lot to offer and the price that you can get one for isn’t that bad either. Cadillac models from this generation were well-built and reliable.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cadillac CTS-V<\/h2>\n

The CTS-V took a Corvette engine and crammed it under the hood of the CTS. At the time this concept proved to be popular and the CTS-V became a runaway hit. The CTS-V was built across a few generations and every generation of the car is worth obtaining. But it was the first generation car that was quite special (via Road & Track<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The short wheelbase coupled with the stick shift and the powerful V8 engine helped the car to move with authority. Aside from that, there were notable luxury features that were part of the car as well. The supercharged engine was monitored by a navigation and infotainment center that was built right into the car, a first at the time.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mercury Cougar<\/h2>\n

Ford didn’t have a lot of luck with the Cougar, but it was able to bring a modern model to the market before Mercury’s demise. The Cougar was lightweight, V6-powered, and designed to appeal to women. The car was not that popular and the sales numbers weren’t that good. But this is the final generation of what was one of the most iconic nameplates of all time (via Road & Track<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For sheer collectibility, the Cougar is worth getting your hands on. The styling of the car is still attractive today and the Mercury brand is no more so the value will only increase. More collectors will want to get their hands on Mercury models that you can’t find anymore. The 1990s was that decade of cars that weren’t all that great but this car was still unique.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pontiac Grand Prix GXP<\/h2>\n

Most people don’t realize that the final generation of the Grand Prix came with a V8 model. The Grand Prix GXP was built for a very short period and the production numbers<\/a> were low. The car was attractive and came in a black paint job with decals to show what the car was about (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Northstar V8 engine that was under the hood moved the car with authority. Anyone who was into Pontiac models at the time knew what this car was. With the value of Pontiac vehicles continuing to rise the Grand Prix GXP is only going to become more classic. It took the simple formula of cramming a V8 engine into a family sedan and made magic.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chevrolet Cobalt SS<\/h2>\n

Chevrolet took a page from Dodge’s book and created their supercharged compact car. The Cobalt SS Turbo was not a bad car by any stretch of the imagination. The car had a great performance and it had that boy racer image that people were looking for at the time. The Cobalt was by far one of the best compact cars that GM has ever built (via The Truth About Cars<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The styling of the SS fit with the rest of the SS image at the time. The brand was moving more toward performance and the Cobalt SS was the entry-level point. The car had a lot of great features aside from the performance and the build quality was not that bad for the price. The Cobalt SS is sure to become a classic as time goes on just due to the “SS” badging alone.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Dodge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dodge Magnum<\/h2>\n

The Magnum was not only the rebirth of the station wagon but also the rebirth of the V8-powered wagon. The Magnum was initially a very popular car with consumers. The fact that you could get a Hemi V8 under the hood was a major selling feature. The car had styling that was ahead of its time and quite modern (via The Truth About Cars<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Dodge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just for the engine alone, the Magnum is going to become a sought-after classic. But it’s the styling that has made the car quite an iconic choice. The unique styling and the performance of the Magnum have made it stand out to this day. The car will become a classic as the V8 engines are slowly phased out and collectors look toward classic performance cars.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Chrysler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chrysler 300M<\/h2>\n

The Chrysler 300M was not a car that you’d ever think would become a classic, but with the increased interest in 2000s cars, it has. The 300M offered a few different trim packages and there was a sports model. The sport model of the 300M is much rarer than the other ones and it had a few unique exterior additions that made it stand out (via Edmunds<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Chrysler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 300M is just a nice driving car, even today. You get in and it’s very comfortable and quiet, but if you need the performance you will feel it. The car was designed to appeal to consumers who wanted a premium-feeling car but didn’t want to break the bank. The 300M also had one of the largest interiors of the period thanks to the cab-forward design.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible<\/h2>\n

The PT Cruiser was a popular car that needs no introduction. Yet it was the convertible model that increased interest in the car once again. The convertible had a new modern design, that was more comfortable and appealing than the wagon. The convertible didn’t look like anything else that was on the market at the time (via Consumer Reports<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Chrysler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was also a Turbo GT version of the convertible that brought some real performance into the mix. For the pure collector, you can’t go wrong with the PT Cruiser convertible model. This car came out at the height of the model’s success. Collectors will undoubtedly start snatching these up eventually.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chevrolet SSR<\/h2>\n

The SSR was everything that El Camino enthusiasts wanted, all in a two-door convertible package. There were a lot of problems with the car. The first and foremost was the fact that it had a cover over the bed, which made it hard for owners to get any use out of the truck bed (via The Truth About Cars<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But aside from those problems, the SSR was a performance beast on the track. It came packed with a Corvette engine under the hood so you knew that it would run well. The off-the-line track times were illustrated by the automotive press and the car was quite impressive. The collector’s value of this car is only going to continue to rise as time goes on.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chevrolet HHR<\/h2>\n

The Chevrolet HHR was the right car released at the wrong time. The styling of the HHR was no doubt a clone of the PT Cruiser. The problem was that GM released this car right as the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Not only that but the retro-inspired cars were starting to fall out of favor and any customers that the HHR might have had were already at a Chrysler dealer (via CarFax<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There were a few bright spots in the history of the HHR though, and one was the SS panel van. This unique model was made one year before the company went into bankruptcy. The HHR SS was everything that a performance enthusiast would want in a car from this era. The collector’s value of this car will only continue to rise as time goes on.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Saturn Ion Redline<\/h2>\n

In an attempt to get more people into Saturn dealerships, the brand introduced the Redline model. The Redline had a lot to offer at the time. The engine was one of the best that GM had used in a compact car. The unique 3-door design of the car gave passengers easy access to the rear of the vehicle (via Road & Track<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Saturn Ion Redline was not a very popular car when it was brand new. But now that the Saturn brand is no more and the car has aged it has become a collector’s item. You won’t see one of these on the road very often. The resale value of the car is not all that great so you can still find them for a cheap price as well.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Ford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ford Flex<\/h2>\n

Most consumers weren’t sure what to think about the Ford Flex as it was a car that had no clear purpose. The thing was unique, to say the least, and it could seat seven people. But it wasn’t an SUV and it wasn’t a wagon, which meant that the market for it was minimal. Nevertheless, Ford sold the Flex for over a decade and it has the potential to be a collector’s item (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Ford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just for the sheer fact of the unique design alone, the Ford Flex will be worth it for consumers. The styling of the car still looks good to this day and there were a lot of new techs that Ford put into the Flex. The infotainment center was one of the first to have Microsoft Sync capabilities and the ability to seat seven passengers was a nice touch.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: General Motors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Buick Rendezvous<\/h2>\n

The Buick brand in the 2000s was experiencing a surge in popularity due to the marketing partnership with Tiger Woods. But it was also due to the Buick Rendezvous, which was the first SUV to ever have a Buick badge on it. The Rendezvous was also one of the very first crossover SUV models that were ever on the market (via Repair Pal<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: General Motors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Rendezvous has a noteworthy style to it that resonated with its buyers and as such it sold quite well. This car will become a classic for several reasons but the main one is being the first Buick SUV. The styling of the Rendezvous is timeless and when you see one in good condition it still looks great to this day.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pontiac Aztek<\/h2>\n

The Aztek has often been dubbed the ugliest car of all time, but it has also gained a lot of notoriety over the past decade. The Aztek had a one-of-a-kind style but at the time a large amount of body cladding just turned consumers off. The Pontiac brand was on a decline and the Aztek was part of the reason for this (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, as time goes on, the Aztek will become more of a highly sought-after classic. The prices for SUVs have already been rising, and they will continue to rise as time goes on. The Aztek was not only the first Pontiac SUV but it was also one of the most unique-looking vehicles that came out of the decade.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chevrolet Aveo<\/h2>\n

GM has always sold some kind of subcompact but by the 2000s the Chevy Metro was no more. This meant that the company had to go to Daewoo Motors to get a subcompact for the American market. The Aveo was that car and it had a lot to offer. The interior was much larger than before and the styling was nice and modern (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: GM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you’ve ever seen an Aveo you’ll know that it was a lot more refined than what came before it. There is no doubt that at some point in time the Aveo is going to become a classic among collectors. The cars are cheap and relatively easy to find because of the high production numbers and you will never pay a lot for one.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car And Driver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt<\/h2>\n

2001 was a good year for the Mustang line as we got the return of the Bullitt model. The Bullitt had a special paint job and an increase in performance which made it very noteworthy. The styling came with a one-of-a-kind green paint job and a unique set of wheels that came on the car which helped give it that aggressive stance (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Bullitt was a limited production run<\/a> vehicle but you can still find them from time to time. The New Edge style Mustang in particular<\/a> is going to be a classic but the Bullitt is going to be especially hard to find. If you have the chance to jump on this classic now is the time to do it so that you don’t miss out.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: MCECars<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2004 Mustang Mach 1<\/h2>\n

After the success of the Bullitt edition Mustang a few years prior, Ford went to the well again with the Mach 1. The Mach 1 offered a few more color combinations to choose from as well as added performance. The interior was also unique to this model, with special stitching and decals that let you know that this was a Mach 1 (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Mach 1 also marked the end of the New Edge style Mustangs. The body style was changing for the new year and these cars were going away. The Mach 1 is not an easy car to locate but if you do the prices are already high. There is no doubt that Mach 1 is going to be a future classic<\/a> when it comes to Mustang collectors.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lexus IS200<\/h2>\n

The IS200 was a groundbreaking car for several reasons. It was the car that inspired the popularity of the “Altezza” style taillights in the 2000s and it had a compact design. The IS200 was the least luxurious Lexus model that you were going to get, but this car wasn’t about style it was about fun (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: MSI Motoring<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was a wagon model that was available as well, which introduced the car to even more of an audience. When it came to performance, the IS200 wasn’t going to break any records, but it did gain a solid following. Toyota put a lot of engineering effort into the car to make it affordable and fun to drive.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse<\/h2>\n

On the heels of the 2006 Eclipse release, there was a lot of fanfare behind it. The car offered a lot of great features and the style was new and modern. When it hit the market Eclipse loyalists were happy with how the car came out. It offered a lot of unique colors and the performance was great for the period (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The problem is that Mitsubishi let the car get stale, and by the late 2000s people were tired of it. This is going to be a classic because it was the last authentic Eclipse. Mitsubishi sells an Eclipse model now but it is a crossover vehicle and not the car that a generation of people fell in love with for its performance.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution<\/h2>\n

We all grew up with the Lancer Evolution. This was the car that some of our friends had in college and it was the car that has graced the cover of countless video games and magazines. What made the Lancer Evolution so great was the sheer performance that it offered from the factory (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Mecum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This was the car that went head to head with the likes of the Subaru WRX and many others. The driving experience when you get behind the wheel of an EVO is unlike anything else that you will ever experience. The car is well built and will continue to become an instant classic.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2004 Bonneville GXP<\/h2>\n

Another V8-powered Pontiac sedan that is fairly unknown is the Bonneville GXP. The Bonneville GXP took the Northstar V8 engine and crammed it into the sedan that we already had. The performance of the car was much better than you’d expect although it was too late in the vehicle’s life to gain popularity (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pontiac<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Right now, people are starting to discover that the car existed and it will continue to rise in popularity. The GXP had a great engine and the interior was nice and large. This was one of the last V8-powered domestic sedans on the market. When you combine a solid V8 engine with a full-size sedan you can’t go wrong. This generation of the Bonneville was the ultimate combination of style and performance.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Honda<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Honda Civic SI Hatchback<\/h2>\n

The Civic SI that no one talks about is this model. It was very rare and not very popular but you can still find them around. The build quality of this car was great and it was built in Europe. The styling is still attractive to this day and the car turns heads wherever it goes thanks to the unique design (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Honda<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you are a fan of the Civic SI, this is the model to get. It will only increase in value as time goes on, thanks to the one-of-a-kind styling, bulletproof reliability, and excellent performance. The hatchback SI model is severely underrated when compared to the other more prominent Honda Civic SI models. But with the unique styling and build quality, this is a car that is very much worth considering.<\/p>\n

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\"Chevrolet
Photo Credit: Hot Rod<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2006 Monte Carlo SS<\/h2>\n

The 2006 Monte Carlo SS was a great car that was released too late. Instead of releasing the Monte Carlo with a V8 engine six years prior, GM decided to do it in 2006. The car had the same body style and it was tired by then, and the sales reflected that fact. But General Motors was attempting to generate consumer interest with the NASCAR connection to the brand (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Hot Rod<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 2006 Monte Carlo SS is a great car that was released far too late. There were better options for the price, and the consumers just weren’t interested in it at this point. The fact that this generation of the Monte Carlo SS had a V8 power plant was a nice touch. Although this generation of the Monte Carlo was not very popular, it will be a future classic<\/a> just because of the historic lineage alone.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2006 Impala SS<\/h2>\n

The same goes for the Impala SS that was released in 2006, a great car that came too late. The 2006 Impala SS paled in comparison to the Impala SS of yesteryear which is why it was not very popular. The car missed many key components that made it great and that is why it never managed to take off (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You’ll still find this car from time to time, but it can be had for a little bit of nothing. The Impala SS from this generation will eventually become a classic highly sought after, which might make it worth considering. We’re not sure why GM did not take more seriously the rebirth of the iconic nameplate. At the time, the car was bland in terms of attitude and styling, but the fact that it’s still an Impala SS means it will be a future classic.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Hot Rod<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2006 Cadillac STS-V<\/h2>\n

Many people don’t know that there was also a V-Series STS model. It did everything that the CTS-V did, and did it a little better. The large sedan had a more powerful engine and many great features to disguise it from the standard model. Now, this was not your father’s Cadillac. The exterior styling of the STS-V was made to look much more aggressive than the standard model, thanks to a new grill and bumper treatment (via Car & Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Cars & Bids<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Needless to say, the STS-V has stood the test of time as a unique offering that you can enjoy driving anywhere. The value of these things will only continue to go up as time goes on. The STS-V never reached the success of the CTS-V, but the car was just as exhilarating to drive. There is no doubt that anything with a V-Series badge will be a classic soon.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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