The Most Iconic Cars From The Early 2000s

After six years without a Z-car, Nissan reignited the flame with a 287-hp sports coupe that honored the original 240Z. Tuners embraced its balanced platform, and it stole the spotlight in “Tokyo Drift.” Bold and unmistakable, this is one early 2000s icon still carving corners and turning heads.

A perfectly balanced chassis and a 333-hp inline-6 made the E46 M3 an instant legend. Its F1-derived SMG gearbox and sharp dynamics earned it praise worldwide. Collector values are rising fast, and for good reason. Few cars blend pedigree and everyday usability quite like this Bavarian powerhouse.

With retro styling and modern muscle, Ford pays tribute to the legendary GT40. The 2005 GT packed a 550-hp supercharged punch. Just over 4,000 were built, which makes it a collector’s dream. With celebrity owners like Jay Leno and prices now topping $400k, this American supercar remains a rare sight with a massive aura.

Rally roots met American roads when the WRX finally landed in the U.S. in 2002. Its 227-hp turbocharged boxer engine and all-wheel drive made it a hit. Nicknamed the “Bug Eye,” it was bold and lovable. Subaru’s fanbase exploded thanks to this gritty, gravel-bred performance machine.

Lightning-fast revs and drop-top thrills defined Honda’s high-strung roadster. Spinning to 8,300 rpm, the 240-hp S2000 set records for naturally aspirated output. It made a star appearance in “2 Fast 2 Furious” and continues to rise in value. This car is pure driving joy wrapped in a compact, agile frame.

Built atop Mercedes SLK bones, the Crossfire mixed German engineering and American flair. Its 215-hp V6 delivered smooth, confident power. Designed by Eric Stoddard, the car’s boattail rear still sparks debate. While polarizing at launch, it has since found cult status across both sides of the Atlantic as a quirky and niche vehicle.

The 2001 Audi TT Quattro brought minimalist Bauhaus design to the road with a rally-worthy grip and a 225-hp turbo punch. Styling took cues from 1930s Auto Union racers, and rear-end lift issues led to a spoiler recall. But that didn’t hurt its legacy. It’s now being dissected in design schools worldwide.

Infiniti’s 2003 G35 Coupe delivered 280 hp and balanced rear-wheel dynamics, on the same platform as the Nissan 350Z. It looked European and drove like a serious contender. Tuners loved it, and buyers mistook it for something far pricier. This was the car that gave Infiniti its edge.

A lightweight roadster with a mid-engine charm, the MR2 Spyder weighed just under 2,200 lbs. With 138 hp and a perfectly dialed-in manual gearbox, it became known as the “poor man’s Ferrari.” Years later, it’s still slicing cones at autocross events, proving you don’t need big power to have big fun.

A 232-hp rotary engine and perfect weight balance made the RX-8 unlike anything else on the road. Its rear-hinged “suicide” doors added flair, while a 9,000 rpm redline delivered thrilling revs. With a high-pitched note closer to a turbine than a piston engine, this Mazda never blended in.

Built for speed and honed at GM’s Milford Road Course, the 2001 Z06 rocketed from 0–60 in under 4.3 seconds, and its LS6 V8 cranked out up to 405 hp. This Corvette didn’t just keep up—it passed Euro exotics, costing twice as much. On track days, it still rules the tarmac.

With a 200-hp VTEC punch and a buttery 6-speed manual, the RSX Type-S earned instant respect. It replaced the beloved Integra in North America, carrying the torch with poise and power. Type S ruled the tuner scene in the 2000s, and today, it stands tall as a defining figure in early-2000s car culture.

No safety nets. No excuses. The 2003 Viper SRT-10 delivered 500 hp from its monstrous 8.3L V10. With no traction control and a six-foot-long hood, it earned its “widowmaker” rep. Brutal and iconic, this American sledgehammer still commands attention and caution wherever it’s seen.

Style met strength in Jaguar’s XKR. The XKR featured wood trims and leather seats wrapped in a sleek British silhouette. With a supercharged 370-hp V8 under the hood and old-money elegance inside, it blended refinement with bite. This Jaguar looked ready for a Bond chase but came at a more accessible price.

Compact and playful, the Cooper S returned to America with 163 hp and razor-sharp handling. Its retro styling turned heads, and its starring role in “The Italian Job” made it a pop icon. Autocross fans and urban drivers still love it for one reason: pure, nimble fun.