15 Cars That Defined the 2000s

It’s hard to believe, but some of the cars built in the 2000s are already making enthusiasts nostalgic.

We at The Car Guide have taken a trip back in time and found 15 significant models that came to define the first decade of the new millennium. Which one captured your imagination the most?

Honda S2000
The sharp little roadster from Honda stood out with a high-revving engine and precise handling.

Chrysler PT Cruiser
In the early 2000s, retro styling was in fashion, as evidenced by the Chrysler PT Cruiser, a unique hatchback inspired by 1930s automobiles. 

Bugatti Veyron
Launched in 2005, the Bugatti Veyron made history as the first production car to exceed 400 km/h. With a W16 engine producing more than 1,000 hp, it remains one of the most powerful and spectacular cars ever built. 

2005 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is obviously not a car from the 2000s, but its 2005 redesign was a huge success with a strong connection to the original. 

Pontiac Solstice

In 2005, Pontiac launched a sporty roadster to compete against the Mazda Miata/MX-5 and Honda S2000. Unfortunately, the Solstice retired just four years later when the brand folded.

Ferrari Enzo
It takes a very special car to earn the name of the company's founder. The Ferrari Enzo was limited to 400 units from 2002-2004. This street-legal track car had a 660-hp V12 engine.

Tesla Roadster
The original Roadster put Tesla on the map in the 2000s. Built from a Lotus Elise, it will get a second life within the next few years. 

Honda Element
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and versatility-minded drivers, the Honda Element was litterally one-of-a-kind. Introduced in 2003, it bowed out in 2011. 

Pontiac Aztek
No list of cars that defined the 2000s would be complete without the Pontiac Aztek. Considered by many to be the ugliest vehicle ever made, it was sold from 2001-2005. Remember the tent that could be attached to the liftgate? 

Chevrolet SSR
Clearly, General Motors liked taking risks during the 2000s. Sort of a cross between the Corvette and the famous El Camino, the Chevrolet SSR was a coupe with a cargo box, retro looks and a mighty 5.3-litre V8. 

Hummer H2
A star among celebrities and truck aficionados, the Hummer H2 was doomed by its excessive thirst for fuel. Ironically, it will soon come back as a fully-electric vehicle. 

Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius was the complete opposite of the Hummer H2 and helped popularize hybrid cars around the world. Toyota has sold over 15 million hybrids since then. 

MINI Cooper
BMW resurrected the British icon in the early 2000s. Bigger and way more modern, the MINI Cooper has been a hit ever since. 

Porsche Carrera GT
Porsche launched the Carrera GT supercar in 2003 with a mid-mounted V10 engine producing more than 600 hp. Production ended in 2007.

Mazda RX-8

Mazda's last rotary-powered car marked the end of an era. The Mazda RX-8 had style and great handling, but was marred by rust and reliability issues.