It’s wild to think the early 2000s are now more than two decades behind us. The period from 2000 to 2010 marked an exciting chapter in automotive history.
During those years, car manufacturers took bold risks, developing sporty compact models and imaginative concept cars — some of which eventually hit the market, while others disappeared before production. SUVs hadn’t yet taken over the roads, and hybrids were still a relatively new phenomenon.
Fast-forward to today, and the automotive landscape looks very different. Four-door sedans are slowly fading out, hybrids have become widespread, and SUVs dominate in popularity across all demographics.
Yet, those fun-to-drive sport compacts from the 2000s are still out there — many of them now available on the used market for very reasonable prices thanks to depreciation. What once were exciting new releases are now affordable performance gems.
Below is a look at 10 underrated performance cars from the 2000s that have become budget-friendly options for driving enthusiasts.
10. 2007 Saturn Ion Red Line
Do you remember the Saturn brand? Odds are, probably not — and that’s understandable. Saturn ceased operations by the end of the 2000s, and most of its lineup was pretty forgettable, not to mention heavily reliant on plastic components. That said, there was one notable exception: the Ion Red Line.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Supercharged 2.0-liter inline-four |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 205 hp |
| Torque | 200 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 145 mph |
The Ion Red Line was Saturn’s sportier take on its compact coupe, designed to compete with other sport compacts like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
It had a distinctive look — complete with rear-hinged suicide doors and an oversized rear spoiler — and it backed up its looks with real performance, courtesy of a supercharged engine and tightened suspension.
If you’re looking for a truly unique driving experience without breaking the bank, hunting one of these down might be worth the effort. They’re rare, but priced attractively in today’s market.
9. 2003 BMW 540i (E39)
The 2003 BMW 5 Series is widely regarded as one of the finest iterations of the model ever made. Its appeal stems from a luxurious, well-equipped interior, a remarkably smooth ride, and a powerful engine under the hood.
That engine is a 4.4-liter V8 that delivers 290 horsepower to the rear wheels — enough to propel the car to highway speeds in just over six seconds.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 4.4-liter V8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 290 hp |
| Torque | 324 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
In addition to its straight-line speed, the 540i boasts exceptional driving dynamics. Its well-balanced chassis and responsive steering make it equally comfortable for long-distance cruising and spirited cornering.
Even two decades later, it’s still a benchmark in the world of luxury sport sedans — and now, thanks to its depreciation, it’s more accessible than ever for those looking to blend performance with class.
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8. 2006 Toyota Celica GTS
The 2006 Toyota Celica GTS stands as one of the most underappreciated sporty coupes of its era. Despite being eclipsed by more prominent models like the Honda Civic Si and Acura RSX Type S, the Celica GTS proved it had the performance credentials to compete.
It came equipped with a high-revving 1.8-liter inline-four engine that delivered 180 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission — a feature not commonly found at the time.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 1.8-liter inline-four |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 180 hp |
| Torque | 130 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 mph |
In addition to its sporty dynamics, the Celica GTS offered impressive practicality. Its hatchback design made it more versatile than typical coupes, offering seating for four adults and a generous cargo area for a car of its size.
The car balanced performance and daily usability with ease. Lately, rumors have been circulating that Toyota may bring the Celica nameplate back — and enthusiasts are hopeful that those whispers will turn into reality.
7. 2002 Subaru WRX
Subaru had been teasing the American market throughout the 1990s with promises to bring the WRX to U.S. shores.
For years, American buyers had to settle for Impreza models that had the styling but lacked the performance that made the WRX a legend overseas. That finally changed in 2002 when the WRX officially arrived in the United States.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 227 hp |
| Torque | 217 lb-ft |
| Driveline | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 145 mph |
Nicknamed the “bug-eye” WRX for its distinctive headlights, the 2002 model delivered on years of anticipation. It featured a turbocharged engine, rally-bred suspension tuning, and Subaru’s iconic all-wheel-drive system.
This combination turned it into an instant hit with enthusiasts. The WRX’s engaging performance and practical four-door layout made it a standout in the sport compact scene — a status it maintains even today, with the WRX still holding strong as a popular choice for performance-minded drivers.
6. 2008 Honda Civic Si
The eighth-generation Honda Civic Si remains a long-standing favorite among Honda fans, largely thanks to its high-revving, naturally aspirated powerplant.
Under the hood sits a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering 197 horsepower to the front wheels. What truly makes this car stand out, however, is its sky-high 8,000-rpm redline and the legendary VTEC technology.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-liter inline-four |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 197 hp |
| Torque | 139 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 143 mph |
If you’ve never experienced what it’s like when “VTEC kicks in,” the Civic Si is the ideal introduction. That sudden burst of power as the engine climbs through the midrange is downright addictive.
Paired with the satisfying engagement of its smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission, the Si transforms each gear change into a thrill.
With its sharp performance and signature high-revving personality, the Civic Si stands tall as one of the most entertaining—and affordable—sport compacts available in the used market today.
5. 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata
Miata lovers have long been fans of adding turbochargers to their cars to boost performance—but Mazda once took care of that right from the factory.
Enter the Mazdaspeed Miata, a special edition of the beloved roadster that kept its standard 1.8-liter engine but added a factory-installed turbocharger to bring output up to 178 horsepower.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-four |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 178 hp |
| Torque | 166 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 127 mph |
But it wasn’t just about straight-line speed. The Mazdaspeed team also upgraded the Miata’s underpinnings with chassis enhancements like stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and Bilstein shocks for sharper handling.
Grippier tires completed the performance upgrade, turning this version of the Miata into a more focused and capable machine. Today, it stands as a rare gem in the used market—combining turbocharged fun with the Miata’s trademark agility, all at a very reasonable price.
Also Read: 10 V6 Engines That Outperform V8s in Long-Term Reliability and Performance
4. 2008 Chrysler 300 SRT8
The Chrysler 300 SRT8 served as the performance-tuned version of Chrysler’s full-size luxury sedan, equipped with a powerful 6.1-liter V8 engine that produced 425 horsepower.
This aggressive powertrain gave the 300 SRT8 serious acceleration, combining upscale refinement with classic American muscle.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 6.1-liter V8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 425 hp |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 173 mph |
Inside, the 300 SRT8 offered the plush amenities expected from a luxury sedan, but added a sporty touch with Alcántara-trimmed seats.
Chrysler also enhanced the suspension for a firmer, more responsive ride, upgraded the brakes for improved stopping performance, and fine-tuned the stability control system to better handle corners.
Altogether, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 delivered a loud, aggressive driving experience wrapped in a package that could easily be mistaken for a refined executive car.
3. 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
If you’re not sold on the recently released Dodge Charger Daytona EV, it might be worth revisiting where it all reignited.
The 2008 model year marked the rebirth of the Dodge Challenger SRT8, showcasing retro styling, a 6.1-liter V8 with 425 horsepower, and a performance-focused suspension setup.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 6.1-liter V8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 425 hp |
| Torque | 420 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 143 mph |
This first-year reintroduction of the Challenger stirred major excitement among muscle car loyalists and kicked off a new era for the nameplate, spawning numerous iterations over the following years.
Today, it’s an affordable option on the used market, especially attractive for buyers looking to avoid jumping into the electric muscle car segment just yet.
2. 2006 Cadillac XLR
The design of the 2006 Cadillac XLR might come off as a bit boxy and dated by today’s standards, but there’s no denying its distinctiveness.
This was Cadillac’s attempt at creating a luxurious convertible with high-end features and a refined interior that stood out at the time.
Beneath the surface, it shared its DNA with the Corvette, thanks to a V8 engine that produced over 300 horsepower and delivered brisk performance through the rear wheels—impressive numbers for a luxury roadster.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 4.6-liter V8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 320 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| Driveline | RWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
With just a glance at the XLR, it’s clear that Cadillac was deliberately moving away from the dated, senior-friendly image it was known for in the early 2000s, dominated by plush sedans.
While the XLR may not have become a timeless classic, it still offers a compelling option for anyone wanting to cruise in a luxury convertible with plenty of performance under the hood.
For those after a stylish drop-top with some muscle, the Cadillac XLR is worth considering in today’s used car market.
1. 2006 Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works GP
If the regular Mini Cooper were Clark Kent, then the Cooper S John Cooper Works GP would be its superhero alter ego.
This track-ready version of the beloved hatchback came from the factory with some serious upgrades, including an Eaton supercharger, a more efficient intercooler, and a freer-flowing exhaust setup.
These enhancements gave the GP model a healthy 215 horsepower, making it one of the fastest variants in the Mini lineup at the time.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | Supercharged 1.6-liter inline-four |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 215 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Driveline | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 150 mph |
Beyond the added power, the GP version featured a sport-tuned suspension, including revised springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars that gave it sharper handling and a more connected feel on the road.
That precise and playful driving experience makes it a coveted gem for enthusiasts. If you manage to find one at a decent price, don’t hesitate—it’s a rare opportunity for serious driving fun in a compact package.