Top 10 Sedans of the 2000s

"VonBelmont" (jvonbelmont)
06/16/2015 at 14:04 • Filed to: Future classics

Just a quick rundown of 2000’s sedans that, in my eyes, are aging well. Some are drop-dead gorgeous, some are “handsome”, and others...well when the light hits them a certain way they’re nice. Sedans don’t seem to get as much love as their coupé brethren in the enthusiast marketplace, since the coupés are usually the performance oriented models while sedans are usually just commuters. But I think that at least a few of these definitely have future classic potential. *cough*Marauder*cough*anything M or AMG*cough*

Some of these are a bit nostalgic-ish (my parents had a 3rd gen TL and an e46 back in the day), while others are just ‘cause dey’re purdy. I also tried to keep out cars that started production in the ‘90s and/or haven’t been replaced/refreshed yet, so that excludes stuff like the e38, w204, s80, Charger, ES 300, etc. I also kept out any one-offs and/or ultra-luxury sedans, just to keep it in the realm of da wuhkin’ man.

1. Mercedes W211 (2002-2010)

Look at it. Loogaddit. The curves, the headlights, the everything. Perfection.

2. BMW e46 3-series (2000-2006)

One of the last simple yet elegant BMW’s. They didn’t try to puff it up or make it drive like a dreadnought, or throw in 8 gazillion screens and options to distract you from driving.

3. BMW e60 5-series (2003-2009)

It’s a happy medium between the old and the new. It looks very similar to the current 5-series, but it also keeps in line with the clean lines of its predecessors.

4. Cadillac STS (2004-2011)

tied w/ 2nd gen CTS (2008-2013)

Cadillac’s “Art and Science” design language came into its own with these. The STS was the last true Caddy, being RWD, V8, full-size, and pricey. The 2nd gen CTS refined the radical but somewhat blah design of the 1st gen, and made into a true BMW competitor.

5. Mercury Marauder (2004)

Take the official car of mildly racist spinster cat-owning librarians across the U.S., and put a mammoth engine and firm suspension in it. And paint it black. Yassss honey!

6. Honda Accord 7th gen (2003-2008)/Acura TL 3rd gen

A bit of nostalgia here, since my dad had an Acura TL in the mid/late ‘00s. It was a very nice car, great sound system, comfy, and the V6 was plenty powerful. My dad’s owned everything from a Delorean to an e38, and this is one of the few cars that he would buy all over again. According to him, everything was “in the right place”.

People like to knock Honda/Acura for making “boring” cars, but frankly that’s bullshit. Ok, the base models do, but just because you can’t drift doesn’t mean the car sucks. Also, V6.

7. Jaguar XJ8/R (2003-2009)

Just like the animal, this is the product of decades of evolution and careful improvements. Then they made it into a RWD Volvo/Honda baby.

8. Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ (2007-2012) (plus Mercury and Ford variants)

These are the first good Ford sedans in years. They’re bold looking, well thought-out, and comfy without being coma-inducing. Also, the Lincoln model has cooled seats. Cooled fucking seats. Do you even know how amazing that is in the summer?

9. Maserati Quatroporte (2002-2012)

When I was 8, this was my dream car. Still kinda is.

10. Infiniti M series (2002-2005)

Loogaddit

Honorable mentions:

VW Phaeton (2002-2006 US, 2002-present EU)

Bentley engine, Audi interior, and VW body? Yup.

Mercedes W204 C Class (2008-present)

Has a sort or sinisterness to it that I like. Not a major villain’s car, though. Like a Wolf O’Donnell or Alex Krycek-level baddy. Also, it’s what my dad has now.

Chrysler 300 (2004-2010)

If this had a theme song, this would be it

DISCUSSION (29)

Jagvar > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:09

No love for the Phaeton?

DoYouEvenShift > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:12

Kinja'd!!!

Dont forget this guy! 6.2, M6 Brembos rwd!!

And I much prefer the sedan version of this guy over the coupe and wagon.

Kinja'd!!!

VonBelmont > Jagvar
06/16/2015 at 14:13

My grandparents have a Phaeton, and while it is comfy as hell, it is a bit pedestrian-looking (which is part of what makes it awesome). It's also still in production in Europe, so it doesn't quite make the cut.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:13

YEAH MOOOOOAAAAARRR MERCURY!

Love the Marauder and my Milan is on the list, even though you used the 2nd gen Milan and I drive a 1st Gen 2007.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:16

That is the best-looking version of the TL.

VonBelmont > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/16/2015 at 14:17

Tbh, the ‘60s/70’s Mercury’s make the ones on the list look like they’re shitting themselves in the corner of a padded cell:

Kinja'd!!!

Milky > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:19

Kinja'd!!!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:21

Kinja'd!!!

My 68 Mercury Montego MX Cyclone Package.

The 07 Milan is my DD

VonBelmont > Milky
06/16/2015 at 14:22

Then you get to the interior and

Kinja'd!!!

VonBelmont > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/16/2015 at 14:22

Yasssss

Thunderface > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:24

Star for the Marauder

dogisbadob > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:26

Kinja'd!!!

Fuck hotlink protection!

Hoccy > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:26

Ehrm.

Kinja'd!!!

Also, you might want to elaborate on you picks, at least on the next list.

LongbowMkII > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:31

Have you seen a Zephyr interior? uck

Sn210 > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:32

Glad to see the TL and M45 on this list

Milky > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:32

Yea but in ‘05 or whatever that shit was a hit, can’t deny it. And your list has 5 boring midsize sedans.

Kinja'd!!!

dogisbadob > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 14:34

The Charger definitely was NOT out in the 90s! The LX cars started in 2004. Oh wait, you must be counting the W140/210 hahaha

How about the 06-11 Civic Si sedan? 8000 rpm yo!

The 05-06 Corolla XRS? That 2ZZ is awesome

The G8 has to be mentioned.

My list would include the LS430 for a nice big luxury sedan.

Even the low end counts, too, so the Echo belongs on the list. A well-made reliable Japanese car that doesn’t cost too much to keep on the road. Also a big trendsetter with the sitting up high in a sedan (along with the Mk1 Focus, but that came out in 98 in Europe, and 99 in the US as a 2000 model, so not sure if it would count). The first-gen Prius is actually kinda cool looking and is basically a hybrid Echo.

I totally agree about the 03-04 M45. What a cool car!

Would the Neon SRT4 count? 03-05, but the basic Neon was out since 2000 and was probably released in 99 as a 00 model.

Ignition switch issues aside, there’s the 09-only Cobalt SS turbo sedan.

The E46 came out in 98/99 just so you know :p

VonBelmont > dogisbadob
06/16/2015 at 14:48

Had to make cuts somewhere! Tbh, I mainly did the picks from a looks perspective, not influence or handling. I never quite liked the Prius/Echo/Neon. Too stubby!

RallyWrench > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 15:14

The E60 is a terrible car. Seriously, any Jaguar of the same era is a better car. Replace it with, say, the Lexus GS430 and you’re good.

TrickJos > VonBelmont
06/16/2015 at 15:16

Speaking of good looking sedans of the 2000’s, I’ve been aching for a Volkswagen CC lately. I think it will make a damn good looking daily driver. 2.0T with three pedals. It’s exactly what I want/need. Soon as I get the Camaro paid off I’m going to start shopping for a nice used one.

Kinja'd!!!