Five Affordable Classic Cars From The Early 2000s

When it comes to antique or classic cars, enthusiasts can rely on a number of ageless beauties.

One thing about classic cars is as time moves forward there will be new classic cars. As of 2025, the classic car moniker could technically encompass any vehicle produced in the 20th century and even as recent as the first decade of the 21st century.

Although the cars of the 1980s through the early 2000s have yet to (and may never) generate the level of reverence as that associated with cars of the muscle car era, a similar sense of personal nostalgia is startingto guide the preservation of millennial youth.

The following vehicles have qualities to be captivating modern classics for a budget-friendly price:

1999–2004 Ford Mustang

For pony car fans in the 1990s, the arrival of the 1994 Mustang successfully revitalized the American performance lifestyle. This design received a more refined form for 1999 employing so-called “New Edge” styling remixing the exterior and interior.

Straighter lines projected a more muscular stance for the 1999 Ford Mustang that also pays homage to the first generation car. Inside, an attractive dual cockpit dash panel creating a divided appearance between the driver and passenger side seating was retained while seating fabrics were revised. Standard power for the 1999–2004 Mustangs came from an Essex V6 engine while the Mustang GT models received the Modular V8 that received a 35-horsepower boost over the 1998 vehicle.

With many examples still available in 2025, Ford Mustangs from 1999 to 2004 can be attractive in their well-maintained stock form or present owners with many areas to explore modifications. Body kits, cabin customization through racing seats or aftermarket interior door panels and a side host of engine enhancements can provide a special gallop any rider would find delightful.

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1999–2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata

First appearing in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata was quickly accepted as a small, well-handling sport roadster inspired by various MGs and Triumphs built from the 1950s through to the 1970s.

A considerable refinement of the first generation vehicle, the second generation Mazda Miata was introduced in 1998 as a 1999 car. The pop-up headlights were noticeably replaced while engine power received a minor output bump. This second generation Miata MX-5 was again revised in 2001 including many design and mechanical improvements such as added engine power, upgraded seats and a strengthened structure.

As a modern classic car, the second generation Mazda MX-5 Miata avails owners with a relatively affordable roadster.

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2004–2008 Chrysler Crossfire

Debuting as a concept car design in 2001, the Chrysler Crossfire came to form as a production car for the 2005 model year thanks to some underpinnings supplied from Mercedes-Benz during the Daimler-Chrysler merger.

Despite the dazzling appearance featuring a modern interpretation of art deco era automotive style, the Crossfire’s mechanicals based on an older Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class platform gave the vehicle less than stellar appeal. Careful observers would note Chrysler Crossfire’s interior featuring a near-identical control layout as the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Interior door panels and other details were changed to differentiate the Chrysler variant.

The Chrysler Crossfire sold well as a niche coupe initially with a convertible roadster and high-performance SRT-6 versions added for 2005 but sales plummeted from 2006 to 2008. Today, the Chrysler Crossfire lineup exists as an intriguing mix of German engineering with American styling. The car was also Chrysler’s last two-door production car as of 2025.

2003–2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 SS

Following the cancellation of the Camaro in 2002, Chevrolet elected to expand their SS moniker with a series of higher horsepower tiers across their lineup. This included a performance-tuned version of the Silverado pickup truck that appeared for 2003.

The Chevrolet Silverado SS sold between 2003 and 2006 were based on the extended cab Silverado 1500 pickup truck offering a balance of performance driving hardware mixed with largely uncompromised utility. Powered by a 345-horsepower LQ9 V8 engine, the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado SS included a handling-focused suspension system, unique exterior colour options and a distinctive front fascia incorporating a pair of air intakes at the lower corners. Initially offered only with all-wheel drive, a rear-wheel drive version of the Silverado SS would be included for 2005.

Accounting for only a small amount of a very large production pool of Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup trucks built between 2003 and 2006, the Silverado 1500 SS models can be a fun find.

2003–2011 Honda Element

Maybe not the first idea of a potential collector vehicle from the early 21st century, the Honda Element has many endearing attributes to make it a timeless classic.

Debuting for the 2003 model year, the tall, boxlike design of the Honda Element emphasized a unique approach to utility. Accessible either through its large rear cargo liftgate or through bi-parting doors at the side, the Element’s spacious cabin area is created for durability. An easy to clean urethane-coated floor, weather-resistant seats and an overhead cargo bin in addition to various other storage compartments including pockets in the interior door panels make the Element a highly practical commuter vehicle similar to a vintage station wagon. The addition of reliable power from a 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine and available four-wheel drive are among other features found through the Honda Element’s nine-year production run.

With roughly 325,000 examples built, the Honda Element is a vehicle destined to appear well into the future aided by its everyday utility, reliability and striking appearance.

When looking for weather stripping or interior accessories for your vintage classic or more recent classic, please visit Collectors Auto Supply to find the right replacement part so your car or truck can be admired for decades into the future.