Why the cars of the 2000s were so good

I believe the 2000s decade is a sweet spot for automotive design and manufacturing. The 00's, 'naughties' or 'aughties' was too early for the complex computerised technology we find in modern cars, but the cars themselves are modern in all other ways, and generally built to last.
Let me know what you think, have you got a favourite decade for cars?
If you've got a car from the 00's and would like to see it reviewed on the channel, please get in touch at [e-mail]
Thumbnail Image by Not 2 Grand - not2grand.co.u...
Reviews of cars featured in video:
MINI Cooper S: • R53 MINI Cooper S JCW ...
VW Bora: • Why the VW Bora is mor...
Volvo XC-70: • The XC70 is the ultima...
VW Golf Mk4: • VW Golf Mk4 - Hard to ...
Subaru Legacy: • Subaru Legacy Review /...
Abarth 500: • The Abarth 500 is an a...
Mazda MX-5: • Mazda MX-5 NC2 // Can ...
Peugeot 207: • Peugeot 207 1.6 THP //...
Nissan Micra K12: • Nissan Micra K12 // Ve...
Hyundai Coupe: • Does the Hyundai Coupe...
Mercedes CLK: • Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 ...
***************
If you'd like to see your car on JJ on Cars, email me at [e-mail]
Instagram - / jjoncars
Facebook - / jjoncars
"Buy me a coffee" - www.buymeacoff...

[@Adamfandango]

The sweet spot between modern technology and classic simplicity.

[@JJonCars]

Exactly!

[@carreviewer6345]

Agreed

[@AdrianAzizSantoso-gq7rw]

Agreed

[@hobbymanx9200]

Sounds like the 7th gen Celica. That car looks as sleek as a Lambo but is cheaper. It was the last era of having opportunities to buy super low-nosed cars within an affordable price range because of pedestrian safety coming in 2003. That was when front clips of cars got bulky. I’m not saying chunky cars are ugly but I surely have a soft spot for sharper looking ones.

[@MartinJones123]

Agreed 100% about the 2000's era of cars being one of the best because they have the driving experience of a modern car without having all of the technology... The 2010's era (up to around about 2015) was also okay as most cars still didn't have screens that went across the entire dashboard... I'll miss those days... For me, my favourite era of cars is the 90's and 2000's...

[@JJonCars]

Yep fully agreed, and it definitely goes through to around 2015 or so, depending on the car and tech :)

[@sierraenvy]

@@JJonCars Up to 2023 for Toyota 4Runners and Tacomas lol

[@colin13579]

I heard someone say recently that cars from the late 90’s/early 00’s peaked in terms of what you actually need from a car. I tend to agree. The amount of expensive technology now in modern cars is (for me) not needed.

[@JJonCars]

Totally. Glad it's not just me :)

[@s_for_short2400]

tbh they were the peak of blandness. Literally like you said, they just do what you need and have no character

[@ColdSid]

100% agree I think nowadays car manufacturers just try to hard to make their cars look fancy just to sell it

[@BlackLines]

The one thing I hate about "modern" cars is the shift to massive screens, or more specifically anything that is "touchscreen".. I just can't abide it. I like the tactile feel of a good knob (ooer) and being able to change settings almost subconsciously. I feel like todays cars are form over function and I find it interesting that with all the advances in safety someone thought it was a good idea to make changing settings in a car more taxing on the brain.

[@JJonCars]

It's a good point - there's no way of changing anything subconsciously or without looking, like there is with a proper button. The craziest one for me is the new capacitive touch buttons you get in cars such as new VWs - it's a solution to a problem that didn't exist, and is actually worse. But apparently they're going back to real buttons again 😄

[@mli3793]

A touch screen is mostly a cost saving measure. It's much cheaper to make a touch screen than a knob. If the consumer finds touch screens high tech too, it's a win win from the company perspective. It sucks.

[@australienski6687]

@@mli3793 It costs over 4k to replace the touch screen in a Tesla

[@incognito5109]

I hate the whole idea , you don't need apple or android anything in these cars but the standard must haves . Too gimmicky

[@CYB3R2K]

That's what she said 😂

[@smortg]

Honestly think I'll struggle to get into cars outside of the 2005 - 2015 window for future purchases. Such a wide range of options for coupes, hybrids, SUVs and more with decent to great mpg and, most importantly, the last cars to commonly have a CD player.

[@stuarthall2523]

Spot on, I have to agree with you about that era. Too many things to go wrong on modern cars.

[@petrolhead28]

Absolutely correct. Designed in the mid to late 90s and hitting the road in the noughties. No depreciation and only maintenance

[@JJonCars]

Yep for sure!

[@arcadekiddierides55]

That 2000’s and the early of the 2010’s cars has my huge childhood cars!!!

[@Niv_050]

I drive a Honda Civic 2007, along with other cars like the Mazda 3 and 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, what I find about 2000s cars that I really like that is they have the perfect spot of control response on speed, break and turn. Future cars feel either heavy and/or too sensitive and older cars feel too stiff and clunky, they really have this nice feel to them that despise the Civic's lack of features, is a very comfortable car to drive.

[@willoffer7119]

Great video - loads of nostalgia here. Completely agree with this period of cars being comfortably better than anything before or since. The infotainment / tech / sensors / electric everything just isn’t necessary - leave it on an s class & the like!!!

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Will. Agreed, no one can complain about a big bill for broken tech on an S-Class, but on your average family car, it's going to hurt!

[@heroknaderi]

You nailed it man. I totally agree 👍. I drive a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix: I just do the basic maintenance in the car and it’s still running like a champ:

[@JJonCars]

Great to hear :) Grand Prix is an interesting car that I've never actually seen (didn't sell them over here)

[@Jag-leaper]

​@@JJonCars they were imported here and there to the uk...I found one on eBay a number of years back

[@Andy-xm6mf]

Mk1 2002 focus owner 100% agree did 300 mile trip the other day didn't miss a beat

[@JJonCars]

Really great car the Mk1. I learned to drive in a 2002 model. Hope to get one on the channel one day

[@timtube1663]

I had a Y reg 1.8 Zetec for a while. All the good that is said about these cars is so true!

[@rebeccaexplorer5969]

Totally agree. I have a 2003 Honda Odyssey with 198k miles on it and it still drives great. No engine issues. A/C still works. When I end up getting a new car, I’ll be looking to stay in the 2000-2009 range. Best years for cars.

[@patrykkozubik6051]

I spent much of my childhood in a Megane Classic until I was around 10. After I got into Uni, I drove there daily with my mum's vanilla Megane. I was devastated when we had to sell it because I screwed up the chassis in a car accident. I still miss it and I hope I can eventually find an electrical car with the same feel and simplicity.

[@JJonCars]

Ah nice one. Childhood cars stick with us. Maybe one day if the battery tech gets a lot lighter, and they put less tech in cars, but it doesn't look like we'll be getting that any time soon!

[@sebaas97z]

I totally agree. Cars from the 90´s and 00´s have really great designs and really nice lines. Now they look like an air conditioner or a fridge with wheels... Audi looks like the exception with their new designs at least for me

[@DjNikGnashers]

Audi with their massive cod-face grill, and bland, slab-sided, designs for the past 15 years ?

[@sebaas97z]

​@@DjNikGnashers mmm for some reason i think the "modern" design fits quite well in Audi than VW for example(same group). Take a look at the new Jetta and then at the A4, the Jetta looks looks like a weird hot wheels, the Audi looks much better. BMW with their massive grills are the worst. Bring back the e36`s.

[@ankbrq]

I would say 90's to 2010's. Thanks for the video.

[@benjourniee9285]

Thanks for the drive by .

[@JJonCars]

No worries, the Bora is a great example of the sort of cars I'm talking about :)

[@OmegaWolf]

facts, This was when cars were focused on the experience of the driver, and not how much the company could cut corners and save money.

[@KingDrewPhilip]

I love cars from this era for sure. I kept my older 2008 Lexus IS250 because she’s quite lovely with such a timeless design . It isn’t full of technological stuff and I like that. Meanwhile my 2020 Toyota Corolla is a good car but has lots of stuff going on inside lol.

[@JJonCars]

I love the IS250, it was always a car I considered buying. And the Corolla is a good car, for a modern one anyway 😂

[@matthewross8347]

Great picture of you and the Cougar JJ

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Matt!

[@konliner9286]

Of all the decades, I think the 2000s has the most premium-looking cars.

[@bradb868]

2002 VW Golf 1.9 TDi was a great car for me. Had one for 2 years. A tank, bit of go, sturdy, affordable and enabled me to have a motorbike also with no huge concerns of a hefty service bill. Also held it's value very nicely as it was looked after with the minimal - service, small sensible MOT advisory works etc. meant reselling 2 years later for an approx. 15% drop in value (of around £2800/2900 initial purchase price. Now - A family (4 + dog) suitable 2.0 TDI Passat 2009 - 140hp. Great off the mark (0-62 says 10s on paper but it's near 3 seconds quicker than that - with me driving anyway), 6p manual, over 50mpg on longer journeys, over 43mpg around town when not thrashing it. Affordable to replace parts, will go to over 200k miles if looked after and it is comfortable. Ideal.

[@iliaskonstantos1663]

Great video i tottaly agree! Keep up doing great work JJ

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Illias!

[@enriquevazquezmartinez2121]

This is a great script, the tonality and ambient music made it retro in a non disgusting way hahaha. Congratulations, your work certainly deserves more views and exposure. Thank you.

[@JJonCars]

Thank you!

[@stefangherman8408]

I like cars from 2000s because I grew up with them.

[@JJonCars]

I like 80's and 90's for the same reason :)

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Great video and couldn't agree more. I've had some modern cars and now I have an 09 Prius and an 07 NC MX-5 :) love the analogue feel and sound.

[@JJonCars]

Cheers MrSunnyBhoy! Great combo of cars you've got there.

[@AntTheAnimator]

My grandmas 2002 Mazda 626 still works well despite it now being around 23 years old, and I love how it still acts as its own self.

[@richbrice3299]

My thoughts exactly. Have a 20 year old A4 estate that is an amazing workhorse and nice to drive. Good work.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Rich! The older Audi estates are great cars

[@tonyblount991]

Great video excellent content keep up the good work ❤

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Tony!

[@5-Consecutive-Hairpin-Turns]

Thanks for the subtitles!

[@JJonCars]

Oh hey, no problem. I do them for every video, and I think you might be the first person to ever mention them 😄 So it's good to hear they're useful

[@chrisoncars4879]

Definitely the period of peak car, I think. I've owned many 2000s cars and still have three today, I keep coming back to that generation. I'm not a fan of todays bulbous cars, nor do I think EV technology is where we should be headed. We should have kept more of the 2000s cars going!

[@Rjhs001]

Nice vid JJ. It's not really a subject I've considered although I can be heard to bang on frequently about the 70s being the best decade for music. Good to see the MX5 NC got a mention. Many thanks.

[@JJonCars]

Haha, it's often difficult to take out emotion and nostalgia from these things, but... we are totally right aren't we. Cheers John

[@daemoniaxx]

Great thoughts as usual, also always heartwarming as a Swede to hear you lovebomb Saab! Would love to see you review a last-gen Celica if you ever have an opportunity!

[@JJonCars]

Haha! Well, no one did cars quite like Saab :) I do have a soft spot for them, as I'm sure a lot of Brits do. I'd love to get a last gen Celica on - if I find someone with one I'll be sure to do it. I went through a phase of wanting one, but ended up with a Ford Cougar V6 instead.

[@andromeda8418]

Agreed, the '90s and 00s were peaks of mechanical reliability and safety. Tech is generally reliable, tho sometimes you may have issue with oxidation/dust/moisture in electrical connections. But that's more of an issue being 15-30yo car. Park sensors/camera, Sat-Nav, rain sensor and many others were optional features or in top-level trims, so replacing those may be costly, but you can replace it with cheaper non-techy ones and just program them out.

[@JacobisLaya]

I’ve had two cars up to this point and love them for different reasons. First a 1998 Chevy Lumina I know it’s boring to look at but had tons of room and was relatively simple to work on came with a 3.1 V6 and got me from place to place safely and reliably. Second I bought this one is a 2003 Monte Carlo SS and absolutely love it still has the reliability of the decade of gm before bankruptcy with the 3.8 V6 and still has a good amount of room for a 2 door coupe. My friends all have new cars but the older ones imo are better cause you have the option to fix or repair it cheaper than sending it off somewhere to get it fixed. I’m glad they are easy to purchase and cheap really helps in today’s overly expensive economy.

[@leebrown6623]

Even as I drive a modern car now I’m always tempted to go back and buy a car from that era, I had far better driving experiences from past cars. I find them better looking and less generic like the cars now.

[@JJonCars]

One day Lee, one day :)

[@MrAndreCoutinho]

I agree with you, some of these cars are awesome to this day, most of them have great built quality and have aged gracefully. I think we like them because of nostalgia, at least for me in my late teens, the BMW M3 e46 and the Golf GTI mk4 were the pinnacle of sports cars, and in my country, the latter is still a very desirable car, even by thieves, the insurance is still expensive.

[@JJonCars]

Theres definitely some nostalgia there too I won't lie :) They were all brand new cars in my teens too. I still see Mk4 Golfs everywhere in the UK, there are about 5 just around my street!

[@DjNikGnashers]

Personally, I think the E36 M3 BMW was a better car, it had the same performance as the E46, yet was smaller, sleeker, and lighter, and actually in my experience, seemed to have better build quality. The Golf, went downhill after the Mk2, and only started redeeming itself again with the Mk5. The Mk3 was a pudding, and the Mk4 was only slightly better. There were much better, more desirable 'sports' cars (I wouldn't class a Golf as a sports car anyway, it's a hatchback). The E46 M3 was at least a coupe, and could be classed as a sports car.

[@chrisjames2109]

Personally, it's the 90's that pips it for me, but I agree with so much of what you say mate.

[@JJonCars]

Almost all of what I say applies to 90's cars too :) It's a close call between the two!

[@jordanimatedstreaming]

The 2000's were similar to 90's in simplicity (EFI, no CVT trans, typically naturally aspirated, no modern emissions demands) but added safety and size at the expense of hyper-efficient packaging and authentic interior materials. The 2000's was generally the low point in interior materials. Automakers worldwide shifted away from authentic metal, wood, and other interior materials in favor of plastics to save cost and keep weight down while increasing in size. The synthetic materials used in car interiors nowadays is much more agreeable; by comparison 2000's cars interiors look like the kind of plastics used in children's toys.

[@JJonCars]

Some very interesting points there, hadn't considered the interior materials aspect. But it's definitely the case with safety, I'd say that's the main thing that lets the 90's down in general, otherwise I'd put it up there with the 00's for sure.

[@konliner9286]

Absolutely but I think the higher interiir quality of modern cars have made them much more expensive.

[@willswheels283]

Interesting video there mate, well researched, I hadn’t really thought of cars of the 2000’s in that way. For me the 1990’s in particular post 1995 cars were my favourite period for cars, they were reliable, still straightforwards for a DIY mechanic to service and repair, not much tech to go wrong. My car is from the Noughties, a 2007 Fiat Idea with the 1.3 Multijet Diesel engine, it’s nippy, good on fuel but I’d still prefer a simpler car to work on. I think most manufacturers deliberately design cars in a way that makes them difficult to maintain yourself without a degree in electronics and every tool in the book, and a slim narrow pair of hands with double jointed fingers! 😁

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Will! The 90's was a great period too, for much the same reasons. Only really safety is what pips the 00's for me. A Fiat Idea! Don't see them around very often :)

[@willswheels283]

@@JJonCars Yes, I hadn’t seen a Fiat Idea since 2013 before I bought it in August this year, mine and that one is the only pair I’ve seen. Yes the 2000 cars did have a bit more safety included in the build quality. Pre 2000’s the company’s that were. Pioneering in safety were Saab and Volvo with their SIPS system .

[@mattalki]

My mk1 Rabbit (Golf) was a relic compared to my mk4 Golf. my mk7 Golf was only a mild upgrade over the mk4. It's interesting how innovation sort of slowed down and went to infotainment and emissions. Electric cars are quite a jump, but I think the software is still too much in its infancy at the moment.

[@JJonCars]

Yep! Big gap '77-'97, not so big gap '97 - '17 :)

[@sheadreamz]

💯 agree, favorite 🤩

[@David_H-73]

Great video, I don't think we realised it at the time ( newer is better surely!) But it was a fantastic era. As i get older I am also buying older and older cars, I have just got a 2001 Ford focus 1.8 Ghia saloon and it drives beautifully and feels up to date and modern in my eyes, cant imagine what it must have felt like back at the 1998 launch. I also have a 1995 1.1 Peugeot 205 that is a wonderful little car. I would happily let you drive either of them.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks David! Perhaps you could email me at [e-mail]

[@arturseversons3444]

Yasss 😋 I drive a 2005 Civic mk7, and not planning to change it any time soon, it has everything I'd ever need - power steering, abs, power windows/mirrors/sunroof, air con, cruise control. Only had to upgrade the stereo ( both head unit & speakers). And it's easy to work on, so when something needs to be replaced, I only pay what the parts cost. Cheap and cheerful motoring 😇

[@leemusselwhite9677]

Yes I totally agree with you 00s cars are great I have got a 2002 1.6 zetec mk1 ford focus and I have owned it for 12 years now it's a amazing car I love it

[@JJonCars]

Oh man, I really want a Mk1 Focus. I learned to drive in one, great cars.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

I still have my bought from new '97 Peugeot 306 mk2 TDLX. The only thing that dissuaded me from swapping it for a Golf GT TDi 150 was the dead steering feel of the Volkswagen. I actually drove a Bora and am pretty sure that the build quality of both VW's was rock solid, compared to Peugeot, although I can't complain about the Pug's resistance to rust, albeit I've undersealed it myself five times, once every fifth year. Have a 1000cc bike for high speed tomfoolery, even though the car's tuned a little, together with coilovers, wider wheels etc.

[@arcadekiddierides55]

ı like the 2000 to the 2015’s cars!!! Especially, the fiat doblo!!! (My 1st favorite car ever!!!) And I like these fiat doblo’s 2001, 2005 and the 2010 models!!! (V1, V2 and the V3 models!!!) But my favorite one is the 2018 model fiat doblo!!! (V4) And I saw the fiat doblo which was the 2001, 2005 and the 2010 models!!!

[@mattwilde332]

The Land Rover discovery 2 is probably the best of this decade

[@keithjones7349]

Your videos always manage to stretch my horizons (I find myself considering cars I would never have thought of). You pack so much information and insight into just a few minutes they’re never boring. Keep it up and you’ll go far!

[@flyingbeep]

I have an 00's car back home, made 2012 but built on a platform from the early 2000s. Simple, unbreakable electronics, overengineered bulletproof N/A engine, easiest thing in the world to learn how to fix and upgrade. It taught me everything I know about how certain parts can change a car; radios, suspension, tires - but it's still a wonderful slice of simplicity to cruise around in!

[@JJonCars]

Nice one - what car is it?"

[@flyingbeep]

It's a Mk2 Perodua Myvi! The best selling car in Malaysia for many years, but with old bones that stretch back to platform sharing with Daihatsu, about the size of a Yaris. The first generation was sold in the UK as a cheap and practical purchase, but the scope for customisation is massive back in its home country, so it was really the easiest way to get into the joys of having my first car, working on it and tweaking it. It's that feeling of knowing you can infinitely improve your car for not much money, and the reliable old thing will go no matter what you do to it! It's almost as if Daihatsu built the mechanicals to survive running on dirty dishwater, driving through mud and gravel. It's just a 2000s city car! Plus, with only ABS for driver aids, a light body and a cable throttle, you get to learn a lot about chassis and driving dynamics quite quickly.

[@JJonCars]

@Flyingbeep ah nice, I do remember seeing those, is it the one shared with the Daihatsu Sirion? They look like fun little cars and like you say, Daihatsu knew how to build a car to last

[@flyingbeep]

@@JJonCars They engineered some fun into the twin cam engines for sure! It's an evolution of the platform and engines of the Sirion sold in the UK. Daihatsu made some rally models which are hints to the mods required for road fun; chassis stiffening!

[@mryorkshire3623]

I think the introduction of Fuel Injection and Electronic Ignition were the two major factors in cars suddenly becoming reliable. I can remember cars from the 70's and 80's where you had to rev the engine upon starting it to keep it going until it warmed up. This together with power steering and ABS. Anything extra are just things to go wrong. Today's cars are just computers on wheels. P.S. - Proud owner of a 2003 Corsa. It refuses to break down !!

[@JJonCars]

Yep, those definitely made a huge difference. My first car had a carb, and that was probably the most (and only) unreliable part of the car. I like those Corsas :)

[@s_for_short2400]

too bad 2000s cars just look like soulless econoboxes

[@nicholaswilliams4532]

You are right , delicate over complicated vehicles which are quickly uneconomic to repair are the order of the day now

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

I love the 207 Hyundai Coupe And Fiat 500 those are my favourite cars that you highlighted

[@matthewsmith2787]

I like my 2010 fiesta, all dials and switches and no touchscreens. Modern cars are just computers on wheels

[@ameliawilder28]

Had a 2005 vw beetle in cyber green. I would have driven it until it couldn't drive anymore. Unfortunately last year while stopped at a red light a lady hit me head on, and while my car was a tank and did not look like it was in a head on collision, Unfortunately the insurance and shop deemed it totaled. To this day, I still get angry at that lady who drove distracted. My car only had 97k on it. I did work on her, I maintained the car, and I loved how cheap she was to own! I drive a 2014 Ford Escape now. While the room is nice and I have few complaints, if I could switch back to my old beetle, I would. That car was a beast! People underestimate the beetle, probably because of its looks and size, but that beetle was a tough one. Saved my life last year, and it was strong all around. Both physically and mechanically. My beetle would outlive the current vehicle I'm driving and any other vehicle in the current market.

[@JJonCars]

Ah, RIP Beetle. It's good that it saved you though - it's one of the big reasons I made this video about 00's cars and not 90's - big leaps in safety at that time :)

[@friendlyhorseuk7220]

Yes, agree, my favourite cars and most reliable were from that era.

[@maxmouse3]

Agreed. And to add that even though some cars will cost a lot to fix, if you're not considering a luxury car, it will be cheaper than any big touchscreen car will cost to repair in a few years. These new small turbo engines and huge touchscreens will cost many thousands to fix. I really like these cars, they can be very reliable and great to drive without being annoying to use daily :)

[@JJonCars]

Absolutely!

[@jamesonslow]

I agree with your summary. I've got 3 naughties cars: My commuting Peugeot 307 1.6 HDi, our family S-Max 2.0 TDCi, and my fun car - the Mazda RX-8. All very do their respective jobs very well.

[@JJonCars]

Nice selection. RX-8 is an awesome car. Haven't looked at values for a while but I hope they are finally getting some respect like the RX-7 :D

[@jamesonslow]

@JJonCars Thanks. RX-8 values seem to have troughed, and are now creeping up. They're definitely getting thinner on the ground.

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@jamesonslow You can still buy a mint RX8 for under £2000, they are worthless due to their reputation for unreliability. One of the technicians at a Hyundai dealership I worked at for 4 years, bought one, because they were so cheap and he thought it would be a great buy, seeing as he had the tools and availability of a workshop to repair it. After a year of constant issues he finally realized the engine was completely unrepairable after it's 62,000 miles, and could not be repaired without a full stripdown and rebuild, which was not worth the time or cost. They are a well balanced car if you like getting one sideways, and I do think the quirky rear doors are cool.

[@jamesonslow]

@DjNikGnashers I've had 2 RX-8s and have been thoroughly impressed with both. To your first sentence. That’s exactly the point. Just swap "worthless" with "excellent value". Mine is now on 87k miles without a rebuild yet, but allocating £2k to a rebuild at, say, between 60k and 100k miles isn't significant when considering the full running costs of a sports car over that many miles/years. Insurance is VERY cheap @ £186 fully comp for the year. My only real gripe is the fuel economy, which is not good, making it a weekend car rather than a daily.

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@jamesonslow I fully admit and agree, they are incredible value, and while not being very 'fast' or indeed 'exciting' to drive, they do have pretty good handling, allowing the driver to get the car moving around in an easily controllable way, which is fun. I have looked at one as a track car, but watching YT channels of others who have done this, they have not proven to be reliable. I think you are very lucky with yours, as over all, the majority of owners do have lots of reliability issues, and it is this which puts me off getting one. I have always had to compromise with 1 car for everything, but am now looking to get a weekend trackday car, as my daily (an OG M2) is worth too much money to rag into the ground.

[@jonathantang6414]

Awesome video. I have a basic 2003 Subaru Forester myself and I absolutely agree with your points. Lots of things are still mechanical (throttle body e.g), simple and unintrusive - yet the car is safe enough, stable at highway speeds, dynamic through tight bends and streets. More importantly I think, since the Japanese bubble economy burst in the 'naughties', car had to get more mature and conservative because mfg. can't afford to get it wrong. Plus the market didn't demand as much then I don't think so cars could be built simply well in all aspects.

[@JJonCars]

The 00's was definitely missing some of the earlier Japanese flair we had in the 90's. But cars like the Forester are proper troopers, well made and reliable :)

[@metalscream3934]

06 honda jazz. 1.4 automatic. Great car

[@DjNikGnashers]

Great car for a retired gentleman, to get him to B&Q once a week. A Honda Jazz is a lifeless, eco-box, no soul, no character, for people who have one foot in the grave.

[@JohnBlazkowicz]

I live in germany and when I drive through the residential area, every 5-10th car is from around 2000s it seems that cars from that decade is all what you need. A lot of people don't like to control everything via touch like I do, wich is understandable.

[@JJonCars]

Perhaps it's a generational thing. The cars from that era were built to last though, we will see if that's the case with newer cars :)

[@janneoksanen4162]

Really cool video! I must be getting old too, because I agree: I also love this period of cars in an increasing manner. I might stretch the back end somewhere in 2012, though, but most of the cars I really like nowadays are from 2008 to 2010. My next main car will be 2010 or 2011 (currently drive 2012 model) and my hobby car will be from 2000 to 2008 period, for sure. I also miss bluecollar coupes like Astra G Bertone, and IMO even SUVs were more utilitarian in that period. I currently drive a Nissan T31 X-Trail, and I'm hard pressed finding a SUV not too posh from more recent offerings.

[@JJonCars]

Thanks Janne! I think we can stretch the 00's to about 1997 - 2012 or so :) Yeah I wish they still made the bluecollar coupes (great term for them). It seemed like the Astra had all sorts of coupes going on, and then even the twin top etc and the Astra G Bertone still stands out to me if I ever see them (unlike the H coupe which is more like a 3 door hatch). The X-Trail is a good example of a car from that era - not full of tech but a tank-like design. The new one just looks like a big Quashqai 😄

[@pug2052]

Perfect video 👌🏻 100 percent agree

[@JJonCars]

Thanks :)

[@ioanliviu22]

2002 330xi 186kkm 2004 1.9 TDi A4 B6 Avant 256kkm 2011 CitroënC5H3+ 2.0HDI 165kkm 2016 A4 B9 2.0 TDi 190PS 59kkm 2023 i20N. 5kkm 2000s - truly amazing years of automotive I love my older ladies, they have more “needs” here and there but at least i can do a lot myself.

[@JJonCars]

Nice collection!

[@J-jm7eb]

Loved the cars of the late 90s/early 2000s in particular. In my opinion, the new Mazda3 is one of the few cars that comes close in this present decade to enshrining the best of modern technology in conjunction with old-fashioned simplicity. At least, that's one of several reasons I bought one...

[@JJonCars]

Mazda are doing a lot to try and keep with the old ways yet keep with the requirements for economy/environment - the naturally aspirated engines in their cars, plus the very satisfying and old school MX-5. Hurray for Mazda

[@aaronnoel6176]

The e60 was ahead of its time. Mid 2000s was just perfect.

[@thepilotmaster777]

I have a 2009 subaru outback. It feels like an old car with the reliability and practicality of a new car without all the new modern car problems

[@JJonCars]

Yes, a great example of what makes this era great 👍

[@cezcars]

The 2000's era was defiantly the best for car's, to be more specific for me it be the 1997-2004ish although I may be slightly biased since my dad used to own a lot of these cars. He owned about 30ish different ones in the past 13 years not because they kept braking but simply because he liked switching cars often. Also 2004 was the last year of Daewoo's here in Ireland which is a shame since I love them very much. Next year I will be getting a license and I already have my first car parked up and just waiting to be fixed, it's a 2004 Daewoo Lacceti.

[@JJonCars]

That's a lot of cars haha. Nice shout on the Lacetti, in its later form a star of Top Gear :) I got my first car before my license too, bet you're absolutely itching to drive it on your own out on the roads.

[@cezcars]

@@JJonCars I am, My dad wanted to scrap it due to rust issues that would make it fail nct (irish mot) but can't let a car like my beloved daewoo disappear.

[@fredonline]

Excellent video, absolutely spot on with your comments and your commentary! 👍‍

[@JJonCars]

Cheers Fred! :)

[@alhassanzayyanu5712]

Another thing about cars of the 2000s to 2014s is their distinctive unique looks..eg you can easily differentiate between an S Class and a C class or E class and each car brand has its unique designs.unlike nowadays wen car brands look very much alike.

[@Lupuzi]

I have an Volvo 850 from -96 and an 964 3,0 manual fro, -95. I lovethem, both.

[@JJonCars]

Ah nice, I love old Volvos.

[@manueldiprima]

What I love about this era of cars is how they look. They're all like... Matte grey, they look like they're made of plastic.

[@MarLon-f4x]

iyour right on the money , i run a 2001 audi a4 avant!

[@timtube1663]

Yes I love my 2007 Citroen Xsara Picasso. Not to everyone's taste I know but it was the last 'simple' Citroen with the trusty TU petrol engine which is easy to work on and doesn't have gadgetry or pointless tech which goes wrong. The parts are cheap, the car is actually quite fun to drive and it's super practical and can be turned into a van. The subsequent Picassos just weren't the same. I used to have a Mk. 1 Ford Focus too. That car was a blast. 1.8 so plenty of power and it handled like a go kart! Totally agree with this theory, I always find myself looking at 2001 Golfs on Auto Trader

[@JJonCars]

The Picasso is one of those cars that I didn't used to like but have grown on me. Haven't driven one, but I bet the visibility and practicality is superb! Mk1 Focus I learned to drive in, really great cars. But not built to last like that Golf (but then not much is to be fair)

[@derekwall5570]

I also feel its worth mentioning the audi R8. An instant classic and a timeless car.

[@JJonCars]

Yes for sure!

[@regar4s]

Totally agree. They were CARs, today they are devices, the same as a smartphone or a tablet. And also probably it was the last time when manufacturets could care about durability vs level of co2 emissions

[@justclassicglam]

Curious about your thoughts on the 2002 Ford Thunderbird and its 1950's throwback design? It is my favorite car ever produced and I hope to be buying one with lower milage soon!

[@JJonCars]

I have never seen one in the flesh as they didn't sell them in the UK / Europe. However, I think they look really cool. Shame the interior wasn't very special, but I really love the look of one and its a shame they didn't sell them here. You should definitely buy one :)

[@BlurryFace-zz2ro]

My favourite are BMWs from the 1990s right up to 2010 except for the X6. The X series, the BMW 1 m coupe, the M3 E90, the BMW 3 series - still more beautiful than current generation with screens across the dashboard, tonnes of plastic interior bits and big crass-looking grilles.

[@JJonCars]

Lol @ "except for the X6" - I'm with you there, it's a very odd design indeed

[@aphexrobinson2022]

I have Honda civic 2000 plate last of the mk6 generation with just under 30 000 miles totally standard such a brill drive and solid all round

[@JJonCars]

Very low miles, it will go on forever :)

[@MattysCars]

You guys really don’t know how good youse had it…

[@segapc1994]

Yes m8!

[@PeterParker-yd3sb]

I am absolutely obsessed with cars from the eraly to mid 2000s. I watch POV's of driving and a video of driving some random family MPV from 2002 is more fun to me than watching someone drive a super Lambo or Bugati, newest Audi or whatever. Don't know why, but maybe because I grew up as a kid with these cars or maybe because these cars are more relatable to me since I can actually afford them? Kinda like, when I see a supermodel girl I'm really not interested at all, but a random girl can be 100 x more attractive to me than a supermodel or some celebrity. Kinda like seeing no appeal in professional corn and preferring amateur corn. Ya get me right?

[@JJonCars]

I'm 100% with you there. I don't have aspirations for those fancy cars either. The 00's was a sweet spot, and in particular the very ordinary cars we all drove :)

[@ptime5612]

Miss it way to much makes me so sad

[@JBeats111]

In the early 2000’s, everyone complained that the car are made out of plastic and Gm in America made everything in cheap plastic that melted over time especially in firebirds

[@mli3793]

I've never been able to put my finger on why but I am always drawn to cars from this era, no matter the price. This is why!

[@JJonCars]

Ahaha, yeah I remember feeling like I needed my own petrol station with that car. Struggled to get 30mpg, but what a car!

[@mli3793]

@@JJonCars I have a smart fortwo from 1999 and a Kia Sportage from 2008. The smart fortwo is dirt cheap to drive! It's a strong choice as a replacement for those taking public transport.

[@JJonCars]

@@mli3793 Awesome, I've not driven a fortwo but I've been in one, and was surprised at how spacious it felt. Cool car IMO :)

[@mli3793]

@@JJonCars Yes and mine is super fresh too, I bought it with only 40000 km on it! (24 000 miles)

[@tcaudiobooks737]

I think you miss more about old cars getting into a new one, than vice versa.

[@JJonCars]

Yes!

[@sulphurous2656]

In my opinion, the automotive industry peaked in the 2000s. You still get the benefit of fuel efficiency/aero/reliability/safety/comfort of modern automobiles, but without bloatware in the form of all the electronics that they started stuffing into cars since the 2010s as manufacturers push for more electrification. This brings down complexity and weight as much as it does costs, which is why I think that 2000s economy cars such as the Corolla were particularly appealing.

[@JJonCars]

Hear hear!

[@Mrmicksniffertherd]

Its the PD engines that do it I know someone that had a 1.9TDI Vw bora. 215,000 miles in 10 years of ownership. Passed every MOT with 0-2 advisories. As long as you service a PD they last forever. Currently on 270,000

[@JJonCars]

True true, amazing engines

[@jovancvetojevic3980]

Can't agree more. Driving golf mk4 2000 1.4 gasoline 75 hp. It's an amazing and reliable car, only downside is fuel consumption.

[@asdasd01]

They only thing I am worried about is that I won't have the time to drive all of the 00s cars I want to..

[@JJonCars]

Hopefully they won't all be forced off the roads with crazy tax schemes and whatnot

[@asdasd01]

@@JJonCars yeah I really hope they won't do that

[@coolcat23]

I agree that the 2000s were a great era for automobiles. A few things I do not like about current cars: 1. Lack of elegance. Many cars today have exaggerated designs which seem to be geared towards the US and Chinese markets where overly "loud" designs seem to be appreciated. 2. Massive fronts. Related to the first point but probably also influenced by other factors, all modern cars have massive fronts, as if the design brief had been to make them look like they are pushing horizontally mounted wardrobes. Add egregious grill designs and massive logos and its a recipe for ugliness. 3. "Touch" everything. Having touch controls on steering wheels, putting climate controls behind menus (or having to switch to them because of a double use of a touch strip), are ergonomic regressions. Some manufacturers are slowly starting to use tactile buttons again, but for now we are dealing with a "touchscreen"-plague that probably will take a long time to abate 4. Smart everything. I've recently driven a loaner car that apparently randomly started beeping at me. It took me a while to figure out that the car was signalling that it thought I left too little distance to a car in front of me on the motorway. I'd rather not have a "nanny car", thank you very much. 5. Too much software. Modern cars now have bugs like computers. A Mercedes EQS won't let you in, if you left the key inside, and if you try to use the app, the latter thinks the car is already open so won't open it for you. Mercedes got this working 20 years ago, when their cars simply wouldn't lock, if you left a key inside. Now the software has become too complex and every update bears the danger of introducing more bugs than it fixes. Mercedes now also run a "feature subscription" scheme were certain pieces of functionality are only available, if you pay a monthly fee for them. Thank you, but no thank you. I'd rather own my car though and through and rather not worry whether the next firmware update will unintentionally break something or intentionally remove something.

[@JJonCars]

🙌 I agree with all that! It often seems to be solutions to problems that no one had. But we are stuck with it sadly. I think the big fat front ends of modern cars is to do with pedestrian safety.

[@wingonglingou2042]

Back when we did not have EV AI nonsense and carmakers could concentrate on real issues like packaging, NVH, MPG, MPH, ride and handling, etc.

[@chrisg6091]

Honda Accord & Toyota Lexus of that era make wonderful buys ...

[@JJonCars]

Definitely 👍

[@lesklower7281]

I do agree l own a 1997 Toyota Hilux ute and has only done 430000 kms but l did see one sold for aud $500 that had done 980000kms l don't think there are many british or European cars that could reach thise sort of kilometers without major problems also you mentioned a Toyota Corolla and there was a 2002 Toyota Corolla sold for aud $4600 that had also done 980000kms and there were photos if it and to be honest it wasn't trashed just looked like a 21 year old car even under the bonnet it was very clean and we owned a 2004 Ford Fiesta and it was a pile if crap it didn't break down constantly but l was replacing the wheels on a regular basis because if the low profile tyres if you hit a speed bump and any kind of speed they would dent as my Hilux has steel wheels and they are original and has extremely high profile tyres l think the late 1990s and early 2000 was a great time for Toyotas my Hilux is totally anolog l mean it will make it last a very long time and Australia were there isn't much no waxing no snow tyres and unleaded petrol and ULEZ and no emission testing in the yearly regestration inspection

[@JJonCars]

Nice. In the UK Hilux so well known for being mega reliable and tough (partly thanks to Top Gear) that they go for big money now, even really old high mileage ones

[@lesklower7281]

@@JJonCars In Australia they do sell for good money and the most desirable is the 1997 Toyota Hilux 2wd with the aluminum drop side single cab ute l acaisonly look at the market and they sell for between aud $5000 and $6000 and l do happen to own one done a lot if work to it just small jobs but they can add up money wise l bought it for aud $1500 and have spent over $1500 on it and l am still in front also the petrol ones are the famous 22R engine and though they are not rare and l have see the prices vary between aud $500 that Hilux had done 980000kms and believe me it sold quickly the seller had people lining up to buy it and tge most expensive one sold for aud $10000 it had been resprayed red tge engine bay was white and had done a little over 200000kms mine has done 430000kms no engine or gearbox problems and l don't there will in the the future and no rust issues either Australia the land of little snow

[@DjNikGnashers]

'Good' is subjective to the listener/viewer. I think petrol cars peaked as regards technology and design in 2016, and have been in a steady decline since. This is mainly down to manufacturers being forced to develop EV's. But ...... efficiency and safety regulations forced vehicles to adopt a similar styling/shape, and thus the peak of ICE cars do tend to look similar. So, for me, personally, I think the peak of unique stylish vehicles was the mid to late 90's, and also the build quality of all cars seemed to take a downwards spiral since then. A vehicle like the BMW E39 5 series is probably the peak family car of all time, the styling was great, the build quality was the absolute best it could be for the price range it was sold at, reliability and performance was superb, as it was before all of the efficiency regulations forced manufacturers to put other factors first. I actually think the E39 540i was possibly the best petrol car ever made, and nothing has rivalled it before or after. My own personal current car, I think, is probably the peak of ICE cars, which is a BMW M2 (2016 model). After 2017, PPF's were fitted to all cars, which muted the beautiful exhaust sounds of engines which sounded fantastic. Also, the weight of my F87 M2 is not ridiculous, yet later cars just piled on the pounds, and numbed the steering feel / handling. My car also has a normal BMW dash layout, with analogue dials and buttons for most things, and the modern cars all have ugly screens. I do think my OG M2 is the last of a kind, and other vehicles of the same era mostly look awful, weigh too much, sound muted, and do not have any traditional soul.

[@gaffnaldo1]

I've said this on many occasions and thought perhaps it was simply biased as it was "my era" Cheap finance and the rise of PCP after the financial crash made car companies change from quality to quantity of new models and variants - theres that many crossovers from the likes Mercedes and Audi that it really has devalued what it once meant to own them.

[@JJonCars]

100%!

[@Saadmetalfab]

The gmt800 in my opinion is still the best truck ever made, and if you get an optioned out one, you can get all the features of a new truck or suv and its simple enough to work on yourself. 300,000 mile trucks(if you fix the trans😂)

[@julianblasco2439]

2006 megane 1.6 owner here ,It's a shitbox, problems with the ignition coils, it is slow and the suspension is better not to mention , but you feel in contact with the car at all times, I plan to put a stereo with Bluetooth or some AUX, the rest is almost perfect, no giant screens or luxurious leather seats, a simple display on the dashboard, electric windows and mirrors, that is, the philosophy of a car made for what it is, drive and drive

[@JJonCars]

Lol that's a pretty well balanced review if I ever heard one :) I would like to film with one at some point.

[@fossilfueled27]

I feel like Peugeot is an exception to this rule. Having worked for a Peugeot Dealer, I can safely say Peugeot made their worst cars (207, 307, 407) in the noughties.

[@JJonCars]

Yes, they do seem to have had a bit of a bad time in this era, I will agree!

[@tristanb.8561]

Well my car isn't exactly from the 90s, it was built in 2000. So I say that counts too. xD I have a small Opel Corsa 1.2 built in 2000 and it is a simple, basic car. Yes, it has rust here and there. BUT it runs technically without any problems, and if something needs to be done it is “easy” to repair. It doesn't have any big bells and whistles, it has over 240,000 km under its belt. And I think if I continue to look after it carefully and keep the engine in good working order, it will last another 240,000km

[@JJonCars]

Yeah that totally counts! I'd say anything designed in the mid to late 90's and sold into the 2000's have all the same advantages as I've mentioned in the vid :) A nice simple car that will keep on going 👍

[@soulmourne2698]

Honestly all this cars look amazing, are realiable and get good mpg, unlike the modern cars that have tons of thing that can go wrong and its impossible to get as good mpg as with 2000s cars couse polution, they want to sell electrics when they are more expensive and polute much more couse the batteries die in 5 years and nobody fixes them, they are just thrown away at a 20000 euros receipt to change the battery, now that the fuel is so expensive we need cars like we had in the 2000s, cars that get good mpg and dont polute as much as they say couse this cars have catalytic converters, its not like a 80s cars that polute a lot, i hope electrics never become the norm, imo they have and they will continue having lots of inconveniences. Options are always fine though, but options are also fine for combustion engines, lots of manufacturers dont make diesel cars anymore, they are much more expensive, couse they have the modern polution things

[@JJonCars]

Hear hear!