The 1990s and 2000s were two of the best decades for the automotive industry. Cars’ designs went from the boxy-looking vehicles of the 1980s to modern and aerodynamic designs. Engine design also advanced quite a bit and cars became more smooth and efficient. Reliability also increased as the carbureted engines were phased out in favor of fuel injection. Consumer tastes were shifting towards SUVs during these decades, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some great cars designed.
The 2000s also brought many muscle cars back into the fold, including the GTO and the Charger. Both of these models were groundbreaking in terms of performance, and one is still in production today. The decade also brought many advances in hybrid and electric vehicle technology. We looked back at everyday cars from the 1990s and 2000s that will eventually become full-fledged classics as time marches on.
GM EV1
The EV1 sparked a whole lot of controversy and praise at the same time. The car was the very first mass-produced electric car that was sold by a domestic automaker. The design was pulled largely from the GM parts bin but the product was capable and comfortable to drive. There were even a few celebrity owners of the car including Jay Leno and Danny DeVito (via Car & Driver).
The EV1 hit the market on a lease program that was direct to the consumers. The problem is that there was no option to buy. At the end of the lease, GM destroyed the EV1 cars, and there was a massive public outcry over it. This event spurred the creation of the popular documentary “Who Killed The Electric Car”.