A Guide to 2003 Cars | GetJerry.com (2024)

From the BMW 3-Series to the

and

, these are the best cars of 2003.

Whether you’re browsing the used car market or just have fond memories of vehicles from the turn of the millennium, check out this guide to 2003’s best cars from the

broker app for

,

.

With its luxury styling and relatively inexpensive starting price of $28,500, the

was a popular pick with car buyers in 2003. For a cost that was just slightly higher than a

, buying a 3-Series offered two engine options, all-wheel drive, and advanced tech like automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and DVD-based navigation. The 3-Series was also praised for its smooth handling and speedy acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.

The

wasn’t a sports car—technically—but it was as close as you could get in the luxury class. A V8 engine with 516 lb-ft of torque could take the E55 AMG from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 150 mph in 23.1 seconds. Not only is that pretty fast even by today’s standards, but it also meant that the E55 AMG could keep pace with the 2003 Ferrari 575M Maranello F1 while costing over $175,000 less.

In a time when SUVs were large, boxy, and clunky to drive, the

was a nod to the success of future crossovers. Its smaller and more compact design made it easier to maneuver than larger vehicles like the

, without sacrificing much in the way of seating or cargo space—the MDX could still comfortably fit up to seven passengers.

The

was introduced in 2003 as the luxury automaker’s first sport utility vehicle. It definitely raised some eyebrows at the time, but considering the fact that the Cayenne is still part of Porsche’s lineup in 2022, it seems they had the right idea.

The best family car of 2003 was also the best-selling car in North America for that year. The

combined a smooth ride, comfortable and spacious seating, plenty of safety features, and appealing options—like keyless entry or the 6-disc CD changer—with Toyota’s high safety and reliability ratings and affordable prices.

While the base

trim was the most popular Camry model, the

and

trims were available for drivers who wanted a better engine, sportier handling, and improved interior features.

The

was an instant icon in the early aughts. Its only rivals were the

and the Toyota MR2—but the 350Z offered more than double the power, excellent handling, quick acceleration, and fun, sports car exhaust sounds—making it the obvious choice when it came to performance.

The

was one of the best-selling pickups in North America in 2003, and it remains so in 2022. One of its biggest selling points was the seemingly endless array of customization options, which included four different engine options—ranging from a 202-horsepower, 4.2-liter V6 to a 260-horsepower, 5.4-liter V8—plus five bed styles, three trims, two cabs, two drivetrains, and plenty of interior luxuries. Buying one of these light-duty pickups meant you could completely personalize it to suit your needs.

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From modern classics like the Dodge Viper and early, eco-friendly hybrids like the

, to the weirdly quirky yet loveable

and

, here’s a rundown of some more great cars from 2003.

Buying a used car can save you money in lots of ways—from lower sticker prices and dealership costs to shorter loan terms and reduced

rates. If you’re about to get your hands on a pristine 2003 Nissan 350Z, or you just want a lower rate on your old Toyota Camry coverage, the

app can help you find the cheapest insurance options.