10 Cars That Became Classics In 2024

You may have images conjured up in your head that one day you will be sitting in your classic 1960s Ford Mustang, rocking out to music by The Rolling Stones or The Doors, and thinking of a time that seemed simpler and with fewer rules. Nostalgia is a great thing. But, then you realize that the classification for a car to become a classic is only 20 years. Yes, that means that cars from the early 2000s are now classic cars.

If you can bear that thought and have now realized that you may also remember further back the ‘classic age’, here are some awesome cars that became classics in 2024, as models that were released in 2004. We have chosen to include these cars, arranging from the most expensive to the least expensive to buy today, and include classic sports cars, classic saloons, classic sedans, and roadsters, as when they were released they would have been quite a sight on the road, are still brilliant today, and defined the model year in their segment.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Classic.com, Car Survey.com, Car & Driver for road-tests, Fuel Economy.gov, and Bring A Trailer. Our list of 10 cars that became classic in 2024 has been chosen for their now classic status according to age, because of the varying types of cars they are, and because they are desirable cars to own. We have ordered this list by starting with the most expensive average price and ending with the least expensive average price.

10 2004 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT

Average Price: $44,461

The Ford Mustang makes a lot of top classic car lists, and for good reason. The 2004 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT is no exception to the rule. It is a fierce and aggressive-looking pony car that was built by Ford’s ‘Special Vehicle Team’ (hence SVT), to be both electrifying on the track without modification and, still Mustang enough for its die-hard fans. With the Cobra SVT, they certainly achieved that, and it became one of Ford’s top-performing and sought-after cars of the time.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Bring A Trailer and Edmunds)

Featuring modified McPherson struts, gas-charged Bilstein dampers, a tough anti-sway bar, and high-end front springs, the Cobra SVT was built to be steady on the road at the same time as being extremely powerful. The Cobra SVT also boasts a heat-reduction hood that pushes cool air into the engine bay and pushes out the hot air produced by the turbocharger, resulting in a better-performing engine. The 2004 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT was built by ingenuity for power and handling back in the early 2000s, and can still do it today.

Pros

• Extremely powerful V-8
• Upgraded handling compared to other Mustangs of the time
• Fairly exclusive as only 3,768 were produced in 2004

Cons

• Relatively high price in 2024
• The rear passenger only gets 29.9 inches of legroom
• Only has a combined MPG of 17 miles per gallon

9 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

Average Price: $39,832

The 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII is classed as a compact sedan but, it is actually a beastly off-roading rally menace that, back in 2004, fought gallantly with its main competition, the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Boasting an aggressive and hardy look on the exterior and an extremely functional interior, which features a large driver information cluster behind a 13-inch black spoked steering wheel, the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII is both an angry yet endearing new classic car.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Mitsubishi Motors)

Boasting a steel monocoque frame and aluminum door impact bars, the weight of the EVO 8 was decreased to allow for higher speeds whilst still maintaining strength. That, paired with an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch, an ECU that optimizes clutch cover clamp load over different terrain, and, the sport anti-lock braking system that measures steering input and adapts to different levels of lateral G, results in very precise steering on all terrains.

Pros

• Fantastic off-roading potential
• Looks both aggressive and sleek
• A huge amount of torque is produced by the engine

Cons

• Less horsepower than the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
• The ride has been reported to be hard and unforgiving on highways

8 2004 Honda S2000

Average Price: $28,496

A sleek, low, short, and sporty-looking two-seater, the 2004 Honda S2000 is a roadster that, at the time, blew a lot of more expensive options out of the water. Boasting a front engine and rear-wheel drive alignment, the S2000 is a true roadster with great handling capability. Boasting 17-inch wheels with low-profile tires, stiff front suspension, and a smaller anti-roll bar than the one featured on the ’03 model, means you can enjoy some controlled back-wheel action from this pokey little car in the corners.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Honda Newsroom)

The cabin is very driver-orientated and features leather bucket seats, brushed steel accents, scalloped door panels, optional headrest speakers, a small gear-shift on the central console, and a three-spoke steering wheel, the 2004 S2000 looks sporty on the inside and the outside. According to Hagerty, 66,547 were purchased in America during its 10-year run, there are less than that on the road today, but well worth keeping an eye out for if you want to drive it as intended or, want another great Japanese sports car for a collection.

Pros

• Powerful engine
• Near motorbike revving capability of up to 9,000 RPM
• Great handling capability

Cons

• More expensive than the Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Prone to rust over the years
• Cloth roof needs to be looked after, or it will start to leak

7 2004 Cadillac CTS-V

Average Price: $20,629

A muscly looking, beast of a car, the 2004 Cadillac CTS-V first generation was built with comfort, style, and oodles of power in mind. Featuring Cadillac’s iconic badge and front grille combination, this tank of a sedan is every bit as luxurious as it is a performance car. Produced to take on the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, General Motors designed a car that encapsulates everything that you would want from a sports sedan, including comfort, performance, and style.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Edmunds and Car & Driver)

One of the best features of the 2004 CTS-V is the V-8 which is supercharged and could take on a Hellcat over the quarter-mile with very similar performance times. Paired with Brembo brakes and front and rear independent performance suspension, it is also a car that not only is very good at flying off the start at the drag strip, but is very capable through the corners. The 2004 Cadillac CTS-V therefore, is a car that allows for everyday comfort, and the odd speed-demon outing.

Pros

• The massive amount of torque produced by the huge V-8
• Cheaper than European sedans
• A powerful and luxurious-looking sedan

Cons

• Cramped back seat of only 36.2 inches of legroom
• Can use a lot of oil due to a valley cover that is prone to leaks
• Not the highest quality interior materials used

6 2004 Porsche Boxster S

Average Price: $19,526

As has become customary with Porsche, the 2004 Porsche Boxster S is another great sports car that has now become a classic and is available to purchase at a reasonable price. Though not as highly coveted compared to other Porsche models, the Boxster S is still a lot of car for the money. Featuring seductive and aerodynamic lines, a deep throaty exhaust symphony, and a plush interior that features leather heated seats and automated climate control, it oozes the refinement that is expected from Porsche.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Bring A Trailer)

Along with the power produced from the two horizontally opposed engine options, the 2004 Boxster S boasts a mid-engine alignment which means that it has great weight distribution, coupled with ABS, traction control, and a firm suspension setup, the results are reflected in the handling through the corners. The 2004 Boxster S isn’t just a great-looking sports car, but also a car that will perform and give you an air of luxury at the same time. It now joins yet another long line of Porsche models to make it to awesome classic status.

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Sporty look
• High-performance engine

Cons

• Doesn’t have the same prestige as a 911
• Isn’t Porsche’s, or the segments, quickest car
• Brakes are prone to rust and pit fairly quickly

5 2004 Lexus LS430

Average Price: $15,379

When Lexus released the 2004 Lexus LS430, they released a car that epitomized luxury for the sedan segment. Though maybe not as impressive now compared to what you get from modern cars, it does feature adjustable air suspension, leather seats, polished wood trim, and GPS navigation, which is still very usable today. Boasting a sleek and fancy, yet understated demeanor on the outside, the 2004 LS430 is every bit as luxurious as you’d expect from a luxury sedan.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Edmunds)

Its boxy appearance, distinctive front grille, and instantly recognizable Lexus badge are a giveaway that this is a car that was built for reliability and luxury. According to owners of the 2004 Lexus LS430 on Carsurvey.com, the common problems that are expected were found with the LS430, but the average overall marks, including comfort, reliability, and performance marks, are 7.74. So, for a twenty-year-old car that can be purchased at a reasonably low price and is now considered a classic, it is well worthy of admiration.

Pros

• Lots of luxury features
• Lexus reliability
• High-quality interior

Cons

4 2004 Chevrolet Impala SS

Average Price: $14,625

The Chevrolet Impala has been around since 1958 as a full-sized sedan and, in 2004, Chevrolet introduced a performance-orientated model to the lineup, the 2004 Chevrolet Impala SS. Designed to be practical and a beast on the road, the Impala SS blends style, comfort, practicality, and performance.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Bring A Trailer and Hagerty)

With a seating capacity for five people and lots of room in the front and rear seats, it boasts 42.2 inches of legroom in the front and 38.4 inches of legroom in the rear. The interior features leather inlays, deep-cushioned seats, and large front-view and rear-view windows for maximum visibility. Performance-wise, the Impala SS is not to be messed with. Featuring MacPherson struts to aid in ensuring a smooth ride and an Eaton Generation III M90 supercharger, the Impala makes for a great classic car that is useful every day for the family but, is also a performance demon.

Pros

• Very powerful engine
• Comfortable for everyday use
• Mean ‘sleeper’ look with huge performance capability

Cons

• Low MPG of 21 miles per gallon
• Not as exciting as previous models or other SS models available

3 2004 Mini Cooper S

Average Price: $12,081

Featuring an interior and exterior design that harks back to the original Mini design from the late 1950s, the 2004 Mini Cooper S still brings that retro charm from long before its time whilst achieving modernity. With a combined miles per gallon rating of 25 miles, the 2004 Mini would still make a decent city car or commuter car for short journeys, even compared to today’s standards.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Parkers)

The Mini Copper S interior features a vintage-looking display cluster, a circle central display that boasts GPS navigation, a large steering wheel, and switches above the gear shifter that resembles those of an airplane. Though it doesn’t boast the fastest powertrain, the little 1.6-liter can still produce a fair amount of horsepower, and when paired with the car’s light curb weight of only 2,678 pounds, it becomes a pokey little car. It is safe to say that even from a 2004 Mini Cooper S, you will be getting slightly more modern standards but with a timeless classic look.

Pros

• Good MPG for age
• Lots of retro charm
• Reasonable horsepower from a small engine

Cons

• Small cargo capacity for a saloon of only 23.7 cubic feet
• Not the plushest interior
• Not a lot of passenger space

2 2004 Mazda RX-8

Average Price: $11,785

The 2004 Mazda RX-8 stands as an icon of rotary engine innovation and design. Another brilliant rear-wheel drive coupe, the RX-8’s lightweight curb-weight of only 3,029 pounds, and superb weight distribution contribute to its exceptional handling responsiveness. Its stylish exterior boasts sleek lines and distinctive front fascia, which only complements its dynamic performance.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Mazda Newsroom)

The RX-8 also features a ‘suicide’ rear door that opens in the opposite direction to the conventional front doors, allowing easy access, or exit, for those sitting in the rear seats, whilst showing off how Mazda wanted to make a unique car. Inside, the RX-8 showcases a driver-centric cockpit that has been designed to be both sporty and comfortable, making it practical for everyday use. The 2004 Mazda RX-8 remains to this day a symbol of Mazda’s commitment to unconventional engineering, with the use of the highly-debated 1.3-liter Rotary engine, and driving excitement.

Pros

• A cheap classic to purchase
• Enough room inside for everyday use due to it being a four-seater. The rear headroom is 36.8 inches and the rear legroom is 32.3 inches.
• Cheaper than a Nissan 350Z

Cons

• Poor MPG of only 18 miles per gallon
• The rotary engine uses oil fast as it uses oil injection to lubricate seals

1 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Average Price: $10,592

The cheapest new classic car on our list is the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB). The MX-5 has been around since 1989 and was left as a fantastic predecessor to the Fiat Spider. The 2004 Miata features the classic roadster set-up, rear-wheel drive, and front engine alignment. Though not the most powerful roadster around in 2004 by a long way, that title goes to the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG, the Miata is still lauded as a great handling car due to its punchy suspension, short length of only 155.4 inches, and lightweight of 2,944 pounds.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Mazda Newsroom)

Multiple trims are available for the 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata, which include hard-top and soft-top options, and a turbocharged version called the Mazdaspeed MX-5, which features a turbocharged inline-four instead of a naturally aspirated one and kicks out 178 horsepower.

The second generation MX-5 boasts a robust but curvaceous body, a long hood, ground-hugging posture, and a short gear-shift on the central console which is close to the driver for easy changes. Many generations of the Mazda MX-5 Miata have made it to classic status and, we are glad to introduce the 2004 model year this year.

Pros

• Sleek exterior look
• Relatively cheap to purchase
• Lots of parts available for restoration or customization

Cons

• Under-powered compared to others on the list and competitors
• Prone to rust over time
• If not looked after, the cloth roof is prone to leaking