The 2000s era gave birth to a plethora of performance cars that, despite their high power and now affordable pricing, have been largely overlooked. Among these hidden gems are the Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, the Pontiac GTO, and the Dodge Neon SRT-4. Each of these vehicles offered impressive performance in their time, and now they present an enticing bargain for car enthusiasts on a budget.
German Performance Sleepers
The Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG (2005-2007) is a prime example of a sleeper car. Under its unassuming exterior lies a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine capable of delivering 362 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. This power allows the C55 AMG to achieve sub-5-second 0-60 mph times, a feat that belies its wagon-like appearance. Today, this supercar in disguise can be found on the market for between $8,000 and $12,000, making it a performance bargain for those in the know (Jalopnik).
Another German performance car that flew under the radar is the Audi S4 B6 (2003-2005). This vehicle features a 4.2-liter V8 engine that produces 339 horsepower, coupled with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system for superior traction. Despite its performance credentials, the S4 B6’s subtle sedan styling led to it being overshadowed by its flashier contemporaries. Today, prices for this underrated performance car have dipped below $10,000 (TopSpeed).
American Muscle Underdogs
The Pontiac GTO (2004-2006) is an American muscle car that deserves more recognition. Equipped with a 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine, the GTO can generate 400 horsepower and achieve quarter-mile times under 13 seconds. Despite its raw power, this rebadged Holden Monaro was largely dismissed by the car-buying public. Today, used GTOs can be found starting at $12,000 (CarBuzz).
Another American performance car that has been overlooked is the Dodge Neon SRT-4 (2003-2005). This compact car boasts a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 215 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Despite its size, the SRT-4 offers impressive performance, particularly on the drag strip. Today, this pocket rocket can be found for under $6,000 (HotCars).
Exotic and Rare Overlooks
The Noble M400 (2003-2005) is a British kit car that is often overlooked. It features a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 350 horsepower. Thanks to its lightweight carbon-fiber construction, the M400 can achieve 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its limited presence in the U.S., the M400’s scarcity has driven its value up to over $50,000 (Yahoo Autos).
Another rare and overlooked performance car is the TVR Tamora (2002-2006). This British sports car features a 3.6-liter inline-six engine that produces 360 horsepower. Despite its lack of modern safety features, the Tamora’s hand-built rarity and pure driving dynamics have made it a collector’s item, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 (Yahoo Autos).
Hot Hatches and Sedans Reimagined
The Volkswagen Golf R32 (2003-2004 in U.S.) is a hot hatch that often gets overlooked. It features a 3.2-liter VR6 engine that produces 241 horsepower, coupled with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Despite its practicality and performance, the Golf R32 flew under the radar. Today, it can be found for under $10,000 (TopSpeed).
Another hot hatch that deserves more recognition is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2004-2007). Powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four engine, the WRX STI produces 300 horsepower and offers rally-bred handling. Despite its performance credentials, the WRX STI’s daily-driver appeal often masks its motorsport heritage. Today, it can be found for between $12,000 and $18,000 (HotCars).