Best Cars Of 2004 – The Greatest Cars In The World This Year
It was not easy year for car manufacturers in 2004. Factory capacity around the world is capable of spewing about 50-percent more cars than the markets can possibly absorb. At the same time, countries everywhere are propping up their automotive companies because the business is seen as a flagship industry and holds the prospect of great export earnings.
Moreover, the established automotive order is under assault. Hyundai is going after the smaller Lexus sedans with its ever more opulent XG350. Cadillac is targeting the BMW M-cars with its hot new CTS-V. And Volkswagen—the originator of the people’s car—has decided to go head-to-head against the Mercedes S-class and other gilded sedans in the top-dollar category with its new Phaeton.
Even the companies that are willing to stand pat in the market classes don’t have it easy. Vehicles such as the Chevrolet SSR and Chrysler Crossfire bring show-car styling to everyday drivers. Technological advancements abound with the new-generation rotary engine in the Mazda RX-8, the twin-clutch transmission in the Audi TT, and the bonded and riveted aluminum construction of the Jaguar XJ8. Meanwhile, everyone is competing on value. The new Suzuki Verona EX delivers a six-cylinder engine, a full plate of luxury features, and excellent interior space for a sticker price of $20,000. For about twice that amount, the Chevrolet Corvette delivers more performance than any machine within $30,000 of its price.
Related: Don’t forget our best car hub where you can find the top cars for every year.
Our Favorite Cars for the 2004 Model Year
2004 Ferrari F430
Officially presented during the Paris Motor show in September 2004, the F430 signaled the arrival of a brand new generation of Ferrari 8-cylinder models. This new car takes Ferrari’s achievements with aluminium technology, begun with the 360 Modena, to the next level, and offers a series of significant innovations improvements inspired from Ferrari’s Formula One program. Learn more…
2003 Ford GT
Released at the 2002 North American Auto Show, Henry Ford II was proud to show off a modern-day version of Ford’s most successful endurance racer. A month after the release, Ford announced the Ford GT would be put into production and with a price ‘around six figures’. The waiting is now over, Ford have released official details of the production version. Learn more…
2004 Maserati MC12
Maserati has designed a new road-going Grand Tourer known as the MC12 from which a GT racing version has also been developed. The result is that 37 long years after its last victory in an international championship (1967, Cooper Maserati F1, South African Grand Prix), the Trident is returning to the track. Learn more…
2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
2004 Porsche 911 GT2
This most powerful version of the 911 now has even higher performance and is the sixth launch this year, following the 911 GT3, Carrera 4S Cabriolet, 911 Turbo Cabriolet, GT3 RS and the 40th anniversary 911 model. The 911 GT2 available when the 2004 model year starts has a power output of 483 bhp (355 kW), an increase of 21 hp (15 kW) on the previous model, making it even more athletic and faster. Learn more...
2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale
The Challenge Stradale is much more than a redressed 360 with extra power. It is a welcomed conclusion to a series which has benefited from Ferrari Challenge and FIA GT events. Its bare-bones approach and subtle styling changes only hint at the thoroughbred under the skin: this is a road-legal car that is entirely race-ready and at home on track. Learn more…
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG
The most successful car in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) race series is set to transform its dominance on the track into a conquest of the roads. The CLK DTM AMG has inherited the genes of the DTM-winning Mercedes and possesses all the ingredients necessary to set the pulses of car and motorsport enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster. Learn more…
2004 Lotus Exige (S2)
After an absence from the marketplace for 2 years, Lotus is reintroducing the Lotus Exige. The second generation Exige, unveiled as a world debut at the Geneva Motorshow in 2004, takes the same race car-for-the-road philosophy and applies it to the driver of today. Learn more…
2004 Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster
Automobili Lamborghini has unveiled the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, a derivative of the Murcielago coupe, at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. Originally presented as a concept car at the Detroit Motor Show in 2003, the roadster version of the 200mph super car has already generated significant worldwide interest. Learn more…
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG
12-cylinder AMG biturbo engine, an output of 450 kW/612 hp and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm – the new SL 65 AMG is the world’s most powerful and highest-torque series-produced roadster. The open-top two-seater not only maintains Mercedes-AMG’s impressive V12 tradition; it also offers a level of per-formance previously unheard of in this engine size class: the SL 65 AMG acceler-ates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and passes the 200 km/h mark after just 12.9 seconds; its top speed is 250 km/h (electronically governed). Learn more…
