While the compact car revolution was just around the corner, domestic OEMs were still holding on to market share with the vehicles that had become so popular in the first few years of the 21st century.

To help you find your dream car—or just help you remember why certain cars hold so many memories—the

car insurance

comparison

super app

Jerry

, has compiled a guide to 2004 cars. From rugged trucks to reliable sedans, these are the best picks.

The best cars of 2004

From compact cars to heavy-duty trucks, these seven vehicles are the best of the best from 2004.

The best car of 2004: Toyota Camry

Fair market range: $1,575 to $4,730

Powertrain: 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 3.0-liter six-cylinder, or 3.3-liter six-cylinder with four-speed or five-speed automatic and five-speed manual

What makes it special:

Something easy on the eyes this car was not. But where it lacked in aesthetics it made up for in practicality and reliability, which is usually what draws consumers to the

Toyota Camry

. Roomy, comfy, and chock full of safety features, this mid-size sedan is still a high-value draw nearly two decades after its debut.

A V6 was added to the 2004 model with a bit more horsepower and a bit more pound-feet of torque than previous models but wasn’t going to blow anyone away. Still, it was solid and reliable in a way that most Toyota models are—and that certainly wasn’t a bad thing.

The best luxury car of 2004: Lexus LS 430

Fair market range: $2,899 to $7,105

Powertrain: V-8, six-speed automatic

What makes it special:

This was a

Lexus

that surprised you in every way. It didn’t have that immediate appeal that most Lexuses did—but after you spent some time with it and saw how beautifully it performed, it was hard to look away.

The engine is a V8 with a six-speed automatic that goes from zero to 60 in a measly 6.3 seconds. But you don’t really get the feel for this luxurious beast until you’re barreling down the highway and the car just seems to settle into a nice little groove. Coupled with the buttery soft leather of the interior—not to mention the pleasurable seat functions—this is a car that turned heads and invited oohs and aahs.

The best SUV of 2004: Ford Explorer

Fair market range: $856 to $5796

Powertrain: 4.0-liter V6 or 4.6-liter V8 with automatic transmission

What makes it special:

The 2004

Ford Explorer

didn’t exactly stand out from the pack, but its reputation alone as a reliable and sturdy SUV allowed it to climb near the top of the best-selling vehicles of 2004.

This was the first time drivers could have access to Ford’s AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. Combined with ample space inside and a powerful powertrain, it’s no surprise this SUV was so popular in the early part of the century. Ford was continuing to build quality products, and the Ford Explorer was no exception.

The best luxury SUV of 2004: Lexus LX 470

Fair market range: $11,998 to $15,843

Powertrain: 4.7-liter V8 with automatic transmission

What makes it special:

The

Lexus

LX 470 was not cheap when it was introduced back in 2004, but you got what you paid for—and then some. It was everything you expected to get from a Lexus on the inside, with an engine and slick suspension that made it a pleasure to drive.

Fuel efficiency wasn’t great at a combined 14 miles per gallon, but you weren’t buying this luxury SUV to save gas money. You wanted something beautiful from all angles, and this vehicle certainly didn’t disappoint with a whisper-quiet demeanor that demanded to be taken seriously.

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The best family car of 2004: Honda Accord

Fair market range: $760 to $5,561

Powertrain: 2.4-liter 4–cylinder and 3.0-liter V6

What makes it special:

You would be hard-pressed to find something wrong with the

Honda Accord

. It was—and remains—a solid car that was coming off of a year where Honda re-engineered and re-designed the vehicle to make it even more appealing.

It remained a family car due to the exceptional fuel economy and roomy interior, not to mention the sporty and sleek look that let mom or dad feel like they were driving something more akin to a race car than a car that could tote around the entire family. That’s what happens when you’re driving a sedan that borders on luxury when you upgrade the trim level to one equipped with a V6.

The best sports car of 2004: Porsche 911 Carrera

Edmunds fair market range: $32,896 to $38,669

Powertrain: Twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six-cylinder

What makes it special:

Let’s face it: it would be tough for

Porsche

to build a car that wasn’t special, and that’s the case with the 911 Carrera. This baby was the most powerful version of the 911 to date. It clocked in at 483 horsepower, which was a 21 horsepower increase from the year before.

The designers also emphasized sensitivity, which is why they optimized the front and rear suspension and modified the shock absorbers and the brake system. They wanted to give the driver the most comfortable drive possible while retaining the spirit of a sports car. Mission accomplished.

The best truck of 2004: Ford F-Series

Fair market value: $928 to $15,454

Powertrain: 4.6-liter Triton V-8 and 5.4-liter Triton V-8

What makes it special:

The goal of the

Ford

F-Series was to build a truck that didn’t leave you feeling like you were driving a truck. With a cozy ride on the highway and a quietness unheard of in this space, they hit it out of the park.

Ford was just coming into its own with its trucks, and these early years were the precursor to a market they dominated. While competitors tried to out-truck Ford, the F-Series was a shining beacon that would remain the star by which all other companies followed when it came to building trucks for consumers.

MORE: How to get cheap truck insurance

What cars came out in 2004?

The cars that came out in 2004 were continuations of what had already come out, with a few exceptions. Here are some of the best cars from that year.

Model	Vehicle type	Engine	Fair market range	Notes
Toyota Camry	Sedan	2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 3.0-liter V6, 3.3-liter V6,	$4,116-$5,487
Honda Accord	Sedan	2.4-liter 4-cylinder VTEC, 3.0-liter VTEC V6	$760 to $5,561
Toyota Sienna	Minivan	3.3-liter V6	$1220-$6597
Chevrolet Corvette	Sports car	5.7-liter V8	$7104-15,690	Last of the fifth generation
GMC Sierra	Truck	5.3L EcoTec®3 V8, 6.2L EcoTec3 V8, Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel Inline-Six	$1,393-$8,597

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