With a new CEO and an investment in Fiat Automobiles, GM entered the 2000s with all guns blazing. Although it eventually had to kill some of its brands later in the decade, GM still had some decent models in its 2000s lineup. A hybrid version of the Silverado/Sierra was launched in 2004 as GM's first hybrid full-size pickup truck. After a long absence, the legendary Pontiac GTO was brought back in 2004 for a 3-year production run.
Still, in 2004, Cadillac introduced the high-performance CTS-V sedan while Buick added the Rainier midsize luxury SUV. This was swiftly followed by the Buick Terraza and the Lucerne in the 2005 and 2006 model years respectively. GMC added the Canyon, Acadia, and the Yukon Hybrid to its lineup. Chevrolet's impressive lineup for the decade included a string of pickups like the Montana coupe utility and the SSR roadster utility. From the long list of GM's creations in the 2000s, here are the greatest.
10 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line
The Saturn Sky is a 2-door roadster that was built alongside the Pontiac Solstice and released in 2006. Under the Red Line's hood, is a 2-liter turbocharged I4 engine that pairs either with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, it gives the Red Line a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.
The Saturn Sky runs the quarter mile in 14 seconds at 98 mph and tops out at 141 mph. Standard equipment includes a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, dual exhausts, and a StabiliTrak stability control.
9 2004 Cadillac CTS-V
The Cadillac CTS-V was introduced as a high-performance 4-door sedan in 2004. With its arrival, Cadillac established itself as a worthy competitor to German carmakers. Power was gotten from a 5.7-liter V8 mated to a Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission to produce 400 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque.
It also got stiffer anti-roll bars and larger shocks with higher spring rates while 14-inch Brembo brakes provided strong stopping power. According to GM, the CTS-V could sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and clear the quarter mile in around 13.1 seconds.
8 2004 Cadillac XLR-V
Unveiled at the New York Auto Show, the XLR-V became the first roadster in Cadillac's performance-oriented V-series. Under the hood, Cadillac stuffed in the same supercharged V8 mill that powered the STS-V. However, in the XLR-V the 4.4-liter unit punches out 443 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque.
It gives the 3840-pound convertible a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds while the quarter-mile happens in 13 seconds. This Caddy has power seats, a navigation system, and a 9-speaker Bose stereo system. Compared with the "V-less" XLR, it got its larger brakes from the Chevrolet Corvette Z51.
7 2006 Cadillac Escalade
When the Escalade arrived in 1999, was underpowered with only 255 ponies under the hood. This was corrected in the second generation and the 2006 model got a 6.0-liter V8 mill rated at 345 hp. The engine was mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission while 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS provided stopping power.
It had seats for up to eight passengers and boasted a maximum towing capacity of 7400 pounds. For safety, it had an electronic stability control system, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. Furthermore, it had a DVD-based navigation system and a road sensing suspension.
6 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
The GXP was the short-lived high-performance version of the equally short-lived Pontiac G8. Available only as a 2009 model, it was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 mill that cranked up 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It came with a 6-speed automatic transmission while a 6-speed Tremec manual was an option.
From rest, it could hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and clear the quarter mile in 13 seconds at 109.6 mph. Unfortunately, arriving when GM had serious financial problems, it was in production for just one year before Pontiac was shut down.
5 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Developed under the code name "Blue Devil", the ZR1 was the high-performance version of the Corvette Z06. It was powered by a supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter V8 engine rated at 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet claimed the ZR1 could run the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 131 mph and max out at 205 mph.
A polycarbonate window in the middle of the carbon fiber hood allows one to see the engine's intercooler. It came with Magnetic Selective Ride Control that adjusted the car's ride quality according to road conditions.
4 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GTI Championship Edition
To celebrate the Corvette's successes in GT1 racing, Chevrolet unveiled a limited-edition optional package based on the 4LT and the Z06 models in 2009. It was little more than an appearance package and added a body-colored ZR1-styled spoiler and C6.R-inspired graphics.
In addition to the yellow stitching accents in the cabin, it also got embroidered GT1 emblems on the seats. Rolling on chrome Spyder rims, the Z06 GT1 Championship Edition was powered by a 7-liter V8 rated at 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Those were difficult times for GM, and Chevrolet ended up building far less than the planned 600 units.
3 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbo
Built on GM's Delta platform, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS was offered in three versions. The turbocharged version, launched in 2008, came with a 2-liter turbo-4 engine rated at 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It also came with a 5-speed manual transmission, launch control, traction control, and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes.
The 2008 Cobalt SS was good for a 5.5-second 0-60 mph sprint and a quarter-mile time of 13.9 seconds at 102.5 mph. Furthermore, the journey to the top speed of 160 mph is fun, thanks to excellent driving dynamics.
2 2006 Pontiac GTO
Before the Pontiac GTO was rested for good, it was brought back for one last appearance. When it landed in 2004, it was criticized for its conservative design and high starting price. Under the unassuming looks, the 2006 model hid a naturally aspirated 6-liter V8 unit and a toughened drivetrain.
It was pushed by 400 hp and 400 lb-ft to a 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 170 mph. In addition to being powerful, fast, and agile, it is comfortable enough to be driven daily.
1 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
The all-new third-generation GMC Sierra arrived as a 2007 model riding on the GM GMT900 platform. It got positive reviews for its powerful engine options, decent fuel economy, and smooth handling. Powertrain choices ranged from a 195-hp 4.3-liter V6 to a 6-liter V8 rated at 367 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque.
To improve fuel economy in the top range V8 engines, GM's Active Fuel Management System was a standard offering. Furthermore, it had strong brakes and could tow a maximum of 10,500 with the proper equipment.