Released from Europe in the 2000s were some brilliant sports cars such as the Ferrari 360 along with the Porsche 911 996. They definitely changed the game and represented great engineering in Europe. From reliable engines to the general build quality of the car, there have been some amazing sports cars to emerge out of Europe in the 2000s.
European automakers, in particular, tend to put the overall looks and performance over reliability and build-quality when designing their sports cars. This makes them more appealing and exciting, and allows them to fetch a small fortune, but later heavily reflects in their depreciation rates.
Luckily, not all European sports cars share the same flaws, and some are just fun machines built to last and be enjoyed for decades. Here are the 10 most reliable European sports cars released in the 2000s.
10 Lotus Elise S2
The Lotus Elise S2 was released in the early 2000s. It was the second generation in the Elise family and was an exceptionally reliable car. The car was complete with a Toyota I4 engine, alongside brilliant handing. The car was also very successful and enjoyed by enthusiasts.
Being a small-sized sports car, the Elise isn't practical (as expected), but that really isn't necessary in such a great car that remains to be reliable nowadays too. The car is a perfect all-rounder, with the manual gearbox adding control. The car looks great, drives great, and is hugely reliable. A winner indeed.
9 BMW M3 (E46)
Produced in 2000, the M3 E46 is known for its incredibly strong engine. The M3 46 is a car renowned for its greatness compared to other BMW 3-series generations, too. One of the best things about the E46 is the engine - which is still going strong today. The car is RWD, and the handling that comes with this is really quite good. It's speedy too, and the car keeps its performance levels even after 20 years.
The looks of the car are favorable too, but really what matters is the reliability of the car. When looked after well, the car is even more known for its reliability. Plenty of fun can be had with the E46, especially when it is still going strong now.
8 Audi TT
The Audi TT was so good that it was nominated for the North American Driver's Car of the Year in 2000 as well as being on Car and Driver's Top 10 list for two years in a row. Its second-generation released in 2006 also followed on as a reliable vehicle. With the fact that the car didn't really have any changes from the concept model to the one that went on sale, the vehicle was very successful.
Heavily reliable and good with handling, the Audi TT remains popular today for a reason. Many also enjoyed its design too, with its aerodynamic features. Even though the car does not have the best build quality by Audi, it is still reliable and will be remembered for its success too.
7 Porsche Cayman
The Porsche Cayman was released in its second generation in 2004. The car is incredibly balanced and agile. Being suited to both use on the track but also on the roads more generally too. It was reliable for the everyday user, with the PDK gearbox being a great addition to the car.
The car was generally just a good quality vehicle, and its pricier cost reflects this. The Cayman was popular for all the right reasons, with the vehicle still remaining reliable and the build quality remaining intact nowadays, the car easily makes it onto this list.
6 Audi R8
Audi R8, complete with a V8 engine and 420bhp, was introduced in 2006. The car is very refined, with its handling and grip on the roads being outstanding. The car was implemented with a V10 engine in 2009. The car is quick and safe on the roads, with the AWD system.
There was also a one-off diesel V12, which never made production, in 2008. It would have been one of the most powerful diesel engines ever produced. The R8 here is a brilliant, reliable car that offers speed, agility and performance for the refined consumer.
5 Caterham 7 CSR
Launched in 2005, the Caterham 7CSR was equipped with the Ford Duratec engine. Through the use of this, the car already had a very strong basis for a reliable car and engine. The Caterham is also speedy and powerful, with the car going 155mph at top speed.
The Caterham brand is known for their cars being so simple that very little goes wrong. The CSR is an exact representation of this, with the car being built well, but simply. The reliable engine adds to the simplicity of Caterham and the car really stands out.
4 Volvo C70 second generation
The second generation of the C70 was launched in 2006. The car shared the platform with the Volvo S40. The car is good-looking and fits in with Volvo's safety levels. The car is very ergonomic, whilst also being really comfortable. The car is weighty, but it performs decently and has a reliable engine.
With the weight, the car also is well balanced because of it. The driver feels in control of the car's speed and strength, The car is reliable and represents a standard Volvo.
3 Noble M12
Noble's M12 was complete with a Ford Mondeo V6 engine. Noble's M12 build quality is amazing too, where people can really see the effort gone into making the vehicle by the brand. The Ford engine is brilliant too and is incredibly reliable. The engine is really practically bulletproof.
The M12 is a great drive and is great fun too. Also popular in the M12 family is the M12 GTO 3, with the power being enhanced in this as bhp was 352. The performance of both the M12 and the M12 GTO 3 is outstanding and enthusiasts recognize this. The vehicle really immerses the driver into the car and is worth the ride.
2 Lotus Evora
Produced in 2009, the Lotus Evora was designed to take on the Porsche Cayman. The vehicle was fitted with a Toyota V6 engine combined with over 270bhp. The engine itself is very reliable, and within the Lotus brand, the car reflects their refined vehicles.
The car looks good too, so the engineering definitely matches the appearance of the car. The Evora is definitely a car for driver's who are enthusiastic about the Lotus brand and want a reliable engine to go with it. The vehicle is capable of taking on the Porsche, and is a good choice too.
1 Saab 93 Viggen
The Saab 9-3 Viggen was available until 2002 and was a higher performance car than the original 9-3. The vehicle had 230bhp and a 2.3-liter B235R turbo-engine really exemplified the performance of the car. The car was also incredibly balanced d and brilliant in its handling, with the FWD system helping.
