2000-2024: The best looking car of the last 25 years according to Drive

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With 2024 coming to a close, we look back at the last 25 years of automotive history and pick out the best looking models according to the Drive team.

Change is the name of the game, as 25 years ago, Holden and Ford were reigning supreme in the Australian automotive landscape, but with brand turmoil, closures, and a realignment of customer preferences, it is now Toyota at the top.

This is while brands like Hyundai and Kia have moved leagues ahead in terms of quality, design appeal and sales success.

The next 25 years aren’t going to be any easier than the last either, with electric vehicles (EVs), emissions regulations, autonomous cars, and – as always – fiscal changes – all playing a factor.

Either way, here are our picks for the the best-looking car of the last 25 years.

Holden VE Commodore Sportwagon – Kez Casey, Production Editor

Ask me on any day and my answer will probably be different. But today, I have settled on the VE CommodoreSportwagon.

As a beacon of good design for the mainstream, it isn’t unobtainable. It is handsomely proportioned and GM were clever about things like lowering the roof line and maintaining tailgate visibility.

Put all of that in a station wagon package that is fast disappearing from our roads and you’ve got a car that arguably rivals an Audi RS6 for a fraction of the price. 

Lexus LC – Jordan Hickey, Journalist

Over the past 25 years, there have been some great looking cars – and also some shockers. It was hard to nail down one model in particular, but if there’s one car that has aged well in my eyes, it’s the Lexus LC two-door coupe and convertible still available to purchase today.

Despite looking almost identical to when it was first unveiled almost nine years ago – and as the LF-LC concept back in 2012 – the LC continues to stand the test of time. 

Aston Martin DBS – Ben Zachariah, Journalist

This is probably the hardest question to answer, because we’ve been blessed with so many amazing cars over the past 25 years.

Locally-made stunners like the V2 Holden Monaro, perfect European designs like the Audi RS4, BMW E39 M5, and E46 M3, and way too many spectacular-looking supercars to mention.

My answer will probably change on a daily basis – if not, hourly – but right now, the Aston Martin DBS of the late 2000s is design perfection. Its silhouette is flowing and proportionate, the body kit is aggressive without being over-the-top, and the wheels are classy and sporting.

It’s so good it makes you want to build a garage out of glass next to your dining room.

Mazda RX-8 – Tung Nguyen, News Editor

OK, to be up front, there is a bias here as I actually owned a 2004 Mazda RX-8 when still studying at university, but there’s not denying the timeless design of Mazda’s four-door(ish) coupe.

The facelifted RX-8 GT is the one to go for, blending classic sports car proportions with four-seat practicality.

Sure, the rotary engine is a bit fragile, but with great forward visibility and blistered wheel arches that let drivers know where each corner is, it is still the ultimate interpretation of sports car design – at least to me.

Jaguar F-Type – Tom Fraser, Journalist

Ever since the Jaguar F-Type was introduced a decade ago I've been enamoured with its looks. The way the designers blended style elements of Jaguar's past – such as the E-Type – into a modern-looking shape was brilliant.

The proportions are perfect, the details are thoughtful, and even the interior is a gorgeous place to spend time.

I think the car works best in its pre-facelift guise and particularly as a soft-top.

I'd be surprised if the F-Type didn't go down in the history books as one of the brand's most-loved models, especially with the marque's recent controversial rebranding.

Maserati GranTurismo –James Ward, Director of Content

So the best looking car in the last 25 years, like that immediate ‘oh, wow’ the first time you look it at, then the first-generation Maserati GranTurismo.

It’s just stunning – unless you put a number plate on it and then that ruins it – but it was one of those cars that when you first saw one in the metal, you were like ‘wow’.

Ferrari 458 – Tom Jordan, Senior Videographer

I don’t know, I just like the dimensions of the Ferrari 458 – it’s just sexy – like it’s just a statement like ‘look at me, I have money’.

It looks slick, but not too complicated. Classic with a modern edge.

Porsche 911 (991) – Isabella Kendall, Digital Publishing Specialist

The 991 Porsche 911 from 2013 is the best-looking car to me, the proportions are just right.

It screams ‘I have style’, but still looks purposeful as a sports car and is practical to boot.

There is also one parked across the street from where I live, and I’m always staring at it. Stunning.

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