The Hyundai Azera might have taken home the blue ribbon in 2007, but only after facing fierce competition from Toyota in the forms of the Camry and 4Runner.

The mid-2000s saw the auto market just as competitive as ever, with manufacturers working to produce modern, cutting-edge vehicles that performed just as well as they looked.

Whether you’re looking for a new used car or just feeling nostalgic for the days when Rihanna shared the Billboard Top 100 with Soulja Boy, we've got you covered. Let's get started!

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The best cars of 2007

From unstoppable SUVs to space-age sportscars, these seven machines represent the cream of the crop from the 2007 automotive draft class.

The best car of 2007: Hyundai Azera

KBB fair market range: $5,553–$5,763

Powertrain: 3.3L V6 or 3.8L V6 w/ five-speed automatic transmission

What makes it special:

A pick as close to luxury as you can get without crossing over, the

Hyundai Azera

could very well be the best car to emerge from 2007 in terms of both value and performance. The tasteful, stylish interior and smooth, silent ride provided by its 234-hp V6 engine make this car a joy to drive or simply ride in.

Just because it feels luxurious doesn’t mean you have to pay luxury prices or worry about expensive upkeep. In fact, J.D. Power awarded the Azera an admirable 86/100 rating in quality and reliability. If you’re all about getting the most bang for your buck, the Azera won’t let you down.

The best luxury car of 2007: Lexus LS

KBB fair market range: $11,500–$14,000

Powertrain: 4.6L V8 w/ eight-speed automatic transmission

What makes it special:

The 2007 Lexus

LS 460

was an all-new vehicle, replacing its predecessor, the LS 430. It included a more powerful V8 engine with 380 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque—despite the powerful machinery under the hood, the 2007 LS allowed drivers to enjoy a smooth, peaceful ride complimented by the wood-trimmed, leather-upholstered interior. It also had advanced safety features for the time, like adaptive cruise control and antilock brakes.

Of course, this marriage of luxury and performance is to be expected from

Lexus

. Edmunds even went so far as to say that the LS should be seen as an equal to the top-of-the-line European luxury sedans.

The best SUV of 2007: Toyota 4Runner

KBB fair market range: $10,500–$13,500

Powertrain: 4.0L V6 or 4.7L V8 w/ five-speed automatic transmission

What makes it special:

A legend in its class, the

4Runner

is another hallmark offering from

Toyota

, famous for its rugged reliability and “go-anywhere” attitude. With multiple engine options and an impressive towing capacity of 7,300 lbs (V8 model), there aren’t many places that a 4Runner can’t go.

It might not have the smoothest ride out there, but the 4Runner cabin is still fairly comfortable and it even has options for third-row seating (perfect for kids). What’s more is that the 4Runner scored the highest safety rating of “Good” from NHTSA impact testing.

The best luxury SUV of 2007: Lexus GX

KBB fair market range: $9,500–$14,000

Powertrain: 4.7L V8 w/ five-speed automatic transmission

What makes it special:

Stuffed to the gills with tech and luxury, the

is a mid-size SUV offering from

Lexus

. A bit smaller than the full-size

, the GX nevertheless packs the same power under the hood: a 263-hp 4.7L V8 that can hit 60 mph in about eight seconds. It also has great driver-assistance features, including downhill assist control, hill-start assist control, and even all-wheel-drive capabilities.

The lavish interior is well-appointed with soft leather upholstery and a veritable spaceship’s worth of buttons and dials. Don’t think the GX is delicate and fragile though—it’s a durable vehicle, as the 89/100 quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power can attest.

The best family car of 2007: Toyota Camry

KBB fair market range: $5,500–$10,000

Powertrain: 2.4L straight four-cylinder or 3.5L V6 w/ five-speed manual or automatic transmission (four-cylinder) or six-speed automatic transmission (V6)

What makes it special:

In recent years,

Toyota

has become the #1-selling automaker in the US, and the

Camry

had a lot to do with that. In fact, the Camry has been the best-selling car in the US for almost 20 years now, thanks to a combination of factors including reliability, affordability, good fuel economy, and multiple engine options.

Specifically, the 2007 model can be equipped with either a 2.4L four cylinder or a 3.5L V6 and can typically go from 0 to 60 in about 6.5 seconds. It also boasts fun, sporty handling and a host of safety features like anti-lock brakes and total airbag coverage. If you want a fun, safe car that won’t break the bank and is just as good for families as single drivers, the Camry is your best bet.

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The best sports car of 2007: Audi R8

KBB fair market range: $62,000–$79,000

Powertrain: 4.2L V8 w/ six-speed automatic transmission or “R-Tronic” clutchless manual transmission

What makes it special:

A true European supercar, the

Audi R8

debuted in 2007 but wasn’t widely available until 2008, when it wowed audiences and ushered in a new era of high-class, high-quality, high-performance automobiles.

The R8 is fast, alright. Its 4.2L 420-hp V8 is a monster that can hit 60mph in 4.4 seconds and achieve the top speed of 187 mph not much later. Because the R8 is meant for everyday driving, as well, driver comfort is at the forefront thanks to electromagnetic shock absorbers and even all-wheel-drive capabilities. If you want something that looks fantastic and paradoxically merges the exotic with the everyday, the R8 might be the (super)car for you.

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The best truck of 2007: GMC Sierra 1500

KBB fair market range: $8,500–$13,000

Powertrain: 4.3L V6, 4.8L V8, or 5.3L V8 w/ four-speed automatic transmission

What makes it special:

Rebuilt from the ground up for the 2007 year, the

GMC Sierra 1500

stands as one of the best options in the full-size pickup class. Improving upon its previous iterations, the 2007 Sierra 1500 features upgraded, more powerful engine options and an increased towing capacity so that you can get the job done quicker and more efficiently.

One major improvement for the 2007 Sierra 1500 is the cabin and overall comfortability of the truck. GMC listened to complaints about previous Sierra model years and upgraded to more comfortable seats (front and rear) while including more storage space, three power points, and better cup holders. J.D. Power even awarded the Sierra an 88/100 rating in terms of driving experience.

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What cars came out in 2007?

The middle aughts saw the auto industry branch out, experimenting with new body styles, technology, and crossover roles in order to take the world of driving into its next phase. Take a look at some of the vehicles that debuted in 2007:

Model	Vehicle type	Engine	Fair market range
Audi A5	Executive coupe	3.2L V6	$3,500–$6,500
Buick Enclave	SUV	3.6L V6	$7,000–$9,000
Ford Flex	Full-size SUV	3.5L V6	$4,000–$6,000
Pontiac G8	Full-size sedan	3.6L V6	$3,500–$7,000
Mini Clubman	Subcompact car	1.6-L inline-four	$9,000–$11,000
Nissan GT-R	Sports car	3.8L twin-turbocharged V6	$60,000–$80,000
Nissan Rogue	Compact SUV	2.5L four-cylinder	$6,000–$8,000
Toyota Scion xD	Subcompact SUV	1.8L four-cylinder	$4,000–$6,500
Tesla Roadster First-generation	Battery-electric vehicle	Electric motor	N/A

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12 best used cars for first-time drivers

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