Great Reputations Take More Than Good Advertising
Some cars become famous because they look beautiful, while others earn their reputations through years of racing, dependable service, or engineering that changes the automotive industry. A few have also become legendary after surviving early criticism, overcoming technical problems, or proving themselves in conditions that would challenge lesser vehicles. From hardworking pickup trucks to sports cars that made their names on the track, these 20 vehicles have quite a reputation.
1. Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser started out back in 1951 and was put through everything humans could throw at it. It became very popular around the world due to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel drive. Toyota has managed to sell over 10 million of these vehicles, proving you could take one almost anywhere.
2. Ford Mustang
The Mustang debuted in 1964 with cute looks and a low price. Many young people bought into this vehicle and started pushing the brand more toward racing. From the 1964 Tour de France Automobile to other big races, the Mustang showed that it had more to offer than good looks.
3. Porsche 911
Porsche decided in 1963 that it would put an engine at the rear end of its sports car. This may have sounded like a dumb move, but Porsche never stopped updating its sports car. From race cars to road cars, the Porsche 911 has always been a great car to have in your garage.
4. Volvo 240
Volvo may not have made the prettiest sedans, but the company was able to fit a lot of safety features inside its cars. It introduced the Volvo 240 in 1974, and the model lasted a whopping 19 years in production. Its success in touring-car racing also gave the famously sensible Volvo a more exciting side than its family-car image might suggest.
5. Jeep Wrangler
Ever since Jeeps have been used by the military and civilians, they have been a go-to choice if you want to roam the wild. They never really gave up their rugged utility. Some generations had solid axles on both ends, four-wheel drive, and removable doors and windows.
6. Honda Civic
Honda decided to make a small car back in the early '70s, and people loved it. Honda offered affordable engines and plenty of space. Over successive generations, the Civic also developed a strong performance following, proving that an affordable compact car could appeal to enthusiasts as well as budget-conscious households.
7. Chevrolet Corvette
The Corvette started out back in 1953, and it took many years before it became a performance car. Chevrolet started adding more horsepower to its sports cars and improving their chassis. The Corvette's long-running involvement in sports-car racing helped it earn international respect, while its relatively attainable performance compared with some European exotics kept it firmly on enthusiasts' wish lists.
8. Toyota Corolla
Toyota has been getting its customers to their destinations for many years now. The company has consistently worked to make sure drivers can cover all the miles they need. The Corolla may not inspire many late-night debates about horsepower, but dependable transportation is a pretty impressive achievement in its own right.
9. Ford F-150
From hauling cargo to pulling heavy things, the Ford F-150 is there for your everyday work needs. The F-Series trucks were introduced in 1948, and the F-150 became one of the most recognizable models in the lineup. Trucks have always been a huge part of America.
10. Subaru Outback
Subaru showed us how to have a wagon that you can roam outside with. It had high ground clearance and some off-roading styling. The Outback's success came from serving a specific audience well: people who wanted practical transportation during the week and a little more freedom to explore on the weekend.
11. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Back in 1989, Mazda's little Miata became popular with drivers. Why did this happen? It was a light and affordable car that could give you the thrill of driving a sports car. Its popularity demonstrated that a sports car doesn't need supercar acceleration to be enjoyable, and its long production history has kept the roadster concept alive for generations of enthusiasts.
12. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Mercedes-Benz decided to make a boxy SUV. It was known for being a great off-road vehicle and eventually became one of the company's biggest sellers. Many wealthy celebrities were seen with this vehicle, helping it become very popular among them.
13. Nissan Skyline GT-R
Many may know the Skyline GT-R from the Fast and Furious movies. This car was actually known for its impressive racing record in Japan. Many people modified these cars as well to improve on the already quick Skyline GT-R.
14. Volkswagen Beetle
This vehicle started from an idea in Germany. The Volkswagen Bug was born and went on to become one of the best-selling cars in the world. It had a distinctive shape, and its engine was placed at the back of the vehicle.
15. BMW M3
The BMW M3 first came out back in the 1980s and quickly made a name for itself on race circuits. It was able to beat some pretty tough opponents in touring-car racing. BMW continued to build on its formula, and the car has evolved ever since its inception.
Devon Janse van Rensburg on Unsplash
16. Toyota Prius
Not many people knew that Toyota could make such an innovative car. The Toyota Prius gave us the option to save gas without having to recharge our car. Once people heard about this vehicle, they wanted to get one.
17. Audi Quattro
Audi made one of the most influential rally cars in the world. Many competitors objected to the advantage Audi gained by introducing all-wheel drive to rally racing. All-wheel-drive cars could accelerate more effectively on loose or slippery surfaces because they could distribute power to all four wheels.
18. Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper arrived in the early 1990s with a massive V10 engine, minimal creature comforts, and an unapologetically demanding driving experience. Early versions lacked some of the electronic driver aids that became common in later performance cars, so getting the most out of one required respect for its power and handling.
19. Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 became legendary after Ford set out to challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Early attempts in 1964 and 1965 ended without a Ford car finishing the race, putting considerable pressure on the program to deliver results. In 1966, the GT40 Mk II finished first, second, and third, beginning a run of four consecutive overall Le Mans victories that secured its place in motorsports history.
20. Lexus LS 400
Lexus started building its dream luxury car in 1989. The company wanted to give its car the ultimate feel and was able to produce a great sedan. Lexus is now known as one of the great car companies that produces quality luxury vehicles.
