Wards100: Vehicles With Greatest Impact 1924-2024

As part of marking Wards’ 100th anniversary, we decided it would be appropriate that we offer readers our look at the most impactful vehicles of the last century by decade.

We created a survey, looking at each decade WardsAuto has been operating, and tried to determine the most impactful vehicle per decade, starting with the 1920s and culminating with 2024.

We started with between five and seven choices per decade based on our own research. What follows are the winners and the No.2 choices based on the votes of our jury of selectors: Wards Senior Editor David Kiley; Former Wards Editor-in-Chief and Contributor Drew Winter; Autoline Publisher and Wards Contributor John McElroy; Headlight News Editor and Publisher and Wards Contributor Paul Eisenstein; WardsAuto Contributor Gary Vasilash; Matt DeLorenzo, former editor of Road & Track and Autoweek, and current Editor-in-Chief of TightwadGarage.com.

What Does “impactful” mean? In short, it is the vehicle that made the biggest splash in its importance to the industry, as well as its longevity, performance and influence on what rivals produced.

1920s
Ford Model T: The Model T was the first affordable car for most Americans, and it helped change the way people lived, worked, and traveled. Henry Ford designed the Model T to be simple to use, durable, and affordable, and he achieved these goals through mass production on a moving assembly line at his Highland Park plant. The Model T was sold from 1908 to 1927 and 15 million units were produced, making it the quintessential vehicle of its time. The Model T was priced between $260 and $850, while competing cars often cost $2,000–$3,000.

The Model T came in several body styles, including a five-seat touring car, a two-seat runabout, and a 7-seat town car, and was originally available in a choice of colors. However, from 1913 to 1925, the car was mass-produced in only one color – black.

Runner-Up
Chrysler Six: Introduced in 1924, the Chrysler Six was a breakthrough vehicle that popularized the concept of the mid-priced car after the Model T set the stage for the entry-priced affordable vehicle. Offering a 6-cyl. at a price point between affordable and luxury cars, the Chrysler Six appealed to a wide range of upwardly mobile consumers and helped establish Chrysler as a reputable and popular brand. “The Six was the car that really made Walter Chrysler's company. It was significant because the prosperity that the Model T brought to this country in the 20s really set the table for the Chrysler 6 to be successful because you had an emerging middle class that wanted a little bit more than what they could get in the Model T,” says DeLorenzo.

1930s
The Alfa Romeo 8C: First introduced in 1931, the 8C was a series of high-performance sports cars built by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo. The 8C was Alfa Romeo's primary racing engine from 1931 to 1939, and was used in many successful vehicles, including the Monoposto “Tipo B” - P3, the 1935 6.3L Bimotore, and the 1935 3.8L Monoposto 8C 35 Type C. The 8C 2300 Le Mans model won the 1931 Le Mans race, and another model in the 8C lineup won the race four times in a row.

Runner-Up
Bugatti Type 57: Designed by Jean Bugatti, the Bugatti Type 57 was introduced in 1934 and represented the pinnacle of automotive artistry and performance. With its sleek lines, powerful engines and exquisite craftsmanship, the Type 57 solidified Bugatti’s reputation as a producer of some of the finest automobiles in the world.

1940s (Tie)
Type 1 Volkswagen Beetle: While the Volkswagen Beetle was originally designed in the late 1930s, production continued during the 1940s, albeit primarily for military purposes. The Beetle, with its distinctive design and reliable engineering, became one of the most renowned cars of the 20th century, symbolizing postwar German recovery and economic prosperity for three decades, as well as becoming the top-selling import in the U.S. Adding to the lore of the Type 1 is the fact that worker/refugees around Wolfsburg, Germany, after the war, were able to hand-build Type 1 vehicles to sell and barter for life’s necessities until the company was able to re-establish a proper factory.

Willys Jeep MB / Ford GPW: Developed for military use during World War II, the Willys Jeep MB and its Ford counterpart, the Ford GPW, were highly significant vehicles. They played crucial roles in various military operations, demonstrating exceptional off-road capabilities, reliability and versatility. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower said the Jeep was among the most crucial tools for the Allies’ victory. Eisenhower highlighted the Jeep's versatility, durability, and reliability, which allowed it to perform a wide range of tasks under harsh conditions. The Jeep became a ubiquitous symbol of American ingenuity and resilience. After the war, the Jeep was purchased by veterans and farmers/ranchers for recreational and work/utility use. Today’s Jeep Wrangler is the descendant of the Willys Jeep.

“The 1940s was a decade in which new vehicles did not get developed until after the war, so choosing the Jeep Willys and VW Type 1 feels right because in the case of the Jeep, it was not only a great piece of automotive engineering, but it played a key part in liberating the world, while the VW Type 1 finally got to realize Porsche’s original intent of providing affordable, reliable mobility to a recovering Europe,” says Kiley.

1950s
Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle): Yes, we repeated the Type 1 (Beetle) because while its history dates to the 1930s, when Ferdinand Porsche’s “People’s Car” was bankrolled by the Third Reich, its production as a car for consumers didn’t take off until the late 1940s in Europe and scaled up in the 1950s as the most important mass-market car in Europe, driving mobility and economic recovery on multiple continents.

Runner-Up
Chevrolet Corvette (C1): Introduced in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most distinguished American sports cars of all time. Often referred to as America's sports car, the Corvette featured fiberglass bodywork, a powerful V-8 engine and a 2-seat layout. It represented a new era of American performance and style.

“The Corvette certainly is impactful in that it was not only a significant statement by Chevrolet when it came out, but it remains so today, and is a recognized brand around the world,” says Scott Bell, Chevrolet vice president.

1960s
Ford Mustang: Introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang is one of the most influential cars of all time. Often credited with creating the “pony car” segment, the Mustang combined sporty styling, affordable pricing and a wide range of options, making it immensely popular with consumers. The Mustang’s success helped solidify Ford’s position in the automotive market and inspired generations of enthusiasts.

Runner-Up
Porsche 911: Introduced in 1963, the 911 has become an automotive icon renowned for its timeless design, exceptional performance and engineering excellence. Featuring a rear-mounted flat-6, superb handling and impeccable build quality, the 911 set new standards for sports cars and remains the benchmark for both enthusiasts and automakers.

1970s
Mercedes-Benz W123: Introduced in 1976, the Mercedes-Benz W123 series represented a new standard of luxury and durability in the midsize luxury segment. Featuring timeless design, exceptional build quality and a range of reliable engines, including diesel options, the W123 quickly established the standard for executive sedans. It was, by the end of its run, the most successful Mercedes ever, selling 2.7 million units before production ended in the autumn of 1985 for the saloon/sedan versions and January 1986 for coupés and estates/station wagons.

“The E Class was a real statement in that era that you had achieved some success in your life, and it was a great, durable piece of engineering too,” says Winter.

Runners-Up (Tie)
Porsche 911 Turbo (930): Introduced in 1975, the Porsche 911 Turbo, also known as the 930, was the first production car to feature a turbocharged engine and became an exemplar of automotive performance. With its distinctive wide-body design, powerful flat-6 and exhilarating driving dynamics, the 911 Turbo set new standards for supercar performance and helped establish Porsche’s reputation as a leader in high-performance sports cars.

BMW 3-Series (E21): Introduced in 1975, the BMW 3-Series (E21) was the first generation of BMW’s iconic compact executive car. Combining sporty handling, refined engineering and luxurious amenities, the 3-Series set new standards for performance and driving enjoyment in its class. It became a cornerstone of BMW’s lineup and remains one of the most popular and respected models in the automotive world.

“The 1970s 3-Series followed on the heels of the 2002 that established the whole idea of the ‘sports sedan.’ It is a superb statement of engineering and design,” says Kiley.

1980s
Ford Taurus: The original Ford Taurus broke the pattern of “flying brick” sedan designs. In truth, Ford probably broke the mold with the Thunderbird, which predated the Taurus, but the Taurus became a top-selling family sedan and defined a design era. It would be later in the 1990s that Ford botched the follow-up designs, creating what many critics dubbed the “flying football.” But the original Taurus was a game-changer.

“At that time everything was boxes and sharp edges, but with the first generation Taurus, and technically the T-Bird redo before that, the edges came off and car buyers really responded,” says DeLorenzo.

Runner-Up
Honda Accord (Third Generation): Introduced in 1985, the third-generation Honda Accord represented a significant leap forward in terms of quality, refinement and technology. With its aerodynamic styling, fuel-efficient engines and comfortable interior, the Accord became one of the best-selling cars in North America and helped cement Honda’s reputation for building reliable and practical vehicles.

Honorable Mention
Chrysler Minivan: The Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan displaced the station wagon as the family vehicle. The minivan greenlighted by Lee Iacocca led to rivals producing competing models – Chevrolet Astro, Ford Aerostar, Toyota Previa/Sienna, Mazda MPV, Nissan Quest, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival. Today, Stellantis produces the Chrysler Pacifica, which is the No.1 minivan, albeit in a declining market, while most others have left the category.

1990s
Toyota Prius (first generation, 1997): The Toyota Prius was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, introducing the concept of gasoline-electric hybrid propulsion to mainstream consumers. Its fuel efficiency and eco-friendly credentials paved the way for the widespread adoption of hybrid technology in the automotive industry.

Runner-Up
BMW E36 M3 (1992-1999): The BMW E36 M3 represented the evolution of BMW’s classic M3 lineup. With its powerful inline 6-cyl., balanced handling and understated styling, the E36 M3 became a yardstick for performance sports sedans and coupes, earning widespread acclaim from enthusiasts and critics alike.

Honorable Mention
Ford Explorer: The Explorer was not the first sport/utility vehicle. But the Explorer, built on the Ranger pickup platform, was the SUV that truly scaled the popularity of the vehicle that dominates the auto industry today. Ford sold a remarkable 5,027,525 Explorers through 1999, and the SUV today is in its sixth generation.

2000s
Toyota Prius (second generation, 2003-2009): Building upon the success of the first-generation Prius, the second-generation Prius further popularized hybrid technology worldwide. It became the quintessential vehicle for people who wanted to be identified with environmentalism. With improved fuel efficiency, more advanced features and a distinctive design, the Prius solidified its position as a symbol of environmentally friendly transportation.

Runner-Up
Porsche Cayenne (first generation, 2002-2010): The Porsche Cayenne marked Porsche’s entry into the SUV market and proved to be a commercial success, saving the then-financially struggling Porsche. Combining Porsche’s performance heritage with SUV practicality, the Cayenne introduced features such as adjustable air suspension and high-performance engine options.

“There was considerable hand-wringing over the Cayenne when it first came out, freaking out over Porsche doing an SUV. But it has been their most profitable vehicle over time and saved the company really financially,” says Winter.

2010s
Tesla Model S (2012-present): The Tesla Model S was a game-changer in the automotive industry, being one of the first mass-produced battery-electric luxury sedans with long-range capabilities. It set new standards for BEVs in terms of performance, range and technology, establishing Tesla as a major player in the automotive market.

Runner-Up
Toyota Prius/Corolla Hybrid: Toyota's fourth-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive system, found in vehicles such as the Prius and Corolla Hybrid, improved upon previous iterations with enhanced efficiency, performance and refinement. Toyota remains a leader in hybrid technology, offering a wide range of hybrid powertrains across its lineup. Toyota’s commitment to hybrid technology was an extraordinarily smart bet.

2010s ICE

Because the auto industry is in transition from internal-combustion engines to electrification, we thought it made sense to carve out a category for pure ICE vehicles in this decade and the 2020s.

Ford F-Series
Originally launched in 1948, we probably could have listed it in any decade since the 1950s. The F-Series was first introduced in 1948 as a replacement for a previous pickup model line based on car platforms. The most popular version of the model line is the F-150 pickup truck, currently in its 14th generation as of 2021.

The F-Series trucks have been developed into many design configurations. Alongside medium-duty trucks and “Big Job” conventional trucks, the line has been marketed as a chassis-cab truck and a panel van (a predecessor of the Ford E-Series). The F-Series has also served as the platform for various full-size Ford SUVs, including the Bronco, Expedition/Lincoln Navigator and Excursion, and even two short-lived Lincoln pickups.

More than 41 million F-150s have been sold since the truck was introduced 76 years ago. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 47 years and the best-selling vehicle of any kind in the U.S. for 42 years. No list of most impactful vehicles would be complete without the F-Series.

“Can we really imagine the automotive landscape without the F-Series?” Kiley asks.

Porsche 911 GT3 (991.2 generation, 2017-2019): The 991.2-generation Porsche 911 GT3 was highly regarded for its naturally aspirated flat-6, precise handling and track-focused performance. It represented the pinnacle of Porsche’s motorsport-derived technology and driving dynamics.

Toyota RAV4: As the crossover category increasingly displaced the 4-door sedan in the hearts and driveways of U.S. car buyers, Toyota’s RAV4 was the top-selling example between 2010 and 2020, defining reliability, quality and useful design for individuals and families with active lifestyles ranging from soccer games to weekend visits to the home-improvement center and the occasional camping trip. The RAV4’s success continues into the 2020s with a hybrid version, selling a total of 435,000 in 2023, making it the top-selling crossover in the U.S.

2020s
Tesla Model Y (2020-Present): The Tesla Model Y, introduced in 2020, is an all-electric compact SUV that builds upon the success of the Model 3 sedan. With impressive range, acceleration and advanced features like Autopilot, the Model Y has quickly become one of Tesla’s best-selling vehicles and has contributed to the growing popularity of electric SUVs. In 2023, the Tesla BEV was the top-selling passenger car, and No.5 overall, at 386,000.

Runner-Up
Lucid Air (2021-Present): The Lucid Air sedan aims to compete with established luxury automakers in the battery-electric-vehicle segment. With impressive range, performance and a focus on luxury and sustainability, the Lucid Air represents a new contender in the premium BEV market. Lucid is backed by the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund, which means the company has plenty of capital to finance its early start-up years. If Lucid can get marketing traction and brand awareness, and car buyers become confident that the ownership experience will be convenient, the brand could become a mainstay of the BEV revolution.

“The Lucid Air is exceptional for both the design that allows for so much roominess inside combined with tremendous performance. It’s one of my favorite vehicles of all time,” says Winter.

2020s ICE
Subaru Forester: This may be a surprise choice, but the Forester has been the No.1 recommended SUV/CUV by Consumer Reports for 11 consecutive years. The Forester is a 5-seat compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive. Getting the Forester down the road is Subaru’s ultra-reliable 182-hp, 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cyl. paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Forester is not a sexy choice, but the steadiness of it’s performance, sales and reliability makes it a benchmark.

Kia Telluride: The 2020 Telluride won the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and was universally praised across media outlets. This vehicle vaulted Kia’s reputation forward in the minds of both the media and the public. It is a superior combination of design and functionality – a testament to the South Korean brand’s strategy of overachieving – and serves as a benchmark for other automakers in how to package and execute a family SUV.