Thanksgiving thankfulness, and what is the most influential car of modern times?
First of all, a happy and healthy Thanksgiving to all those who observe it. You folks are among the many things I am thankful for -- without you, my loyal and constant readers, I wouldn't be able to make a living doing what I love to do. 2008 is shaping up to be the Cars site's best year ever in terms of traffic -- and for that I am very, very grateful. Thank you, one and all.
This year's Thanksgiving car question relates (tangentially, sort of) to thankfulness. What car of modern times -- say, the last 30 years or so -- can we thank for having done the most to influence what American buyers expect in their vehicles? You guys start -- if you're unfamiliar with the drill, just click the "comments" link below -- and I'll post my own answer in a comment a little later on.
-- Aaron Gold
Photo © Chrysler
Comments
Okay, I’ll give this a go. You ask for a single make and model that has changed the face of the industry and what we “Americans” have come to expect. While I do think that within the last 4 years expectations have changed, if we look at the past 30 years total I would have to choose the Toyota 4 Runner.
Now I know what you all may be thinking, “why that? no way! are you high?”. Just hear me out on this one.
Some might say the Dodge Caravan is a game changer having ushered in the age of the Mini Van. The Toyota Prius established the mainstay of the hybrid; while the EV1 and the Honda Insight were the concepts that opened the hybrid/electric flood gates; but the Prius was the first to bring a hybrid you could live with.
But in the end I pick the Toyota 4 Runner as being the first SUV. Some might argue the Ford Explorer, being the most popular SUV for over a decade, but it was the 4 Runner that pioneered the concept of a truck with a full rear seat (and removable top to boot!). Now one can say our expectations have changed most recently and the SUV is now a frowned upon product, but it was the one product line beyond all others that every single car company just had to offer. Look at the gas crunch of the 70s and say that brought in the age of the compact imports. True, but that didn’t spark every single car maker world wide to desire a compact in their product line. Nor the birth of the Mini Van, for that matter.
No it was the SUV that everyone just had to have. And the bigger the better too! The SUV became such a market leader that even Porsche had to offer one. A sports car specialist had to make one! And we have the 4 Runner to thank for all of it.
Now let’s hope in 30 years from now when Aaron, sitting in his rocking chair on his front porch in sandles, black socks, and plaid shorts asks the question again, the answer is something regarding the first fully electric 1000 mile range on a single charge with nationwide access to instant recharge stations thingy mcbob.
In the mean time, I am thankful for opportunity to share my opinions openly and freely with others without fear of oppression or censorship. And thank you Aaron for keeping your readers engaged in lively topics regarding this most passionate subject, CARS! Vroom vroom.
Well, my first inclination is to nominate the AMC Eagle as one of the most influential cars of the last 30 years. It is arguably the grandaddy of the ever-growing segment we now know today as “Crossovers.” Even vehicles like the new BMW X6 resemble it in so many ways. The technology has improved, but the basic idea remains the same: take a wagon, lift the suspension, give it an AWD drivetrain.
It can also be seen as a game-changer in terms of how SUVs became more widely accepted, because other manufacturers learned to put more effort into carrying people as well as cargo.
Sure, there are other cars like the Dodge Caravan, which re-invented how we think about vans (even though the Volkswagen Type 2 preceded it by over 30 years); the Ford Taurus, which completely influenced the design of American family sedans for generations; the Mazda Miata, which reminded Americans you didn’t need 8 cylinders to have a blast (even though Europeans have known that for decades); and the Volkswagen GTI, which inspired generations of the Hot Hatch segment, which spawned such classics as the GLH, SVT Focus, and my Mazdaspeed3.
But because of the popularity of SUVs, and now Crossover vehicles, I truly believe the AMC Eagle planted a seed almost 30 years ago that is still blossoming to this day.
My first thought was the Toyota Corolla. Or more to the point, cars like the Corolla that were, and can still be inexpensive to purchase; can be driven forever; is frugal with the gas consumption; is extremely reliable; and retains a high resale value. It lead the initial wave of people relating, for good or bad, the notion that Japanese made vehicles were better than American made vehicles. Even when joint ventures that created “twin” cars, for example the Corolla and the Geo Prism, more people believed that the Corolla was superior even though they were identical.
That perceived quality gap between American and foreign cars started many years ago with the Corolla. It affected and still affects our domestic automobile sales because it invites people to make comparisons with the created expectations of “what American buyers expect in their vehicles.”
What’s modern times?
Currently, design wise the Bangle Butt of the 7 series BMW seems to have influenced more design-wise than just about anything else.
The safety and tech features in any generation of S-class Mercedes seems to foretell the standard features in all cars a decade later.
Subaru’s Forester and Outback models heralded the crossover age. The Eagle could get some credit here, I suppose. Subaru did it well though.
The original Rabbit remains the predecessor for all hatches and hot-hatches for the last 30 years.
In terms of SUV’s, lets give some credit to the Bronco and later Bronco II. 4 Runner? No.
The Mustang was, is, and for as long as Ford remains solvent, one of the most influential cars of several generations.
Hopefully you will ask the same question again in 10 years and see the Jetta TDI on the list as finally popularizing diesels in the US.
I can’t really put my finger on one single car that I feel is the most influential or remarkable vehicle in the last 30 years. There are so many that I would love to have in my garage. I think most car makers are responsible for pushing each other to make better and safer vehicles. But the One Company who has repeatedly set the future for all car makers over the last 30 years has been Mercedes Benz.
Look at what they are putting on their new cars, that is the future for all car makers. And I think if you look back 30 years to see what Merc was making, you will see most companies have gone that way. The whole Oil burner scene has come full circle.
I hope every one who celebrates has a fun, family filled Turkey Day. And may your garage always hold your dream car.
Agent Mike
I vote for the Dodge Caravan. It heralded the emergence of an entire genre of vehicles that dominated the kid-hauler segment for decades.
Interesting answers so far!
You’re probably thinking that I’m going to say the Neon, since that’s what’s in the picture. Actually, I was originally going to say the Camry, the car that offered Toyota refinement and reliability in a family-size package. The Neon just happened to be the best photo I could find (for some reason I can’t get to Toyota’s media site).
But when I started to think about it more, I realized that the 1995 Neon really was way more influential. Before the Neon, compact cars were basically soul-free econoboxes. The Neon was the first compact to offer a roomy back seat, a whopper of an engine (2.0 liters, 140 hp), and a truly fun-to-drive nature. I had a ‘95 Neon — my first new car — and loved it. Before the Neon, ‘92 Sentra, with 16 valves and 110 horsepower, was about as muscly as compact cars got. Today, most compacts have 130 or 140 horsepower engines and are big enough for family duty. Even the modern-day Civic shows the early Neon’s influence. I bet the folks at Chrysler are kicking themselves for replacing the Neon with the Caliber… — Aaron
I’m going to nominate two vehicles; they were both sufficiently influential that I can’t decide between them. The first is the “downsized” Jeep Cherokee. This was the vehicle that popularized the SUV, and you still see lots of Cherokees on the roads (and off). The second is the Honda Civic, the gold standard of high quality compact cars.
Toyota Camry. It changed the American auto landscape forever. It made the US industry begin to build quality again.
No contest.
I would say the BMW 3-series. Too many competitors have tried to copy it, too many people want one and too many people have one.
I know it’s been out there for more than 30 years but the MUSTANG has defined sports/pony car, affordability, mystique, muscle if you want it and American Iron all in one marque.
More recently, I agree with the “cat” and say that the Civic is “affordability with bulletproof reliability” and hard to beat resale value…anywhere!
I agree that the Toyota Camry has been quite influential for the industry, but my nomination has to be for a car that came before the Camry that set the bar - the Honda Accord. This Honda single handedly changed what is expected from a car in the largest segment (compact / mid-size). All other cars, including the Camry, use the Accord as the high water mark.
I would have to second the collective agreement on the Honda offerings (cumulative) as more or less setting the bar which other auto manufacturers had to match regarding economy, fit/finish, design and longevity. I remember my very first Honda, a Accord CVCC hatchback that I bought secondhand with 110K on the odo (a ridiculous amount of miles for cars back then!) and drove for two uneventful years until the combination of a friend that borrowed it and an athletic tree that ‘jumped out of nowhere’ caused it’s demise. I do have to add however that GM and their original K5 Blazer and Suburban offerings (’73-’87) directly led to the frenzy of full size ‘utes from the late 80’s to present day, both domestic and import, and deserve honorable mention. Just THINK about how many SUV’s you see out there on your next drive to the grocery store. It’s mind-boggling.
The most influential car of modern times is the Fiat 128. It was the first car to combine a transverse, belt driven OHC engine to frontwheel drive in a tall body that allowed 4 adults and a decent amount of luggage in an affordable package. It also has 4 wheel independent suspension, MacPherson struts, radial tirs, electric radiator fan. It really is the prototype for all economy and moderately priced family cars since. Actually, without the 128, the mini van (which is also a great nominee) would not have possible as we know it.
I would have to say the Chevy Corvette. While it’s not a car you will see in the average driveway, I believe it inspires and evokes the kid in us all. The “what if” factor. Almost everyone one of us at one time or another have pictured ourselves behind the wheel of shiny red corvette. No other car has provided years of pleasure and a pure adrenalin rush like a corvette, even if we don’t own one.
Toyota 4Runner? The Bronco and Blazer did it way before then. The 4Runner may have been one of the first small SUVs, but not the first. (From a former 4Runner owner).
Re: your article on Michelin Primacy tire test 2007…. I bought a set a year ago replacing original equipment Dunlop 5000 tires and have suffered at least a 10% reduction in highway gas mileage. Rolling resistance hasn’t been but will be a key factor in next tire purchase.
Okay first the 4Runner was NOT THE FIRST SUV.
The Jeepster from way back when was probably your first SUV that along with the Ford Bronco, Chevy Suburban, and the IH line where all SUVs way before we called them that.
Now most influential cars?
I would say the 924. Just how many cars copied the look of the 924? The RX-7, 300ZX, and goodness knows how many other sport cars where clones of that car?
Honda Civic.
Small FWD car that runs well and forever.
VW GTI. The original hot hatch.
The first Mini Minors. They were the first front wheel drive cars with east-west (crossways) power plant layout. Nearly all fwd cars use the east-west layout now. Before them fwd cars were rare and usually kludges. Some, like the Cord, were attractive kludges but still kludges.
VW Beetle…………..!!!
The Honda Accord if fear. The first Chrysler Minivan and whatever Mercedes and BMW made. Infinity and Lexus copy everything from them. It’s gross.
Re: Comment 18
The Porsche 924 was a piece of crap - worst Porsche ever.
Derek, I had a special black hole in my heart for my old girlfiend’s 914(1973,I think). This crappy volkswagen dressed up in Porsche badges was in MY estimation the worst Porsche ever…hands down!
The 914 and 924 were actually excellent sports cars. They were crappy Porsches undeniably…but all Porsches are compared to the 911. (The Cayenne is a crappy Porsche too - albeit a great SUV.)
The Cadbury Flake is a crappy Cadbury chocolate bar. I’d take it over a Hershey bar any day.
I was going to say that the 63 Jeep Wagoneer with its 4wd/automatic trans/4dr combo-it hadn’t been done before. New to SUVs (as they came to be known) was an independent front suspension as well as the overhead cam 6 cylinder engine that hadn’t been used in a truck line before. Plus these things were combined with wagon styling and, to some extent, handling. Really the Wagoneer was a trailblazor for the modern SUV. Nevertheless Aaron’s question was asking which modern CAR in the past 30 years was most influential which leaves out the wagoneer on both counts. So… I’d go with the BMW 3 series (sorry Aaron
) because the influence this car has exerted has gone both upmarket and downmarket. Everything from the BMW dogleg C pillar to the design of their suspensions has been copied. Everyone from GM to Honda to Toyota has copied major elements of the design of the 3 Series. Nearly everyone has tried to create a 3 series suspension on the cheap. Even Mercedes and Audi have been doing significant “cribbing”. Since this has been the case for a major part of the past 30 years, I guess that’s where I’d put my money.
I have to say the original Jeep. I know they are actually closer to 70 years old, but this is really the first sport utility vehicle. It started out, same as many of the other SUV’s as simply a utility vehicle. This vehicle, however, was being used worldwide for off-road fun long before the Explorer, Fourrunner, or any of the other contemporary SUV’s were ever thought of. It is the only one which has retained it’s basic identity over the years despite several design changes, and company ownership changes. The original Willys, the follow-on CJ series Jeeps and the current Wrangler are loved and respected by millions, and is still considered by most at the ultimate “go anywhere” SUV.
My vote goes to the Chevy/GMC Suburban. They were first introduced in 1937, I think. They were a big van/station wagon/SUV. Now look how many off-shoots exist that in some way mimic the utility of the original Suburban/CarryAll. Though downsized, all of the cross-overs, Caravans, vans are all attempting to deliver the same utility but in modified variations.
I’d have to give another vote to the original Rabbit/Golf. The Rabbit GTI was first true hot hatch and the car which really started the aftermarket Euro/JDM market as U.S. buyers tried to get parts to emulate the Euro GTI. Some may not be young enough to remember the stir that car caused when it was first introduced in 1983, but it led to an entire generation of small, affordable, modern sports cars. If you haven’t had a chance to drive an original one, even today it still holds up and is a blast to drive. On a side note, the original Rabbit Diesel was the first car to get 50 mpg, and that was back in 1977! Today, 32 years later, we celebrate the Jetta TDi which gets the same mileage…albeit with 3x the horsepower of the original.
Dodge Neon? Come on Aaron? There must be a dozen cars they copied to come up with that piece of crap Neon?
My vote goes to Chrysler for the minivan. Changed the entire industry and they’re still trying to make it work with X-overs.
2nd place goes to the Honda Accord in the 70’s. I had to pay $50 to be in line for one of the new blue hatchbacks that might come in any month. That was 77. I wandered into a Porsche dealership and bought a copper 924 off the showroom floor a few weeks later and lost my deposit. No regrets.
C
Lotus Elise
* stylish (beautiful exotic lines),
* light (high-tech extruded, bonded aluminum chassis),
* world-class performance (great acceleration and there are plenty of claims that it is one of the best handling cars in the world),
* pseudo-affordable (used ones go around $30k),
* reliable (uses a Toyota Celica GTS drivetrain),
* removable top,
* unbelievable fuel economy (30MPG mixed-driving as per owners on fueleconomy-dot-gov)!
ALSO…
kudos to:
* Chrysler for the minivan, and Honda for perfecting it
* VW for the TDi - great car with great fuel economy.
* Model-T, Neon, Escort, Civic - for the mass-produced econoboxes. Some are not pretty, but these cars allowed basic transportation to the masses.
* Mercedes - everyone copies it, that in itself is a testament to the car.
* Mazda Miata - bringing back the roadsters!
* Corvette - pseudo-affordable, world-class performance, and decent fuel economy considering the power. (my ‘99 had 350hp and averaged 19mpg mixed driving)
* Toyota & Honda - for setting the bar higher when it comes to QUALITY
* Toyota MR2 Turbo (1991-1995) - sleek & stylish, mid-engine, fast, great stock stereo, t-tops, appointed like a Lexus, reliable, FUN!
Since the question limits the time frame to about 30 years, I would have to say the mid 70s Chrysler products. As far as I know, they were the first to include electronic ignition and the change from mechanical control systems to electronic control systems began in earnest with the electronic ignition systems of the 70s. Electronic fuel injection came about 15 years later and full computer control began a few years later. Now virtually every control system is electronically operated. This technology has greatly increased automotive reliability and in many cases safety.
Not that I think it was the most influential but it certainly created a whole new wave of cars, e.g., Boxster, Solstice, Z3 and Z4, SLK, and a ton more that are not sold in the US.
None other than the Mazda MIATA!!!
…and a real leader in AWD… the first that really created the present wave of AWD cars: the AUDI QUATTRO.
Yes, there were earlier 4WD version, but the Quattro was the real thing in the AWD movement…
I vote for the NSX…it permanently raised the bar for reliable, liveable, fun, near-exotic sports cars, with many engineering and mass-production “firsts”, forcing the other marques to play catch-up.
My first thought was the Ford Taurus that brought sleek, aero styling to family sedans. Chrysler didn’t invent cab-forward design, but it brought it to the family sedan with the Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, and Eagle Vision.
However, it seems that whatever innovation Mercedes introduces today, that innovation finds it’s way to mainstream cars, even econoboxes, within 10 years.