THEN AND NOW: The most famous car models in America
Zoë Ettinger
- Many of today's most beloved cars have original models that were created decades ago.
- The Ford Mustang is the best-known car in America, according to YouGov, and its first model came out in 1964.
- The Jeep Wrangler also makes the list — it first came out in 1986.
Many of the best-known cars on the road today have been around for decades. The Ford Mustang has been around for more than half a century, while the Jeep Wrangler has been on the market for more than three decades.
Business Insider referred to a YouGov survey that determined the most famous car models in America based on how many respondents had heard of the car. We then listed the cars from least to most famous and found photos of their earliest models.
Take a look at photos of the most famous car models when they first came out compared to now.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee was introduced in 1993 as a powerful on-road and off-road vehicle.
Source: Jeep
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has updated features like collision warning and LED-projector headlights.
Source: Jeep
The Ford Focus came out in 2000 and was launched in hatchback and sedan varieties.
Source: US News
Ford stopped producing the Focus in 2018 due to import tariffs from China.
Source: Forbes
The first Toyota Corolla was released in 1966 in Japan, but hit the American market a couple of years later.
Source: Toyota
The latest Corolla model has modern features like safety alerts and an entertainment system.
Source: Toyota
The Toyota Camry was created in 1980 and hit the US market in 1983. It has consistently been one of the most popular sedans in America.
Source: Car and Driver
The 2020 Camry comes in 15 different colors and has a hybrid version.
Source: Toyota
The Ford Explorer came out in 1991 and was Ford's first four-door SUV.
Source: Motortrend
The new Ford Explorer seats seven and has 400 horsepower.
Source: Ford
The Jeep Wrangler came out in 1986 and was marketed as an off-road SUV.
Source: Car and Driver
The latest Jeep Wrangler is still marketed as an off-road vehicle, and it has special mud-terrain tires.
Source: Jeep
The first generation Honda Accord launched in 1976. It was a two-door hatchback and was on the brand's premium line.
Source: Manchester Honda
The 2020 Honda Accord is the 10th generation of the model and comes in a hybrid version.
Source: Car and Driver
The Jeep Cherokee was the brand's first full-time four-wheel drive vehicle. It was marketed as an off-road and on-road vehicle.
Source: Jeep
The new Jeep Cherokee is still marketed as an adventure vehicle, but now has four doors and updated safety features.
Source: Jeep
The Honda Civic first came out in 1973, and was introduced in a three-door hatchback and sedan version.
Source: Car and Driver
The new Honda Civic is available as both a four-door sedan and two-door coupe.
Source: Car and Driver
The Ford Mustang was released in 1964, and it was marketed as an affordable sports vehicle.
Source: Business Insider
The Ford Mustang is still the most popular two-door sports vehicle today.
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