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10 Cars That Changed Our Lives

Forbes compiles autos that changed the world

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 28, 2009 5:37 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Cars can create or symbolize profound change—in lifestyle, financial status, and even forms of government. Forbes looks at 10 that changed the world:

  1. Toyota Prius. The flagship model for all hybrids, the Prius opened people's minds to the ugly environmental impact of driving. It remains the world's best-selling hybrid vehicle.
  2. Dodge Caravan. The success of the family-friendly Caravan, and competitors' imitations, kicked the minivan craze into gear.

  1. Jeep Cherokee. Greenies may lament the Cherokee's success, but its status as a practical family car triggered the '90s SUV boom.
  2. Ford Mustang. The original muscle car, the Mustang was wildly popular when it debuted in 1964—and has remained so, enjoying uninterrupted production ever since.
  3. Ford Model T. The first car that working-class Americans could afford, the Model T gave birth to American car culture.
Click the link below for the complete list.

In this file photo taken Jan. 12, 2009, a 2010 Toyota Prius is introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
In this file photo taken Jan. 12, 2009, a 2010 Toyota Prius is introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.   (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
In this photo released by Chrysler Corp., a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, successor to the Jeep Cherokee, is shown.
In this photo released by Chrysler Corp., a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, successor to the Jeep Cherokee, is shown.   (AP Photo/Chrysler Corp., Jim Frenak)
This is an undated photo of Henry Ford's Model T Touring Car at an unknown location. The light model T was introduced in Oct. 1908 at a base price of $825.
This is an undated photo of Henry Ford's Model T Touring Car at an unknown location. The light model T was introduced in Oct. 1908 at a base price of $825.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
JonmarkP
Jun 29, 2009 12:42 PM CDT
The Jeep Cherokee did not trigger the SUV boom, it was the Ford Explorer-it was a piece of crap (F-150 with sheet a metal shroud, leather seats, cup-holders and chrome). At twice the price, Ford engineers had to query buyers about why they bought that pig, as it had no safety features at all and cost a fortune. Buyers responded that it made them *feel* safe and important, apparently more important than actually being safe and important.
Mad
Jun 29, 2009 11:06 AM CDT
Volkswagen Beetle made the list, righteous. I had a '62 Baja Bug, drove it from '75 to '90, put at least 250,000 miles on it, mostly in the desert. Rode the hell out of that car, all without a radiator! Volkswagon means Peoples Car, at I can see where an entire nation would thrive with this vehicle
A1A
Jun 29, 2009 3:08 AM CDT
The Ford Explorer was not from the F150, it was smaller, genius. The Expedition was the size of the the F150. They were both fairly reliable, something a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Fiat has never been, which is why GM and Chrysler had to get bailed out and Ford did not. You know nothing about autos that isn't learned from your whacked out enviro friends, which must make you feel important. No bloviating!

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Toyota • Ford • SUV • Prius • Jeep Grand Cherokee • automobile

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