Cars have played a crucial role in shaping the U.S. economy and culture since the early 20th century. From the Ford Model T to the Toyota Camry, the evolution of car designs reflects the changing tastes of consumers and the technological advancements that drove the industry forward. This blog explores the best-selling cars of the 20th century by decade, highlighting the most iconic models and the vintage ads that accompanied them.
Best-Selling Cars of the 1900s
The dawn of the automobile industry saw the emergence of some of the first mass-produced cars, laying the foundation for what was to come.
Oldsmobile Curved Dash: As the first mass-produced and affordable car, this model used Ransom Olds' assembly line technique. It featured a gasoline engine, a steering wheel, and a pedal-operated transmission.
Ford Model N: This precursor to the Model T was one of the first cars to use a four-cylinder engine, setting the stage for Ford's later success.
Cadillac Model A: Known for introducing the electric starter, eliminating the need for manual hand-cranking.
1910s
The 1910s marked a period of significant change, with the Ford Model T leading the way.
Ford Model T: Known as the "car that put America on wheels," this model revolutionized automotive manufacturing with Henry Ford's assembly line technique. It quickly became one of the most influential cars in history.
Chevrolet Series 490: A strong competitor to the Model T, offering more features and options.
Dodge Model 30: Notable for being the first car with an all-steel body, a feature that enhanced durability and performance.
1920s
The Roaring Twenties brought more stylish and modern cars to the forefront, with a focus on comfort and innovation.
Ford Model A: The successor to the Model T, and was more modern and stylish than the Model T, featuring a four-cylinder engine, a three-speed transmission, four-wheel brakes, and a variety of colors and body styles. The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum has a rare gazogène system version of the Ford Model A.
Chevrolet Series AB National: This rival to the Model A offered a longer wheelbase and a six-cylinder engine, providing more space and power.
Chrysler Model B-70: Known for introducing four-wheel hydraulic brakes, praised for its engineering quality.
1930s
The Great Depression didn't halt car production, and the 1930s saw significant innovations in design and safety.
Chevrolet Master: This best-selling car brand offered a wide range of models, introducing innovations like Art Deco styling and independent front suspension.
Ford Model B: An aerodynamic second-generation Model A with a V8 engine and lower center of gravity.
Plymouth Model PA: The first car to use a floating power engine mount, reducing engine vibrations and noise.
1940s
After World War II, car production resumed with new innovations and updates to pre-war models.
Chevrolet Stylemaster: This post-war model became a best-seller by introducing Powerglide automatic transmission and the Bel Air hardtop.
Ford Super Deluxe: Featuring wood-paneled station wagons and convertible coupes, this model represented a return to peacetime luxury.
Plymouth Special Deluxe: Known for its spacious interior and reliable engine, offering a smooth ride.
1950s
Chevrolet Bel Air: The best selling car of the 1950s, as it offered a variety of models, from the practical 150 to the sporty Corvette. It also introduced some of the most iconic and influential car designs of the 20th century, such as the 1955 Chevy, the 1957 Chevy, and the 1959 Chevy. It also pioneered some of the first innovations in car performance, such as the small-block V8 engine, the fuel injection, and the positraction differential.
Ford Fairlane: The flagship model of the Ford, and featured a sleek and elegant body, a retractable hardtop, and a Thunderbird engine.
Plymouth Fury: The high-performance model of the Plymouth, and offered a powerful V8 engine, a push-button transmission, and a tailfin design.
1960s
Volkswagen Beetle: The best selling car of the 1960s, as it offered a low price, high reliability, easy maintenance, and quirky charm. It also became a symbol of the counterculture and the hippie movement, and was featured in movies, songs, and art. It also surpassed the Ford Model T as the most produced car in history.
Ford Mustang: The first of the pony cars, and offered a sporty and affordable car for the young and the restless. It also spawned a new segment of muscle cars, and was available in a variety of models, such as the GT, the Shelby, and the Mach 1. The Tampa Bay Automobile museum has a rare 1965 4WD version of the Ford Mustang on display.
Chevrolet Impala: The most popular model of the Chevrolet, and offered a spacious and comfortable car for the family and the cruiser. It also featured a distinctive body style, a powerful engine, and a smooth ride.
1970s
Toyota Corolla: The best selling car of the 1970s, as it offered a solution to the problems of the oil crisis, the environmental regulations, and the quality issues. It was popular for its high fuel economy, low emissions, high durability, and high resale value. It also became a symbol of the rise of the Japanese car industry, and the decline of the American car industry.
Ford Pinto: The first subcompact car from Ford, and offered a cheap and cheerful car for the budget-conscious. It also featured a hatchback design, a front-wheel drive, and a four-cylinder engine.
Chevrolet Vega: The first subcompact car from Chevrolet, and offered a stylish and sporty car for the young and the hip. It also featured an aluminum engine, a rear-wheel drive, and a station wagon.
1980s
Honda Accord: The best selling car of the 1980s, as it offered a combination of performance, comfort, and reliability. It was popular for its smooth ride, spacious interior, advanced features, and low maintenance. It also became a symbol of the success of the Japanese car industry, and the challenge of the American car industry.
Ford Escort: The second generation of the Ford Escort, and offered a compact and efficient car for the urban and the practical. It also featured a front-wheel drive, a five-speed transmission, and a diesel engine.
Chevrolet Cavalier: The second generation of the Chevrolet Cavalier, and offered a versatile and affordable car for the family and the commuter. It also featured a four-wheel drive, a convertible option, and a Z24 performance model.
1990s
Toyota Camry: The best selling car of the 1990s, as it offered a balance of quality, safety, and affordability. It was popular for its quiet engine, comfortable seats, ample trunk space, and high customer satisfaction. It also became a symbol of the dominance of the Japanese car industry, and the adaptation of the American car industry.
Honda Civic: The fifth generation of the Honda Civic, and offered a compact and agile car for the fun and the frugal. It also featured a VTEC engine, a double wishbone suspension, and a hatchback design.
Ford Taurus: The third generation of the Ford Taurus, and offered a large and refined car for the executive and the professional. It also featured a more aerodynamic body, a dual airbag
The best selling cars of the 20th century tell us a lot about the history and culture of each decade, as well as the evolution and innovation of the car industry. From the Oldsmobile Curved Dash to the Toyota Camry, each car has its own story and significance.
Sources:
(1) The Best-Selling Car in America, Every Year Since 1978 - Visual Capitalist. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/best-selling-car-in-america-every-year-since-1978/.
(2) The Most Popular Cars From Every Decade - SlashGear. https://www.slashgear.com/986132/the-most-popular-cars-from-every-decade/.
(3) Top Selling Car of Last Decade - 24/7 Wall St.. https://247wallst.com/special-report/2022/09/03/top-selling-car-of-last-decade/.
(4) India: best selling cars for the last decade 2011-2020 | Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1264831/india-best-selling-cars-for-the-last-decade/.