From the classic elegance of 1960s muscle cars to the high-tech, environmentally friendly electric vehicles that are becoming popular in today's market, each era of automotive history harbors its own unique charm.

Christian Brothers Automotive is here to take you through the decades of automotive innovation and style by introducing you to some of the most popular cars from each era. In both terms of sales numbers and relevance in pop culture, these models changed the way we looked at the automobile.

Let’s throw it in reverse and speed down Memory Lane!

1940s: Willys Jeep

The Willys Jeep, renowned for its military utility, left an indelible mark in history during wartime. Its rugged appeal and reliability made it a popular choice among civilians post-war, gaining a reputation as a versatile vehicle that effortlessly navigated both city streets and rough terrains. This era solidified the Jeep brand as synonymous with off-road capability, transforming it into not just a symbol of America's war effort but also a lifestyle statement.

1950s: Chevrolet Bel Air

The Chevrolet Bel Air, especially the 1957 model, epitomized '50s car culture. With its sleek design and powerful performance, it became a symbol of prosperity and optimism in the post-war era. Its chrome features, tailfins, and two-tone paint jobs made it the quintessential car of the '50s, forever associated with this golden decade of automotive history.

1960s: Ford Mustang

Introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang quickly roared its way to the heart of America's car culture. With its powerful performance and sleek design, it swiftly became a symbol of American muscle cars. The Mustang provided a perfect balance of luxury, power, and affordability, making it the vehicle of choice for many.

1970s: Toyota Corolla

Introduced in the late '60s, the Toyota Corolla gained popularity in the '70s. Its reliability, fuel economy, and affordable maintenance costs appealed to the growing economy-conscious market. With solid performance and practicality, it became one of the best-selling cars globally. Fun fact…as of 2021, this incredible piece of engineering has sold more than 50 million units, making it the most popular car in history!

1980s: Volkswagen Golf

Also known in the U.S. as the Rabbit, the Volkswagen Golf marked its place in the global automotive scene during the 1980s. Its compact size, paired with its efficient performance and unique design, appealed to a broad audience, amplifying its popularity across various markets.

1990s: Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer was pivotal in popularizing the SUV market in the United States during the '90s. Its rugged design, combined with a comfortable, family-friendly interior, appealed to a vast audience, marking a shift in consumer preference towards larger, more versatile vehicles.

2000s: Toyota Camry

For families looking for safety, space, and reliability, the Toyota Camry was the most popular choice. It’s eco-friendly engine was helpful on the wallet with great fuel efficiency. Taller drivers found it to be plentiful in head room, and road trips became a breeze with the ample cargo room in the large trunk. For most of this decade the Camry was toe-to-toe with the Chevrolet Silverado in popularity, but near the end of the decade the Silverado virtually dropped off the map in customer appeal and sales, leaving the Camry to easily zoom forward as the most purchased car of the decade. At the very end of this decade, however, the Toyota Corolla exponentially soared beyond any other car in popularity and sales, including the Camry.

2010s & On: A Look Ahead

As we continue through the 21st century, car models continue to evolve at an impressive pace. We're witnessing an unprecedented blend of power, cutting-edge technology, and environmental consciousness that have become a new norm. We’re even seeing brand new automobile manufacturers emerge as a result of the electric car movement.

However, it's too early to predict which of these models and technologies will make a significant impact on the 2010s and live on to become a modern classic. Only time will reveal the vehicles that define the decades that make up the 21st century!

Looking for more car lists? Check out our Top 10 Favorite Classic Cars here!

Get the Best Auto Services for Your Favorite Ride

No matter what car you drive, investing in regular maintenance from qualified technicians is the best way to enhance performance, boost safety, and extend its lifespan.

Christian Brothers Automotive's expert Technicians offer a wide range of quality repair and maintenance services tailored specifically to your vehicle's make and model. We take pride in the care and attention we give to every car!

Find our auto shop nearby and schedule an appointment with us! We hope to see you soon.