Customer Logins
Obtain the data you need to make the most informed decisions by accessing our extensive portfolio of information, analytics, and expertise. Sign in to the product or service center of your choice.
Customer LoginsTen most significant automotive models of the past decade
Creating a list is risky. It's almost inevitable that readers will complain, saying something like, "How could you possibly leave out xxx?" or "What were you thinking when you included xxx?" Nevertheless, the end of a decade seems an appropriate time to look back, and I'll do so by picking out the ten models (listed in alphabetical order) I think had the greatest impact on the industry during the past ten years.
BMW 3-Series (any year)
The 3-Series has led the small premium car category for decades; BMW's competitors keep trying, but none can de-throne the 3-Series. Some people think the 3 Series is popular because it comes in so many different configurations, but the core strength of the 3-Series is its unmatched combination of image and driving characteristics. And both these attributes are reinforced by the M.
Cadillac CTS (any year)
The CTS is Cadillac's first-ever competitive product in the small luxury sedan segment, one of the biggest parts of the luxury market. The success of the CTS helped put Cadillac back on the luxury map, and with that GM discovered that it actually could compete. The CTS also paved the way for the successful Cadillac design cues we see today. Some hard-core import-buyers have admitted, "The only domestic product I would consider is the CTS."
Chevrolet Malibu (2008)
This car showed that GM could still build a competitive mainstream midsize car; it had not done so in the Chevrolet line for a long time, despite the fact that at one time GM owned the midsize category. Not only was the Malibu named 2008 North American Car of the Year, but it out-paced the re-designed Honda Accord in that same contest. The new Malibu also placed first in its segment in both the J.D. Power and Associates IQS and APEAL Studies, a rarity for a model in its first year on the market.
Chrysler 300 (2004)
Like the Malibu, the Chrysler 300 demonstrated that its parent can still build an excellent car when it wants to. This model has also illustrated the benefits of a partnership between two auto giants such as Daimler and Chrysler, even though that union ultimately failed. This car won so many awards that a list of them would not fit on a two-page magazine spread.
Ford Mustang (any year)
In the early years of this decade everyone knew the muscle car category was on its last legs. Everyone, that is, except Mustang. Ford dealers delivered over 681,000 Mustangs in the five years immediately following the discontinuation of the Camaro, from 2004 through 2008. Eventually Chevrolet realized it had to get back into this space, which it has successfully done with the all-new Camaro. Dodge soon followed with the Challenger. The Mustang not only created the original pony-car segment, but by the force of its persistence and stubbornness, has forced others to follow.
Honda CR-V (any year)The CR-V and Forester were the first small crossovers to enter the U.S. market, back in the mid-90s. CR-V sales now run neck-and-neck with those of the Escape and RAV4, but the CR-V feels like the leader of this growing segment that accounts for more than one of every ten new vehicle registrations. The CR-V is positioned right in the center of the sweet spot that combines SUV functionality, fuel economy, compactness and simplicity.
Hummer H2 (any year)
The H2 driver flaunted in-your-face bigness, poor gas mileage, and everything else that was politically incorrect. And, with its bigness and blatant SUVishness, the H2 eventually became one more symbol of the problems confronting GM.
Hyundai Genesis (2009)
When the Genesis was named the 2009 North American Car of the Year, Hyundai was instantly transformed into a legitimate brand. The thinking was, "How could a second tier brand like Hyundai win such an award?" and the only response was that Hyundai is NOT a second-tier brand. Since then Hyundai has continued to flourish.
Toyota Prius (2003 MY)
No explanation needed here. The Prius, now ubiquitous, legitimized hybrids. It remains the king of hybrids, accounting for 54% of all hybrids registered in the U.S October 2010 CYTD (retail). It's such a successful model that's it's becoming a brand.
Posted by Tom Libby, PolkInsight Advisor, Polk (12.17.2010)