12. Volkswagen New Beetle
When the Volkswagen New Beetle debuted, some enthusiasts worried it would undermine the brand’s heritage and seriousness. However, its playful retro styling and nostalgic appeal struck a powerful chord with buyers.
The New Beetle’s popularity helped revitalize Volkswagen’s image, drawing new fans and rekindling global interest in the company’s lineup. What could have been a risky gimmick became a cornerstone of VW’s late-1990s resurgence. Explore the full story at Car and Driver.