20 Cars That Defined The Auto Industry Over The Last Decade

5. Lincoln Navigator

When the first Navigator rolled off the assembly line in 1998, nobody expected that it would be such a successful, influential model. It wasn’t the first full-size luxury SUV, and it wasn’t the biggest, but its combination of luxury, style, power, and performance was so captivating, it influenced the industry.

Unfortunately, Ford concentrated on the luxury aspects instead of off-road characteristics. Despite the fact that the Navigator has a capable chassis and engine, it was too heavy for off-road driving. But that is perfectly fine since the Navigator has lots of other qualities.

Why is it important? If you think that classic American luxury and opulence is gone, think again. It’s just taken a different form.

4. Ford GT

Ford’s newest and most advanced supercar is the mighty GT. Armed with a strong racing heritage and the latest technology, the GT is one of the best and fastest cars you can buy today.

The engine of the new GT is particularly impressive. It is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that delivers 656 HP, which gives the car a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 216 mph. It is a mid-mounted unit that makes the new GT handle like a dream and win races, too.

Why is it important? It is 1966 all over again, and again, and Ford won.

3. Ford F-150 Raptor

The Ford F-150 Raptor has a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 450 HP and 510 lb-ft. With its 10-speed automatic transmission, it has a sub-five-second acceleration time. Although the impressive figures suggest this is an exotic supercar, in reality, this is a full-size pickup truck. Best of all, it comes with room for five people and has a regular truck bed in the back.

But this is not an ordinary pickup. This Ford Raptor is the closest thing to a full Baja 1000 racing vehicle you can put the license plates on.

Why is it important? Would you like a vehicle that takes you across the desert during the day and then out to a fancy dinner at night? It’s possible with the Ford F-150 Raptor.

2. Dodge Viper ACR

Dodge discontinued the last generation Viper in 2017 due to slow sales. However, a car like the Viper wouldn’t go without a fight, so they presented a special edition Dodge called the 2016 Viper ACR. It is the best and one of the fastest track-ready cars in the world. As you may already know, ACR Vipers were always a car purist’s dream. They are specially-prepared road/track cars with immense possibilities and fantastic performance numbers.

The secret of the ACR Viper is the slightly more powerful engine that produces 645 HP. The car lost significant weight and has a perfectly-balanced chassis, race tires and powerful Brembo brakes. Unfortunately, at $120,000, the Viper isn’t a bargain by any means but is worth every cent.

Why is it important? The Dodge Viper is probably the best American sports thoroughbred and the future classic.

1. Hyundai Veloster N

The standard Hyundai Veloster is an odd-looking hatchback. It has an unusual three-door layout with two doors on the right side and one on the left. Apart from this quirky feature, the Veloster, in its standard guise, is a boring car without any real significance to bring to car enthusiasts. However, the N version is a different story.

The Veloster N delivers 250 to 275 HP thanks to its turbocharged engine. It comes with a trick front differential, a different suspension, and an exterior design package. With all of this, the nature of the car has changed from a boring economy hatchback to one of the best hot hatches on the market.

Why is it important? The Hyundai Veloster N may just save the hot hatch market.

These are the most 20 important cars that have shaped the industry in the past decade. Each of these cars has left a mark on the industry and each car continues to influence future models.