8. 1973 Chevrolet Chevette
The 1973 Chevrolet Chevette arrived as one of America’s first truly affordable, fuel-efficient hatchbacks.
Its compact size, simple mechanics, and low price made it a practical choice well before small cars became mainstream.
Though often overlooked today, the Chevette’s formula laid the foundation for the rise of economy hatchbacks in later decades.
As The Drive highlights, its influence endures in the popularity of modern small cars.