16. Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is the longest-serving nameplate in car history with the first model arriving in 1935. Right from the start, the Suburban defined itself as a people carrier in a body style closer to a minivan than a regular wagon or SUV. During the ’50s and ’60s, the Suburban moved to the truck platform. Chevrolet used advanced construction materials and techniques, adding a tough suspension, and a long list of engines and options.
At the same time, Chevrolet introduced the all-wheel-drive option for its truck line. That meant customers could order the Suburban with the AWD drivetrain as well. This was the moment when the Suburban became an off-road model.
The all-wheel-drive option proved to be popular during the later generations, becoming an almost mandatory option for the famous, long-serving seventh generation from 1973 until 1991. Today, the Suburban is still around as a big, heavy full-size SUV on a truck chassis with V8 engines. Although it has lost some of its rugged characters, it has retained its basic layout and name.