30 Cars That Can Save Lives In Times Of Crisis

29. Ford Crown Victoria

The Crown Victoria has a ladder chassis, live rear axle, tough suspension and lots of heavy-duty components. Ford based it on mid-century technology, which is still effective and durable today. The 4.6-liter modular V8 engine only produces 260 HP, but that’s more than enough to give the big rear-wheel sedan decent acceleration and cruising speed. The models from the ’90s and early 2000s were common as police cruisers and taxis. Despite being 20 years old and surviving all kinds of torture, those cars are still on the road and running well.

If a car can endure being beaten on by cops, it’s definitely a good crisis vehicle. The Crown Vic is a handy tool that’s capable of many things, so it’s no surprise that law enforcement agencies have used it. If you want to one of the last American ladder-frame V8 sedans, prices are low and cars are plentiful.

28. Chevrolet Kingswood

The Kingswood was on the top of Chevrolet’s wagon range. Chevrolet offered the Kingswood in 1959 and 1960 and again from 1969 to 1972. The cars were always the most expensive, biggest Chevrolet wagon offerings with powerful engines and a long list of creature comforts.

However, the most interesting models are from the late ’60s featuring unbelievable specs. You could order the Kingswood with a lush wood grain trim, chrome luggage carriers, heavy-duty components, and full big-block power.

The 427 and 454 V8-powered wagons were almost as fast as muscle cars, yet they could seat up to nine people. If you chose to go that route, you’d end up with the perfect crisis-response vehicle. It was big enough for two families and came with enough power to go through a tornado. The only thing lacking was a modern infotainment system, but you can install an aftermarket one.

27. Hummer H1

Back in the mid-80s, the U.S. Military started using the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), affectionately known as the “Humvee.” It was a big, heavy military truck capable of running over anything, even land mines. Although they built the Humvee for the military, constant requests for a street-legal version made AM General think about entering the lucrative civilian market.

So finally in 1992, they introduced the civilian Hummer H1. It looked almost the same as the military version featuring the same technology and engine. The power came from a 6.2-liter diesel V8 with just 165 HP and loads of torque. Basically the only real difference between military and civilian Hummer was the interior.

The street-legal model had a plusher interior with air conditioning, leather upholstery, and a premium audio system. The H1 is incredibly durable and able to survive on the battlefield, which makes it the perfect crisis vehicle.

26. Dodge Charger Hellcat

What’s a more applicable vehicle for a “hell on earth” scenario than the diabolical Charger Hellcat? The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 707 HP is a monster of a muscle car that shouldn’t be on the streets. However, Dodge did just that and in 2014 released one of the craziest muscle cars ever built.

It’s only when you press the throttle and unleash the fury of 707 supercharged horses when you can feel the brutality of the Hellcat package and all the power going to the rear wheels. The 0 to 60 mph times are in the high three-second range and the car can top 200 mph. With those numbers, you’ll disappear so fast from a crisis, nobody would even know you were there.

25. Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6

Even in a post-apocalyptic society, some will be looking for luxury. With the expensive Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6, you get a safe, competent truck that can still show your status. Under the hood is a 5.5-liter twin-turbo engine that delivers 540 HP. It powers all six wheels through a specially-built automatic transmission unit.

The inside of the car is all about luxury with the finest materials and creature comforts. Mercedes made a monster truck out of their legendary G-Class SUV, so this is a great vehicle for surviving when a crisis starts.

24. Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

In a disaster, patriotism could raise the morale of the people. So what is better than an all-American station wagon with the performance numbers of a supercar? It makes saving people’s lives and running out of necessities much better.

One of the most successful Cadillacs was the second-generation CTS-V model produced between 2008 and 2014. Under the hood was a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 556 HP. It made the CTS-V the most powerful performance sedan on the market. However, the wagon body style was something Cadillac buyers didn’t expect.

23. International Harvester Travelall

Although not as popular as the Chevrolet Suburban, the International Travelall is a tough, spacious and durable vehicle. Some say they built the Travelall with industrial-strength materials for trucks and that was the secret of its durability. International presented the first generation in 1953, and the fourth and last one in 1969.

They discontinued the Travelall in 1975. That was a shame since the company had high owner loyalty and satisfaction due to the quality and power of its vehicles.

Despite the fact that Travelall lacks the most modern convenience options, they’re dependable vehicles when the going gets tough. Customers could get the Travelall with a six or eight-cylinder engine. AMC provided the smaller V6 engine and International designed and produced the V8.

22. Toyota Hilux

Toyota’s main pickup model, the Hilux is one of the best-selling compact pickups in the world. Selling all over the globe, the Hilux is a versatile, tough and durable vehicle for all kinds of tasks. Some paramilitaries have even modified it as an armored car for use in crisis areas. All of that makes the Hilux, especially the older ones, perfect candidates for the best all-around crisis vehicle.

Be sure to look for an older version with the four-wheel drivetrain they introduced in 1979. The combination of brutally-simple mechanics, tough components and high quality makes older Hilux trucks capable of surviving anything.

21. Checker Marathon Aerobus

This list would not be complete without the practical Checker Aerobus. Checker was a long-gone independent carmaker that produced the Marathon, the quintessential New York taxi for decades.

However, from 1962 to 1972, Checker produced the Aerobus. It was a stretched Marathon wagon with six or eight doors with room for up to 15 people. The idea behind the Aerobus was to provide transport to airline pilots and flight attendants. The airlines wanted their crew at the airport on time. But when people used their own transportation, arriving on time proved to be difficult so they constructed the Aerobus.

The driver could pick up the whole crew and take them to the airport on time. Today, the Aerobus is a rare but interesting piece of station wagon history. If you need to move a lot of people in a short time, the Aerobus is a usable and interesting crisis-situation vehicle.

20. Mercedes W123

This mid-range Mercedes model debuted in 1976, becoming their most successful car to date. It featured an elegant design, wide engine choices and an overall build quality that guaranteed up to a million miles. Most W123s Mercedes produced are still on the road today, proving that some cars can last almost forever.

The slow-but-durable 300 TD version produces just 77 HP, so it won’t be the fastest crisis getaway car. However, it will provide you with great fuel economy and dependability you need in dangerous situations.

19. Volkswagen Beetle

If you prefer a more low-key approach, you can always opt for a Beetle. The old one, of course. The Beetle is economical, plentiful and dependable. You can almost maintain one with a piece of wire or duct tape and some basic mechanical skills. Since it has an air-cooled engine, it won’t overheat, which is extremely useful in the midst of an emergency situation.

The official production of the VW Beetle began in 1938 and ended in 2003. During that time, Volkswagen produced more than 22 million cars, selling them in 14 countries around the globe. The Beetle was the first global car in terms of popularity, affordability and presence. If you choose this little car in a time of crisis, you will have to adopt a new strategy since Beetles aren’t the fastest car in the world.

18. Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Tourismo

The Panamera caused quite a lot of media attention when it debuted as the first Porsche sedan. But soon, it proved it was worth the name and Porsche fans accepted it. For the second generation, Porsche offered the Sport Turismo model, an elegant station wagon. It came with just a slightly different rear end, which was just enough for a wagon.

The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Tourismo is not as spacious as other cars on the list. Although it can’t cross the desert like a true off-roader, it is still a great crisis response vehicle. That’s because the Panamera Tourismo comes with all-wheel drive, perfect traction in all conditions, big power and decent trunk space.

The combined output of the gasoline and electric engine is 680 HP, which travels to all four wheels for the best traction. Despite weighing over two tons, this Panamera can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, which is faster than many current sports cars.

17. Dodge Durango SRT

If you need a lot of space, a powerful engine, durable technology, sports car-like acceleration figures and an American badge on the hood, a Dodge Durango SRT could be your choice.

With a 6.4-liter Hemi and 475 HP, this is a pure Dodge muscle car in an SUV package. This translates to a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds and the ability to carry seven passengers and their luggage. Along with the capable all-wheel drive, comfortable interior and nice selection of creature comforts, the Durango SRT makes any emergency situation less dangerous and stressful.

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.

15. Legacy Power Wagon

Located in rural Wyoming, Legacy Classic Trucks is the perfect place for your classic truck needs. Also, it’s an area that may not be fully besieged by virus. So, it makes a perfect spot for looking for a special crisis-proof truck that will amaze you with its quality craftsmanship, and engineering.

They based it on the legendary Dodge Power Wagon. The Legacy interpretation keeps the original design, durability, and usability but adds modern features and encasements. All that transforms it from a rugged truck of the 1930s into one of the best off-road vehicles of the 2010s.

The prices start at just below $200,000 for the basic model powered by a 6.2-liter Chevrolet LS3 V8 engine with 430 HP. If you want, you can get a modern V8 diesel engine in your Legacy Power Wagon as well as an extended cab or double cab configuration. Also, the latest state-of-the-art electronics, suspension, and creature comforts are a part of the package. It’s more the vehicle’s off-road capabilities that will keep you safe in a time of crisis.

14. Ford F-150 Raptor

A full-size truck is always a good idea when you need a dependable vehicle with high ground clearance and tough mechanics. However, the extreme conditions of any crisis require an extreme truck. For many drivers, there is no better choice than the current F-150 Raptor.

The 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 produces 450 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque. Also, it has a 10-speed automatic transmission and sub-five-second acceleration times. Although the figures suggest this is a supercar, it’s a full-size pickup truck with room for five people and a regular truck bed. The Ford Raptor is the closest thing to a full Baja 1000 racing vehicle. No one will ever catch you since you can make a quick getaway on any terrain.

13. Subaru Impreza WRX STI

With a 2.5-liter turbo engine, 305 HP and five-second 0 to 60 mph time, the Impreza WRX is more than a capable car. Also, it comes with standard intelligent all-wheel-drive, which makes it handle well on any terrain or conditions. It can seat five people and has a decent-sized trunk.

The Impreza is a great family car for crises because it’s quite fast yet handles like a dream. It’s also compact enough to squeeze anywhere and can fit five people with their luggage comfortably. All you need is a safety net on the windows and maybe a bull bar in the front and you’re good to go.

12. Jeep Wrangler

For decades, the Jeep Wrangler has been the perfect off-road vehicle for any use. A direct descendant of the famous original Jeep Willys, the Wrangler is a small, compact, extremely capable all-terrain vehicle for everyday use.

The Wrangler has endured many market changes yet never compromised the characteristics that made it legendary. Despite the necessary improvements in its design, safety and fuel efficiency, the Wrangler is still the rugged and dependable Jeep it has always been. This is why the Wrangler is the perfect car when trouble hits your area.

11. Amphicar Model 770

One of the most secure places to be during a crisis is water. But what can you do if you don’t own a boat? Buy an Amphicar Model 770 and you’ll have a fully functional amphibious car you can park in your driveway.

The Amphicar was a German-made half-car/half-boat produced from 1961 to 1965. Quite popular in the United States, they sold over 3,500 of them. The power came from a diminutive 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that powered the rear wheels as well as a propeller in the back. On land, the Amphicar could achieve up to 75 mph and on the water, it could do seven knots. That’s more than enough to swiftly sail away from trouble.

10. Earthroamer XV HD

For people who want to run away from civilization, the Earthroamer XV HD is the perfect solution. This specially-designed vehicle has a 119-gallon fuel tank, 250 gallons of fresh water, 125 gallons of gray water and 125 of black water. But, that’s not the end, because the batteries provide 20,000 watt-hours with the solar panels adding 2100 watts.

This unique vehicle is powered by a 6.7L turbo-diesel V8 engine producing 330 horsepower and almost 535 ft-lb of torque. It has a special all-wheel drive for the toughest terrain. However, the XV-HD starts at $1,500,000 with a required deposit of $375,000, making the Earthroamer XV HD an expensive choice albeit a very effective one in times of crisis.

9. Tesla Model S

In the case of a doomsday scenario, you can anticipate fuel shortages. If that happens, electric cars will be quite useful, so what’s better than a Tesla Model S? The Model S is not the first car Tesla has produced, but it’s the most popular and influential globally. It’s the first fully-electric sedan ever produced in significant numbers that singlehandedly created the electric car market.

Introduced in 2012, Tesla Model S production has passed the 200,000 mark. That makes it the most advanced and successful electric vehicle in the world. The Tesla AWD consists of four electric motors that independently power each wheel with a highly-advanced system for perfect traction and road holding.

8. Jeep Willys Wagon

After the war, there were lots of used Jeep Willys military vehicles that proved their worth on battlefields all over the world. However, the post-war buyers wanted something more civilized and with a closed body. So soon, Jeep produced the Willys Overland SUV, as well as a panel truck.

Those cars used Jeep’s rugged mechanics and chassis construction but offered more comfort, usability, and features. Using proven, four and six-cylinder drivetrains, the Willys Overland Jeep came in a pickup, station wagon or panel wagon version. The buyers loved these models and besides the U.S., they assembled these Jeeps in South America, as well.

7. Dodge Challenger AWD

You’ll need speed in a crisis situation, but also some traction to keep you on the road. The Dodge Challenger AWD is an extremely capable one with enough power to get you out of trouble.

For a start, it’s a Challenger with recognizable coupe styling and aggressive stance. But underneath the cool-looking body, there’s a V6 and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. There are no more smoky burnouts and rear wheels on fire. Instead, there’s loads of traction, even in the toughest conditions. Dodge offers the GT AWD exclusively with the V6 engine, although most Challenger fans want a proper Hemi V8.

6. Local Motors Rally Fighter

Rarely there is a genuine disaster situation car for sale straight off the showroom floor. However, the Local Motors Rally Fighter is just that. Introduced in 2010, the Rally Fighter is an American made off-road sports car. It comes with incredible features, racing mechanics and a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 430 HP.

Also, it’s equipped with a state-of-the-art suspension set for off-road driving. To save weight, it has a fiberglass body, as well as a full roll cage for security. The Rally Fighter is street-legal in all 50 states and costs around $100,000, which is pricey, but when trouble starts, you’ll be glad you bought this car.

5. Kaiser Jeep M715

This interesting vehicle is primarily a military truck; however, Kaiser sold a few of them to civilians. Jeep based it on the Gladiator pickup, producing the M715 in the late ’60s for the U.S. Army.

The engine was a dependable and strong six-cylinder that produced just 130 HP. However, it had a lot of torque, which was necessary to move this three-ton truck. They built the M715 to be easy to service and extremely durable, which it demonstrated in the Vietnam War and other conflicts. Kaiser Jeep produced over 30,000 of them until 1969. This tough military truck can survive any crisis situation.

4. Sherman Tank

Although civilians can’t own or operate military vehicles, several tank collectors found loopholes in their local traffic laws and put license plates on their tanks. Of course, nobody can legally own the latest state-of-the-art tanks, but you can buy the older tanks without any working guns.

One of the most common tanks from World War II is the Sherman M4 Tank produced in almost 50,000 examples for use by armies all over the world. A surprising number of those still survive and some owners even drive them on the road. However, most owners ask for over $500,000 for roadworthy tanks. Yes, it is expensive, but also effective when it comes to a disaster situation of any kind.

3. Ford Flex

Even though the Flex didn’t sell as well as Ford had hoped it would, it’s still a great crossover station wagon. It features an enormous interior space with lots of features. Ford equipped it with powerful engines and even an optional all-wheel-drive system.

Also, it has a recognizable boxy shape with loads of usable space. Buyers get a great options list and a two-tone exterior. For all the lovers of the station wagon, it’s one of the last true vehicles of this kind. If you opt for a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, all-wheel-drive and some mud tires, you’ll get a suburban survival vehicle that’s much better than many regular SUVs.

2. Dodge Magnum R/T

Dodge never built a Charger station wagon or factory Charger convertible. This model was always a two or four-door car throughout its history. However, if you have an irresistible urge for a station wagon Charger with the power of a Hemi engine and the practicality of a long roof body, get the Dodge Magnum R/T.

Dodge equipped it with a 6.1-liter V8 Hemi engine pumping out 425 HP to push a glorious soundtrack through its twin tailpipes. The SRT-8 is a fast, capable long roof with a design that’s typical Dodge. Since the rest of the mechanics are identical, you can think of this car like a station wagon Charger. There is no crisis that the Hemi can’t solve.

1. Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner has been on the market for a long time. When Toyota revealed it in 1984, it was a midsize off-road SUV with an emphasis on usability and capability in extreme conditions. Over the years, the 4Runner has grown and is more luxurious but it never forgot its off-road roots.

The 4Runner has managed to avoid the evolution of many other SUVs that started as capable machines but ended as highway cruisers. It wasn’t one of the SUVs that traded its off-road credentials for comfortable seats and a plush ride.

However, many people are drawn to this model for that reason, owning and using them for over 15 years. The 4Runner is a great crisis situation vehicle because it’s tough, dependable and designed to help you endure anything.

These are the top 30 cars that could save a driver’s life in a time of crisis. Which one did you choose? Whichever car it is, you’ll gain some peace of mind with one of these vehicles parked in your garage.