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Then vs. Now: How 10 Years Have Changed Car Brands Like BMW, Toyota, and More

Cameron Eittreim January 31, 2025

Over a decade, automakers evolve with new technology, shifting consumer preferences, and changing industry regulations. Some brands have grown in popularity, while others have faced challenges in retaining their market dominance. Let’s break down how key automakers’ sales, reputations, and strategies have changed over the past 10 years.

Then (2013): BMW – The Ultimate Driving Machine

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BMW was known for making some of the best driver’s cars, with smooth inline-six engines, balanced handling, and simple, functional interiors. The 3 Series, M3, and M5 were enthusiast favorites, offering precise steering and a raw driving feel. BMW’s reputation was built on performance rather than digital technology.

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Now (2025): BMW – Luxury and Tech Over Performance

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BMW has shifted toward digital-heavy interiors with massive screens, touch controls, and hybrid powertrains. While M models are still fast, many enthusiasts feel modern BMWs have lost the raw driving experience. The brand has embraced EVs with the i4 and iX, but some fans miss its old-school charm.

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Then (2013): Toyota – Reliable and Boring

Toyota

Toyota dominated the market with safe, dependable cars like the Camry, Corolla, and Prius. While these models were best-sellers, they lacked excitement. Toyota’s lineup was mostly practical, and apart from the Scion FR-S (now the Toyota 86), there were no real enthusiast cars in the lineup.

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Now (2025): Toyota – Reliable and Exciting

Toyota

Toyota has injected new life into its lineup with sports cars like the GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla. Hybrid models have expanded, making Toyota a leader in electrified vehicles. Despite modern technology and improved styling, Toyota has maintained its reputation for bulletproof reliability.

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Then (2013): Ford – A Balanced Lineup

Ford

Ford offered a mix of sedans, SUVs, and performance cars. The Fusion and Focus were popular choices, while the Mustang and F-150 remained best-sellers. The return of the Ford GT excited enthusiasts, and affordable performance models like the Focus ST and Fiesta ST attracted young drivers.

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Now (2025): Ford – Trucks, SUVs, and EVs

Ford

Ford has completely eliminated sedans, focusing on trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E showcase Ford’s push toward electrification, while performance models like the Bronco Raptor and F-150 Raptor continue to impress. The Mustang is now the only traditional car left in the lineup.

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Then (2013): Honda – Reliable but Lacking Excitement

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Honda was known for its well-built, fuel-efficient cars like the Civic and Accord. The Civic Si was fun, but the brand lacked high-performance options. The CR-V and Pilot were strong sellers, and Honda maintained a reputation for quality and long-lasting engines.

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Now (2025): Honda – Performance and Hybrid Expansion

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Honda has brought back the Civic Type R and revived the Integra, proving its commitment to performance. More hybrid models have been introduced across the lineup, making Honda’s cars more fuel-efficient. Improved interiors and better driving dynamics have helped the brand stay competitive against luxury rivals.

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Then (2013): Mercedes-Benz – Classic Luxury with Muscle

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Mercedes-Benz was known for powerful V8s, elegant designs, and a focus on driving pleasure. The S-Class set new standards for luxury, and AMG models like the C63 and E63 were highly praised. Interiors featured classic styling with real buttons and physical gauges.

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Now (2025): Mercedes-Benz – Electrification and Screens

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Mercedes has shifted toward electric power with its EQ lineup, replacing large engines with hybrid-assisted powertrains. Interiors now feature massive digital displays, replacing traditional buttons. While luxury is still a focus, driving dynamics have changed, and purists feel the brand has lost some of its original charm.

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Then (2013): Chevrolet – A Well-Rounded Lineup

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Chevrolet offered everything from economy cars like the Cruze and Malibu to muscle cars like the Camaro and Corvette. The Silverado was a best-seller, and performance models like the SS sedan had a cult following. Chevrolet balanced practicality with performance.

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Now (2025): Chevrolet – Trucks, SUVs, and EVs

Chevy has dropped most sedans, shifting focus to trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles. The Camaro is being discontinued, but the Corvette has transformed into a mid-engine supercar with hybrid and electric versions coming soon. The Silverado EV and Blazer EV showcase Chevrolet’s electric future.

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Then (2013): Tesla – A Risky Startup

Car & Driver

Tesla was still a new company with only the Model S in production. Many doubted whether the company would survive, as electric cars were not yet mainstream. The Supercharger network was limited, and production issues slowed Tesla’s growth.

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Now (2025): Tesla – EV Industry Leader

Tesla

Tesla is now one of the biggest automakers in the world. The Model 3 and Model Y dominate EV sales, and Tesla’s charging network has expanded globally. Though competition has increased, Tesla remains the top name in electric vehicles, pushing innovation in self-driving technology.

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Then (2013): Nissan – Competitive and Reliable

Nissan Motor Corp

Nissan had a strong lineup with best-selling models like the Altima, Maxima, and Pathfinder. The GT-R and 370Z kept Nissan relevant among sports car fans. The brand was seen as a stylish, affordable alternative to Toyota and Honda.

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Now (2025): Nissan – Struggling to Keep Up

Car and Driver

Nissan has faced challenges with outdated models and quality concerns. While the new Z and Ariya EV are promising, Nissan has lost market share compared to Toyota and Honda. The brand is trying to regain its reputation but is not as dominant as before.

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Then (2013): Hyundai & Kia – Budget Brands

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Hyundai and Kia were known for offering affordable cars like the Elantra, Optima, and Tucson. While they were reliable, they lacked the premium feel of luxury brands. The Genesis brand was still in its early stages.

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Now (2025): Hyundai & Kia – Performance and Luxury

Car and Driver

Hyundai and Kia have completely changed their image. Genesis is now a serious luxury competitor, and performance models like the Kia Stinger GT and Hyundai N cars have impressed enthusiasts. Electric models like the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 show their innovation and modern design.

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Then (2013): Volkswagen – Diesel Power and Practicality

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Volkswagen was best known for the Jetta and Golf, with diesel engines being a popular choice. The GTI and Golf R provided fun, affordable performance. Volkswagen had a reputation for making practical and fuel-efficient vehicles.

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Now (2025): Volkswagen – EVs Replace Diesel

Volkswagen

After the Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen abandoned diesel power and shifted to EVs. The ID.4 and ID. Buzz electric models lead VW’s push into electrification. The GTI and Golf R remain, but Volkswagen’s presence in the U.S. market has weakened.

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Then vs. Now: How 10 Years Have Changed Car Brands Like BMW, Toyota, and More

Then (2013): BMW – The Ultimate Driving Machine

Now (2025): BMW – Luxury and Tech Over Performance

Then (2013): Toyota – Reliable and Boring

Now (2025): Toyota – Reliable and Exciting

Then (2013): Ford – A Balanced Lineup

Now (2025): Ford – Trucks, SUVs, and EVs

Then (2013): Honda – Reliable but Lacking Excitement

Now (2025): Honda – Performance and Hybrid Expansion

Then (2013): Mercedes-Benz – Classic Luxury with Muscle

Now (2025): Mercedes-Benz – Electrification and Screens

Then (2013): Chevrolet – A Well-Rounded Lineup

Now (2025): Chevrolet – Trucks, SUVs, and EVs

Then (2013): Tesla – A Risky Startup

Now (2025): Tesla – EV Industry Leader

Then (2013): Nissan – Competitive and Reliable

Now (2025): Nissan – Struggling to Keep Up

Then (2013): Hyundai & Kia – Budget Brands

Now (2025): Hyundai & Kia – Performance and Luxury

Then (2013): Volkswagen – Diesel Power and Practicality

Now (2025): Volkswagen – EVs Replace Diesel

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