The most important cars of the last 35 years: top 5 models

Over the past 35 years, the automotive industry has come a long way, particularly in terms of vehicle safety. In addition, electric motors have emerged and are now creating a new revolution in private transportation right before our eyes.

Auto Express decided to tell you about the truly breakthrough models that have changed the market once and for all. All of these cars made a truly revolutionary contribution in their time.

Nissan Qashqai

If we talk about the most important cars of recent decades, we can't ignore the Nissan Qashqai, which remains an icon, a model, and is in great demand. In 2021, the third generation of these cars entered the market. The history of the Qashqai began in 2002 when Nissan began work on replacing the Almera hatchback. By 2004, the Qashqai concept was shown at the Geneva Motor Show and received such a positive response that it was put into production in 2006, debuting at the Paris Motor Show the same year. As a result, it replaced not only the Almera but also the larger Primera family car.

The secret to its success was simple: a combination of size, driving dynamics, and operating costs. The result was a family hatchback with the looks and character of an SUV. Not only other manufacturers decided to repeat the success of the model, but even Nissan itself released a more compact version, the Juke. The only question now is whether the Qashqai will survive the transition to electric motors.

BMW 3 Series

Over the past 35 years, the German giant has never made a mistake when updating the 3 Series models. All cars from this line remain unsurpassed in a wide range of different features. Among their undoubted advantages are reliable and powerful engines, high levels of handling, and best-in-class automotive technology. The 3 Series sets the standard in the premium class and beyond.

The main part of the model range is available in sedan and wagon forms, and until the two-door models were moved to a separate 4 Series in 2013, it also included a coupe and a convertible. Touring versions of the wagon offer the same driving thrills but with the added benefit of a spacious trunk and a well-thought-out tailgate design.

Ford Focus

Prior to the Focus, the concern was rapidly losing ground in the family car market – Escort sales were plummeting due to poor ride and handling, and sluggish performance was reducing its appeal. The appearance of the clumsy-looking newcomer changed everything. The smart rear suspension meant that the Focus had control and balance that some popular hatchbacks of the time could not match. It also made the car more compact.

Even the more primitive engine that powered the first generation Ford Focus and the not-so-easy-to-use gearbox didn't spoil the model's impression. In addition, the car's cool interior design was as revolutionary as its exterior.

Mazda MX-5

The two-seater convertible from the Japanese car brand has changed the perception of this class around the world. No wonder it remains the best-selling car. The MX-5 embodies many virtues – it is affordable, but at the same time, it is not inferior when it comes to driving pleasure.

It is convenient in everything from the roof folding mechanism, which can be operated with just one hand, to the feel of the steering wheel. It's a superbly controlled car with an excellent gearbox, nice and responsive steering, and a powerful engine. At the same time, the main advantages of the model did not disappear, even when Mazda modernized the filling or experimented with special editions of the MX-5.

Tesla Model S

Electric cars were on the market before the Model S, but the revolution started with it. Before the landmark Tesla, they all had a limited range and took a long time to charge so electric cars were rarely considered as an option. But then the Tesla Model S entered the market, which could easily fit into the family car category in terms of interior space, was able to drive very far from home and return on a single charge, and be ready for new adventures in the morning, and laid the foundation for the revolutionary Supercharger network of gas stations.

At the same time, the Model S has developed (and continues to develop) stunning straight-line speed, excellent ride smoothness, and impressive comfort. It convinced many people that an electric car is an everyday choice, not just a status toy. Other car brands quickly followed suit.

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