Not every automaker became a household name overnight. Some brands struggled for years before one standout vehicle changed everything. Whether it was a sports car that captured enthusiasts, a practical sedan that won over families, or a groundbreaking EV that reshaped an entire industry, certain vehicles became the face of their brands and helped define their future.
As Kelley Blue Book celebrates 100 years of automotive history, it’s a reminder that every brand has a defining vehicle. While thousands of models have come and gone over the past century, a select few changed the trajectory of their companies and helped establish the reputations that still drive sales today. These aren’t necessarily the best-selling vehicles of all time; they’re the cars that put major brands on the map.
Ford
Model T
Historic. Revolutionary. Iconic.
Ford
Model T
Introduced in 1908, the Ford Model T transformed the automobile from a luxury item into transportation millions of Americans could afford. Thanks to Henry Ford’s moving assembly line, production costs dropped dramatically, making car ownership accessible to the middle class. More than 15 million Model Ts were built, and its success established Ford as one of the world’s most influential automakers while forever changing the automotive industry.
Porsche
911
Timeless. Thrilling. Legendary.
Porsche
911
Introduced in 1964, the Porsche 911 became the car that defined the Porsche brand. Its distinctive rear-engine layout, unmistakable silhouette, and exceptional performance created a sports car icon that has remained in continuous production for more than six decades. By continually evolving while staying true to its original formula, the 911 cemented Porsche’s reputation for engineering excellence and driving excitement.
Ford Model T
The Ford Model T revolutionized transportation when it launched in 1908, making car ownership attainable for everyday Americans. Through assembly-line production and affordable pricing, it transformed the automobile from a luxury item into a practical necessity. The Model T’s production run from 1908 to 1927 helped establish Ford as one of the most influential automakers of the past century and forever changed the way people traveled.
Learn more about the Model T’s impact on American automotive history in our interview with Ted Ryan, Ford’s Archives and Heritage Brand Manager, on the history of pickup trucks.
Porsche 911
The impact of a single model can be hard to overstate. Take the Porsche 911, for example. Since its production launch in 1964, it has become one of the most recognizable sports cars in the world and remains a benchmark for performance and everyday usability. Through many iterations, from air-cooled, carbureted engines to liquid-cooled, turbocharged, fuel-injected road and racing cars, the 911 has retained its identity and carried the Porsche flag around the world.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota
Corolla
Reliable. Affordable. Enduring.
Toyota
Corolla
Introduced in 1966, the Toyota Corolla helped transform Toyota from a growing Japanese automaker into a global automotive powerhouse. Its reputation for reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency made it a favorite among millions of drivers around the world. Today, with more than 50 million units sold, the Corolla remains one of the best-selling vehicles of all time and a cornerstone of Toyota’s success.
Toyota’s rise to automotive prominence can be traced in part to the Toyota Corolla, a practical and dependable sedan that helped cement the brand’s reputation for reliability. First introduced in Japan in 1966, the Corolla appealed to buyers seeking affordable, efficient, and low-maintenance transportation. Its consistent worldwide success made it one of the best-selling cars of all time and played a major role in establishing Toyota as a global automotive leader.
Other brands found success through vehicles that transformed public perception.
Kia Telluride and Tesla Model S
The Kia Telluride is a perfect example of a vehicle that transformed public perception, helping shift Kia from a budget-focused brand to one recognized for style, comfort, and quality. Its success attracted a new group of buyers and elevated the brand’s image in a highly competitive market.
Similarly, the Tesla Model S proved that electric vehicles could be desirable, high-performance luxury cars, helping establish Tesla as a major force in the automotive industry.
Kia
Telluride
Bold. Spacious. Refined.
Kia
Telluride
Introduced for the 2020 model year, the Kia Telluride arrived at a time when Kia was still working to move beyond its value-brand reputation. Its combination of upscale styling, premium features, and family-friendly practicality quickly earned industry awards and widespread praise. Within its first few years on the market, the Telluride became one of Kia’s most sought-after vehicles and helped elevate the brand’s image in North America.
Tesla
Model S
Electric. Sleek. Performance.
Tesla
Model S
Launched in 2012, the Tesla Model S was created to prove that an electric vehicle could compete with the world’s best luxury sedans. Its impressive range, cutting-edge technology, and strong performance challenged long-held perceptions of EVs. The Model S became Tesla’s breakthrough product and helped establish the company as a major force in the automotive industry.
One Car, Lasting Impact
Over the last 100 years, the automotive industry has been shaped by vehicles that arrived at exactly the right moment. Whether it was the Model T making cars accessible, the Corolla building trust, or the Model S accelerating the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, these vehicles became more than transportation. They became the foundation of their brands’ identities. As Kelley Blue Book celebrates a century of covering the automotive world, these are the kinds of vehicles that remind us how one great car can change a company’s future forever.
