The invention of the automobile dates back to at least 1869 when it was first patented by engineer Karl Benz. Since then, this revolutionary invention has taken the world by storm. Many car companies have come and gone in the century and a half since the car was invented, but few have been able to truly stand the test of time. These are the 20 oldest car brands that are still around and the cars they’re most known for.
1. Mercedes-Benz (Founded in 1883)
Founded in 1883 by Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, this world-renowned car company has the privilege of calling itself the oldest car brand. On top of that, Mercedes-Benz is still bigger than ever over 140 years later. Epitomizing automobile excellence with its opulent and luxurious design combined with a penchant for advanced technology, Mercedes Benz (particularly the S-class) has maintained a stellar reputation among car enthusiasts.
2. Peugeot (Founded in 1889)
Established in 1889, this humble coffee mill and bicycle manufacturer quickly caught on to the revolutionary trend and transitioned to making automobiles. Still a leading player in Europe’s thriving automotive industry, Peugeot is most known for their 205 GTi model, which made waves in the 1980s with its iconic look and esteemed performance and handling.
Andrew Bone on Wikimedia Commons
3. Fiat (Founded in 1899)
Fiat, Italy’s oldest car brand by far, has a long-tenured history in the automotive industry dating back to its founding in 1899. Known for its compact, economical cars, Fiat has maintained its reputation as an innovative and budget-friendly automaker for over a century. Their flagship product, the Fiat 500, was first introduced in 1957 and has continued to wow consumers with its compact efficiency and distinct style.
4. Renault (Founded in 1899)
This famous French carmaker has been a major player in the automotive industry since its founding in 1899. Established by the Renault brothers, the brand has gone on to do great things in the industry, including its foothold in the coveted EV market and a prominent presence in the world of F1 racing. Its most popular model, the Renault 4, has been a staple of the brand since its introduction in 1961.
5. Cadillac (Founded in 1902)
Cadillac, the biggest name in American automotive luxury, has had a constant presence in the industry since its establishment in 1902. The automaker’s stellar reputation as an innovative and elegant car manufacturer persists to this day, with many pointing to the Cadillac Eldorado as the ultimate symbol of the brand’s automotive prowess.
6. Ford (Founded in 1903)
Henry Ford’s revolutionary car brand was founded in 1903 and the world hasn’t been the same since. Incorporating innovative mass production techniques, Ford was able to cement itself as one of the world’s leading automakers. Its most famous and innovative product is the Ford Model T, which was met with great fanfare in 1908 for finally making car ownership an affordable feat for most average Americans.
7. Buick (Founded in 1903)
Widely recognized for producing premium upscale vehicles, Buick is one of America’s oldest car manufacturers. Founded in 1903, the esteemed automaker has distinguished itself from the competition by placing greater emphasis on comfort and technology. The brand’s most notable product, the Buick Roadmaster (particularly models from the ’40s and ’50) is often cited for its distinct luxury and style.
8. Rolls-Royce (Founded in 1904)
The undisputed epitome of luxury, elegance, and superior craftsmanship, this celebrated British car manufacturer has been around since 1904. The brand’s penchant for producing impressively opulent automobiles has been a fixture of its business model since the beginning. Its flagship car, the Rolls-Royce Phantom, has been the focal point of its product line since the 1920s.
9. Aston Martin (Founded in 1913)
Aston Martin, the esteemed and highly respected luxury sports car manufacturer, has been a prominent player in the automotive world since 1913. The brand has maintained its timeless appeal through an eclectic mix of style, performance, and unmatched craftsmanship. Its most recognizable model, the Aston Martin DB5, was made famous when it became the defacto car of choice for James Bond.
10. Maserati (Founded in 1914)
Established in 1914, this sleek Italian automaker has specialized in luxury sports cars and grand tourers since the beginning. Blending elegance with speed, Maserati has been a persistent force in the auto industry for more than a century. Its most celebrated model, the Maserati Ghibli, has been a symbol of elegant design and stellar performance since it was first introduced in the 1960s.
11. BMW (Founded in 1916)
Originally a dedicated aircraft engine manufacturer when it was established in 1916, BMW has gone on to become one of the world’s most prominent car brands since transitioning to automobiles. BMW’s leading blend of best-in-class performance and cutting-edge technology has made it a force to be reckoned with. Its most iconic model, the BMW 3 Series, has regularly impressed consumers with its luxury features and sporty handling since 1975.
12. Lincoln (Founded in 1917)
Lincoln, the luxury vehicle division of famed American automaker Ford was first established in 1917 by Henry Leland. Since its founding more than a century ago, the celebrated car brand has served as a pivotal symbol of American luxury automobiles. The Lincoln Continental, most notably models from the mid-20th century, is the brand’s most iconic car, with many praising its innovative design and advanced technological features.
13. Bentley (Founded in 1919)
Bentley, the famed British luxury automaker, has been a powerhouse in the industry since its founding in 1919 by engineer W.O. Bentley. As one of the world’s foremost luxury auto manufacturers, the Bentley name is synonymous with prestige and opulence. The brand’s most iconic model, the Bentley Continental GT, was first launched in 2003 to much fanfare aimed at its elegant blend of luxury, performance, and craftsmanship.
14. Citroën (Founded in 1919)
Citroën, the famous French automobile brand, was first established in 1919 by André Citroën. Celebrated for its supreme engineering and distinct style, the brand has remained a key player in the automotive industry since the beginning. Its most iconic model, the Citroën DS, was first introduced in 1955, with many praising its innovative technology and creative style.
15. Mazda (Founded in 1920)
This famed Japanese automaker first emerged on the scene in 1920 as a tool manufacturer before it transitioned into car production. The brand has built up a legacy of providing a smooth driving experience and innovative engineering throughout its long-tenured history. Due to its distinctly lightweight, fun-to-drive nature Mazda’s most iconic model, the MX-5 Miata, has been a celebrated fixture of the brand’s lineup since 1989.
16. Jaguar (Founded in 1922)
Initially established in 1923 as the Swallow Sidecar Company, the famed British automaker was making motorcycle sidecars before transitioning to cars and changing its name to Jaguar in 1945. Launched in 1961, Jaguar's most famous model (the E-Type) is often cited for its iconic look and stunning performance. Jaguar remains a symbol of elegant British luxury and design to this day.
17. Volvo (Founded in 1927)
Widely recognized for its commitment to safety and durability, Volvo was established in 1927 with a stated goal to create cars that emphasize safety engineering. The esteemed Swedish car brand’s most recognized model is the Volvo 240, which was world-renowned for its sturdy construction and unmatched reliability. To this day, Volvo continues its unrelenting dedication to automotive safety and producing a broad range of family-friendly vehicles.
18. Chrysler (Founded in 1925)
This iconic American automaker dates back to its establishment nearly 100 years ago in 1925. Founded by Walter Chrysler, the prominent automaker is a leading player in America’s robust auto manufacturing sector to this day. Its most famous car model, the Chrysler 300 (particularly its mid-2000s iterations), is easily Chrysler’s most recognizable car, due in no small part to its bold and distinct design.
19. Subaru (Founded in 1953)
Known for its famed all-wheel drive vehicles and boxer engine layout, this prominent Japanese automaker has been a key player in the industry since its founding in 1953. Its most famous model, the Subaru Impreza WRX, first came on the scene in 1992, when it was universally celebrated for its unique rally car performance and aesthetic. Subaru continues to be a major player in Japan’s expansive automotive industry, with many praising its continued output of reliably rugged cars.
20. Ferrari (Founded in 1939)
An unabashed legend in the automotive world, Enzo Ferrari’s monumental sports car enterprise was founded in 1939. The world-famous Italian carmaker remains a dominant player in the world of luxury sports cars more than 85 years after it first came on the scene. Its most iconic car model, the Ferrari 250 GTO, dates back to the 1960s and has since gone on to represent the pinnacle of automotive beauty, performance and rarity.
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