As we pass the half-way point of 2020, there’s no better time to look back, and forward, as we count down - each day this week - the list of cars that DRIVEN considers the 20 most iconic, important and/or relevant car brands and models over the past 20 years.
Some are brand specific, some are model specific, but all play a part in the way cars have shaped us over the past two decades, as we look a little back… and a little forward, as we count down what we think are the 20 biggest cars of the past 20 years.
But it’s not just our option, either: cast your vote in the comments and tell us what you think we should include. No AU Falcons please, it’s clearly ‘above’ lists like this…
16. Nissan Skyline GT-R
The excitement may have faded over the past decade, but the R35 GT-R was a great way to relive the excitement of one of Japan’s biggest performance icons, a supercar rival at a fraction of the price. Over the last 20 years, the R34 kicked off the 2000s, and ran until 2002, with a handful of specials like the M Spec and Z-Tune. In 2007, Nissan (just, minus the Skyline name) GT-R launched, and carried on the legacy, to this day.
See Nissan Skylines for sale here, and Nissan GT-Rs for sale here.
15. McLaren
Bruce McLaren would be proud of what we have seen evolve over the past decade. A true brand revival from a race team to an automotive manufacturer, the iconic McLaren F1 may have paved the way for its supercar program in 1992, but it really hit strides in 2011 with the MP4-12C, which does indeed sound more like a fax machine. But looking at what the company has achieved in just nine years is remarkable.
See all McLarens for sale here.
14. Subaru Impreza WRX/STI
A split decision over Mitsubishi’s Evolution, due to the WRX still being on sale. A remnant from World Rally Group A when a manufacturer had to build a certain number to be eligible, with an all-wheel-drive 2.0L turbo four-cylinder and tricky diffs and an emphasis on performance over comfort, the Evo vs STi battle was a ’00s staple. And while the WRX and STi live on, when was the last time you saw one on the road? #sad.
See all Subaru Impreza WRXs for sale here
13: Ferrari
A case of the brand being more famous than the model. Some us grew up with Testarossa, F40, F50, Enzo, 360, 430… but what’s the current Ferrari V8 model called? Not impossible, just a little harder than expected: you might know 488, F8, SF90 and Portofino, but can you picture an 812 Superfast? Maybe not. But the Prancing Horse? Now there’s a timeless icon, over the past 20 years and well into the next 20. Forza Ferrari!
Go on, take a peek at the Ferraris for sale
See the countdown continue from cars ranked 12th-9th tomorrow - and don't forget to comment with your choice on our Facebook page.
Just joining us? See Part 1 of our countdown ranking here.
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