The 1983 Toyota Camry LE marked the debut of the Camry in the North American market. This first-generation model was a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan that replaced the rear-wheel-drive Corona. It featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing around 90 horsepower, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
The Camry LE offered a comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and reliability that would become hallmarks of the model. It came equipped with power steering, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio as standard features. The car's dimensions were modest by today's standards, with a length of about 175 inches and a wheelbase of 102 inches.
The 2024 Toyota Camry XSE represents the current ninth-generation Camry lineup. It combines sporty styling with luxury features, offering a more dynamic driving experience. The XSE is powered by a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine producing 206 horsepower or an optional 3.5-liter V6 with 301 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The car features a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a dual exhaust system. Inside, it boasts a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, leather-trimmed seats, and a JBL premium audio system. Safety features include Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
The 1972 Honda Civic 1200 was the first model introduced to the global market. This compact car featured a transverse-mounted 1,169 cc 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing about 60 horsepower. It was available as a two-door coupe or three-door hatchback.
The Civic 1200 was known for its fuel efficiency at the time, achieving around 25 mpg, which was particularly appealing during the oil crisis of the 1970s. It featured front-wheel drive and independent suspension and weighed just under 1,500 pounds. The car's dimensions were compact, with a length of about 140 inches and a wheelbase of 86.6 inches. Standard features were basic, including a radio and heater, reflecting its economy car status.
Today, the 2024 Honda Civic Sport represents the mid-level trim of the eleventh-generation Civic. It's powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Touring trim offers a state-of-the-art experience with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an eight-speaker audio system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Safety features include Honda Sensing, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic signal recognition. The car has also grown significantly since its first generation, now measuring about 184 inches long with a wheelbase of 107.7 inches. It offers a blend of sporty handling, comfort, and advanced technology.
The 1948 Ford F-1 was the first model in Ford's F-Series truck line, which would eventually become America's best-selling vehicle. This half-ton pickup truck featured a simple, rugged design built for utility. It was powered by a 226 cubic-inch, 3.7-liter inline-six engine producing about 95 horsepower, paired with a three-speed manual transmission.
The truck had a separate cab and bed design, with a box-like cab featuring a single bench seat. The F-1 offered a payload capacity of around 1,450 lbs and a towing capacity of about 4,700 lbs. Standard features were minimal, with options like a passenger-side windshield wiper and sun visor available. The truck's dimensions were approximately 190 inches long with a wheelbase of 114 inches, significantly smaller than modern F-150s.
The 2024 Ford F-150 Platinum represents one of the top trims in the current fourteenth generation of America's best-selling pickup truck. It offers a blend of luxury and capability. The Platinum trim is available with various powertrains, including a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The truck features a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and a fully boxed high-strength steel frame. The truck offers advanced technology like Pro Power Onboard, which can provide up to 7.2 kW of exportable power. Interior features include leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seats, a 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Safety features include Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping system. The F-150 has grown to about 232 inches in length with a wheelbase of 145 inches.
The 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 marked the first year of the Silverado nameplate, replacing the C/K pickup trucks. This full-size pickup offered various engine options, including a 4.3-liter V6 producing 200 horsepower, a 4.8-liter V8 with 255 horsepower, and a 5.3-liter V8 generating 270 horsepower. Transmission options included a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
The truck featured a hydroformed frame for improved strength and reduced weight. It was available in various cab and bed configurations, including regular, extended, and crew cabs. The interior was more car-like than previous generations, with improved ergonomics and comfort. Standard features included air conditioning, AM/FM radio, and driver airbags. The truck's dimensions varied based on configuration, with lengths ranging from about 203 to 247 inches.
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country is one of the highest-level luxury trims of the current generation Silverado. Like the first generation, Chevy offers the High Country with various powertrain options, including a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The newest features a high-strength steel frame and mixed material construction for even more improved strength and efficiency. The truck offers advanced technology like Super Cruise, Chevrolet's hands-free driver assistance technology. Interior features include perforated leather seating, a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a Bose premium sound system. Safety features include Chevy Safety Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. The Silverado’s dimensions are the only thing that hasn’t changed much since the first generation, with comparable lengths and wheelbases for each of its configurations.
The 1992 Nissan Altima GXE marked the debut of the Altima, replacing the Stanza in Nissan's lineup. This midsize sedan was designed to compete with popular models like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Altima’s mid-level trim, the GXE, was powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four engine producing 150 horsepower and came paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
The Altima GXE featured front-wheel drive and an independent suspension for a smooth ride. The car's dimensions were modest by today's standards, with a length of about 180 inches and a wheelbase of 103.1 inches. Standard features on the GXE trim included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an AM/FM cassette stereo. The interior was spacious for its class, with comfortable seating for five passengers.
The 2024 Nissan Altima SR is the top trim of the current sixth-generation Altima and offers a blend of luxury features and advanced technology. The SR trim is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It's available with Nissan's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system for improved traction and handling but comes standard with sport-tuned suspension.
The car features Nissan Safety Shield 360, Nissan's advanced driver assistance system that includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Interior features include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect services, and a six-speaker audio system. The Altima has grown since its first generation, now measuring about 193 inches in length with a wheelbase of 111.2 inches.
The 1966 Toyota Corolla KE10 was the first generation of what would become one of the world's best-selling car models. This compact car was designed to be an affordable, reliable family vehicle. It was powered by a 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine producing about 60 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual or two-speed automatic transmission.
The car featured a simple, boxy design with rear-wheel drive. Its dimensions were compact, with a length of about 151 inches and a wheelbase of 90 inches. The interior was basic but functional, with seating for four adults. The KE10 was available in several body styles, including a two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and two-door wagon.
The 2024 Toyota Corolla XSE represents the sportiest trim of the current twelfth-generation Corolla. It offers a blend of performance and premium features. The XSE is powered by a 2.0-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower, paired with a Dynamic-Shift CVT featuring a physical first gear for improved acceleration feel.
The XSE trim features a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler for a more dynamic appearance. Inside, it boasts synthetic leather-trimmed sports seats, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a JBL premium audio system. Safety features include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which offers a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert. The Corolla has grown significantly since its first generation, now measuring about 182 inches in length with a wheelbase of 106.3 inches.
The 1976 Honda Accord CVCC featured Honda's innovative CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing about 68 horsepower. The CVCC technology allowed the car to meet emissions standards without a catalytic converter.
The first Accord was available as a two-door hatchback, measuring about 162 inches long with a wheelbase of 93.7 inches. It featured front-wheel drive and an independent suspension, offering a comfortable ride for its time. Standard features included an AM/FM radio, cloth upholstery, and power-assisted front disc brakes. The car's fuel efficiency and reliability quickly made it popular among American consumers, setting the stage for the Accord's future success.
The 2024 Honda Accord EX represents the top trim of the current eleventh-generation Accord. It offers a premium midsize sedan experience with advanced technology and comfort features. The Touring trim is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, the Accord EX is adorned with a moonroof and comes loaded with features like heated seats and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a four-speaker audio system. Safety features include Honda Sensing, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The Accord has grown significantly since its first generation, now measuring about 184 inches in length with a wheelbase of about 107.7 inches.
The 2017 Tesla Model 3 Long Range was Tesla's first mass-market electric vehicle. It featured a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The 258-horsepower Standard Range model offered an EPA-estimated range of about 310 miles on a single charge. The 2017 Tesla Model 3 could accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 5.1 seconds and had a top speed of 140 mph.
The car's minimalist interior was dominated by a 15-inch central touchscreen controlling most vehicle functions. Standard features included Autopilot (Tesla's advanced driver assistance system), over-the-air software updates, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network. The Model 3 measured about 185 inches in length with a wheelbase of 113 inches.
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range represents the latest iteration of Tesla's popular electric sedan. It features dual electric motors providing all-wheel drive, powered by an improved lithium-ion battery pack. The Long Range variant offers an EPA-estimated range of over 340 miles on a single charge. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 145 mph.
The car retains its minimalist interior design, but now features a slightly larger 15.4-inch horizontal touchscreen. Standard features include an advanced version of Autopilot, Tesla Vision (camera-based driver assistance system), and over-the-air software updates. Its dimensions remain similar to the original model, measuring about 185 inches in length with a wheelbase of 113 inches.
