If you’re really into cars and driving, then you understand the importance of how special certain cars are. If you’re not that into the whole “car thing,” then I’m here to tell you that some models have made such an impact, and exude such importance, that you absolutely must experience driving them at least once in your life. It doesn’t matter if you rent one, borrow it from a friend, or even take one on a test drive without the intention of buying it (don’t do this, and if you do, don’t tell them we sent you… seriously.) The point is, some cars have a special significance and give their own unique experience at the same time.

In light of this, we’ve compiled a list of 12 cars that you definitely need to drive at one point in time or another, along with 13 cars that don’t bring anything special to the table – even if you’ve been led to believe otherwise. Some of the cars on this list are classics, while others live comfortable in the luxury segment. And, that’s kind of the point. Each one represents something different, and they might even surprise you, so get ready to add the following cars to your bucket list. We promise that you’ll be glad you did.

25 Ariel Atom

via Ariel

The Ariel Atom satisfies several different desires. First off, this thing is like an adult go-kart with plenty of power on hand. Second, it will also let you experience what it’s like to drive an open-top racer on the track with the air blowing through your hair at high speeds and the joyous feeling of adrenaline that comes with it.

According to Ariel, the Atom weights in at just 1,311 pounds (converted from 595 kg) and, to make things better, Road & Track reports that from 2019, the Atom will be powered by the same engine that powers the Civic Type R. That means 306 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. To put this into perspective, the Civic weights 3,117 pounds (1,806-pounds more than the Atom) and will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. So how fast is the 2019 Atom? Hopefully, you’ll find out soon enough!

24 Mercedes S-Class

via car and driver

Everyone should experience what true luxury feels like at least once in their life, and if there’s one vehicle out there that will scratch that itch, it’s the Mercedes S-Class. Why the S-Class and not a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley? Because you want to feel luxury that you drive, not the type of luxury that is reserved for the one percent.

We’re talking about all-digital controls and displays, hand-sewn upholstery, electric sunshades, ambient lighting, and fragrance, massaging seats, tons of technology, and only the finest materials.

This luxurious chariot is fast too, with the V-8 under its long hood being good for as much as 463 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. AMG models come with a V-12 that’s good for 603 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Car & Driver reports a tested run to 60 mph happening in as little as 3.3 seconds with top speed reaching 186 mph when properly equipped. These figures are amazing for a car that’s so big and weighs 5,000 pounds, don’t you think? Either way, it’s one car you must experience at least once in your life.

23 Shelby Cobra

via autotrader classics

Everybody should get a shot behind the wheel of pure-bred, unadulterated muscle and there’s one car that serves the purpose better than any other. I’m talking about the Shelby Cobra. It doesn’t really matter which cobra you drive – it could be an original, or it could be one of the many continuation models still produced by Shelby to this day. Each and every one of them, as long as they are authentic, will scratch that itch. There is one stipulation, though. The continuation models are sold without drivetrains, so the buyer is responsible for the installation of the engine and the transmission.

That said, you could find one with modern equipment under the hood, and that won’t give you the same feeling. It’ll still be a blast sure, but it won’t be the same as hearing and feeling a classic, 260-cubic-inch, Ford V-8 rumble at idle speed. If you’re lucky enough to get behind an original, you’ll get the real experience. Road & Track tested a 1962 model back before the days of digital publication, and it was able to, with that engine, hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds – phenomenal numbers for a car back then.

22 Porsche 911

via Porsche

It’s been argued that you can’t have a luxurious interior, amazing handling, and speed all in the same affordable package, but Porsche manages to prove those naysayers wrong year after year, generation after generation. The Porsche 911 has always been, and always will be, the definition of a true sports car. The rear engine configuration, aerodynamic body, iconic design cues, and precisely chosen materials all come together like they were made for one another.

And, really, they were. It doesn’t matter how old or new the 911 that you drive is, however, an air-cooled model would be better as it has a bit of history tied to it, but even a new one will give you one of the most blissful driving experiences you’ll ever have.

The current model is offered in no fewer than 24 different trims ranging from the $93,000 entry-level Carerra all of the way up to the $293,000 GT2 RS track monster. According to Car & Driver, horsepower ranges from 370 to 700 ponies, with the GT2 RS being capable of 2.7-second sprints to 60 mph. The coolest part, however, is the fact that you can get an experience just as thrilling with the entry-level model. It’s not quite as fast, but all models stay true to their roots, and that’s what’s important for this list. As a fair warning, they are more addictive than tattoos. Once you’ve driven one, you will want to own one.

21 Honda S2000

via motor1

If you’ve driven any other sports car, then you know that they all top out at a relatively low RPM speed. And, that’s where the Honda S2000 fits in because its engine had one of the highest redlines on the market. That little 2.0-liter redlined at 8,900 rpm with the rev limiter kicking in at 9,000 rpm. The Ariel Atom 500 beats it, and so does the Ferrari Laferrari, but outside of that, there aren’t any other production cars, let alone any this affordable, that can rev so high. It’s not necessarily about being fast, either, it’s more about not feeling like the engine should have more when you get on it – something that you’ll feel in almost every other performance car on the market even today.

Of course, the S2000 wasn’t exactly slow. Car & Driver tested one in 2000  and got some pretty intriguing numbers. Zilch to 60 mph comes in about 6.8 seconds while running to 100 mph takes 16.4. You can also expect to burn 15.1 seconds running a quarter mile. As I said, it’s not fast, but that high redline is more than rewarding enough.

20 BMW 7 Series

via BMW

When it comes to luxury and performance, the BMW 7 Series ranks right up there with the Mercedes S-Class. It was Bimmer’s flagship model until the 8 Series came back, but even with a model sitting above it, it’s one of the finest cars on the road. It features one of the nicest interiors on the market with technology to match.

Like the S-Class, you can have massaging seats and the most premium of materials. The 7 Series even has an LED panoramic roof that creates a “starlit sky” when activated.

As far as drivetrains go, you’ll find that the inline-six and V-8 models (320 and 443 horsepower, respectively) are pretty rewarding to drive but, if you want true luxury to meet performance, get behind the wheel of an M760i and feel the burn of a 601-horsepower V-12. BMW says acceleration comes as fast as 3.6 seconds which is remarkable for a sedan this size. With this perfect blend of performance and luxury this baby belongs somewhere toward the top of your bucket list – even if you have to rent one for the day, it will be worth it.

19 Chevy Corvette

via Chevy

The Corvette is one of the best sports cars to ever come out of North America, and that’s why it really needs to be on your bucket list twice. If at all possible, you need to get behind the wheel of a 1967 Vette. According to Corvsport.com, it was available with a 327 cubic-inch V-8 or a 427 cubic-inch V-8, both of which rumble like there’s no tomorrow. Horsepower for this year ranges between 300 ponies and 435 ponies. Obviously, you want to drive one with a 427 under the hood, but anything will do – the point is to drive one of the most iconic Vettes in history. The 1967 is considered by many to be the last model to sport a truly iconic look, and it’s rare, so don’t turn down the opportunity to drive one if it’s offered.

The 2018 model is pretty great as well.

18 Toyota 86

via Toyota

The BRZ and 86 are the twins birthed from a friendly relationship between Subaru and Toyota. Everyone thought the two brands were setting out to build some amazingly fast sports car, but that isn’t what we got, and both brands have taken a lot of heat. So, with that in mind, you shouldn’t drive a BRZ or 86 because you need to experience a fast compact car. Nope; that’s not what it’s for. Its whole purpose of existence is to be one of the best-handling cars out there, and it excels well.

Motor Trend tested the BRZ and said, “The Subaru BRZ is an affordable rear-drive sports car that emphasizes handling, lightness, and balance to give you an engaging experience and a big grin on your face.”

That sums up exactly why you need to drive it – you need to know what exceptional handling from a rear-wheel-drive coupe is really like. And, while it’s not fast, it is quick. Car and Driver managed to get the speedo up to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds in a 2017 model. It also got down the quarter-mile track in 14.8 seconds.

17 Air-cooled Beetle

via VW

If there’s any vehicle that’s rich in world history, it’s the Volkswagen Beetle. With a history that’s traceable all the way back to the 1930s, there isn’t another vehicle out there that can really compare. Believe it or not, the Beetle almost didn’t survive WWII. A bomb was dropped inside the factory, but it didn’t explode. If it had, it would have destroyed all production equipment, ultimately killing the beetle before we ever even got acquainted. That’s pretty crazy, but why is it important that you drive one?

Because of their design. It’s important that you experience German engineering at its finest. The air-cooled engine is an absolute work of art and, according to VW Heritage, even the underpowered models of the 50s are charming, despite their agricultural feel. The Beetle was produced over a total of eight decades under various names (especially before and during the war,) and driving one of these old air-cooled pieces of history is an experience that cannot be matched by any other vehicle out there. Unfortunately, the new Beetle doesn’t hold that same rich heritage, but we’ll save that conversation for another time. The important thing is that you get behind the wheel of a classic beetle at one point in your life.

16 1978 Lincoln Towncar

via youtube

And it’s come to this – the last land yacht to ever exist. Now as extinct as the caveman, the Lincoln Continental Town Car (not to be confused with the post-1980 Towncar) is one of the largest vehicles you’ll ever lay eyes on. Don’t get it twisted, either – you don’t exactly get impressive performance with impressive size. In fact, in 1977, the Towncar delivered just 179 horsepower from its 6.6-liter V-8.

According to The Truth About Cars, that figure dropped to 166 horsepower in 1978, and 159 by 1979. But, that’s not what the old Towncar was about. Not in the least. This thing was about luxury and obsessive comfort.

It was about guzzling gas at ridiculous levels during pointless road trips while your best friends sprawl out in the back seat. That, my friends, is why you need to experience a late-1970s Towncar. You need to feel what it’s like to land yacht in every sense of the word. Oh, and by land yacht, I mean that the Towncar is 19.5-feet long – nearly the length of two Chevy Sparks put together.

15 BMW 2002 Turbo

via BMW

BMW needed a sporty version of the 02 Series to sell in the United States, and not long after being requested by none other than Max Hoffman, 2.0-liter 2002 came to the United States. By 1973 we had the BMW 2002 Turbo, and it holds the title of being BMW’s first force-fed production car. It was even fast for its time, with Road & Track reporting that it could hit a quarter mile in 16.2 seconds, 60 mph in eight seconds flat, and 100 mph in 22.1 seconds. It was known for its turbo lag with BMW2002.co.uk, reporting that the delay was so bad that you could floor the gas with no response at first, but would shoot off like a bullet. And, that’s kind of why you need to drive one.

It was the ultimate 02 Series vehicle, and it’s a perfect example of classic German engineering that could handle as well as a lot of modern day cars. You’ll feel the history pump through your veins the second you touch the wheel. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this one.

14 Hummer H1

via AM General

When it comes to military vehicles, there’s always a few misconceptions about them. And, that’s exactly why you need to get behind the wheel of a Hummer H1. Designed and produced by AM General, this thing is, by all rights, a civilian version of the M998 Humvee that saw a lot of buzz after being observed doing dirt deeds during Operation: Desert Storm.

The Civilian version was offered with a range of engines from GM, all of which were diesel except for one, which was, naturally, a Chevy 350.

These vehicles were billed as the ultimate off-road, go-anywhere machines, so there was nothing fast about them, but you’ll be shocked at how slow they really are. Car & Driver had one of the gas-powered models and put it through the paces. It can hit 60 mph in a mind-numbing 18.1 seconds. Getting from naught to 80 mph will take you three days. Okay, not really, but 46.8 seconds, so it might as well be.

13 Toyota Prius

via Toyota

The Toyota Prius may be considered the pioneer of mass-produced electrified cars, but there’s nothing special about it that makes it worth driving – unless great fuel economy does it for you. Even then, increasing fuel economy standards have put a lot of other cars on par with the Prius, something that Green Car Reports says contributes to the Prius’ major decline in popularity. Despite its status as Toyota’s Halo car and it being the testbed for the brand’s most advanced technology, there’s nothing exciting about it. It’s not the best looker on the market, and it’s not fast, either, with Car & Driver reporting that it takes as much as 10.5 seconds to go from a dead stop to 60 mph. Who has time for that these days?

12 Honda Fit

via Honda

Hopefully, you wouldn’t consider the Honda Fit as a model to be on your bucket list, but in case you did, let me remind you why it doesn’t belong there. It might look somewhat aggressive on the outside – almost like a mini Civic Type-R, right? – but it’s really nothing more than an economy car posing as something faster. It does feature decent space inside but a number of outlets, including Motor Trend and Consumer Reports, knock it for subpar engine performance and slow acceleration. In fact, Motor Trend drove the 2018 model, and the results were…interesting.

8.6 seconds of your life will get you to 60 mph if you put the pedal to the floor. Moving through a quarter-mile? That’ll suck up 16.3 seconds of your time.

Oh, and you can’t even get navigation if you have the six-speed manual transmission. What a bummer that is. Either way, you’ll probably get the opportunity to drive one as a rental someday or something, so don’t bother putting in any real effort to get behind the wheel of one.

11 Volkswagen Golf

via VW

The Volkswagen Golf happens to be a member of the hot hatch community, but in all honesty, there’s really nothing that special about it. At least not to the point that you’ll be missing out if you don’t get behind the wheel of one, anyway. The model is plagued by subdued looks, lackluster interior, and an overall cheap feel. The range-topping Golf R isn’t too bad since it has some 292 horsepower on tap. Car & Driver says that’s good for zipping to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds but top speed still sits at 150 mph. The base model, however, is nothing more than your everyday economy car, even if it’s marketed as something better. In base form, it comes with just 170 horsepower on tap, which is barely enough to get you to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. Top speed sits at a heart-breaking 124 mph. It might be kind of fun to drive with decent handling and all, but as I said before, you’re not really missing much, so don’t stress about not getting the chance to drive one.

10 Chrysler 300

via car and driver

I want to be nice to the Chrysler 300, but it’s just so hard. The current model has been here since 2011, but it looks pretty much the same as the original that came in 2005. As Jalopnik pointed out, it kind of looks like a Bentley in the right light. The problem is that it rolls on an outdated chassis and, while it may be okay for older gentlemen, it’s also become a car that’s commonly found on subprime car lots getting repossessed and resold four times a year (sometimes more in bad areas).

Truth be told, it’s not a bad car, despite some common problems (clunky front end, anyone?) but it’s nothing to write home to mom about either. If Chrysler ever decides to usher in a third generation, I may have to change its position on this list, but until then, don’t worry about any missed opportunities here. The 500C can supposedly hit 60 mph in 5 seconds, according to Motor Trend, so it’s got that going for it. Of course, you can thank that nice, 5.7-liter HEMI for that. In the end, I wouldn’t say turn down a shot behind the wheel, but don’t waste your time looking for it.

9 Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion was basically a replacement for the Taurus, and it’s your basic, run-of-the-mill, family hauling sedan. If you look on cars.com, you’ll find plenty of happy consumer reviews that say things like “it’s easy to drive” or “it meets my needs.” But, that’s also why it falls on this portion of the list. There isn’t a lot that’s special about it – it's just your average car.

Motor Trend reports that the sport trim is kind of fun to drive with its 325-horsepower V-6 but it’s also pretty expensive and you’ll find better economy elsewhere. Either way, the Fusion isn’t a bad car, but it’s little more than a successor to the Taurus and is dripping wet in mediocrity.

8 Mitsubishi Mirage

via Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi still makes the Mirage? Seriously? Those were my exact words as I was researching models for this list, but then I realized that Mitsubishi really did bring it back. Well, kind of, anyway – it seems to come and go. It came back for 2012, then took a year off for 2016, and came back for 2017 and 2018. Even with taking a year off, it’s still about as subpar as a car can get. It gets a three-star rating from Edmunds, a one-star rating from Car & Driver, and 1.5 stars from Motor Trend. That tells you how bad this thing really is. It’s great if you need a cheap-to-own daily driver I guess, but it has cheap, low-quality interior, poor response, pitiful power delivery (78 horsepower,) and one of the worst CVTs on the market.

The car can’t even get out of its own way, taking as long as 10.9 seconds to get to 60 mph and more than 18 seconds to get across a quarter mile.

That’s right, you can probably floor it between stop lights, and you might hit 50 mph. Needless to say, this is not a bucket-list car. Well, it could be, if you want something to yard beat from time to time, then, by all means, have your way with it. Otherwise, your life is probably better without driving the Mirage.

7 Chevy Camaro

via digital trends

The Chevy Camaro is a great car and can even be considered the definition of modern muscle. But, at the end of the day, it’s become so common that there’s not much special about it outside of its performance. That’s exactly why it’s landed here on this list.

It has essentially lost all ties to the historical model it’s supposed to represent, and even with 455 horsepower from the 2SS trim, it still can’t compete with some of the more prominent sports cars out there.

It’s fun to drive sure, and owners seem to love it, but you can get the same experience from a Mustang or a Challenger, so take your pick. It’s not a car that’s worth stressing over if you’re not able to find your way into the driver’s seat at one time or another.

6 Chevy Cruze hatchback

via Chevy

On the plus side, the Cruze Hatchback has finally found its way to the United States. Of course, it didn’t get quite the same love as cars like the Civic Type R but, then again, it’s actually pretty plain as well. It’s typical GM everywhere you look. Fake vents in the front, fairly cheap interior inside. It’s just overall boring. There’s no performance version either, so there’s just nothing really pressing you to take a dive into the driver’s seat. According to Car & Driver, it has mediocre power too, with its little 1.4-liter engine pumping out just 153 horsepower.

With that kind of power and a weight of about 2,900 pounds, expect to get to 60 mph in around eight seconds, while a quarter mile will probably take you a good 17 seconds. See, it’s plain outside, plain inside, and boring on the street. Nothing to see here, folks. Move onto the next.