American cars have over the years tried going head to head with some of the industries finest from all over the world. Its stiffest competition is Japan and Europe. American cars are considered rebirths of what their predecessors were.
After the 1970 oil crisis, American car manufactures had to rethink their engine builds, designs, as well as materials used in the building of the car. While some of the original cars companies died and others were absorbed by bigger companies, American cars found a way to break the mold and emerge at the top.
10 Ford Model T
Back in the day, cars were reserved for the rich and wealthy. If you had no influence in society, odds were that you could only experience a car from looking at it pass you by. But in 1908, Henry Ford built the first affordable car – the Ford Model T that ended up changing the car world forever.
The Ford Model T was not only the first affordable car, but it is the car that set the pace for all American modern cars. This classic vintage American ride was in production for 23 years (1908 to 1927). At one point during its lifespan, the Ford Model T was the most popular vehicle in America, seeing that its affordability status made it available to many Americans.
9 Hennessey Venom GT
When it comes to supercars, America is not the country steering the ship. This position has for the longest time been dominated by European car manufacturers like Ferrari, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and McLaren, to name but a few.
However, Hennessey has proven, while America can’t build the ultimate super beasts, they can tune what they have. Hennessey is an American car company whose main focus is tuning American beasts to ultimate super beasts. In 2011, Hennessey unveiled the Venom GT. This has set a number of records including the unofficial speed record of 270 mph at the Kennedy Space Center.
8 Willys Jeep
Jeep's are iconic and gained notoriety during World War II. Jeeps were the go-to vehicles for the American military because they were hardy vehicles that could survive in any terrain. These vehicles were built to be more practical than comfortable. They were stripped down to the bare minimum.
The Willys Jeep was the vehicle that started all this. This granddaddy Jeep was a 4x4, ¼ -ton military truck that was used in World War II, the Korean War, and a number of wars. This ride was powered by a 2.2-liter inline-four Willys L134 engine that was paired with a four-speed manual transmission. This engine had a max power output of 92 horsepower. The Willys Jeep had a payload capacity of 1500 pounds and a top speed of 55 mph.
7 Shelby Cobra
Whether you are a car enthusiast or not you must have heard of Shelby. Shelby was a Texas chicken farmer who turned cars into beasts. He is famous for his contribution to the Ford vs Ferrari battle on the track.
While most Shelby cars are iconic, the Shelby Cobra takes the win. The Shelby Cobra started off as a British two-door convertible. In 1962, Shelby brought the AC Roadster to America and replaced its engine with a tuned Ford V8 engine. Since its debut in 1962, almost 60,000 Cobras were made. From this batch rose the legendary Shelby Cobra 427.
6 Tesla Model S
Electric Cars are currently shaping the automotive industry. Gone are the days that electric cars were described as glorified golf carts. High-performance electric cars are credited to Elon Musk. Elon Musk has been described as the real-life Iron Man. Musk has been at the forefront of electric car evolution since the debut of the Tesla Roadster.
After the Roadster, came the Tesla Model S, a full-size four-door electric sedan. When Tesla rolled out the Model S, gear heads were quick to pit it against some of the best performance cars, hoping that it would fail. However, the Model S proved that it can hold down its own.
5 Cadillac Eldorado
American cars have always made a statement of flair and flamboyance, whether it is by being loud or just having a unique design. The Cadillac Eldorado might not have had a loud engine, but it made up for that with its unique looks.
The Eldorado was a symbol of the ultimate American dream. This beauty rolled off the production line in 1953, featuring a 5.4-liter V8 engine that was paired with a four-speed Hydramatic transmission.
4 Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet cars have gained notoriety over the years for being good-looking as well as very capable. The Corvette is Chevrolet's high-performance models, and arguably their most gorgeous cars..
The Chevrolet Corvette is made using fiberglass. The Corvette featured a 3.9-liter V8 engine that was paired with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. This engine had a max power output of 150 horsepower.
3 Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper is either loved or hated among Americans. Those who love it find its speed exhilarating and its design flawless. On the other hand, those who hate it claim it's uncomfortable, impractical, and difficult to drive.
The Viper is a two-door sports car that has been stripped down to the bare minimum and is fitted with a huge 8.0-liter V10 engine. This engine has a max power output of 400 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Dodge Viper might be the ultimate American sports car and is often an option for anyone seeking to own a supercar but doesn’t want to break the bank.
2 Ford Mustang
The Mustang is one of the popular Ford cars in the world. This American beauty is known for its speed and good looks. Very few cars can strike a perfect balance between performance and looks, but Ford managed to do that with the Mustang.
The world was introduced to the Ford Mustang in 1964 and has been in production to date making it the longest-running Ford production car. Being affordable, Mustangs have held the position of the fifth best-selling Ford cars.
1 Ford F-Series
Pickup trucks are perhaps the most popular vehicles in the world. In America, Ford F-series trucks are king. These trucks are embedded in the fabric of American history.
Ford F-Series trucks built a legacy for being affordable, versatile, economical, and adaptable. These trucks were built for regular Americans who need a vehicle to haul loads, carry farm produce, and sometimes equipment. Over the years, these trucks have evolved from being helpers to performance vehicles.