Modern classics: 6 cars that have stood the test of time

Which cars have stood the test of time and remain just as popular today as they were at launch?

Our beloved motor world is always evolving.

And it’s easy to get swept up in the changes, with manufacturers making huge strides in electrification, and new brands hitting our shores (hello BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda and more).

But even among all this newness, the classics endure. And we love them for a reason.

By continually refreshing their designs and welcoming innovation, manufacturers ranging from Honda to Nissan have kept up with the times.

These old models have stayed fresh and new, with generations of drivers discovering the lasting power of a vehicle proven to be safe, reliable and fun.

These are the cars that have pushed boundaries and defied critics to become some of the best loved – and most familiar – sights on our roads today.

If you’re looking for a new car that’s a tried and tested classic, look no further than this list.

1. Fiat 500 (1957)

You know it at a glance.

Fiat’s most iconic model has been about in its original form since the 1950’s. And we loved it so much that they brought it back in 2007, over thirty years after production ended in 1975.

Brought up to date with all the latest tech, the new 500 is currently on the market in two forms. Available as mild-hybrid, it’s giving us what we want from a small city car; low-emissions and reduced fuel consumption in a stylish little package.

But you can also get your mitts on the 500 in cabriolet form, for jaunting down sunny country lanes with the wind in your hair (and pretending you’re in Sorrento, not South Devon). 

With its distinctive design that pays homage to the original 500, it’s a breath of fresh air in a market that’s now saturated with look-alike SUVs. Small wonder then that we keep coming back for more.

Renewed, refreshed, revamped – the new 500 has earnt its place in this list ten times over.

And, as Fiat themselves say, it’s 500% fun. What more could you want when you get behind the wheel?

2. Volkswagen Golf (1974)

Name a firmer family favourite, we dare you.

The VW Golf is a staple on our roads for a reason.

Over 35 million units of the Golf have been produced since its launch. The maths here gave us a headache to work out, but that works out roughly to someone buying a Golf every 40 seconds.

So, by the time you've read this article around six Golfs will have been sold.

Wild? We think so too.

The step from the iconic Beetle to the Golf was a huge one. The infamous rounded shape was traded in, replaced by an angular car with a water-cooled front engine and an entirely new vehicle layout.

But VW knew what it was doing. 

The main design elements of the original Golf can be traced through all the subsequent variations, and haven't been lost to the annals of history; the silhouette with the upright C-pillar, the striking wheel arches, and the horizontal front with the slim grille are still found on today’s model.

The VW Golf defined Volkswagen as a manufacturer, and continues to do so today - it still tops best-selling Volkswagen model lists. 

It's reliable, safe, and crosses classes to be a car that's suitable for nearly everybody. Whether you're looking for your first car, your fifth car, or your fiftieth car, there's something to love about the Golf for everyone.

3. MINI (1959)

This tiny car is a huge British icon.

Starting life in 1959, the Mini was created by the British Motor Corporation in reaction to the fuel shortages and petrol rationing of the time.

People needed more efficient city cars, and BMC wasted no time making one.

The Mini became an icon of the '60s, beloved by the public as well as a firm favourite among rock stars, actors, writers, and debutantes. It was even used in The Italian Job, where several Minis demonstrated just how nippy the diminutive vehicle was as it evaded the police.

The two-door, four-cylinder engine car with its monocoque shell did exactly what BMC wanted it to do, and brought an affordable, economical city car to the masses at a time when big cars were becoming more and more expensive.

It promised fun, freedom, and adventure - and oh boy, it delivered. 

The Mini was a huge success worldwide, and it remained popular until BMC finally ceased production on the Mini in 2000, after manufacturing over 5 million cars and selling 1.6 million in Britain alone.

But not before enjoying huge successes in the world of motorsport, winning victories in races like the Monte Carlo Rally and the 1000 Lakes Rally.

But the Mini being pulled from production in 2000 wasn't the end of the line for everyone's favourite box on wheels - BMW took over and shortly afterward announced a successor to the original, aptly named the MINI.

Yes, they just put the old name in capitals.

The new MINI shares the FWD architecture of the original, but it’s bigger and (probably owing to the BMW ownership) has come back as a more premium car.

While not as affordable as the original, it retains the iconic look and remains just as popular.

There are several iterations of the MINI available to buy today, including an estate version, an SUV version, a convertible model, and even the electric MINI Aceman.

With the latest models featuring the best technology, latest performance engineering, and a finely tailored interior, the MINI is a fashionable and desirable vehicle, oriented towards the pleasure of driving.

4. Nissan Qashqai (2007)

The Nissan Qashqai was revolutionary when it launched, transforming the family SUV sector.

People said it couldn't be done - but luckily for us, Nissan didn't listen.

It was the early 2000s, and Nissan knew it needed to change its European product portfolio. Vehicles like the Almera weren't selling well, and COO Carlos Ghosn wanted its replacement to offer something better.

At the time, SUVs were rising in popularity, offering something a little different to the traditional estate, saloon, or hatchback.

But there were still barriers to widespread adoption - people were still reasonably conservative in their vehicle choices, and hefty SUVs were a little on the mammoth side for everyday urban use.

And so, Nissan bravely went where no car manufacturer had gone before, setting out on an adventure to create a vehicle that combined the desirability, practicality, and versatility of an SUV, but with the size, nimble-ness, and running costs of a hatchback.

It had no direct competitor, so Nissan was free to set the parameters of what a compact crossover could look like, ending up with the higher seating position and large wheels of a typical SUV, but with a cabin engineered to feel like you're sitting in it, not on it.

A high armrest position and a passenger car-inspired centre console sealed the deal, making sure traditional hatchback customers would feel just as at home.

The Qashqai was initially unveiled at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show - and met with immediate scepticism. The media didn't think that there would ever be a market for Nissan's weird hybrid.

But by the time the Nissan Qashqai made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, there was already demand for the vehicle, with the Sunderland factory that had won the production of the crossover already upping initial plans to build 120,000 a year.

Nissan's clear vision and faith in the compact crossover SUV paid off, and today the brand stands as a market leader in what is becoming an increasingly crowded market, with over 2.7 million Qashqai's having been sold in Europe alone.

5. Toyota RAV4 (1994)

This is a younger classic to be sure, but the RAV4 deserves its place on this list as a much-coveted childhood staple.

It was big. It was bold.

It towered over every Ford Escort and Renault Clio on the school run.

This Japanese superstar is widely credited with starting the crossover SUV trend, launching its first generation in 1994 and – albeit with various updates and facelifts – is still in production today.

Unlike other models on this list, it’s one that’s had continuous production and development. Basically, in a motor world that’s constantly evolving, it’s never fallen out of favour.

No wonder then, that by 2020 over 10 million RAV4’s had been sold globally. So, while our hearts still soar to see one of the now-rare first-gens on the road, it’s clear no one is turning their nose up at the newer models.

And why would they? Toyota has long had a reputation for reliability and the RAV4 achieved a 5-star NCAP safety rating as recently as 2024, which just goes to show Toyota isn’t just interested in making a shiny new exterior for an old model. 

Now, greener and cleaner, today’s RAV4 is on the market as a plug-in hybrid available in two trims, Design and GR Sport.

The styling and design have evolved considerably since 1994, holding their own against popular rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

But it has that ineffable quality that marks it as recognisably Toyota, in the modern age.

The RAV4 feels, if we’re being sentimental, like a car that has grown up alongside us. Still big, still bold – still beautifully relevant.

And for the brand-loyalists among us, who grew up in a Toyota, it feels so good to get our hands on an old classic in updated, upgraded packaging.

6. Honda Civic (1972)

Released in 1972, the Civic is nearly single-handedly responsible for turning Honda's fortunes around.

The Japanese brand had been considering pulling out of car manufacturing, but with the rise in demand for smaller and more economical cars thanks to - say it with us - the oil crisis, Honda released the compact Civic.

It was a case of 'right car, right time'.

The Honda Civic became a huge success all over the globe, mostly thanks to its reliable engine and great fuel efficiency. It was also unique in taking both unleaded and leaded fuel, and people loved this flexibility.

The 1975 model broke new ground once more, with technology that meant the Civic's engine had lower emissions, more specific combustion, and didn't require a catalytic converter or unleaded fuel to meet rigorous Environmental Protection Agency emission standards.

Honda's ability to not just keep up with the times, but to continually innovate and push boundaries kept both the brand and the Civic at the forefront of the market.

The sixth generation, released in 1995, brought new developments with it once again. Honda knew that a family-friendly car needed to do more than just take you there and back - it needed to be somewhere you're happy to spend time.

This new generation included an agile-three door and a practical five-door and was the first to be fitted with a CD player. Not just any CD player - this snazzy model had a crisp sound and the ability to skip tracks.

What can we say, it was a simpler time.

The seventh-generation saw the introduction of the Civic Hybrid and the more powerful Civic Type R - proving once again Honda's ability to move with the times - while the eighth generation heralded the start of the futuristic look of the Civic we know and love today.

The tenth-generation Civic has cemented its continuing popularity in a crowded market, with a comfortable cabin and engaging drive. It remains a fantastic family car, and has positioned Honda as a safe and reliable brand.

With over 24 million Civics sold worldwide, this is one car that's definitely not going anywhere any time soon. 

What does the future hold?

These cars have all truly earned the mantle of a modern classic. But the motor world is always changing, with new models bursting onto the scene with new tech and new safety features. 

It's too soon to tell which up-and-coming models will stand the test of time, but we can't wait to see what new additions will make it onto the list. 

Who knows - maybe your next lease car will be one of them.