In an auto industry that’s largely focused on the newest, shiniest models, cutting-edge innovation, and next-generation features, it’s easy for some long-running cars, trucks, and SUVs to get lost in the shuffle. This is especially true in the modern market, where new hybrid and all-electric vehicles are steadily supplanting their gas-powered forerunners. There’s nothing wrong with a seasoned sedan, vintage van, or traditional truck. In fact, in many cases, a model’s longevity simply speaks to its success and popularity amongst a dedicated group of drivers who return to the same vehicle time and time again. In order to honor some of the industry’s most enduring nameplates, I’ve combed through the history books to compile a roster of the oldest models that are still offered by a few leading brands. From a Hollywood superstar and two models initially built for military use to an OG muscle car and a bus that defined a generation, read on as we discover how these legendary models have stood the test of time in an ever-changing market.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (1979)
The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen (bless you), commonly known as the G-Class or G-Wagon, is a history lesson disguised as a four-wheel drive luxury SUV. Originally developed at the request of the Shah of Iran, the G-Class started off as a military vehicle and first entered service with the Argentine Army during the Falklands War of the early 1980s. The G-Glass became available to the public in 1979 and quickly made a name for itself with its boxy design and considerable off-road ability. The rugged SUV, which is one of the few passenger vehicles built with three fully locking differentials, has since become one of the auto industry’s most prevalent status symbols. The G-Class built up its luxury credentials over the decades to become one of the fanciest and most capable vehicles in its class. The 2025 model features a turbocharged 3.0L I-6 paired with a 48-volt hybrid system to offer 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The interior has all the trappings of a true luxury model, which is a relief given the SUV’s nearly $150,000 starting price.
Honda Civic (1972)
Popularity and longevity tend to go hand in hand, and that’s definitely the case when it comes to the Honda Civic. The compact marvel isn’t just one of Honda’s most popular models. It’s also one of the country’s best-selling vehicles, with over 27 million units sold over the last half-century. While the Civic, and sedans in general, have recently lost some ground due to the increased popularity of crossover SUVs, it still remains the go-to choice for any driver seeking a satisfying mix of efficiency, reliability, and affordability. While not traditionally known for providing an excessively thrilling experience behind the wheel, Honda has stepped up its game with the release of performance-focused versions of the Civic, like the Si and Type R, the latter of which comes equipped with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L VTEC engine that offers 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Currently in its eleventh generation, the 2025 Civic offers some of the best fuel economy in its class, with the gas-powered model delivering 32 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway, with the new hybrid version logging an EPA-estimated 50 MPG in the city and 47 MPG on the highway.
Dodge Charger (1966)
The Dodge Charger might not have been the first pony car on the block. That honor, and the segment’s namesake, can be traced to the Ford Mustang. But it does hold the distinction of being Dodge’s longest-running vehicle. First introduced in 1966 as a larger, more upscale alternative to the Mustang, the Charger has become just as iconic as in its 50-plus years on the market. The trailblazing Charger shared a body and some major components with the brand’s Coronet model but set itself apart with an emphasis on performance that few models could match. Packed with an optional 7.0L HEMI V8, the Charger provided the sort of power that would set the stage for all muscle cars to come.
The car also earned plenty of praise for its innovative, sporty design that included hidden headlights, a full-width grille, and a “wall-to-wall” tail lamp design that seriously upped the curb appeal. The Charger’s distinctive silhouette and cult following have earned the muscle car a number of starring roles over the last 50 years, including cameos in Bullitt, The Dukes of Hazzard, Gone in 60 Seconds, and, of course, The Fast and the Furious franchise. While Dodge still offers a gas-powered Charger in the form of the 2025 Sixpack model, the muscle car has largely traded in its hulking V8s for a new all-electric powertrain. Debuting in 2024, the Charger Daytona lives up to its electrically-inspired name with a dual-motor setup that allows the Scat Pack trim to pump out up to 670 hp.
Toyota Land Cruiser (1951)
“War! What is it good for? (Almost) nothing.” While global conflict has caused its fair share of pain and strife, it also tends to produce a considerable number of impactful inventions. From duct tape and microwave ovens to super glue, Silly Putty, and early computers, global conflict has brought us a number of products that might have otherwise never made it out of the planning stages.
The Toyota Land Cruiser serves as one notable automotive example. Originally called the Toyota Jeep BJ and styled after the popular Willys Jeep, the Land Cruiser was developed for the U.S. military during the Korean War. American troops needed a reliable, rugged off-road vehicle that could stand up to tough conditions, so the military brass commissioned Toyota to create a new model with a 3.4L I-6, four-wheel drive, and plenty of cargo room. The Land Cruiser, which took its name from the venerable British off-road creation that is the Land Rover, has gone through plenty of changes over the last 70 years, evolving from a bare-bones military model to a refined, modern SUV that marries off-road ability with the latest in comfort, convenience, and safety tech. The latest model employs a hybrid approach that uses a turbocharged 2.4L I-4 and two electric motors to offer 326 hp but stays true to its off-road roots with low-range gearing, a crawl-control system, and a locking center differential.
Ford F-Series (1948)
After over 75 years on the market, it’s safe to say that Ford’s F-Series pickup might just represent one of the auto world’s biggest success stories. The modern iteration of the F-150 pickup is not only the best-selling pickup on today’s market, but it’s also the most popular vehicle in the U.S., with over 700,000 units sold in 2023 alone. The Mustang, which hit the streets in 1964, is also getting on in years, but the F-Series is the undisputed granddaddy of the Ford lineup with more than three-quarters of a century under its timing belt.
The F-Series built its reputation around the concept of customization with the early “Bonus Built Line,” offering an almost endless combination of cab and chassis combinations. With the ability to fit any need or driving style, the F-Series quickly won a loyal fanbase that has continued to support the pickup well into its 14th generation. Like many of the models on this list, the F-150 has reinvented itself for the modern era, with Ford introducing a new all-electric variant, the F-150 Lightning. Offering up to 580 hp and boasting the ability to act as a standalone emergency generator thanks to Ford’s Pro Power Onboard feature, the F-150 Lightning opens the door to a new era of pickup possibility.
Volkswagen Transporter (1947)
Volkswagen has a knack for developing vehicles that tap into the cultural zeitgeist to provide the perfect ride for the contemporary market. Given the fact that the German brand’s name literally translates to “people’s car,” this should probably come as little surprise, but it’s still an impressive track record. Everyone knows the Beetle name by heart, but it can be a little harder to pin down the exact moniker of Volkswagen’s second-most famous creation. While technically christened the Volkswagen Transporter, VW’s famous bus has plenty of aliases. Whether you call it the VW Bus, Van, Microbus, Vanagon, EuroVan, or simply “that hippie van,” the Transporter has always been easy to identify thanks to its distinctive shape.
Some drivers might be surprised to learn that the bus was originally designed as a larger Beetle that put a premium on passenger and cargo space. VW simply replaced the Beetle’s skeleton with a ladder frame chassis that could accommodate the added weight, and the bus was born. A fixture at music festivals, campgrounds, and anywhere else patchouli is sold, the Transporter has easily earned the title of history’s best-selling van, with more than 13 million sales over the last 70 years. The VW bus now enters a new era with the release of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Microbus. The all-electric ID.Buzz’s cheeky name reflects the combination of classic bus styling with a new, all-electric powertrain that offers 234 miles of range and spacious seating for seven passengers.
Chevrolet Suburban (1935)
While they might manage to get through a round of pickleball, the average 90-year-old isn’t known for their mobility. The Chevy Suburban represents an obvious exception that is still going strong in 2025 as it attains nonagenarian status. The Suburban has helped to define the modern trend of larger-than-life full-size SUVs, but it technically started off as a two-door station wagon built on a half-ton truck frame back in a time when such vehicles were literally used to transport city workers from their local train station to their suburban homes. While the Suburban name is now intrinsically linked to the Chevy brand, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, “Suburban” was more of a segment than a badge, with multiple brands offering their own hardy, truck-based station wagons bearing Suburban branding. Chevy couldn’t claim sole ownership of the Suburban name until 1988, when the Plymouth Suburban had been off the market for a decade.
A lot has changed over the last 90 years, but the 12-generation Suburban still retains widespread popularity amongst those seeking a spacious family vehicle that provides the best in passenger and cargo room. The Suburban is not just a driver favorite, but it’s also a bonafide star of the silver screen, with an estimated 2,000-plus appearances that have earned the SUV its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Suburban has served drivers both real and fictional on both sides of the law. The full-size SUV is a favorite amongst local and federal law enforcement agencies but was also a fixture in the driveway of famed (if fake) North Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano.
When you’re talking about long-running Chevy models, the Corvette also deserves an honorable mention. Since entering the market in 1953, it has offered drivers a true sports car experience. The eight-generation model ups the ante with a mid-engine design that offers a more dynamic driving experience thanks to better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity.
There are a lot of advantages to going with a tried-and-true model when you set out to find your next car, truck, or SUV. Vehicles that suffer from lower-than-average reliability or obvious defects don’t tend to last in the competitive auto market. If a model is still going strong after more than 50 years, the automaker must be doing something right. There are exceptions to every rule, and while some years and generations might be a better buy than others, there’s something to be said for the history and heritage that comes with a long-running vehicle like the Ford F-150, Honda Civic, or Chevy Suburban. If you’re the type of driver who tends to gravitate towards the newest model and proudly wears the badge of “early adopter,” these models might not be for you, but if you want to own a piece of automotive history, they could be worth a closer look.
