In celebration of MotorTrend’s 75th anniversary, we are reflecting on some of the most impactful vehicles in automotive history. While a complete catalog would require a book, we’ve pinpointed five standout models from each decade that played crucial roles in shaping the industry.

Overview of the 1990s

Was the 1990s the pinnacle of automotive development in the 20th century? During this decade, car manufacturers adapted to new emissions and fuel economy requirements through innovations like fuel injection, multivalve heads, and solid-state ignitions. These advancements led to a level of power and acceleration that American drivers hadn’t felt since the early 1970s. The economy was thriving, and adjusted for inflation, fuel prices hit a record low for the century. With intense competition and rapidly evolving technology, the cars, trucks, minivans, and the newly popular SUVs were crafted and produced to a standard that surpassed anything seen before.

1990 Lexus LS

It might be surprising to recall, but despite early successes, many Americans doubted the ability of Japanese manufacturers to create a luxury vehicle. Toyota silenced the skeptics with the launch of the 1990 Lexus LS, a spacious, sophisticated, V-8 sedan that exuded elegance and precision, making German luxury brands seem inferior. Emerging from Japan’s voluntary tariffs—which aimed to sell fewer cars at greater profits—the Lexus LS instantly challenged Mercedes-Benz and BMW, nearly displacing Cadillac and Lincoln among younger buyers. While building brand prestige often takes generations, Lexus quickly became a sought-after name in luxury automobiles, perhaps even better understanding the desires of American consumers than they did themselves.

1990 Mazda Miata

The concept behind the Mazda Miata was refreshingly straightforward: a British-style sports car with none of the common British reliability issues. The inaugural Miata featured classic looks, a lightweight design, and provided pure driving joy. Our first cover story warned readers, “Warning! This Car May Be Addictive!”—and it proved true, as drivers have remained captivated by the Miata for over 35 years. Although the Miata has evolved over time, its purpose has not changed, akin to the consistency of a beloved pizza shop in New York. The first-generation NA-series Miata continues to attract enthusiasts across generations, appealing to both new collectors and those exploring the realm of performance driving. It’s achieved the rare honor of being celebrated as a classic, just like the cars it was inspired by.

1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Initially meant to replace the cherished Cherokee, the ZJ Jeep Grand Cherokee established its own legacy. The phrase “carlike handling” is now common in describing modern SUVs, but the ZJ was the trailblazer that showcased the possibility of high-riding vehicles that could mix serious off-road capability with luxurious driving comfort. The Grand Cherokee gained immediate popularity, winning the MotorTrend 1993 Truck of the Year award, and made an impactful mark in pop culture, shaping the design blueprint for contemporary SUVs that balance rugged performance and everyday usability. Driving a 1993 Grand Cherokee today feels surprisingly modern, as it has seamlessly transitioned Jeep into the 21st century, remaining a highly sought-after vehicle.

1994 Dodge Ram

At the start of the 1990s, pickup trucks were primarily viewed as utilitarian tools—until the 1994 Dodge Ram burst onto the scene. Its bold drop-fender design attracted attention from rural areas to urban environments, but the Ram boasted much more than its striking look. Equipped with powerful engines like the legendary Cummins straight-six turbodiesel and an impressive 8.0-liter V-10, the Ram also featured a thoughtfully designed interior that merged car-like ergonomics with practical truck functions, including controls easy to use with gloves. Declaring the Ram as our 1994 MotorTrend Truck of the Year was a simple choice, but more significantly, it initiated the trend of elevating the pickup truck from a working vehicle to a family-friendly option. This transformation has propelled the truck market to great heights, largely thanks to the 1994 Dodge Ram.

1997 Toyota RAV4

Every car manufacturer faces the question, “What’s next?” In the late 1990s, Toyota’s answer was the RAV4, a compact, fuel-efficient “cute-ute” that predates the term “crossover.” It acknowledged a quiet reality: most SUV buyers don’t actually venture off-road. While the RAV4 was initially available as a two-door convertible, the four-door version captured the interest of MotorTrend as an affordable, efficient family vehicle. As the pioneer of what we termed “the new wave of SUVs” (quickly followed by the Honda CR-V), the unexpected success of the RAV4 took even Toyota by surprise—the company initially hoped to sell 36,000 units, but ended up delivering 56,000 in 1996 alone and nearly doubling that before the decade closed. Though the CR-V sparked the crossover trend, it was the RAV4’s youthful and vibrant character that made it an appealing choice for younger families still dominated by SUV preferences.

MotorTrend extends its gratitude to Matt Anderson, an automotive historian and the curator of transportation at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, for his insights shared in our series on the Most Significant Cars of the Decades.