What Does A Car Say About A Generation?

Car culture will never go away, but it will certainly continue to mutate and redefine itself. After all, different generations hold varying tastes and ideals that form what’s valued in an automobile. Here are some of the favorite cars for each generation. 

Silent Generation: 1928–1931 Ford Model A

The silent generation was defined by discipline and sacrifice, as evidenced by living through both The Great Depression and WWII. That being said, that doesn’t mean there weren’t any preferences when it came to automobiles.

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Silent Generation: 1928–1931 Ford Model A

One of the most popular automobiles amongst the silent generation was the Ford Model A. The image of it would be the first thing to come to mind when picturing, say, a 1920s period piece film.

Bernard Spragg, Wikimedia Commons

Silent Generation: 1928–1931 Ford Model A

The car came in a number of different forms, be it a coupe or a sedan. The convertible look, though, is probably the most iconic for the vehicle.

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Silent Generation: 1928–1931 Ford Model A

A fun fact is that the Soviets made their own iteration of the car during the early 30s in collaboration with Ford. They could put aside any thoughts about Western decadence to recognize a practical vehicle.

Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

Silent Generation: 1950–1953 MG TD

Jumping from the late 1920s to the 1950s, we have the MG TD car. It was a car that would define Americans’ driving taste for years to come.

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Silent Generation: 1950–1953 MG TD

Functioning as a sports car, which is very popular amongst Americans, there’s actually a fun fact here. For example, the car was manufactured in Britain, meaning they had a great stake in American culture.

DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Silent Generation: 1950–1953 MG TD

Many of the iterations of this model came in a striking red colour, making a distinct image while going down the road. The beauty of the car made a mark after the belt-tightening of the 30s and 40s.

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Silent Generation: 1950–1953 MG TD

Rationing during WWII meant fuel requirements had to be adjusted. Now living in a post-WWII society, cars like this could rev up their engines loudly and proudly.

Lothar Spurzem, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Baby Boomers: 1972–1984 Chevrolet Corvette

Born into and coming of age during a time of high economic growth, boomers are probably the generation most associated with car culture. If you need proof, just look at Jay Leno’s reality show.

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Baby Boomers: 1972–1984 Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevrolet brand, in particular, has a strong association with boomer car culture. The Chevrolet Corvette was one that many of them barreled down the highway in, likely with The Eagles blasting on the stereo.

Lothar Spurzem, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Baby Boomers: 1972–1984 Chevrolet Corvette

Chevrolet was initially associated with muscle cars, but changing regulations regarding fuel consumption and the environment meant a switch had to happen. Thus, the company embraced the idea of the sleek, efficient sports car.

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Baby Boomers: 1972–1984 Chevrolet Corvette

In general, Chevrolet did the concept of American-made cars proud. It appropriately spoke to a heavy time of American pride.

Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Baby Boomers: 1969–1976 Triumph TR6

With a plethora of car options, boomers were bound to have a few favorites. One of these was the Triumph TR6, which is maybe unheralded in car history.

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Baby Boomers: 1969–1976 Triumph TR6

A British-made car, this model indicated the friendly competition between America and England in manufacturing cars. Of course, with enough money to go around, nobody suffered on the market.

Rundvald, Wikimedia Commons

Baby Boomers: 1969–1976 Triumph TR6

Maybe James Bond never drove one of these, but regardless, the car had an appealing design. Many praised it for being attractive, yet unpretentious.

Rundvald, Wikimedia Commons

Baby Boomers: 1969–1976 Triumph TR6

There have been many impactful British cars since, like the BMW, but this one holds a special place in history. That makes sense, as it still feels like boomers are the ones dictating the history books.

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Generation X: 1967–1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Generation X was known to rebel against their boomer counterparts by having more skepticism towards consumer culture. That being said, that doesn’t mean cars weren’t important to them.

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Generation X: 1967–1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet continues its presence on this list with the 1967-1969 Camaro. It spoke to a generation that continued with the economic strength of their forebears.

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Generation X: 1967–1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Being from the 1960s, the funny thing, though, is that this car would be most memorable to the boomer generation. It makes you wonder if car design peaked during a certain period.

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Generation X: 1967–1969 Chevrolet Camaro

For Gen Xers, driving your 1968 Chevrolet Camaro in the early 90s while Nirvana was making new music would have its own kitschy charm. Or perhaps nostalgia came into play, as many could remember being in the backseat of the car their parents had owned.

MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Generation X: 1983–1990 Land Rover Defender

Another British entry on the list is the 1983-1990 Land Rover Defender. Curiously enough, there was even more presence from past generations, having taken inspiration from a WWII-era Jeep.

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Generation X: 1983–1990 Land Rover Defender

An imposing vehicle to see barreling down the highway, it’s almost the kind of automobile you’d expect more in a rural environment. Many considered it a great asset for those interested in camping.

Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Generation X: 1983–1990 Land Rover Defender

The Jeep vehicles you might remember throughout the Gen X hit Jurassic Park may have played some role in influencing buyers. Even if you were a working stiff with a boring office job, driving a vehicle like that could make you imagine you were on a dinosaur safari.

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Generation X: 1983–1990 Land Rover Defender

Not as popular as it was in the 90s heyday, the Land Rover seems to have tapered off a bit. But who knows where the next nostalgia wave will land to benefit it?

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Millennials: 1981–1987 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup

Millennials, as a generation, have been unfortunately defined by less spending power than boomers or Gen Xers. That being said, that doesn’t mean cars aren’t as beloved by them.

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Millennials: 1981–1987 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup

Statistics indicate that millennials gravitate towards American cars, which is good news for Chevrolet. They’re consistently popular for a reason.

Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Millennials: 1981–1987 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup

Like Gen X with the Chevrolet Camaro, there’s deep admiration for a past generation’s car. In general, it seems millennials are a generation deeply associated with nostalgia.

order_242, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Millennials: 1981–1987 Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup

Pickup trucks always have a strong association with the working class or rural life. If anything, it’s just a practical car that will appeal to anyone.

Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Millennials: 2002–2007 Mitsubishi Lancer/Evo

One non-American car that spoke to the millennial generation was the 2002-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer/Evo. The Japanese manufacturer gave the United States and Britain a run for their money on the market.

Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Millennials: 2002–2007 Mitsubishi Lancer/Evo

A sleek, attractive sedan that also had a powerful engine, the car was the entire package. All other brands had to catch up.

Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Millennials: 2002–2007 Mitsubishi Lancer/Evo 

Curiously, statistics point to millennial interest in a car as indicative of a lack of interest from other generations. It seems like Japanese cars spoke to millennial interests the most.

OSX, Wikimedia Commons

Millennials: 2002–2007 Mitsubishi Lancer/Evo

It’s likely this car will have increasing value in the years to come as the generation of collectors changes. Let’s just hope enough millennials have the money.

OSX, Wikimedia Commons

Generation Z: 1989–1997 Mazda Miata

Being that the oldest Gen Zers are just turning 30 this year, there’s probably still a lot to figure out about that generation. When it comes to automobiles, this concept equally applies.

Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Generation Z: 1989–1997 Mazda Miata

The next Japanese car on this list, the 1989-1997 Mazda Miata, has made a strong impression on Gen Z. Though the influence it took from British cars is a sign that Gen Z and boomers might have more in common than they think.

OSX, Wikimedia Commons

Generation Z: 1989–1997 Mazda Miata

This car is also on the more affordable end, which makes it suitable for Gen Z. However, they might have a lot of wealth to accumulate when the car eventually becomes hot on the collector’s market in the years to come.

Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

Generation Z: 1989–1997 Mazda Miata

This all being said, the habits of Gen Z, which are still developing, continue to surprise. Who knows what car they’ll have nostalgia for in the years to come.

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Generation Z: 1988–1994 Nissan Silvia S13

Continuing with the Japanese theme is the 1988-1994 Nissan Silvia S13. It’s best known for being a compact sports car.

TTTNIS, Wikimedia Commons

Generation Z: 1988–1994 Nissan Silvia S13

The car is especially known for being extra aerodynamic thanks to its smart design. It’s great for drifting, which some may associate with street racing.

TTTNIS, Wikimedia Commons

Generation Z: 1988–1994 Nissan Silvia S13

It’ll be interesting to see what cars Gen Alpha finds themselves attracted to. If they continue with the Japanese theme, then that country will likely have won the long-term automotive battle against the United States and Britain.

dave_7, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Generation Z: 1988–1994 Nissan Silvia S13

For all we know, some kind of Toyota could be Generation Alpha’s favorite car. Or maybe even the Subaru? We’ll just have to wait and see.

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Sources:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10