Modern cars are all about sleek designs and futuristic features. But the journey that brought us here started over a century ago—long before GPS and cup holders were even ideas. Some of the world’s most iconic car brands survived the rise of the modern automobile and helped invent it.
This list explores a few of the oldest car brands that not only stood the test of time but also helped shape the global auto industry.
Peugeot (Founded in 1810)
Peugeot started in 1810 and started making coffee mills and bicycles. In 1889, they built a steam-powered tricycle, and just a year later, they introduced their first car with an internal combustion engine. It was remarkable how they shifted from tools to transportation. Peugeot marked the true beginning of one of the world’s oldest carmakers.
Tatra (Founded in 1850)
Tatra began in 1850 as Ignatz Schustala & Comp. with horse-drawn wagons. They entered the auto world in 1897 with the Präsident, one of Central Europe’s first cars. In the 1930s, they designed sleek, aerodynamic vehicles that made them stand out for innovation early on.
Mercedes-Benz (Founded in 1926)
Mercedes-Benz was officially formed in 1926, but Karl Benz built the first gasoline-powered car in 1885. His invention laid the groundwork for the modern automobile, which was a three-wheeled motor vehicle. Today, it’s recognized as one of the biggest breakthroughs in transportation history.
Škoda (Founded in 1895)
Škoda started in 1895 under the name Laurin & Klement. They made bicycles first, then moved to motorcycles. By 1905, they produced their first car, the Voiturette A. Then, in 1925, they merged with Škoda Works. That merger created the car brand we recognize today.
Renault (Founded in 1899)
Three brothers—Louis, Marcel, and Fernand Renault—founded the company Renault in 1899. They gained attention with their direct-drive transmission. That same year, they released the Type A voiturette. It marked their entry into car manufacturing and helped build their early reputation in the auto world.
Fiat (Founded in 1899)
Fiat stands for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino. It launched in 1899 and built its first car, the 3½ HP, in the same year. The company quickly grew and took over Italy’s car market. Fiat expanded across borders and became one of Europe’s most recognized car brands.
Opel (Founded in 1862)
Opel didn’t really start as an automotive brand; in fact, they sold sewing machines in 1862. Afterwards, they added bicycles to their lineup. In 1899, they entered the automotive world with the Patent-Motorwagen System Lutzmann. That move led Opel to become one of Germany’s largest car producers in the 20th century.
Cadillac (Founded in 1902)
Cadillac formed after the collapse of the Henry Ford Company. The founders named it after the French explorer who founded Detroit. Cadillac stood out early for its exceptional precision. In 1909, General Motors acquired it, and it soon became a symbol of luxury and engineering.
Ford (Founded in 1903)
Henry Ford launched the company in 1903 and introduced the Model T in 1908. Ford’s real impact came from the assembly line. That innovation made cars faster to build and cheaper to buy, which helped millions of people afford a car for the first time.
Buick (Founded in 1899)
David Dunbar Buick started the company in 1899. Buick quickly became one of the oldest American car brands. It introduced the overhead valve engine, which was a major innovation. In 1908, General Motors formed around Buick by using it as a key part of its foundation.
Packard (Founded in 1899)
Packard began in 1899 as a luxury car company in the United States. It became known for high quality and style and was one of the most respected names in luxury for decades. The brand ended production in 1958, but collectors still prize Packards today.
Aston Martin (Founded in 1913)
Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford founded Aston Martin in 1913. The company focused on luxury sports cars and grand tourers. Over time, the brand became famous for its sleek design and performance. Its cars gained global fame through the James Bond films.
Maserati (Founded in 1914)
The Maserati brothers founded the company in 1914. They started with race cars and later moved to high-performance road vehicles. Maserati gained a reputation for combining speed and luxury. The brand has stayed true to its racing roots while appealing to upscale car buyers.
Alfa Romeo (Founded in 1910)
Alfa Romeo began in Milan in 1910. It quickly earned a reputation for sporty designs by making its mark in motorsports, including Formula One racing. This focus on performance helped Alfa Romeo stand out from other Italian carmakers early on.
Rolls-Royce (Founded in 1904)
Charles Rolls and Henry Royce founded this infamous company in 1904. Their Silver Ghost gained global fame and was called “the best car in the world.” Rolls-Royce quickly became a leader in luxury automobiles and set a high standard for craftsmanship and smooth performance.