Do you remember the buzz you would feel when your parents gave you your first car right out of high school? I do. It was a liberating one. Finally, out of required learning and right before necessary learning, I would acquire a vehicle to take around town and feel confident in. There’s no greater sensibility of youthful reckless abandon.

So, the question lies within, which of the makes had star-quality models to show for it at the time? A quick rundown of the classics follows below.

1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass

The Oldsmobile Cutlass is without a doubt the perfect classic to introduce our population to the modern age of motor-mania! It would sell over half a million units in 1978, and continue with stellar numbers until 1982. GM certainly knew what they were doing with this middle-tier division beaut. Making it a mainstay of the 1970s.

1982 Ford Escort

In 1982, a newcomer would challenge the veteran. By which we mean, of course, the Ford Escort. This vehicle replaces the Pinto as Ford’s best-seller in the year of 1982. This model sold about 337,667 units! And just in time for the recession.

1984 Chevrolet Cavalier

Chevy knows how to give chase to its existence with amazing, best-selling Chevy Cavvy. If you weren’t big in high school then, snag this car and prepare to be now! It sold a very eager 422,927 units. It’s also on for a second-year in a row, being that it comes in coupe, sedan, hatchback, wagon and convertible styles.

1989 Honda Accord

A third-generation Honda Accord approaches. With three body styles found in a sedan, a hatchback and a coupe, the Honda Accord splashes waves and really knows how to stick it to their competitors! Over 362,707 units sold because of it’s reliability.

1997 Toyota Camry

This one is bittersweet to me. Mainly, because I had a bad wreck or two in my old 97. Which from then on, had been totally goners. Yet, one cannot deny that the Camry had been maybe the most ideal of high school cars. From ’97 to twenty-three years later, in 2020, it would remain the top-selling car of all-American time.