History's Best Selling Vehicles of 1998

Hats off to 1998! Few vehicles commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Volkswagen New Beetle. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Peugeot 206 and Smart Fortwo, consumers eagerly embraced the radical 90s attitude and millennium anticipation. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Volkswagen and Peugeot set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that flew off store shelves and cemented lifelong fandoms. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Volkswagen New Beetle

   Released in 1998 by Volkswagen

   On January 19, 1998, the automotive world was captivated by a blast from the past, reimagined for the future. At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volkswagen officially unveiled the New Beetle, a car that did more than just transport people—it sparked a global design trend. This date marks the public debut of a vehicle that successfully weaponized nostalgia, wrapping modern engineering in an iconic, beloved shape. The launch was not merely a new car release; it was a cultural event that kicked off a sales phenomenon and defined the retro-futurism movement for a generation.

2. Peugeot 206

   Released in 1998 by Peugeot

   On September 10, 1998, the automotive world turned its attention to France as Peugeot officially launched the 206. This date marked the commercial debut of the car tasked with an almost impossible mission: replacing the legendary and beloved Peugeot 205. The 205 had been a phenomenal success, saving the company in the 1980s, and expectations for its successor were sky-high. The launch of the 206 was a critical moment for Peugeot, representing a new design direction and a massive investment. It needed to capture the hearts of a new generation of drivers while satisfying loyal fans of its predecessor, setting the stage for a new chapter in European supermini history.

3. Smart Fortwo

   Released in 1998 by Smart

   On October 3, 1998, the automotive world witnessed the official market launch of a truly radical vehicle: the Smart City-Coupé. Released simultaneously in Germany, France, Italy, and six other European countries, it was the culmination of a bold vision initially conceived by Swatch founder Nicolas Hayek and brought to life by the engineering might of Mercedes-Benz. This date marks the moment the public could finally purchase this unconventional microcar, a vehicle designed not for open highways, but for the dense, congested heart of the modern city. Its arrival challenged every existing notion of what a car should be, prioritizing parking ease, efficiency, and clever design above all else.