Cars That Start With S: A Showcase of Iconic Automotive Brands and Models
From scintillating supercars to rugged SUVs and sedans built for the everyday commute, automotive brands and models that start with the letter “S” have made an outsized impact across transportation history. Even casual car observers could likely name several that left their mark under the S name – but delving deeper provides an appreciation for the diverse range of vehicles, from the iconic to the obscure.
This blog post explores a showcase of cars that start with S, covering important context on key brands while highlighting specific models deserving of recognition. We’ll motor through sports cars exuding speed and power before sliding into SUVs equipped for outdoor adventure. Sedans and microcars fit for tightly packed cities also stand out as important S-name vehicles. Iconic brands that have endured for decades feature alongside relative newcomers hoping to establish their status. And even brands discontinuing production still deserve a nod for their influence on automotive development.
So buckle up as we kick things off with a look at…
Saab: Innovation Meets Swedish Minimalism
Founded in Sweden shortly after World War II, Saab was born out of the aircraft manufacturer seeking to diversify into autos. Early models established Saab’s identity for progressive engineering and Scandinavian-inspired design. The curvy, aerodynamic Saab 92 launched in 1949 helped move the still-new company’s focus beyond utilitarian transport.
Through the latter 20th century, Saab pioneered features supporting driver comfort and safety like heated seats, turbocharged engines and advanced seatbelt designs. Quirky detailing showed the brand’s willingness to break conventions in pursuit of functional minimalism long before it became commonplace. The hatchback-only Saab 900 (above) blending coupe-like style, sporty performance and versatility captured global attention in the late 1970s and became an iconic model referencing the brand’s identity.
Despite financial troubles leading General Motors to temporarily take full ownership in 2000 and the brand ultimately shutting down production after its 2011 bankruptcy, Saab’s engineering innovations and vocal enthusiast following preserve its legacy of cars commended as much for personality as performance capabilities. Most models feature front-wheel-drive paired with turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. Discontinued but hardly forgotten, Saab ensures models starting with S hold prominent positioning in automotive history books.
Suzuki: Pint-Sized Vehicles Pack Big Appeal
Representing the other end of the size spectrum, Japanese automaker Suzuki has built its reputation on producing affordable, compact cars. Its tiny Suzulight model (above) first introduced in 1955 reflected post-war Japan’s economic landscape of slim public budgets and expensive raw materials. The focused strategy continued paying dividends over subsequent decades. Models like the Alto, Swift and Wagon R expanded Suzuki’s production scale and international reach.
While diminutive dimensions underpin Suzuki’s lightweight, high-mileage lineup, the brand offers select sporty options for driving enthusiasts. The Swift Sport subcompact provides agile handling for windy roads. Bold aerodynamic styling gives the Kizashi sport sedan added attitude lacking from basic commuter vehicles. And the beefy Grand Vitara midsize SUV delivers a touch of ruggedness for suburban families regularly trekking into the wilderness on weekends.
Suzuki may lack the prestigious European pedigree of a Saab, but consistently ranking among the global industry’s highest-volume manufacturers confirms mainstream buyers worldwide see goodness in its efficient and economical transport. Sticking to its core competency in small vehicles ensures Suzuki maintains strong global standing even amidst constantly shifting market tastes.
Subaru: Safety and Symmetry with Boxer Power
Subaru appropriately owes its distinct identity to uniqueness rather than following industry norms. Most models sold internationally feature all-wheel-drive paired with horizontally opposed “boxer” engines. This powertrain configuration placed weight low in the chassis for optimal handling. Initial sales struggled until consumers recognized the inherent safety advantages of its surefooted grip.
The Outback midsize crossover (above) introduced in 1995 propelled Subaru’s popularity by blending ample cargo capacity and off-road traction suited for adventures together with compliant ride quality and reasonable operating costs for everyday travels. Turbocharged variants of the Impreza coupe and WRX performance sedan also earned respect from driving enthusiasts.
But Subaru’s recent growth largely links to prioritizing safety as a core brand pillar. Its EyeSight driver assist system with pre-collision warning and braking makes high-tech protection more accessible to average buyers. With Time Magazine even naming the company’s buyers as most educated in America, Subaru smartly aligns its offerings with both brains and brawn.
Shelby: Turning Mustangs Into Muscle Car Dominators
While Subaru opts for sophisticated safety, Shelby American leans entirely into unabashed power. Founder Carroll Shelby’s original Cobra roadster created in 1962 (above) unveiled a new standard for extreme performance by stuffing a thundering Ford V8 engine into a lightweight British roadster chassis. Quickly dominating sports car racing solidified Shelby’s early credentials for speed.
But the Texas-based company left its biggest legacy on the Ford Mustang fastback coupe. Partnerships enhancing the pony car’s capabilities over several decades essentially made Shelby a specialized sub-brand relative to Ford’s mainstream Mustang positioning. Upgrades including big-block engines, racing-tuned suspensions and aggressive aerodynamic kit distinguish Shlebys as the most menacing Mustangs ever let out of Detroit factories.
Recent names like Shelby GT350, GT500 and Super Snake (above) evoke the historical significance of Shelby’s muscle while incorporating modern design and amenities. Over half a century since the original Cobra stunned Corvettes on the track, Shelby-modified Mustangs retain benchmark status as ultimate high-performance street machines.
Skoda: Budget-Friendly Cars With Premium Pedigree
Similar to Suzuki maximizing tiny dimensions as a competitive edge, Czech automaker Skoda optimized limited resources early on to deliver excellent value positioning Volkswagen Group eventually recognized in acquiring the company in 1991. Streamlined engineering ensuring components get shared between entry-level Skoda models and upscale Audi brands helps manage costs.
The contemporary Octavia small family car (above) offers roomy, comfortable transport rivalling popular compacts but priced thousands below. Clever functionality like an integrated umbrella stored inside the driver’s door proves designers sweated small details. Recent incorporation of plug-in hybrid variants shows Skoda keeping up with latest technologies as well.
Of course diehard driving enthusiasts will likely pass on Skoda’s budget-minded offerings focused more on efficiency over excitement. Yet the brand deserves admiration for democratizing access to intuitive technology, tasteful design and build quality reflecting precision German engineering … all offered at palatable pricing pointing to a bright future under VW Group’s wing.
Shacman: Trucks Tough Enough For Industry
While the more glamorous realms of sports cars and SUVs dominate automotive passions, commercial workhorses like those built by Chinese manufacturer Shacman hold equally vital positions fulfilling grunt work supporting global economies. As urbanization and infrastructure development continues rapidly across Asia, brands like Shacman manufactured trucks designed specifically for construction, mining and logistic services associated with these sectors.
The SX3190 8×4 model (above) packs a Cummins diesel engine churning out nearly 1000 lb-ft of torque mated to a 12-speed automated transmission – specs similar to prestigious Mercedes and Volvo big rigs but more affordable for small operators and government fleets across developing regions. Shacman also produces heavy buses, tactical military vehicles and other niche industrial haulers.
The brand lacks prestige enjoyed by trendsetting passenger vehicle developers, yet success sustaining itself under the umbrella of Shaanxi Automobile Group since the late 1960s confirms a solid reputation getting dirty jobs done. Companies like Shacman embody the critically essential, yet mostly invisible vehicles society relies on to build and maintain itself.
Legacy Names Alongside Hungry Upstarts
Rounding out this showcase of cars that start with S moves from icons like Subaru and Shelby boasting decades of history to relative newcomers aiming to establish credibility in an auto industry that only grew more cutthroat through recent upheavals.
SsangYong emerged in 1954 from South Korea’s ambition to revive its post-war economy through developing modern industries like automobile manufacturing. Its name even translates to “double dragons” in Korean – an auspicious symbol indicating founders’ hopes for prosperity and good fortune. Early partnerships with Mercedes-Benz brought infusion of technical expertise that still underpin contemporary models like the Rexton large SUV.
At the opposite end of the spectrum lies NEVS, owners of Swedish brand Saab’s assets following its bankruptcy and shutdown. Short for National Electric Vehicle Sweden, the consortium of Chinese investors sees potential reviving the brand’s spirit of innovation, this time training focus on next-generation clean technologies. Production plans for an electric 9-3 sedan (above) after years of uncertain progress aim to rekindle its fanbase.
Whether heritage brands like SsangYong manage growing global relevance or Saab engineered for electrification inspires today’s drivers remains uncertain. But their shared early chapters remind that all automakers must start somewhere working to earn public awareness…with those getting traction often the ones taking risks and chasing ambition over merely settling.
The Road Ahead
This blog post merely sampled a showcase of car brands and iconic models starting with the letter S. But it provides strong evidence supporting automotive diversity beyond stereotypical assumptions – with compelling options ranging from Thunderbirds to Tiguans; SL roadsters to Sorentos; Silver Wraiths to Sportages satisfying an extensive range of tastes, priorities and budgets the world over.
And the road ahead promises continuation of this variety with advanced technologies like electrification and autonomous driving capabilities democratizing access and opening new mobility frontiers. Saab’s EV ambitions preview coming change while Subaru’s early EyeSight driver assistance adoption reaffirms brands must keep pace with consumer expectations, not just regulations, around safety to stay relevant in the global, hyper-competitive auto industry.
Stay tuned for future deep dives exploring additional model nameletters with surprises all their own! The automotive world keeps evolving with exciting machines for all.
