15 cars that impacted America

BMW's 3 Series was the least expensive of the automaker's cars - and thus the most affordable for the upwardly-mobile. Despite concerns by the German company's bosses that the car's yuppie image in the 1980s might damage the brand, BMW's auto sales in the U.S. rose from 9,800 in 1970 to nearly 97,000 in 1986 - and in fact, the optional sports package (special suspension, higher grade audio system, etc.) only boosted demand.

Credit: BMW