100 Cars That Changed History

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88. Renault Espace 1984–present France

The Renault Espace revolutionized the auto industry with its large, multipurpose design. Though often credited as the first multipurpose vehicle, some other MPVs did exist prior to the Espace. However, the Espace, manufactured by French automaker Renault, was the first widely popularized MPV. The five-door van design gets its name, Espace, from the word ‘Space.’ The high seating capacity and leg room made it a consumer favorite. The vehicle functioned both for work purposes (car-pooling and hauling) and family needs (grocery shopping and transporting children.) Its versatility and popularity are why it was a finalist for the international Car of the Year Award. A fifth generation Espace has been announced in the style of a luxury crossover vehicle.