15 Different Models Of American Taxicabs (From Vintage To Modern Ones)
Ever hailed a cab in the pouring rain and wondered about its history? The yellow taxi is as American as apple pie, evolving from horse-drawn carriages to today’s hybrid vehicles.
These workhorses of urban transportation have shaped our cities and culture, with each model telling a unique story of its era.
1. The Checker Marathon: America’s Iconic Cab
The Checker Marathon’s blocky form epitomized urban transport, ruling streets from 1960 to 1982 with sturdy build and ample space. Riders enjoyed its roomy rear, ideal for groups exploring New York.
Crafted in Kalamazoo, Michigan, these vehicles often surpassed 500,000 miles, a testament to their endurance.
2. Yellow Cab Model A-12: The Roaring Twenties Star
Roaring onto the scene in 1920, the Yellow Cab Model A-12 revolutionized urban transportation with its purpose-built design. Founder John Hertz (yes, the rent-a-car guy) painted these babies bright yellow after University of Chicago research showed it was the most visible color from a distance.
Sporting a 4-cylinder engine and sturdy steel frame, the A-12 could handle the punishment of pothole-filled streets while keeping fares moving. Its distinctive profile became an instant urban icon.
3. Ford Crown Victoria: The Modern Classic
Unshakable dependability crowned the Ford Crown Victoria as a taxi mainstay from the 1990s to 2010s. Operators valued its straightforward rear-wheel-drive and rugged construction, weathering years of wear.
Its 4.6-liter V8 consumed fuel heavily, but affordable repairs kept fleets loyal until production ended in 2011.
4. Nissan NV200: The Taxi of Tomorrow
Winning New York City’s hotly contested ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ competition in 2011, the Nissan NV200 brought Japanese efficiency to American streets.
Mayor Bloomberg championed this compact van for its sliding doors, passenger airbags, and anti-microbial seats (think about that next time you catch a cab after bar-hopping).
Cabbies initially resisted the change from their beloved Crown Victorias, but the NV200’s tight turning radius and superior fuel economy eventually won hearts.
5. Studebaker Champion: Post-War Taxi Sensation
The Studebaker Champion turned heads with its futuristic look, its front and rear nearly indistinguishable, puzzling onlookers.
Built in South Bend, Indiana, its fuel thrift shone during post-war shortages, enhanced by bold two-tone paint and company logos on doors.
6. Hudson Super Six: The Prohibition-Era People Mover
Bootleggers weren’t the only ones who appreciated the Hudson Super Six’s powerful engine and roomy interior during the 1920s. Taxi operators loved this Detroit-built beast for its exceptional durability and passenger comfort during America’s economic boom.
Under the hood lurked Hudson’s innovative Super Six engine which was the first mass-produced balanced crankshaft design.
This engineering marvel delivered smooth power while reducing vibration, making for happy passengers and even happier mechanics who rarely needed to rebuild them.
7. Toyota Prius: The Eco-Friendly Revolution
Gas prices skyrocketed in the 2000s, and suddenly the humble Prius became taxi fleet managers’ new best friend. With its hybrid drivetrain sipping just enough fuel to keep drivers profitable, this Japanese import changed the economics of taxi operation overnight.
Early adopters in San Francisco caused a ripple effect across America. Passengers initially complained about the cramped backseat compared to traditional cabs, but quieter rides and environmental bragging rights won them over.
8. Packard Eight: Luxury for the Masses
A Packard taxi in the 1930s signaled sophistication, offering luxury to everyday riders during tough times. Its straight-eight engine ran smoothly, and plush wool interiors elevated the experience.
The slogan “Ask the man who owns one” rang true for operators savoring these refined vehicles.
9. Dodge Diplomat: The Forgotten Workhorse
Less celebrated than the Crown Victoria, the Dodge Diplomat served 1980s fleets quietly, valued for its simple mechanics and budget-friendly cost.
Its 318 cubic inch V8 delivered steady strength, logging impressive mileage. The boxy look aged gracefully, lending timeless authority.
10. Chevrolet Caprice: The Crown Vic’s Archrival
Battling for taxi fleet dominance throughout the 1980s and 90s, the Caprice offered Chevy’s answer to Ford’s popular Crown Victoria. Cabbies often developed fierce brand loyalty, arguing vehemently about which American land yacht delivered the better ride.
The Caprice’s controversial 1991 redesign with partially covered rear wheels initially repulsed traditionalists. However, its superior aerodynamics improved fuel economy which was a crucial factor for drivers watching every penny.
11. Electric Hansom Cab: America’s First Green Taxi
Surprising modern environmentalists, electric taxis actually ruled New York streets in the 1890s! The Electric Carriage and Wagon Company operated nearly 100 battery-powered hansom cabs that quietly transported passengers while horses rested.
Each elegant vehicle featured tiller steering, solid rubber tires, and primitive electric motors powered by lead-acid batteries. Their 40-mile range proved sufficient for urban use, with battery swaps at central stations.
This pioneering fleet met its demise in a suspicious 1907 fire, possibly orchestrated by competitors threatened by the new technology.
12. Volkswagen Beetle: The Quirky Alternative
Buzzing through Mexico City since the 1970s, the VW Beetle taxi offered a distinctly different approach to moving passengers. Painted a vibrant green and white (not yellow!), these “Vochos” became cultural icons and tourist attractions in their own right.
Drivers removed the front passenger seat to ease entry to the back, where riders squeezed together intimately. Despite lacking air conditioning, power steering, or really any amenities at all, these lovable bugs served faithfully until being phased out in 2012.
13. Tesla Model 3: The Silent Revolution
In the 2020s, Tesla Model 3 taxis glide silently, slashing fuel and maintenance costs by up to 70% in cities like Columbus and Madison.
Riders love the sleek interior and swift acceleration, while operators value brake-saving regenerative systems and surprise software upgrades.
14. London Taxi Company TX4: The British Invasion
Bringing British civility to American streets, the iconic London black cab made limited inroads in Boston and San Francisco during the early 2000s. Their distinctive tall roofline accommodated passengers wearing top hats in Victorian London, but modern Americans simply appreciated the headroom.
The TX4’s tight 25-foot turning radius proved perfect for navigating narrow historic streets. Wheelchair accessibility came standard decades before the ADA required it.
Though never widespread in America, these dignified imports added international flair to select cities while turning heads with their unmistakable profile.
15. Toyota Comfort: The International Workhorse
Virtually unknown to Americans but legendary across Asia, the Toyota Comfort briefly appeared in Hawaiian taxi fleets during the early 2000s. Japanese tourists felt instantly at home seeing these boxy sedans that dominate Tokyo’s taxi scene.
Built specifically for commercial use, the Comfort featured vinyl seats that cleaned easily, manual windows that never broke, and bulletproof mechanicals. Its old-school column shifter and bench seats seemed decades behind American designs.
Yet its purposeful functionality and 300,000+ mile lifespan perfectly matched taxi demands.