21 Years of Motoring: Then vs Now

It’s been more than two decades since we welcomed our first ever customer, and in that time, the motoring industry has changed drastically. Paper maps have been replaced by parking apps, while CD players have given way to built-in sound systems and smartphone connectivity.

To celebrate Sheilas’ Wheels’ 21st birthday, we’re taking a look back at how motoring has changed since our launch in 2005. Comparing some of today’s most popular models with the cars that were on our roads 21 years ago, looking at everything from the features they came with to the technology we now take for granted.

What Would You Find in a 2005 Car?

Technology has come a long way in 21 years, and the features you’d find in a 2005 car that once felt groundbreaking and exciting are seen as dated relics of the past nowadays. Here’s what you’d often find when buying a car in 2005 compared to 2026:

Whilst features like CD players and paper maps may feel nostalgic, one of the biggest changes over the last 21 years has been the growth of driver-assistance technology. From parking sensors to adaptive cruise control, many modern features are designed to help make driving more convenient and support safer journeys. However, it's important to remember that these systems are there to assist drivers, not replace them, and you should always stay alert behind the wheel.

The Most Popular Cars in 2005

Using data from Auto Express, we’ve put together a list of the top five cars that dominated the streets in 2005:

1. Ford Focus

   A real titan of an affordable car, the Ford Focus was practically unavoidable in the mid-2000s. Known for its reliability and low cost, it sold 123,799 units in 2005, making it a staple of family driveways for years to come.

2. Vauxhall Astra 

   The Astra has stood the test of time as a classic family car, selling 108,461 in 2005. It was available at a competitive price compared to similar designs, and easy to find on the used car market for what seems like forever.

3. Vauxhall Corsa 

   The Vauxhall Corsa continued the company’s reputation for reliable, affordable family vehicles and was known for its practicality and low running costs. In 2005, 89,463 Corsas were sold, making it the third most popular car on the UK market.

4. Ford Fiesta 

   While the Ford Focus took first place in the 2005 sales charts, the Fiesta finished in a respectable fourth place with 83,803 units shifted. It was known for being a surprisingly fun drive for an everyday family car, with an efficient motor and plenty of styles to choose from.

5. Volkswagen Golf

   Like the rest of the top five, the Golf became popular as a convenient family car, as it was considered to offer a slightly more premium alternative to the affordability of other models like the Focus or Corsa. Selling 67,749 units in 2005, it gained a reputation for its spacious interior and a hybrid of everyday convenience and higher-end appeal.

The Most Popular Cars in 2026

While 2026 isn’t over yet, registration figures give us a snapshot of the models proving most popular with UK drivers so far. According to the RAC here are the top five cars that are selling the most models in the UK today:

1. Ford Puma

   With more than a century of experience in the motor industry, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Ford models top both our 2005 and 2026 lists. This year, though, it’s the Puma that has emerged as their most popular car, with 35,968 new registrations. After the Fiesta was discontinued in 2024, the Puma became a favourite of first-time buyers for its blend of hatchback convenience and compact SUV power.

2. Kia Sportage

   While the best-selling cars in 2005 were mostly from European countries, Asian brands like Kia have become increasingly popular and affordable over the past 21 years. It’s easy to drive, practical, and comes with a long warranty that makes it an attractive choice for families. So far in 2026, 30,564 new Kia Sportages have been registered, proving just how widespread the brand has become.

3. Jaecoo 7

   Jaecoo didn’t even exist as a car manufacturer in 2005, as the Chinese company was only founded in 2023. Its models have already proven to be a huge hit, with the 7 series earning 28,571 new registrations this year. As SUVs rapidly gain popularity in the UK, Jaecoo’s affordable approach to everyday, high-tech cars has made them a newcomer worth keeping an eye on.

4. Nissan Qashqai

   Another Asian manufacturer that has seen success is Nissan, which grew from a small Japanese company into a global leader. The Qashqai is a far cry from the smaller vehicles and hatchbacks that Nissan originally worked on, with an SUV-like driving position and a powerful engine, but its running costs are surprisingly low. These have helped the model reach our list of the most popular cars in 2026, with 27,528 new units.

5. Vauxhall Corsa

   The only car to feature on both of our lists, the Vauxhall Corsa has earned its dependable reputation and is still serving British drivers more than two decades later. 21,892 Corsas were sold this year, making it the only model to land in the top 5 in both 2005 and 2026.

21 Years of Trusted Car Insurance

Looking back at how much motoring has changed over the last 21 years shows just how far we've come. While technologies and vehicle features continue to evolve, the need for reliable cover stays the same. Sheilas' Wheels offers a range of car insurance options, plus optional extras, to help keep you covered on the road.

Get a quote today!