what cars are back wheel drive

[BrooklynMarie]

Many sports cars, luxury sedans, trucks, and even some SUVs are rear-wheel drive (RWD). This drivetrain layout, where the engine sends power to the rear wheels, is prized for its performance characteristics and balanced weight distribution. You'll find it in iconic models like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, and BMW 3 Series, as well as in most full-size pickup trucks like the Ram 1500. The key advantage of RWD is a more engaging driving experience, as the front wheels are dedicated solely to steering while the rear wheels handle acceleration, reducing understeer and improving handling dynamics, especially in high-powered vehicles.

However, RWD has a notable drawback in slippery conditions like snow and ice, where traction can be significantly reduced compared to all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles. For daily driving in fair weather, a RWD car offers a pure, classic driving feel that many enthusiasts seek.

Vehicle Category	Example Models	Key RWD Characteristic
Sports Cars / Coupes	Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Mazda MX-5 Miata	Optimized for balanced handling and acceleration.
Luxury Sedans	BMW 3/5/7 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS	Focus on smooth ride and driving dynamics.
Pickup Trucks	Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500	Designed for heavy towing and payload capacity.
High-Performance Supercars	Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari Roma	Maximizes traction during hard acceleration.
Full-Size SUVs	Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Cadillac Escalade	Often paired with optional 4WD for versatility.

[Long]

My first car was an old rear-wheel-drive sedan, and it just felt right. Steering was light and precise, unlike some front-wheel-drive cars that feel like they're fighting you in a tight turn. It’s that classic setup you see in movies. Sure, you have to be a little more careful when it rains, but for a regular commute, it’s a more connected and fun drive. Most of the pickup trucks on the road today are RWD until you engage 4x4.

[OBarrett]

From an engineering standpoint, rear-wheel drive provides a superior foundation for a performance vehicle. Separating the steering and drive functions to different axles allows for sharper turn-in and better balance when accelerating out of a corner. This layout also facilitates a more straightforward path for power from the engine, often resulting in less power loss. For anyone prioritizing driving dynamics and handling precision, RWD is typically the starting point. It’s the preferred configuration for most track-focused and high-horsepower cars.

[BraydenLynn]

If you're looking at a full-size truck or a luxury sedan, there's a good chance it's rear-wheel drive. It's the standard for those vehicles because it handles heavy loads and towing better—the weight of the cargo or trailer pushes down on the drive wheels, improving traction. For a family, a RWD-based SUV like a Tahoe often comes with optional all-wheel drive for bad weather. The key is that RWD is the robust, traditional foundation, and you add 4WD or AWD on top if you need it for snow.