1 Slotted between the smaller 309 and the larger 505, the 405 did extraordinarily well following its introduction to the market in 1987, earning the European Car of the Year in 1988 and selling a total of 2.5 million units worldwide.

2 Like many Peugeot’s, the 405 has appeared in over 40 international hit films, including “The Bourne Identity” (2002), “La Gran Vida” (2000), and “The Ninth Gate” (1999).

3 If you’re looking to buy a reliable used car with great fuel economy, the 405 may just be right for you. Over a decade since production ceased, the 405 costs around $5,000, depending on its condition, and offers an impressive 55 mpg. Some claim it can achieve over 70 mpg, depending on the drive. Not bad for an oldie.

4 In 1989, Peugeot recalled 5,708 units of the 405 for problems with the fuel system, including possible malfunctioning of the tank assembly and the filler cap.

5 The 405 was the last Peugeot model sold in the United States before the company withdrew in 1991.

6 Desperate to dig into unsaturated markets, Peugeot designed a special variant of the 405 to be sold as a “national” car for Iran known as the Samand. There are other variants of the 405 sold in Iran, including the Peugeot Pars, also known as the Persia, and the Peugeot RD.

7 According to online reviews, the 405 has a “bullet proof” engine, providing it receives proper care and attention (i.e. regular oil change etc.). Its downside, however, is its diesel engine, whose troubling tractor sound is likely to annoy anybody who isn’t used to it.

8 According to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, one of Iran’s most prominent athletes, Behrouz Talori, a three-time bodybuilder national champion, was gunned down by the Iranian State Security Forces as he was driving a Peugeot 405 across one of Iran’s highways.

9 Peugeot’s built only two units of its most famous Motrosport version of the 405, the rallying 405 Turbo 16 GR competed. One raced hill climbs and the other competed in the Paris-Dakar rally. Today, one can be found in the official Peugeot museum and the other is in a private collection.