A review of applications of reinforced polymers and polymer composites to the construction of automotive vehicles has been presented. Particular attention has been paid to the heavily loaded parts and subassemblies. Various components of vehicle body and power transmission and suspension systems, as well as subassemblies situated in the engine compartment have been analysed. In each case, the structure of the part involved, the material type used, and the loads to be borne have been described. The parts to be analysed have been deliberately selected to show the technological progress that takes place in the application of reinforced plastics to the construction of load-bearing structures of modern vehicles. The paper has been provided with conclusions concerning the development trends and directions of further research in the field of the use of reinforced polymers for the construction of vital vehicle parts and subassemblies.