So far, only 5 of them have been featured in the film (in the form of land vehicles)... 6 more featured in the toy line. Though nothing is confirmed for the sequel, some of the 6 latter Autobots may make an appearance in the sequel...
ORIGINS
The Autobots are the protagonists, aka the 'good guys' in the Transformers Universe. In the original U.S. cartoon line, Autobots were the descendants of a line of robots created as consumer goods by the Quintessons on the planet Cybertron. Their bodies were forged by the Plasma Energy Chamber and given intelligence by the mega-computer Vector Sigma in order for the work to be carried out. Eventually, they developed sentience and rebelled against their creators. However, A-3, the resistance leader was displaced from time by Quintessons from the future in order to stop the insurgency. The resistance had help from future Autobots (whose transformation technology frightened them) and A-3 returned to turn the tide by activating his coda-remote which deactivated the Quintessons' Dark Guardian robots.
With the Quintessons cast off and forgotten, Cybertron was at peace. The consumer goods and military hardware bots renamed themselves as Autobots and Decepticons. However, the Decepticons wanted war. No match for the superior firepower and battle prowess of the Decepticons , the Autobots developed transformation technology (possibly with the help of the Dark Guardians) to win the war, bringing about the Golden Age of Cybertron. Eventually, the Decepticons also developed transformation and begun the third Cybertronian War. They would have succeeded in completing their conquest had not more time-displaced Autobots blown up an energy warehouse and brought its workers to A-3, now renamed Alpha Trion, as the new defenders of Cybertron.
For forty million years, the Cybertronians warred over the remaining energy that was left. With this crisis, the Autobots, headed by Optimus Prime, made an expedition to find new energy sources. But the Decepticons intercepted them, causing the Autobot ship Ark to crash-land on Earth.
Four million years later in 1984, the volcano that the Ark was wedged in erupted, jarring the Ark's main computer Teletraan I back online. Through use of Spy Satellites, Teletraan created new alternate forms for the Transformers out of earth vehicles. The Decepticons were revived first and then the Autobots due to Starscream's carelessness. The Autobots made an alliance with the local humans, thus beginning the Great War that lasted for 2 decades.
Four million years later in 1984, the volcano that the Ark was wedged in erupted, jarring the Ark's main computer Teletraan I back online. Through use of Spy Satellites, Teletraan created new alternate forms for the Transformers out of earth vehicles. The Decepticons were revived first and then the Autobots due to Starscream's carelessness. The Autobots made an alliance with the local humans, thus beginning the Great War that lasted for 2 decades.
After waging the war for 21 years, the Autobots created Autobot City as their main base of operations while the Decepticons got complete control of Cybertron. In 2005, the Decepticons launched an attack on the city, resulting in the death of Optimus Prime. Optimus managed to pass the Matrix of Leadership to Ultra Magnus before his passing. The city then received messages from the bases on Cybertron's moons being devoured by the transformer demi-god Unicron. After another Decepticon attack, the Autobots were scattered to two planets, Junk and Quintessa. Forming new allies on those planets, the Autobots headed for Cybertron. A young Autobot named Hot Rod used the recovered Matrix of Leadership from Galvatron (formerly Megatron) to destroy Unicron and became Rodimus Prime. With the Decepticons in disarray, the Autobots reclaimed Cybertron, bringing about a new age of peace and prosperity.
In 2006, the Great War still raged. But both sides rediscovered the existence of the Quintessons. After numerous battles, the Hate Plague was unleashed. Rodimus ordered the unaffected Autobots to search for a Quintesson to revive Optimus Prime. Using the Matrix, Optimus cured the galaxy of the plague.
In 2006, the Great War still raged. But both sides rediscovered the existence of the Quintessons. After numerous battles, the Hate Plague was unleashed. Rodimus ordered the unaffected Autobots to search for a Quintesson to revive Optimus Prime. Using the Matrix, Optimus cured the galaxy of the plague.
After one year of peace, Galvatron gained access to the Plasma Energy Chamber. He planned to move Cybertron to Earth and use the Chamber's energies to overload the sun. However, all this was planned by Vector Sigma who wanted to restore Cybertron's Golden Age. Thanks to Spike Witwicky and the allied-Nubulons, Cybertron regained its golden hue. Optimus knew that there will always be Decepticons out there, and the Autobots will always stop them.
OPTIMUS PRIME
The powerful and wise leader of the Autobots
Forms in original series: Semi-truck (various forms), Cobra Sentry Missile System tank, 1920s truck, Lamborghini Diablo (Go-Bot), Dump truck (Autoroller)
Form in movie: Peterbilt semi-truck
BUMBLEBEE
An honest and friendly Autobot who befriends humanity, namely Sam Witwicky
Forms in original series: Volkswagen Beetle, AMC Pacer, Motorcycle and Sidecar, Train Engine, Chrysler ME 412 (Classic Legends)
Form in movie: Chevrolet Camaro
JAZZ
The smallest and feistiest of the Autobots, Jazz is one of Optimus' best warriors, talented at learning new cultures.
Forms in original series: Porsche 935 Turbo, Motorcycle, Mazda RX-8
Form in movie: Pontiac Solstice
IRONHIDE
A tough, weathered soldier, he is always the first in battle. Ironhide is one of Optimus' oldest friends, but has a grittier outlook on life.
Forms in original series: Ford Pick-Up Truck Hummer, Nissan Onebox Cherry Vanette, Cobra HiSS
Form in movie: GMC Topkick pick-up truck
Forms in original series: Ford Pick-Up Truck Hummer, Nissan Onebox Cherry Vanette, Cobra HiSS
Form in movie: GMC Topkick pick-up truck
RATCHET
The medic and scientist, Ratchet has a strong sense of duty to protect life.
Forms in original series: Ambulance, Nissan Onebox Vanette
Form in movie: Search & Rescue Hummer G2
ARCEE
The most famous of the female Autobots who had been dropped from the script due to fan complaints
Forms in original series: Cybertronian Convertible Car, Transmetal Spider, Cybertronian motocycle
Form in film merchandise: Cybertronian motorcycle (repaint)
CLOCKER
A young racer from Velocitron and the protege of Brakedown.
Form in original series: Velocitronian Race Car (which resembles a modified Ferrari F355)
Form in film merchandise: Cybertronian race car (modified)
A young racer from Velocitron and the protege of Brakedown.
Form in original series: Velocitronian Race Car (which resembles a modified Ferrari F355)
Form in film merchandise: Cybertronian race car (modified)
SKYBLAST
An Omnicon who is a skilled tactician, yet prefers to spend time working on his aerial stunts.
Form in original series: Cybertronian Jet
Form in film merchandising: Cybertronian Jet (repaint)
LONGARM
An Autobot who just wants to help others, save lives and protect the innocent.
Form in original series: Crane
Form in film merchandise: Ford F-350 Tow Truck
An Autobot who just wants to help others, save lives and protect the innocent.
Form in original series: Crane
Form in film merchandise: Ford F-350 Tow Truck
STRONGARM
An Omnicon who wields an energon axe.
Form in original series: Jeep, police car
Form in film merchandise: Cybertronian car (modified)
SIGNAL FLARE
An Omnicon who wields an energon buzzsaw.
Form in original series: Cobra HISS Tank, maser tank
Form in film merchandising: Cybertronian Tank
