American automakers have produced some brilliant pieces of engineering over the decades, but great design and technical excellence do not always guarantee commercial success. Whether it was bad timing, poor marketing, or simply a market that was not ready, these ten American cars had the brains but still bombed at the dealership.
Chevrolet Corvair (1960 to 1969)
The Corvair was Chevrolet’s daring attempt to make a rear engined, air cooled car for the American market. It handled differently from anything else at the time and offered a smooth, quiet ride. Unfortunately, controversy over safety and the arrival of more conventional competitors doomed it. Despite being a solid piece of engineering, the Corvair was labeled dangerous in the public eye and sales never recovered.
Pontiac Fiero (1984 to 1988)
The Pontiac Fiero was a mid engine sports car that could have rivaled European rivals if given more time. It featured lightweight construction, independent suspension, and futuristic looks. Sadly, early models were underpowered and plagued by reliability issues. Pontiac fixed many of its problems by the end, but the bad reputation stuck, cutting short what could have been a great success.
Ford GT90 Concept (1995)
The Ford GT90 was a technological marvel, boasting a quad turbo V12 engine producing over 700 horsepower. It was intended as a showcase of Ford’s engineering might and a spiritual successor to the GT40. Unfortunately, it remained a concept only, never reaching production due to cost and practicality concerns. Even so, it remains one of the most impressive prototypes ever made in America.
Cadillac Allante (1987 to 1993)
Cadillac aimed to challenge Mercedes and Jaguar with the Allante, a luxury roadster designed by Pininfarina in Italy and flown to the United States for assembly. It was packed with technology and looked fantastic. However, the transatlantic production process was costly, and the car was priced far too high for what it delivered. It never sold in the numbers Cadillac had hoped for.
Chrysler Turbine Car (1963)
Powered by a gas turbine engine that could run on nearly anything flammable, the Chrysler Turbine Car was decades ahead of its time. It promised smooth operation, fewer moving parts, and incredible longevity. However, high production costs, difficulty meeting emissions standards, and changes in fuel economics killed the project. Only a handful survive today, mostly in museums.
AMC Eagle (1980 to 1988)
The AMC Eagle was essentially a lifted station wagon with full time four wheel drive, combining the practicality of a family car with off road ability. It was a forerunner of the modern crossover SUV and worked brilliantly in bad weather. Unfortunately, AMC lacked the budget to market it properly, and by the time the idea caught on, the company was gone.
Lincoln Blackwood (2002)
Lincoln tried to make a luxury pickup truck with the Blackwood, giving it plush leather interiors and a power tonneau cover. It was beautifully built and comfortable, but the small bed and lack of four wheel drive made it impractical for truck buyers. Sales were so poor that it lasted only a single model year.
Oldsmobile Toronado (1966 to 1992)
The Toronado broke ground as one of the first front wheel drive American cars since the 1930s. It had bold styling, a powerful V8, and excellent road manners. Early models won praise for engineering, but later versions lost their performance edge and the car became just another large coupe. This shift in identity hurt its appeal and led to its eventual demise.
Saturn Sky (2007 to 2010)
The Saturn Sky was a sleek two seater sports car with rear wheel drive, sharp handling, and turbocharged power in the Red Line version. It could have been a real competitor to the Mazda Miata, but the collapse of Saturn during GM’s restructuring ended its run far too soon. It remains a rare sight and a reminder of what could have been.
Dodge Magnum (2005 to 2008)
The Dodge Magnum brought back the American station wagon with aggressive styling and big V8 options, including the HEMI. It handled well for its size and offered plenty of space, blending practicality with muscle car attitude. Unfortunately, shifting consumer tastes toward SUVs cut its life short, and sales never reached expectations.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
