The Biggest Flops in Automotive History

While innovation is what drives the automotive landscape, some ideas are met with disaster. Over the years, we’ve seen just about every automaker produce some type of quirky, unexpected vehicle that makes consumers take a second look. Not because the design is outstanding or the performance is unbeatable. But for how bizarre that model ranks along the lineup. It’s oftentimes a vehicle that is trying too hard or lacks enough appeal to really make a statement. It has lead many consumers to question: did they really make that? These are the vehicles most often known as automotive flops.

Check out the flops that haunt our automotive history, including a perceptive look at why these select models didn’t stand a chance.

Automotive flops in our history

America’s automotive history is defined by revolution. Consumers have witnessed everything from pop-up headlights to retractable rooflines, plus everything in between. While some styles are reminiscent of a cherished time in history, others are reminders that not every make and model can be up to par. Here are the models that received poor reception from consumers and car enthusiasts alike.

Chevrolet SSR

The Chevrolet SSR is perhaps one of the most bizarre vehicles to hit the automotive market. Its crafty design embodies a convertible and pickup truck in one. However, its intended function as a hot rod was lost on consumers. In fact, most would agree it was a vehicle in the midst of an identity crisis. As a result, it fell short with buyers, just as its predecessor, the Plymouth Prowler. 

Cadillac XLR

The Cadillac XLR had major potential upon its release. It entered the automotive market in 2004 and brought along some innovative technologies for Cadillac drivers, including heated and cooling seats. The luxury roadster offered the performance and visual appearance of a sports car too. So, what happened? While the attraction was there, the XLR received low sales. Most likely due to its very high price tag and some hiccups in technology. 

GMC Envoy XUV

This mid-size SUV made its initial debut in 1998. By 2004, GM introduced the GMC Envoy XUV, an edition most distinctly known for its retractable roofline. The concept was easy: deliver an SUV that has the option to transform into a pickup. The design, however, was impractical and ugly. Beyond the lackluster style of the vehicle,  its utility was not much to boast about. There were several complications with the retractable roof that made buyers weary of this purchase. 

Lincoln Blackwood

Last but not least, here we find fault with another truck/SUV mashup. The Lincoln Blackwood tried to elevate the typical pick up truck by mimicking their popular Navigator SUV. The price was no better, asking over $50,000 for a designer truck that didn’t quite compare in performance to other top brands. The Blackwood didn’t last long in production, and it’s no wonder why. Luxury trucks have still not taken precedence in the automotive market today. 

Why these automotive flops couldn’t beat to their own drum

Although they say there’s no accounting for taste, these automotive flops were unable to withstand the test of time. Most of the previously mentioned vehicles lasted on the market for 1-5 years, and on the rare occasion, a little bit longer. Not only did consumers forgo seeing value in buying these rides, their unique manufacture was hard to love. It doesn’t take much to pick up on the fact that every sedan/truck or SUV/truck combination was not favored well. Moreover, it’s possibly the reason you rarely see manufacturers step outside this boundary anymore.

The idea of integrating a truck and convertible may sound appeasing, but the design simply falls short. It might have a lot to do with how car enthusiasts view their cars. For instance, some truck drivers often want their pickup to look rugged and durable. The Chevy SSR doesn’t serve this type of buyer. To put things kindly, the small few who dared to buy these automotive flops must have had a connection that most drivers failed to understand.

Can you think of another automotive flop in car history? Share your comment below.