There are numerous ways to answer this question. You could start with the classics, like the Ford Probe. The 1960’s Chevy Impala was a popular family car, but it fell flat once it left the movie set. Not only did it lack airbags and a crash-test-tested safety rating, it was also extremely heavy and underpowered. In addition, it had an outrageous price tag.
If you’re looking for a truly bad car, look no further than the 1971 Ford Pinto, which had no rear-mounted fuel tank protection and cost $2,000 when it was released. The 1982 Cadillac Cimarron was a ghastly redecoration of a Cavalier. Similarly, the 1978 Fiat Strada/Ritmo was a disposable front-drive subcompact. The infamously unreliable car died at the hands of a fickle owner. The 1974 Renault Fuego was another flop, with a steering wheel that failed at 90 horsepower.
Another car that came close to making the list is the Yugo GV. A car that looked like it was from Yugoslavia but didn’t actually belong in America. This cheap Soviet satellite car was not only unreliable, it was also ugly. It’s not surprising that the car was a flop for its time. However, it’s worth mentioning that the infamous Alfa Romeo GTA was also a total disaster.
Another car that deserves a mention in this list is the Renault Vel Satis, a four-door hatchback that lacked style. While it won awards for comfort and ease of use, its appearance and overall presence were a disgrace. Ultimately, AOL ranked it as the 9th worst car of the 2000s. The Vel Satis’ bloated rear styling was a particular turn off for many people.