Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC General > News & Rumors > Non-Subaru News & Rumors

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-15-2011, 08:46 AM   #1
AVANTI R5
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 73805
Join Date: Nov 2004
Vehicle:
24 TypeS ZO6
White

Default 10 auto design duds

10 auto design duds

Innovative or ill-advised? You be the judge. Here are 10 cars that just never quite caught on.







Quote:
When writing about Nissan's Murano CrossCabriolet recently, I was reminded how difficult it is to create a new automotive concept -- and how harshly the market treats original ideas. The CrossCabrio is the ambitious -- or perhaps foolhardy -- attempt to create a crossover with a convertible top.Bright ideas are hard to pull off. For every Chrysler minivan or Ford Explorer four-door SUV, there are dozens of one-hit wonders and new concepts that failed to catch on. The Pontiac Aztek, an unholy combination of minivan and SUV, is the classic example, but there have been many others through the years.
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/...on=money_autos
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
AVANTI R5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 08-15-2011, 08:49 AM   #2
AVANTI R5
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 73805
Join Date: Nov 2004
Vehicle:
24 TypeS ZO6
White

Default

Here is the list, If you want to read each one, hit the link



Willys Jeepster 1946-1950

AMC Pacer 1975-1980

General Motors EV-1 1996-1999

Suzuki X-90 1996-1998

Plymouth Prowler 1997-2002

Ford Excursion 2000-2005

Chevrolet SSR 2003-2006

Subaru Baja 2003-2006

GMC Envoy XUV 2004-2005

Acura ZDX 2010-
AVANTI R5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2011, 09:07 AM   #3
ninja_please80
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 242043
Join Date: Mar 2010
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Georgia
Vehicle:
2005 STI
Ass White

Default

I for one thought the Prowler looked great. It was the lack of power that didnt catch on.
ninja_please80 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2011, 09:34 AM   #4
SilverSubaab
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 88288
Join Date: Jun 2005
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Central MA
Vehicle:
.... At this point,
even I have lost track.

Default

^Yeah, I think they did a pretty cool job on the Prowler and it was a very niche market type of vehicle. Not every soccer mom was going to run out and buy it, which was part of the point; it was never meant to be a huge selling vehicle. Can't see how that is a design dud.
SilverSubaab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2011, 11:41 AM   #5
arghx7
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 232940
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: cold
Default

the engine in the Prowler killed it, agreed.
arghx7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2011, 11:43 AM   #6
lil'redwagon
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 10854
Join Date: Oct 2001
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Los Angeles, CA.
Vehicle:
'02 WRX; '08 OBXT;
'08 G37 (S/C'd); '09 XF

Default

my take on why it was a dud is because it had a v6 and an auto. i agree that it was supposed to be a niche vehicle, and that's probably why they wouldn't commit fully to it, but a v6 and an auto is the best way to cut it off at the knees. the only people who would care if it had a 6 or an 8 are the only people who appreciated the design. it's not like anyone would have expected them to put a flathead in it, but at least use a corporate v8.
lil'redwagon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2011, 11:47 AM   #7
MrSaabaru
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 74709
Join Date: Nov 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Fort Wayne-ish
Vehicle:
2007 Solstice
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero

Default

I liked the Prowler as well. I also like the SSR. I think the design is good, execution and marketing were not. Much like the prowler, it was under powered. However, without an increase in price at all, they added the LS2 and got it just shy of 400 hp. They also added a 6-spd manual towards the end. There were choices that I didn't agree with. Folding hardtop, when they could have had a MUCH cheaper product. Also, when you dump the LS2/400hp, you'd think there would be a commercial about it. but no.
MrSaabaru is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2011, 11:49 AM   #8
arghx7
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 232940
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: cold
Default

SSR=Heinous whip
arghx7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2011, 11:57 AM   #9
MrSaabaru
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 74709
Join Date: Nov 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Fort Wayne-ish
Vehicle:
2007 Solstice
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero

Default

I like ugly cars.
MrSaabaru is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2011, 10:55 AM   #10
rallymaniac
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 52189
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Elgin, IL
Vehicle:
2006 MINIiiiiii
:)

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrSaabaru View Post
I liked the Prowler as well. I also like the SSR. I think the design is good, execution and marketing were not. Much like the prowler, it was under powered. However, without an increase in price at all, they added the LS2 and got it just shy of 400 hp. They also added a 6-spd manual towards the end. There were choices that I didn't agree with. Folding hardtop, when they could have had a MUCH cheaper product. Also, when you dump the LS2/400hp, you'd think there would be a commercial about it. but no.
I just hope you're being sarcastic...
... which you are most likely not :facepalm:
rallymaniac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2011, 11:04 AM   #11
MrSaabaru
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 74709
Join Date: Nov 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Fort Wayne-ish
Vehicle:
2007 Solstice
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero

Default

What's so wrong about what I said? And no, I wasn't being sarcastic. :yourfacemypalm:
MrSaabaru is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2011, 12:22 PM   #12
mpaone
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 3
Join Date: Jun 1999
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Alfretter Geeoja
Vehicle:
2012 Geeteeeye
and 71' VW Gulf Beetle

Default

Wait... does the author own an Aztec? Cause if not they mised a big one!

-Mike.
mpaone is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2011, 01:07 PM   #13
Dominator
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 156712
Join Date: Aug 2007
Chapter/Region: AKIC
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Vehicle:
1991 Legacy SS
Pearl White

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AVANTI R5 View Post
General Motors EV-1 1996-1999
This was not a BAD looking car, and it would be very popular now. But alas, GM repossessed all of them and destroyed them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Kil...lectric_Car%3F
Dominator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2011, 01:19 PM   #14
MrSaabaru
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 74709
Join Date: Nov 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Fort Wayne-ish
Vehicle:
2007 Solstice
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero

Default

Definitely ahead of it's time. It's amazing how GM's upper management would cancel good stuff and persist on garbage.
MrSaabaru is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2011, 06:35 PM   #15
Derbagger
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 32113
Join Date: Jan 2003
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Trollhatten, Japan
Vehicle:
05 Saabaru
Satin Grey

Default

EV-1 was a beta test. GM couldn't allow the cars to stay past the lease due to legal requirements, and at the time the EV didn't make much sense with gas at $1/gal.

I think GM's biggest mistake was leaving the large cars altogether and putting texas$ into large SUVs, but the laws made them very desirable at the time due to tax and mpg rating reasons.
Derbagger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2011, 08:01 PM   #16
XanRules
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 157348
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OOoOuuUUUGGGHH!!!!!
Vehicle:
I Thlammed My
Penith in the Car Door

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mpaone View Post
Wait... does the author own an Aztec? Cause if not they mised a big one!

-Mike.
Seriously.
The Pacer wasn't a bad-looking car, either, nor was the Prowler. The SSR was too huge for what it was, and the Baja was weird but not ugly.
Wasn't the Prowler FWD, too?
XanRules is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2011, 08:40 PM   #17
matt30
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 97330
Join Date: Sep 2005
Chapter/Region: BAIC
Location: California/New York
Vehicle:
2003 WRX

Default

It was RWD.
matt30 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2011, 09:10 PM   #18
FaastLegacy
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 11671
Join Date: Oct 2001
Chapter/Region: SWIC
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrSaabaru View Post
I liked the Prowler as well. I also like the SSR. I think the design is good, execution and marketing were not. Much like the prowler, it was under powered. However, without an increase in price at all, they added the LS2 and got it just shy of 400 hp. They also added a 6-spd manual towards the end. There were choices that I didn't agree with. Folding hardtop, when they could have had a MUCH cheaper product. Also, when you dump the LS2/400hp, you'd think there would be a commercial about it. but no.
Despite having the LS2, the SSR still wasn't incredibly quick. Why spend $45k for an SSR with mediocre performance and no utility when you could spend the same amount on a 'vette that while not practical, still had much more performance than the SSR did?

The SSR was a lot like the Baja in that they both really didn't do anything well. The SSR wasn't fast, didn't handle well, had a useless "bed", could only seat two, etc. The Baja wasn't quick either, couldn't tow a heavy load, didn't have much payload capacity despite the bed, didn't have a 4WD system with a low range like a proper truck, etc.

The Prowler was a bit different, IMO. I believe that car could have stayed viable if it hadn't been priced out of its market. Like the SSR, it was expensive and still lacked performance although I think it could have ultimately been successful with a sane pricing strategy.
FaastLegacy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2011, 10:53 PM   #19
DansSpace
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 157029
Join Date: Aug 2007
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Los Angeles
Vehicle:
'13 Mazdaspeed3

Default

I like Excursions...
DansSpace is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2011, 09:29 AM   #20
MrSaabaru
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 74709
Join Date: Nov 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Fort Wayne-ish
Vehicle:
2007 Solstice
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by FaastLegacy View Post
Despite having the LS2, the SSR still wasn't incredibly quick. Why spend $45k for an SSR with mediocre performance and no utility when you could spend the same amount on a 'vette that while not practical, still had much more performance than the SSR did?
I don't think they cross shopped the two. While I agree that they could have priced it better with a blindfold and some darts, I don't think it was that far off from what it tried to do, design-wise. It was never supposed to be a performance vehicle. At least not in the way people consider the Vette. I don't think 0-60 times of 5.7 seconds(according to a quick google) and a decent 6spd manual is bad at all for a niche truck like that. Weekend cruiser, convertible fun, whatever you want to call it, the SSR was never supposed to be a sports car, or for those who want pure performance, any more that it was supposed to be a pickup truck with a usable bed.

Quote:
The SSR was a lot like the Baja in that they both really didn't do anything well. The SSR wasn't fast, didn't handle well, had a useless "bed", could only seat two, etc. The Baja wasn't quick either, couldn't tow a heavy load, didn't have much payload capacity despite the bed, didn't have a 4WD system with a low range like a proper truck, etc.
I know this a matter of preference, but IMO, the SSR looked a TON better than the baja. If you thought the baja was visually acceptable, it still didn't do anything significantly better than the Outback, which was a much BETTER looking car. If you thought the SSR looked good, there wasn't anything quite like it. Again, with the caveat of idiot pricing.

Quote:
The Prowler was a bit different, IMO. I believe that car could have stayed viable if it hadn't been priced out of its market. Like the SSR, it was expensive and still lacked performance although I think it could have ultimately been successful with a sane pricing strategy.
I really don't see how anything in this part couldn't apply to BOTH cars, with the only difference being that you like one and not the other, while I like both.
MrSaabaru is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2011, 01:15 PM   #21
FaastLegacy
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 11671
Join Date: Oct 2001
Chapter/Region: SWIC
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrSaabaru View Post
I don't think they cross shopped the two. While I agree that they could have priced it better with a blindfold and some darts, I don't think it was that far off from what it tried to do, design-wise. It was never supposed to be a performance vehicle. At least not in the way people consider the Vette. I don't think 0-60 times of 5.7 seconds(according to a quick google) and a decent 6spd manual is bad at all for a niche truck like that. Weekend cruiser, convertible fun, whatever you want to call it, the SSR was never supposed to be a sports car, or for those who want pure performance, any more that it was supposed to be a pickup truck with a usable bed.
You're ignoring the question here though. Besides (subjective) looks, why would you purchase an SSR over 'vette? That's my point and that's likely why this car was the failure that it was. It didn't do anything better than the 'vette, cost just as much and had a modicum of the performance.

Quote:
I really don't see how anything in this part couldn't apply to BOTH cars, with the only difference being that you like one and not the other, while I like both.
I don't really like either of them to be honest. But in my opinion, you got more for your money with the SSR than you did the Prowler. At the very least, the SSR had a V8. IIRC, Prowlers were in the same $45k ballpark that the SSR was in, for a car that looked cool with an anemic V6 from one of Chrysler's mid sized sedans. If it had been priced, say, $10k lower, that would have been forgiveable. However, when you start charging 'vette money for one, it's a whole different story.
FaastLegacy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2011, 01:54 PM   #22
MrSaabaru
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 74709
Join Date: Nov 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Fort Wayne-ish
Vehicle:
2007 Solstice
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by FaastLegacy View Post
You're ignoring the question here though. Besides (subjective) looks, why would you purchase an SSR over 'vette? That's my point and that's likely why this car was the failure that it was. It didn't do anything better than the 'vette, cost just as much and had a modicum of the performance.
What about not wanting the stiff ride, the low driving postion, smaller storage space(sure the bed was useless, but could still carry more luggage than the vert vette), unique car...Sure those are all old-man features, but who buys vettes these days anyway?

To be clear, I'd prefer a vette too. In fact, there aren't too many cars north of 50,000 that I'd take a vette over anyway. I'm just saying that the SSR had more to offer than it gets credit for. As long as it's performance based, you're right. Once you go to different expected experiences, they each fill different needs for the person on the weekend cruise up the coast.

I'm not really ignoring the question. I just think that price, initial failings and no marketing behind corrections, and disgustingly poor option and feature content choices are why it failed.

, and I still think it's beautiful.
MrSaabaru is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2011, 02:16 PM   #23
samagon
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 26859
Join Date: Oct 2002
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: undisputed COMBAT! champion
Vehicle:
of TXIC
I also like (oYo)!!!!

Default

I think it could be argued that the SSR and Prowler were not meant to be cars that would tear up the asphalt, despite their looks, and that was precisely what they were, lookers. cars you could sit in and cruise at a stately speed, not caring. If we are looking strictly at production numbers as clearance for failed cars, there's a Ferrari or two I'd like to submit.

Cars that were not on the list, but absolutely belong there ahead of the SSR and Prowler...

Edsel. Aztek. Yugo. DeLorean. Blackwood.

that's a short list of 100% utter failures. far exceeding any failure generated by the prowler or SSR.
samagon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2011, 02:23 PM   #24
Not-EWRX
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 158043
Join Date: Aug 2007
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: SLC
Vehicle:
2013 Wrx Hatch
SWP

Default

Mericans love Excursions. It was designed to fit our fat asses. I fail to see how that is a design dud.
Not-EWRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2011, 03:08 PM   #25
MrSaabaru
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 74709
Join Date: Nov 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Fort Wayne-ish
Vehicle:
2007 Solstice
2006 Saab 9-3 Aero

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by samagon View Post
I think it could be argued that the SSR and Prowler were not meant to be cars that would tear up the asphalt, despite their looks, and that was precisely what they were, lookers. cars you could sit in and cruise at a stately speed, not caring. If we are looking strictly at production numbers as clearance for failed cars, there's a Ferrari or two I'd like to submit.
I agree.
Quote:
Blackwood.
There are cars that I don't like, then there are cars where I don't like you if you like them.
MrSaabaru is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
ESPN's 2007 Auto Show Duds dodgerfreak714 General Community 2 06-13-2007 10:59 AM
bc auto design rear? cheebus Interior & Exterior Modification 2 04-16-2003 01:50 PM
BC Auto Design grandmasterchan Canada Region Forum 10 09-10-2001 06:39 PM
OT: La Jolla Auto Design Exhibit gumball Southern California Impreza Club Forum -- SCIC 2 07-13-2001 11:47 AM
BC Auto Design..haha Swivel1000 General Forum Archive 3 05-31-2000 12:33 AM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:55 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.