3. AMC Gremlin
The AMC Gremlin’s compact, unconventional design made it a divisive choice among consumers. However, during the 1970s fuel crisis, its fuel efficiency and affordability appealed to budget-conscious drivers. Despite its polarizing appearance, the Gremlin carved out a niche market, selling over 600,000 units during its production run. Its success demonstrated that practicality could outweigh aesthetics in the automotive market. (smithsonianmag.com)