7. 1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7
Sporting a muscular grumble, the 1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 fell victim to early ’70s detuning. Its impressive audio character couldn’t compensate for its lethargic response and soft ride. The standard 351 cubic-inch V8 engine produced 168 horsepower, a significant decrease from previous years, leading to a performance that underwhelmed enthusiasts. (automuseumonline.com)