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18 Cars That Shouldn’t Have Been Great — But Absolutely Were

Cameron Eittreim August 13, 2025

Throughout automotive history, certain vehicles have defied initial skepticism and emerged as unexpected successes. These cars, often dismissed by critics or overlooked at launch, surprised the world with their performance, reliability, or unique appeal. Their stories highlight the theme of unconventional greatness, where underdogs rise to prominence against the odds.

For instance, the Porsche Cayenne, introduced in 2002, faced skepticism from purists who questioned Porsche’s venture into the SUV market. However, it set record sales and proved the loyalists wrong with sports car-like performance, a trait Porsche has refined over 20 years and three generations. (autocar.co.uk)

Similarly, the 1986 Ford Taurus was a radical shift from its predecessor, the LTD. Its innovative design and features were so advanced that it felt like a product from an entirely different company, marking a significant evolution in Ford’s lineup. (jalopnik.com)

These examples set the stage for exploring more vehicles that, against all odds, achieved greatness and left a lasting impact on the automotive world.

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1. AMC Eagle

Amc Eagle 1980 1987 Scaled — A vintage AMC Eagle crossover SUV, showcasing its distinctive raised suspension and rugged design. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The AMC Eagle, introduced in 1980, was a pioneering vehicle that blended four-wheel drive with passenger-car comfort, effectively creating the first crossover SUV. Its innovative design predated the SUV craze, offering a unique combination of on-road comfort and off-road capability. For a deeper dive into the AMC Eagle’s legacy, you can refer to Hemmings’ coverage of this groundbreaking model. (hemmings.com)

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2. Subaru BRAT

The Subaru BRAT, introduced in 1978, was a quirky vehicle that combined a compact pickup truck with rear-facing jump seats in the cargo bed. This unconventional design not only provided a unique seating arrangement but also allowed Subaru to circumvent the “Chicken Tax,” a 25% tariff on imported light trucks, by classifying the BRAT as a passenger vehicle. Despite its odd looks, the BRAT gained a cult following for its surprising off-road capabilities and distinctive charm. For more insights into the BRAT’s legacy, you can refer to MotorTrend’s coverage. (motortrend.com)

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3. Citroën 2CV

The Citroën 2CV, introduced in 1948, was designed to motorize France’s rural population, enabling farmers to transport goods across unpaved roads without damaging fragile cargo like eggs. Its minimalist design, featuring a canvas roof and lightweight body, prioritized practicality over aesthetics. Despite initial skepticism, the 2CV became an enduring symbol of French ingenuity and simplicity, with over 5 million units produced by 1990. For more on its iconic status, refer to BBC’s coverage. (bbc.co.uk)

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4. Chrysler PT Cruiser

2005 chrysler pt cruiser convertible touring — A Chrysler PT Cruiser showcases its distinctive retro design with a bold grille and rounded fenders. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Chrysler PT Cruiser, introduced in 2001, featured polarizing retro styling that drew inspiration from 1930s and 1940s designs. Despite initial skepticism, it offered a practical interior with flexible cargo and passenger configurations, including removable rear seats and a flat cargo floor. This versatility contributed to its surprising sales success, with over 1.3 million units produced by 2010. For a comprehensive review of the PT Cruiser’s impact and legacy, refer to Car and Driver’s retrospective analysis. (caranddriver.com)

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5. Ford Pinto

1200px ford pinto truck the pinchero %282908917206%29 — A vibrant 1970s Ford Pinto, showcasing its compact design and classic appeal. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Ford Pinto, produced from 1970 to 1980, was a subcompact car that achieved initial sales success due to its affordability and compact design. However, it became infamous for safety concerns, particularly its fuel tank placement, which made it susceptible to fires in rear-end collisions. Despite these issues, the Pinto developed a niche following among automotive enthusiasts who appreciated its simplicity and potential for modification. For an in-depth analysis of the Pinto’s legacy, refer to MotorTrend’s comprehensive coverage. (motortrend.com)

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6. Yugo GV

1987 yugo gv flickr skinnylawyer — A Yugo GV parked on a city street, showcasing its compact design and classic hatchback style. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Yugo GV, introduced to the U.S. market in 1985, was a subcompact car that quickly gained notoriety for its affordability and, unfortunately, its quality issues. Manufactured by Zastava Automobiles in Yugoslavia, the Yugo GV was marketed as an economical choice, with a base price of $3,990. However, it faced criticism for its build quality, reliability, and performance, leading to its reputation as one of the least reliable cars in America. Despite these shortcomings, the Yugo GV developed a cult following among automotive enthusiasts who appreciated its unique place in automotive history and its status as a conversation piece. For a more in-depth exploration of the Yugo GV’s legacy, you can refer to Jalopnik’s analysis. (jalopnik.com)

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7. Pontiac Aztek

Pontiac Aztek 1112 21 — A Pontiac Aztek, the unconventional SUV that gained pop culture fame as Walter White’s ride in Breaking Bad. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Pontiac Aztek, introduced in 2001, was a mid-size crossover SUV that garnered attention for its unconventional design and practical features. Despite its polarizing aesthetics, the Aztek offered a spacious interior with versatile cargo options, including a two-piece tailgate that doubled as a seating area and a removable center console that functioned as a cooler. These features aimed to appeal to active lifestyles, positioning the Aztek as a “sports recreational vehicle.” (en.wikipedia.org)

While the Aztek faced criticism for its styling, it found a place in pop culture through its association with the television series “Breaking Bad,” where protagonist Walter White drove an Aztek, adding a layer of irony to his character’s transformation. (en.wikipedia.org)

For a more in-depth exploration of the Aztek’s legacy and its place in automotive history, you can refer to coverage by Motor Authority. (hagerty.com)

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8. Volkswagen Beetle (New Beetle)

1200px 2022 downtown west allis classic car show 095 %281969 volkswagen beetle%29 — A vibrant yellow Volkswagen Beetle pickup with a wooden bed, blending retro charm and modern functionality. | Image from www.uihere.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Volkswagen New Beetle, introduced in 1998, was a modern reinterpretation of the classic Beetle, blending nostalgic design elements with contemporary features. Its distinctive, rounded silhouette and vibrant color options quickly captured the public’s imagination, appealing to a new generation of drivers. The New Beetle’s success was further bolstered by its appearance in popular culture, solidifying its status as an enduring icon. For an official retrospective on the Beetle’s legacy, you can refer to Volkswagen’s coverage. (volkswagen-newsroom.com)

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9. Honda Element

Honda Element via Honda Motor — A Honda Element parked in an urban setting, showcasing its distinctive boxy design and versatile cargo space. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Honda Element, introduced in 2003, featured a distinctive boxy design that set it apart in the compact SUV market. Its spacious, flexible interior included removable rear seats and easy-to-clean urethane flooring, catering to active lifestyles and pet owners. The rear-hinged doors provided a wide opening for cargo loading, enhancing its practicality. Despite its unconventional appearance, the Element developed a dedicated following among outdoor enthusiasts and dog owners. For more insights into the Element’s appeal, refer to Edmunds’ reviews. (edmunds.com)

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10. Dodge Neon SRT-4

The Dodge Neon SRT-4, produced from 2003 to 2005, transformed the modest Neon sedan into a formidable street-racing contender. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine delivered 215 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque, enabling 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 5.6 seconds. (en.wikipedia.org) Dodge’s marketing strategy included a provocative street racing video to appeal to younger enthusiasts. (topspeed.com) Despite its humble origins, the SRT-4 earned respect in the performance community for its impressive capabilities.

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11. Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero, a budget-friendly Romanian hatchback, has surprised many with its reliability and exceptional value. Despite initial skepticism, it has become a popular choice among European drivers seeking economical transportation. Top Gear’s long-term review highlights its practicality and cost-effectiveness, noting that it “keeps the cost down” while offering “a very good reason for its simplicity.” (topgear.com) Additionally, What Car? awarded the Sandero as the Best Supermini under £12,000, emphasizing its genuine space and affordability. (en.wikipedia.org)

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12. Toyota Prius (First Generation)

The first-generation Toyota Prius, launched in 1997, featured unconventional styling and modest performance, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 14 seconds. (autozine.org) Despite these attributes, it revolutionized the automotive industry by introducing hybrid technology to the mass market. Its innovative design and fuel efficiency set the foundation for the widespread adoption of hybrid vehicles, reshaping consumer expectations and influencing future automotive developments. (spectrum.ieee.org)

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13. Hyundai Pony

The Hyundai Pony, introduced in 1975, marked South Korea’s first domestically produced car, symbolizing the nation’s industrial progress. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Pony was unveiled at the 1974 Turin Motor Show, showcasing Hyundai’s ambition to enter the global automotive market. (www1.hyundai.com) Despite initial skepticism, the Pony’s success laid the foundation for Hyundai’s global expansion, with exports to countries like Ecuador, Belgium, and the UK. (carbuzz.com) This achievement was pivotal in establishing Hyundai as a significant player in the automotive industry. (org2.hyundai.com)

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14. Suzuki Samurai

The Suzuki Samurai, introduced to the U.S. market in 1985, was a compact 4×4 vehicle that quickly gained popularity for its impressive off-road capabilities. Its lightweight design and short wheelbase made it exceptionally nimble on rugged terrains, allowing it to navigate obstacles with ease. (hagerty.com)

However, the Samurai faced significant safety criticisms, particularly concerning its tendency to roll over during sharp turns. In 1988, Consumer Reports labeled the vehicle “not acceptable,” citing its high center of gravity and narrow track width as contributing factors. (thefreelibrary.com) Despite these concerns, the Samurai developed a dedicated following among off-road enthusiasts who appreciated its performance and affordability. (motortrend.com)

For a more in-depth exploration of the Suzuki Samurai’s legacy and its place in 4×4 pop culture, you can refer to Four Wheeler Magazine’s coverage. (motortrend.com)

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15. Chevrolet Corvair

Used 1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa Turbo Spider — A classic Chevrolet Corvair, showcasing its distinctive rear-engine design and vintage appeal. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Chevrolet Corvair, produced from 1960 to 1969, was notable for its rear-engine, air-cooled design, setting it apart from contemporary American vehicles. (en.wikipedia.org)

Despite its innovative engineering, the Corvair became embroiled in controversy due to safety concerns. In 1965, consumer advocate Ralph Nader’s book, “Unsafe at Any Speed,” criticized the Corvair’s handling characteristics, alleging a tendency to oversteer and roll over during sharp turns. (en.wikipedia.org)

In response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a comprehensive study in 1971, comparing the 1963 Corvair with four contemporary vehicles. The 1972 report concluded that the Corvair’s handling and stability were comparable to, or better than, those of its competitors, finding no abnormal potential for loss of control or rollover. (en.wikipedia.org)

Despite these findings, the Corvair’s reputation suffered, leading to a decline in sales and its eventual discontinuation in 1969. Nevertheless, it has since achieved cult classic status among automotive enthusiasts, celebrated for its unique design and engineering innovations. (en.wikipedia.org)

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16. Smart Fortwo

Smart fortwo 2020 01@2x — A compact Smart Fortwo city car parked in a tight urban spot, showcasing its microcar design. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Smart Fortwo, introduced in 1998, is a compact two-seater city car renowned for its diminutive size and exceptional urban maneuverability, making it ideal for tight parking spaces. Despite its small footprint, the Fortwo incorporates a robust safety design, featuring a reinforced steel safety cell known as the Tridion cell, which enhances occupant protection. (en.wikipedia.org)

In safety evaluations, the Fortwo has demonstrated commendable performance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded it “Good” ratings in both frontal and side crash tests, indicating strong protection for occupants. (iihs.org) Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) assigned a four-star rating for driver protection in frontal crashes and five stars for side-impact protection, reflecting its competitive safety standards. (motortrend.com)

For a comprehensive analysis of microcars like the Smart Fortwo, including their safety features and urban advantages, you can refer to SafeWise’s insights on microcar safety. (safewise.com)

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17. Jeep Compass (First Generation)

The first-generation Jeep Compass, introduced in 2006, faced criticism for its design and performance, lacking the off-road capabilities associated with the Jeep brand. (en.wikipedia.org) In 2011, Jeep redesigned the Compass to resemble the Grand Cherokee, enhancing its appeal. (motortrend.com) The updated model featured improved handling and a more refined interior, addressing previous shortcomings and establishing the Compass as a competent compact SUV. (caranddriver.com)

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18. Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16

1990 Mercedes Benz 190e 2.5 16 Evolution Ii Exterior Front 3 4 1 1 — A classic Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II, showcasing its iconic aerodynamic enhancements and motorsport heritage. | Image from www.publicdomainpictures.net (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16, introduced in 1983, was a performance-oriented variant of the 190E sedan, developed in collaboration with British engineering firm Cosworth. (en.wikipedia.org) Its 2.3-liter, 16-valve engine produced 185 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 143 mph and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. (carscoops.com)

In August 1983, Mercedes-Benz showcased the 190E 2.3-16’s durability by setting three world records at the Nardò Ring in Italy, covering 50,000 kilometers at an average speed of 154 mph. (motortrend.com)

In 1984, the 190E 2.3-16 made its motorsport debut at the Nürburgring Race of Champions, where a young Ayrton Senna secured victory, marking the beginning of his illustrious racing career. (en.wikipedia.org)

For a detailed exploration of the 190E 2.3-16’s impact on motorsport and its enduring appeal, refer to Classic Driver’s coverage. (silodrome.com)

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Proof That Car Greatness Can Be Unexpected

Throughout automotive history, numerous vehicles have defied initial skepticism to achieve unexpected success. Models like the Datsun 510, Mazda RX-7, and Saab 900 Turbo, once overlooked, have now become cherished classics, celebrated for their unique engineering and performance. These examples underscore the automotive industry’s capacity for surprise, where unassuming designs can evolve into icons, proving that greatness often emerges from the most unexpected places. (getcybertrucked.com)

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18 Cars That Shouldn’t Have Been Great — But Absolutely Were

1. AMC Eagle

2. Subaru BRAT

3. Citroën 2CV

4. Chrysler PT Cruiser

5. Ford Pinto

6. Yugo GV

7. Pontiac Aztek

8. Volkswagen Beetle (New Beetle)

9. Honda Element

10. Dodge Neon SRT-4

11. Dacia Sandero

12. Toyota Prius (First Generation)

13. Hyundai Pony

14. Suzuki Samurai

15. Chevrolet Corvair

16. Smart Fortwo

17. Jeep Compass (First Generation)

18. Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16

Proof That Car Greatness Can Be Unexpected

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