2. Pontiac Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek’s unconventional, polarizing design was already a challenge, but marketing campaigns that branded it as the ultimate adventure vehicle only made things worse. Instead of appealing to outdoorsy buyers, the ads clashed with mainstream consumer tastes, leading to widespread critical mockery and pop culture ridicule. The result was poor sales and a damaged reputation that the Aztek couldn’t overcome. Read more about the Aztek’s marketing missteps at CNBC.