As fans of muscle cars, we have seen companies churn out some horrible versions over the years. Although muscle cars made in America during the '70s and '80s are in high demand around the world, there are some that have been a complete disappointment in all regards.
However, not many muscle cars fans are aware of the lapses in some of these cars. The truth is that not all classic cars are worth your investment; therefore you should be careful when you buy a vehicle.
This compilation lists down 14 muscle cars that all gearheads believer were a disappointment. This list will help those who are looking to own a classic but want quality on their hands too. There, read on to make a smart decision and go for a muscle car that offers quality too.
14. 1978 Oldsmobile 442
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The manufacturer of this car was at its prime at the time of its release. This is why the Oldsmobile 442 poor performance comes as a major surprise. According to car historians and experts, the suspension problems of the car were too prominent to ignore. Today, the car is disliked unanimously by all gearheads.
13. 1974 Ford Mustang II Ghia
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A collaboration between the famous Italian design house Carrozeria Ghia and Ford resulted in this car. The manufacturers had envisioned a more luxurious model of the Mustang II. However, to their disappointment, they found out that the car was not as powerful as the Mustang. Although the effort is commendable, the car is a bad muscle car.
12. 1982 Chevrolet Camaro
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No list of the worst muscle cars would be complete without the mention of the ’82 Chevrolet Camaro. The car comes with low power ratings something which is absolutely necessary for all muscle cars. Shortage of passenger seats meant that the earlier models came with a mismatch of the passenger and the driver's seat.
11. 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2
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The handling issues of the Pontiac Grand Prix were a major reason behind why it flopped in the market. To make matters worse, the car also possessed electric and transmission issues. This meant that the car suffered great humiliation in the market as people did not feel safe buying it.
10. 1980 Dodge Aspen R/T
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The grip and handling of the Dodge Aspen R/T was an irritating flaw to an otherwise decent car. Since the significance of these features is really high in assessing a car’s performance, the Dodge Aspen R/T received criticism from fans and experts. The transmission and engine issues did not help either.
9. 2004 Chevrolet Impala SS
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This car was expected to be a game changer at the time of its release. However, with time it became evident that the manufactures had not handled the car with care. The awful handling of the vehicle, its slow performance, and the poor engine left fans sorely disappointed as they had expected more from it.
8. 1978 Buick Regal Sport Coupe
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While the appearance of the model is very cool, there is not much to write about its performance. The car’s poor response to driver’s input and its poor handling ability are the only reasons why gearheads remember this car. The suspension issues and problems with the steering made the car more unpopular.
7. 1978 AMC Hornet AMX
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The AMC Hornet AMX is still considered one of the worst muscle cars made in the '80s. The car’s overheating problems are well documented to this day, which makes it too risky to drive it. The car is a purchase that we all should stay away from, as it also did not include power door locks and windows.
6. 1974 Chevrolet Nova SS
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The engine problems of the Chevrolet Nova SS meant that the car could never be successful in the market. This disappointed the car enthusiasts as the classy appearance of the model made them set high expectations. The car was also abysmal under tough road conditions and withers under extreme pressure.
5. 1982 Dodge Challenger
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This car failed to live to the legacy of the series it belonged to. The '82 Dodge Challenger came with a terribly weak structure and it failed to respond aptly to the inputs of the driver. This is why gearheads all around the world advise against spending money on this classic car.
4. 1977 Mercury Cougar XR7
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Mercury’s strong reputation in the '70s meant that the car received a lot of hype at the time of its release. However, this changed rapidly as the word of the car’s poor performance spread like wildfire. The poor handling meant that the car was all style and no substance and sales of the car dropped immediately.
3. 1979 Ford Mustang
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Mustang brand’s future was in jeopardy in the '70s and many considered this car to be the ultimate savior. However, it failed miserably in the market as the poor brake performance was deemed unfit for use. Unfortunately, for the manufacturers, not even the good looks of the car were able to rescue it.
2. 2006 Dodge Charger SE
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This was another car that was released to tremendous hype and excitement. However, the bubble burst as soon as the news of the terrible engine spread to the market. The car failed miserably and was a disappointment to the iconic brand it belonged to. Gearheads dislike the car and advise everyone against purchasing it.
1. 1980 Mercury Capri RS
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This is another car that gearheads don’t want to associate themselves with. While the standard engine of the car could only generate 117 hp and 165 lb-ft, the poor design of the vehicle made matters worse. The bulging body and hood may be a trend back then, but not many prefer it today.
