Here are the Top 10 Weirdest cars from General Motors!

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  • čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
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    In this episode I provide my picks for the top 10 weirdest cars that were made by GM. I had originally planned a top 10 weirdest car list among all brands, but so many in my list were GM that I decided to dedicate this list to just GM cars. Let me know what others I may have missed, or other weird non-GM cars I could include in a future list.
    00:00 Start
    01:34 Number 10
    03:57 Number 9
    05:51 Number 8
    08:01 Number 7
    10:10 Number 6
    12:13 Number 5
    13:43 Number 4
    15:23 Number 3
    17:40 Number 2
    19:38 Number 1

Komentáře • 1,4K

  • @bobh9526
    @bobh9526 Před rokem +71

    I was involved in the building of the production line that produced the huge glass windshields for the "Dustbuster" vans. A company I won't mention spent nearly $50 million making that production line. The glass had to get a special coating to keep it from being too much like a greenhouse. Said coating kept it from passing so much light that it melted dashboards and such. Luckily, the same production line could be used to make the rear windows for various model Corvettes, so it wasn't a total waste.

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 Před 8 měsíci +4

      another brilliant innovation from LOF

  • @larryfromwisconsin9970
    @larryfromwisconsin9970 Před rokem +247

    I had an aeroback Cutlass Salon diesel. I bought it used dirt cheap in 1986 because it was running very rough. I had the mechanical fuel injection rebuild by a diesel truck mechanic and it ran great -- for about 10,000 miles then just died. I junked it. If I knew then what I know now I would have put a water separator on it. That was it's fatal flaw. It was an odd looking car. I drove it from Fort Ord, California to Fort Campbell, Kentucky and did get close to 30 miles per gallon driving the National speed limit of 55 mph.

    • @will4688
      @will4688 Před rokem +17

      Lucky. I still remember the new car smell at the dealership. The 80’s were great.

    • @pancudowny
      @pancudowny Před rokem +10

      Yeah, shame GM didn't get its stuff straight with the Oldsmobile diesel until '81... and the same with its "small" V-8 gasoline offerings as well. (4.3L/260-ci < 5.0L/307-ci.)

    • @sailingspark9748
      @sailingspark9748 Před rokem +20

      the Aeroback would have been much better as a real hatchback.
      As far as questionable designs, anybody remember when the rear doors of the Mallibu only had opening vent windows because GM thought it was too expensive to install wind down windows?

    • @napt670
      @napt670 Před rokem +1

      5😂

    • @rockfordhx2768
      @rockfordhx2768 Před rokem +3

      Aerocoupe cutlass ?

  • @timothysmith5769
    @timothysmith5769 Před rokem +127

    The Caprice police package was rather unique. We called them Shamu cars (consider the car with a traditional Police black and white paint job) and the faster we drove them, the better they handled.

    • @5610winston
      @5610winston Před rokem +13

      The wagons always reminded me of getting mooned by Orson Welles.

    • @cantstanddogs4776
      @cantstanddogs4776 Před rokem +10

      Yea the steering gets tighter the faster you go

    • @catjudo1
      @catjudo1 Před 11 měsíci +9

      It's got a cop motor, cop tires, cop suspension and cop shocks. What do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?

    • @MrSGL21
      @MrSGL21 Před 11 měsíci +5

      so i was in high school in a science class and the teacher was talking about Fusiform animal shapes. i asked the question "so you mean like those new ugly police cars?" his answer was yes.

    • @cantstanddogs4776
      @cantstanddogs4776 Před 11 měsíci +4

      @@MrSGL21 so you're a nerd?

  • @kenpreston3898
    @kenpreston3898 Před rokem +9

    The Seville looks good. I wanted one in the 80s and I still do today.

  • @CallowXayne
    @CallowXayne Před rokem +177

    I like that GM brought a lot of wierd ideas to market. I just wish they would have either stuck with them longer or executed them better from the start.

    • @elvistwatty
      @elvistwatty Před rokem +15

      I agree. Do a better job of development

    • @SVW1976
      @SVW1976 Před rokem +17

      Yeah. Like the Aztec Concept. Was much cooler than what was released.

    • @regisphilbinsscrotum6631
      @regisphilbinsscrotum6631 Před rokem +30

      GM has a bad habit of releasing something that needs work,then fixing it over the years into something almost perfect, and then killing it a year or two after getting it there.its one of their most infuriating qualities.

    • @lvsqcsl
      @lvsqcsl Před rokem +9

      @@regisphilbinsscrotum6631 Yeah, they liked to experiment with the customer's money.

    • @Trendyflute
      @Trendyflute Před rokem +11

      So true; if it was a well-done car that was a bit weird, they abandoned and killed it before it could catch on. If it was a neat idea people were interested in but it wasn't developed that well, they pulled the plug on further development. It's a fascinating company history of crazy ideas, dead-ends, and workarounds.

  • @bindig1
    @bindig1 Před rokem +42

    The weirdest GM car I had was a 1981 Caprice wagon with a diesel engine. Beautiful car, terrible engine. Would start, then wouldn't restart until the engine completely cooled down. Even a short trip to the 7-Eleven would take hours. I ended up pulling the diesel out and put in an Olds 350 gas engine. Ran great for years

    • @glennschlorf1285
      @glennschlorf1285 Před 11 měsíci +4

      Deisel engine would have been fine if they had had enough and big enough head bolts

    • @bindig1
      @bindig1 Před 11 měsíci +5

      @@glennschlorf1285 The whole engine wasn't beefy enough to be diesel. I broke the crankshaft at about 60 mph on the highway

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 Před 8 měsíci +2

      all it really needed was an expert blueprinting and a water-separating fuel filter which GM was either too cheap or too stupid to outside-purchase. we had a chevelle wagon 5.7 diesel that went over a half-million miles.

  • @davidpar2
    @davidpar2 Před rokem +18

    I was always fascinated by the styling of the 80-85 Cadillacs Seville

    • @BaltimoreAndOhioRR
      @BaltimoreAndOhioRR Před rokem +6

      I had one years ago, and to this day, kind of miss it. I know it's woefully outdated at this time, but I remember how nice it rode, how much room it had, how comfortable the seats were, and even the Bose radio, fuel mileage display, auto headlights and other gadgets made it a nice car to drive.

    • @tallman369
      @tallman369 Před 7 měsíci +3

      ​@@BaltimoreAndOhioRRHad the 84 Seville. Light blue mettalic

    • @tommylitz4543
      @tommylitz4543 Před 3 měsíci +3

      Loved the Seville styling.

    • @jro7075
      @jro7075 Před měsícem

      yes I always loved the way the seville looked now with that shortened rear end looked great even with the spare tire on it that was very unique it looked like a very classy car

    • @jcruz4759
      @jcruz4759 Před 24 dny

      My neighbor had one when I was a kid, I loved it then and still do!

  • @jokergordon8446
    @jokergordon8446 Před rokem +41

    I actually love those caprices with the LT1. But everybody has their style.

  • @stavl5122
    @stavl5122 Před rokem +73

    Bought a 2003 Aztek brand new for $18,000 and drove it for 11 years (198,000 miles). Loved it.

    • @davemccage7918
      @davemccage7918 Před rokem +8

      $18,000 won’t even buy you a Versa these days.

    • @answerman9933
      @answerman9933 Před rokem +6

      You overpaid.

    • @townhall05446
      @townhall05446 Před rokem +8

      Because as you drove it, you didn't have to look at it.

    • @tapiocaarrdvark6226
      @tapiocaarrdvark6226 Před rokem +2

      The tent car? Hahaha

    • @NorthernChev
      @NorthernChev Před 11 měsíci +5

      And it never overheated once…
      And the intake gaskets never rotted prematurely due to the Dexcool…

  • @catjudo1
    @catjudo1 Před rokem +38

    When I drove for Yellow Cab, I got to drive both the Crown Victoria and the bloated whale Caprice Classic. I genuinely preferred the Chevrolet as the big car could hustle and handle well, plus the steering was much more precise. I'd love to find a clean one today.

    • @woodsrdr
      @woodsrdr Před rokem +14

      Good luck! They're all riding on 24s with lift kits and NASCAR looking paint jobs.

    • @retiredsnowbunnyhunterx5106
      @retiredsnowbunnyhunterx5106 Před rokem +6

      ​@@woodsrdrsad but true

    • @DavidLLambertmobile
      @DavidLLambertmobile Před rokem +3

      I liked the V8 SS model 1996 1997. Chevy put them out for a limited time. They just looked slick & comfortable. I currently drive a uses P74 Ford 2005 Crown Vic sedan.

    • @smellsuperb1
      @smellsuperb1 Před 10 měsíci +3

      ​@@SpaceInTime1885a "donk" is a full-size GM two door or 4-door sedan between 1971-1976, emphasis on Chevy Impala and Caprice models. A 1991-1996 Impala/Caprice is referred to as a "bubble".

  • @ShaunChaudoin
    @ShaunChaudoin Před rokem +7

    LOVE IT! Now I need to see an episode on the 1973 Boat tail Buick Riviera & their cult following as a movie car... Beautiful & quirky design with a 7.5L 455... Had one and loved it!

  • @61rampy65
    @61rampy65 Před rokem +7

    When I first saw that Caprice, I thought Chevy had taken a Taurus and redesigned it to look like it was a Hudson.

  • @StCornerback
    @StCornerback Před rokem +170

    I could say that the Corvair is still beautiful and underrated for me, especially the Corsa.

    • @manoman0
      @manoman0 Před rokem +25

      It was a good car and Nader was a nasty agitator and liar.

    • @OllamhDrab
      @OllamhDrab Před rokem +12

      @@manoman0 Well, he wasn't wrong about a bunch of places GM shouldnta cut corners, especially since a lot of the target market wasn't used to rear engine driving.

    • @scottprendergast5262
      @scottprendergast5262 Před rokem +7

      @@manoman0 the spider was the prettiest corvair

    • @TheNobleLoyalist
      @TheNobleLoyalist Před rokem +10

      A 65 Corvair in black. WANT ONE!!

    • @MichaelMaddog3584
      @MichaelMaddog3584 Před rokem +2

      The Corvair was a bucket of crap that leaked. Killing it was the best thing GM did.

  • @rob052771
    @rob052771 Před rokem +49

    I had an Oldsmobile silhouette, we called it the “spaceship “ because it reminded me of the view from the millennium falcon, I did like it though although the automatic sliding door would always blow the fuse

    • @rob052771
      @rob052771 Před rokem

      @Bigga Nigga ok, what does that mean?

    • @rob052771
      @rob052771 Před rokem

      @Bigga Nigga I simply left a comment, and you are being condescending, peace dude

    • @coletrickle-km7cl
      @coletrickle-km7cl Před rokem +1

      Some called it the dust buster after black and Deckers hand held vacuum
      There was a guy that made a drag racer out of one of these.

    • @DTD110865
      @DTD110865 Před rokem +3

      @@coletrickle-km7cl I refer to them as "monorail" vans. I remember an episode of MotorWeek giving them that nickname, and I thought, "Yeah, that makes sense."

    • @brentj.peterson6070
      @brentj.peterson6070 Před rokem

      They looked cool 😎

  • @CBBC435
    @CBBC435 Před rokem +10

    The Pontiac Aztek was way ahead of its time.

    • @vrltime123
      @vrltime123 Před 2 měsíci +1

      First think I thought when I saw commercials for the new Subaru Crosstrek. Azteks only fault was it come out to soon.

    • @opinionsvary
      @opinionsvary Před 25 dny

      ​@@vrltime123Man, it was freaking ugly & incredibly boxy. Then there was the Avalanche that also was a terrible design Chevy put out there.

  • @captainobvious6025
    @captainobvious6025 Před rokem +25

    The Lumina and Transport vans were and still are way ahead of their time with the plastic body panels. I live in the rust belt and never had any rust on the vehicle. Strength wise, they were also stronger than the conventional steel body vehicles because of the steel structural frame.
    It was a smart design that simply failed to be properly marketed by GM. The replacement vans were junk, that's why they failed.

    • @peterruddick1952
      @peterruddick1952 Před 9 měsíci +2

      We loved our Pontiac TransSport, it was a really nice van... these GM vans were maligned unfairly. They were far nicer that the traditional dull vans that followed.

  • @dejen3303
    @dejen3303 Před rokem +10

    One thing about the Corvair, their engines beat the crap out of Bug engines in dune buggies.

    • @stephenkalatucka6213
      @stephenkalatucka6213 Před 2 měsíci

      I knew a guy who worked for Hurst. He built a car with a VW chassis, Bradley GT body, a supercharged Corvair engine hooked to a Porsche 5-speed transaxle. It was scary fast!

  • @danielventura8073
    @danielventura8073 Před rokem +19

    I drove an Olds Cutlass Supreme diesel for a week in 1983 as a borrowed car and I loved it. I put in 10 bucks of fuel and I didn't have to put in a drop over 260 miles. I estimated 40 highway mpg.

    • @wendyheller8916
      @wendyheller8916 Před rokem +4

      $.60 a gallon

    • @jacobthorns5776
      @jacobthorns5776 Před 11 měsíci

      really hard time believing 40mpg...if they could do that with a 4000 lb brick, where are the modern diesels getting that much mpg in smaller cars?

  • @garrisonnichols807
    @garrisonnichols807 Před rokem +13

    I'm a big fan of the Chevrolet Caprice especially the Impala SS with the LT1 350 V8. These cars are alot of fun to drive. I miss the full sized V8 RWD platform. These and the Ford Crown Vic are awesome. They do great smokey burnouts.

    • @DavidLLambertmobile
      @DavidLLambertmobile Před rokem

      I remember how in 1990s era 🇵🇦 US Air Force SPs now called Security Forces: had brand new police version 🚔. Howard AFB. They were hot 🔥. Big but V8 engines, police suspension, brakes.

    • @dankjankings7339
      @dankjankings7339 Před 6 měsíci +1

      I had a kinda decent maurauder for a short while…….so many people tried to make an offer on that car…..black folk all f with them tough.

  • @jimbrown5091
    @jimbrown5091 Před rokem +7

    I owned a Caprice Estate Wagon...I used it much like a truck and it made a great winter car in the Midwest...which ultimately killed it (rust).

  • @FlameG102
    @FlameG102 Před rokem +111

    I genuinely still love the dustbuster vans
    And i still think the last gen caprice was a great looking car. I never understood the hate, but then i suppose it's because I grew up around this kind of design vs people that grew up with the 50's-80's cars.
    I dunno. i tend to think that early 90's car design was peak American car design. it took the designs of the 80's, and made them sleeker. and for the better imo.
    I will say, between the Caprice Classic and the first gen Crown Vic, I prefer the caprice

    • @hachiroku8677
      @hachiroku8677 Před rokem +14

      I agree 100% with you. I like the '91-'96 Caprice Classic style, especially early '91-'92 models, with those semi-covered rear wheel arches.

    • @Wargasm54
      @Wargasm54 Před rokem +10

      Both you guys need to find psychological help. 😂

    • @sailingspark9748
      @sailingspark9748 Před rokem +8

      One of the radio stations I worked at had a Lumina APV when they first came out. It replaced a full sized van. I actually liked driving it compared to the big chrysler van we had before.

    • @adrianmonk4440
      @adrianmonk4440 Před rokem +3

      These type of videos (10 Worse) are Perfect Dumping Grounds.

    • @rodger7029
      @rodger7029 Před rokem +3

      And they drove great

  • @dwensinger
    @dwensinger Před rokem +7

    I currently own a 78 Century aeroback. I think I have the only one left in existence 😂 Gets more looks going down the road than a Vette. It’s two tone green and it looks like a lima bean.

  • @gns423
    @gns423 Před rokem +8

    I had a ‘91 Lumina Dustbuster 😂. I hated cleaning the inside of the windshield, but it was a work horse. I put 270,000 miles on it before the transmission went, but the engine never gave me any trouble. I loved it.

    • @DavidLLambertmobile
      @DavidLLambertmobile Před rokem +2

      Good deal. If I had the $ I'd buy a mid 1990s Beretta. Maybe the convertible. They looked sharp. V6 engine.

    • @johndawid8059
      @johndawid8059 Před 28 dny +1

      I had 3 Pontiac TransSports....the first a '93 for myself, then 2 '95's for a biz I had. I loved those vans!

    • @gns423
      @gns423 Před 28 dny

      @@DavidLLambertmobileI had an ‘89 Beretta that I bought brand new. I had it for 4 years, until the paint started pealing. It was a zippy little car though, and pretty good looking.

  • @cardinaloflannagancr8929
    @cardinaloflannagancr8929 Před rokem +11

    The 368 big block aka 4-6-8 was and is remedied pretty easily to stay in v8 mode via cutting one wire. Many have installed a toggle to revert to 8cyl mode or 4/6/8 when highway cruising. It's the same basic engine as the 425, 472 and 500 all considered good. Many modern vehicles have their life cut short due to mechanical problems caused by cylinder deactivation, including the modern hemi.
    I liked the commercial for the aztek calling it neither a station wagon nor suv it's a uv. Well what is sporty about many "suvs' nothing lots are more utility than sport. Check the vehicle registration it is a station wagon as just about all "suv's" are.

    • @SuperBooboo02
      @SuperBooboo02 Před 8 měsíci +1

      youre right nothing sporty about an suv, a box with a wheezy 4 cylinder engine..

  • @nebfreely317
    @nebfreely317 Před rokem +18

    That chevy caprice was the best car GM has ever made! I had one that had over 400,000 miles n still ran like it was new. Had so much room for activities in it!

    • @WALTERBROADDUS
      @WALTERBROADDUS Před rokem +3

      Best car made? Okay.

    • @NYCS19339
      @NYCS19339 Před rokem +8

      @@WALTERBROADDUS they were surprisingly good and durable cars.

  • @silvanski
    @silvanski Před rokem +76

    GM's 1990 futuristic styled "dustbuster" vans received mixed reactions in the US. The styling was appreciated better in Europe. The Belgian gendarmerie even used the export version of the Pontiac Trans Sport, powered by a 2.3L quad four coupled to a 5-speed manual.

    • @piggy310
      @piggy310 Před rokem +2

      If they had beat Chrysler they probably would have been much more popular.

    • @rodger7029
      @rodger7029 Před 11 měsíci

      They were a great driving

  • @CPDheadstomp
    @CPDheadstomp Před rokem +20

    The bubble dome Chevy was the best police vehicle I’ve ever driven. Turning radius was fantastic.

    • @NYCS19339
      @NYCS19339 Před rokem +4

      I think it got near perfect scores on the Michigan state police testing program

    • @patrickmcgoldrick8234
      @patrickmcgoldrick8234 Před rokem

      It was the Caprices swan song,such a nice and solid dependable beautiful driving car.

  • @fob1xxl
    @fob1xxl Před rokem +26

    Great video ! I have to admit I LOVED THE SEVILLE ! It was too European and drastic at that time for most buyers, but it was a beautiful design. I OWNED 2 Sevilles, a 1976 and a 1979. Loved both !

    • @NYCS19339
      @NYCS19339 Před rokem +8

      The first Sevilles had 4 wheel disc brakes and drove really well.

    • @Eddie-mh1rc
      @Eddie-mh1rc Před rokem +2

      I too owned a 1982 seville love that car, but worse engine ever . wish I still had it

  • @chrisk.6531
    @chrisk.6531 Před rokem +11

    The problem with GM was never their concepts (pun *intended* esp @ Cadillac 👀), but their execution

  • @patrickradcliffe3837
    @patrickradcliffe3837 Před rokem +9

    2:21 can we take a moment and admire how strong these men are able to lift that SAFE like it was nothing.

  • @driliagor
    @driliagor Před rokem +12

    We have a yellow SSR in our neighborhood. I looked at it every time it passes. I think it’s brilliant! A practicality of a truck married to a freedom of convertible!

    • @jasono2139
      @jasono2139 Před rokem

      Like an El Camino!!
      ...just a lot uglier! 😂

    • @Michaelsmercedes
      @Michaelsmercedes Před 8 měsíci

      How is it at all comparable to a truck?

  • @fartgangtv9143
    @fartgangtv9143 Před rokem +8

    Anyone remember the Cadillac catera?

  • @steviethek1511
    @steviethek1511 Před rokem +14

    I would have put the Aztek at number one but only because that thing was so BFU (Butt F***ing Ugly) it deserves to be in a class by itself, but all of the vehicles featured definitely earned their place on this list.
    Another great video!!!!

    • @manoman0
      @manoman0 Před rokem +4

      Do you realise that the Aztek showed off the SUV design that is nowadays accepted?

    • @OntarioBearHunter
      @OntarioBearHunter Před rokem +3

      ​@manoman0 I was going to say the same.. round off the corners and you've got most GM midsize SUVs since then.

    • @steviethek1511
      @steviethek1511 Před rokem +4

      @@manoman0
      Yes. Once you got inside it had a lot of nice features to offer, but unfortunately you have to look at it in order to get inside of it…or wear dark sunglasses.

    • @pmscalisi
      @pmscalisi Před rokem +1

      @@OntarioBearHunterr just about any manufacturer’s SUV.
      I always thought the Nissan Rogue looked similar from the front😂😂😂

  • @richsackett3423
    @richsackett3423 Před rokem +48

    Ralph Nader was a bad person. There; I said it.

    • @chrisheuser3562
      @chrisheuser3562 Před 3 měsíci +12

      True but I would still trade him for Brandon if I had the chance! Now that is a bad person! The worst!

    • @justmeandthethree
      @justmeandthethree Před 2 měsíci +4

      TRUTH!

    • @justmeandthethree
      @justmeandthethree Před 2 měsíci

      ​@@chrisheuser3562 Can you explain? But, do it quickly because I want to find out the latest on Donald Trump's trial for hiding the payment he made to an adult film star he had sex with right after his youngest son was born.

    • @justmeandthethree
      @justmeandthethree Před 2 měsíci +7

      ​@@chrisheuser3562Would you trade him for the guy who paid hush money to Stormy Daniels to cover up an affair???

    • @patrickmcgrath5411
      @patrickmcgrath5411 Před 2 měsíci +3

      BAD TO THE BONE ‼️

  • @michaelwalter3399
    @michaelwalter3399 Před rokem +31

    The "bustleback" Seville was a takeoff on the Rolls Royce Silver Cloud of the 1950's, which in turn was a takeoff on the Packard Clipper of 1940-41.

    • @garrettsmith5774
      @garrettsmith5774 Před rokem +6

      I bought one . Looked great . But just falls apart sitting still 😅

    • @olrubberface
      @olrubberface Před 11 měsíci +4

      @@garrettsmith5774 I had one for a couple years, and I loved(!) the body style- but you're right about the build quality.

  • @fredmacvenn8525
    @fredmacvenn8525 Před rokem +6

    The dust busters were great vans, also good in the snow with that low nose clearing way for the wheels.

  • @FlyingTigersKMT
    @FlyingTigersKMT Před rokem +48

    I love the 9C1 Caprice. It was awesome in Police or Impala form. The LT1 engine was bad ass and it handled like a sports car.

    • @bricefleckenstein9666
      @bricefleckenstein9666 Před rokem +4

      And almost EVERYONE hated the styling - including the police themselves.

    • @hurtnpinksock
      @hurtnpinksock Před rokem +3

      It could be ordered in the LTZ package as well, i have one and was also an option in the Roadmaster

    • @FlyingTigersKMT
      @FlyingTigersKMT Před rokem +6

      @@bricefleckenstein9666 i love it because the black and white paint scheme and the round styling made it look like a killer whale

  • @toweringhorse2054
    @toweringhorse2054 Před rokem +4

    The Impala SS and road master wagons were badass

  • @trellway
    @trellway Před rokem +5

    I had a Bretta GT with the digital dash when I was 16. I loved that car the tourqe in that thing was amazing for its time for a big V6 in the late 80's early 90's

  • @oscargeorge1
    @oscargeorge1 Před rokem +24

    I disagree with the Caprice and Seville. Also, the '81 v864 was a very good engine once the cylinder deactivation computer was disconnected.

    • @pinkflydnt
      @pinkflydnt Před rokem +2

      Very true. The Cadillac 365 (or was it a 368?) was the same block as the 472 and 500 just with less stroke and I believe smaller pistons but once the solenoids for the 8-6-4 was deactivated, it was a great and reliable power plant. The 500 was a "squared" engine as in the bore and stroke were pretty much the same (4.300 bore/4.304 stroke).

    • @Kulio_ib3wc
      @Kulio_ib3wc Před 6 měsíci

      Been a GM tech since the 70's. I once worked on one of those that had toggle switches wired into the 4-6-8 computer to manually switch the cylinders on and off.

  • @lvsqcsl
    @lvsqcsl Před rokem +13

    That Corvair was considered a "niche" vehicle by GM even though it sold in respectable numbers. That is why they came up with the Chevy II/ Nova in 1962. Even though Ralph Nader published his book, "Unsafe at any Speed" GM was going to show him and they still continued to build the Corvair until 1969; the last few examples of which were handbuilt off an assembly line.

    • @jackschwartz1783
      @jackschwartz1783 Před 11 měsíci +1

      What's sad is the fact that the Corvair was far Safer than most cars built today.

  • @TheSaltyExplorer
    @TheSaltyExplorer Před rokem +46

    I think GM and Chrysler’s biggest mistake with the PT Cruiser and HHR was making them compact, rather than full or mid sized. Had they been a more substantial platform instead of a cheap throwaway, they would probably be more cherished today than hated.

    • @awesomeferret
      @awesomeferret Před rokem +1

      And the pt cruiser wasn't a substantial platform because... 🤷‍♂️

    • @TheSaltyExplorer
      @TheSaltyExplorer Před rokem +7

      @@awesomeferret because it’s compact, unibody, and front wheel drive. That significantly limits what you can do with it, and more importantly, who would want to do anything with it. Midsize rear wheel drive body on frame would be a more substantial platform.

    • @BigWheel.
      @BigWheel. Před rokem +4

      @@TheSaltyExplorer pt cruisers have a fairly dedicated cult following, there was even the srt4 version

    • @lemonscented7703
      @lemonscented7703 Před rokem +3

      I think the PT Cruiser was a lot more successful to that end because, despite being classified as a light truck for CAFE standards, it was never really seen or marketed as one. Functionally, it was a retro-styled 5-door hatch or sport-wagon, and in that case a transaxle and a relatively compact unibody construction is perfectly suitable. Plus, Chrysler leaned way into the “sporty” angle with the R/T, GT, and Route 66 special editions, among many others, and the car sold like hot cakes for it.
      For the HHR’s case, though, I totally agree. It tried to invoke the body-on-frame trucks of the ‘40s, but wasn’t nearly rugged enough to do the same kind of work, and wasn’t nearly sporty enough to succeed as a compact wagon either. They also failed as a fleet panel van for all the reasons you list. The SS version was kind of a last-ditch effort to make it sporty, but why buy that when you could go for the lighter and less bulky Cobalt SS with which it shares a platform? It tried to appeal to everybody in all the wrong ways and became something nobody asked for.

    • @neto_coq6132
      @neto_coq6132 Před rokem +2

      The PT CRUISER is fantastic a vehicle that looks compact, that has a lot of interior space, robust and in the same way as the SSR is a true modern hot rod.

  • @pancudowny
    @pancudowny Před rokem +13

    The Mustang also offered a V-8, while all of Corvair's engines seemed "too exotic" to most car buyers... especially the turbo one.

  • @SamWesting
    @SamWesting Před rokem +106

    Bustleback Caddys weren’t ugly as much as they just look dated. Marketed towards baroque styling enthusiasts who wanted something that looked less boxy. Chrysler & Lincoln also did similar rear deck styling w/the Imperial & Continental. It was a 1980s trend that came & went. Wasn’t regarded as anything outlandish at the time.

    • @tremec6
      @tremec6 Před rokem +13

      Ford and Chrysler also produced bustlebacks during that time. The Chrysler Imperial and the Lincoln Continental

    • @robertbeirne9813
      @robertbeirne9813 Před rokem +11

      Rolls Royce

    • @NYCS19339
      @NYCS19339 Před rokem +9

      I liked both the Seville and the Imperial

    • @DTD110865
      @DTD110865 Před rokem +12

      They were supposed to look dated. As robertbeirne9813 said, they resembled older Rolls-Royce sedans.

    • @NYCS19339
      @NYCS19339 Před rokem +13

      Exactly, sort of 30s elegance. I thought they all looked good

  • @Offthbadan
    @Offthbadan Před rokem +4

    I literally just saw a Seville with the 5th wheel an hour ago at a Father’s Day cruise. Haven’t seen one in years. Talk about coincidence.

  • @NotQuiteSteele
    @NotQuiteSteele Před rokem +68

    XUV wasn’t a bad idea - in theory. I think it was ahead of it’s time; just like the Aztec. It had so many features that were extremely cool but were overshadowed by the looks.
    Both vehicles were very under appreciated.

    • @adrianmonk4440
      @adrianmonk4440 Před rokem +3

      And Out Of Proportion & Balance. They would have shot it & put it out of its misery in Italy.

    • @NotQuiteSteele
      @NotQuiteSteele Před rokem +3

      @@adrianmonk4440ok?

    • @jaylonworld
      @jaylonworld Před rokem +3

      ​@@NotQuiteSteele yea xux was pretty neat from the enovy

    • @pmscalisi
      @pmscalisi Před rokem +5

      The Aztec looks like many SUV/crossover vehicles today.
      A lot of compromise on the final styling just didn’t work. The concept wasn’t bad looking at all.

    • @lvsqcsl
      @lvsqcsl Před rokem +5

      That was only available on the GMC version of the T-360 platform and it wasn't the first; the Studebaker Wagonnaire was the first in the early '60's.

  • @Hawkeye2001
    @Hawkeye2001 Před rokem +21

    I had the Pontiac Transport (Dust buster) - It was a great ride, a bit unusual looking, but did everything I asked from it. The 5 year seats were identical removable bucket seats, that could be removed and re-arranged to suit our needs. Decent gas mileage, and low maintenance. And yes, it did attract attention.

    • @DavidLLambertmobile
      @DavidLLambertmobile Před rokem +2

      I remember Chevy had a Lumina van too. I knew Army sgts that had them. 1 security guy, SE Asia combat veteran I worked with used a older Oldsmobile van. I myself like the sci fi, cockpit type design. The mini vans were ✅️ for seating, long car trips.

    • @grahamgreen8283
      @grahamgreen8283 Před 11 měsíci +1

      Tint all the 32 windows dark

  • @robertelmo7736
    @robertelmo7736 Před rokem +6

    So, out of all of those you think the Caprice was the weirdest? That is weird.

  • @alpaljl
    @alpaljl Před rokem +21

    Great video! I am surprised at the Caprice being on this list, but to each their own. I actually have a poster of a 1994 Caprice Wagon, when the B-body's had their final facelift. I still want one of those wagons to this day.

    • @RichM3000
      @RichM3000 Před rokem +7

      Yeah...the Caprice wasn't particularly ugly or strange. I wouldn't have put it in the list at all.

    • @jerryjeromehawkins1712
      @jerryjeromehawkins1712 Před 11 měsíci +1

      The Caprice was a good looking vehicle... if I had a chance to buy a low mileage wagon? I wouldn't hesitate.

    • @alpaljl
      @alpaljl Před 11 měsíci +1

      @@jerryjeromehawkins1712 I still regret passing up a 1994 wagon in 2014...

    • @jamescooley5744
      @jamescooley5744 Před 9 měsíci +2

      Especially the Impala SS version...what Darth Vader would drive!

    • @gillboardman8998
      @gillboardman8998 Před 9 měsíci

      I've had a 1994 Roadmaster wagon for 8 years now and I love it. Turns heads a LOT.
      😎👍

  • @Seventizz
    @Seventizz Před 11 měsíci +8

    I liked the Pontiac Transport dustbuster. Pontiac was matching the rims with the body color and it really looked cool and sporty on the van. The matching body molds looked neat too.

  • @paulhansen7667
    @paulhansen7667 Před rokem +2

    I took Driver’s Ed in a Cutlass Salon. Driving it beat the heck out of sitting in class!

  • @DavidWilliams-xl5cx
    @DavidWilliams-xl5cx Před rokem +6

    I bought new a 2006 HHR and I still drive it daily. I personally love the styling and interior design with the leather seating. I have over 100,000 miles and the car has been bullet-proof.

    • @mikej238
      @mikej238 Před 9 měsíci +1

      I hope it's " bullet proof" you hardly drive it

  • @drk321
    @drk321 Před rokem +3

    "GM management turned their attention to developing a more comparable sports car to the Mustang leading to the Camaro in 1969".
    Camaro came out in 1967

  • @RomanJockMCO
    @RomanJockMCO Před rokem +4

    If I remember correctly Car and Driver tagged the 1991 Caprice as "Roseanne Barr on wheels".

  • @matthaught7974
    @matthaught7974 Před rokem +5

    Would still love to see one on the 90s/00s Lumina/Monte Carlo.

  • @SupernormalParanatural
    @SupernormalParanatural Před rokem +2

    I am a Ford man through and through. But I've owned five SeVilles 76' through '80. All four RWD cars were California emissioned 350 Z codes. Absolutely wonderful cars. The FWD facetted trunk '80 of course had the aluminum /iron alloy 4.1 litre, which is even worse than the too fine a thread head bolt Northstars. But, I must admit, that thing ran like a Swiss watch. I wish I still had it.

  • @davinp
    @davinp Před rokem +40

    A problem is that GM used cheap plastics on the dash/interior of many of their cars. They do this to save costs

    • @sf-dn8rh
      @sf-dn8rh Před rokem +1

      Nissan and Ford can join em. Biggest issue I had owning cars from them in the 80s and 90s was cheep plastic and rubber, both cars leaked dashboards fell apart, and seats malfunctions that were safety issues

    • @namemcnamerton4249
      @namemcnamerton4249 Před rokem +4

      All of them still use cheap plastic.

    • @billolsen4360
      @billolsen4360 Před rokem +1

      @@namemcnamerton4249 And, it's most attractive when used as body-cladding.

    • @kamX-rz4uy
      @kamX-rz4uy Před rokem +2

      I was at a car cruise and a guy had an SSR, which I like the look of. I didn't like the dash though. The design was underwhelming, the plastics looked cheap, and the silver parts looked like they were painted by a kid with Testors model paint.

    • @johnreese7973
      @johnreese7973 Před rokem

      I thought they did that because cheap plastic made the GM ceo horny.

  • @carexpertandy
    @carexpertandy Před rokem +41

    Very interesting indeed! Didn’t expect to see the Caprice at all, especially as #1. It would be great if you could someday compile a top 10 weird cars list from other companies (excluding GM).

    • @MrTakaMOSHi
      @MrTakaMOSHi Před rokem +2

      Almost gotta do a Ford and a Chrysler edition if this video does well

    • @lvsqcsl
      @lvsqcsl Před rokem +6

      When they dropped the Caprice in 1996 sales of Ford's Panther Platform cars went up over 20% for 1997.

    • @lloydandbethbeiler8127
      @lloydandbethbeiler8127 Před 11 měsíci +1

      When the new Caprice came out, I hated it, but thought I might eventually take a liking to it--- actually hated the bloated look more as time went on!

  • @Jangocat
    @Jangocat Před rokem +9

    I had one of those Bustleback caddys, I think it was an 83. It was a great car, very classy looking at the time and comfortable. But the problem was that V 8/6/4 engine, I swear that was the slowest car I ever owned. Merging onto a highway was rough. If you weren't in a hurry it was great though.

    • @mikeholland1031
      @mikeholland1031 Před rokem +1

      Only had to disconnect 1 wire to disable the 6/8/4 system.

  • @rbspider
    @rbspider Před rokem +2

    I loved the Cadillac Seville . That car was featured in Flashdance. The Camaro came out in 67.

  • @nickc9224
    @nickc9224 Před rokem +8

    I like the seville! It was unique!

  • @rnt45t1
    @rnt45t1 Před rokem +9

    As a daily 2003 Pontiac Vibe driver, I love this list.

    • @lvsqcsl
      @lvsqcsl Před rokem +3

      That is actually a Toyota Corolla. They are very good cars.

    • @mistert7958
      @mistert7958 Před 3 měsíci

      Toyota Matrix...

  • @coolbreezy2053
    @coolbreezy2053 Před rokem +4

    The 1985 Seville is a cool, unique design.

    • @user-dd5gq2gb3p
      @user-dd5gq2gb3p Před 4 měsíci

      Foot long nose short deck Cadillac was one of the finest looking

  • @WhittyPics
    @WhittyPics Před rokem +15

    The Corvair wasn't as bad a Nadar claimed. It was a better car than the Vega that replaced it

  • @davinp
    @davinp Před rokem +5

    Chevy HHR was GM's answer to Chrysler PT Cruiser

  • @pauljs75
    @pauljs75 Před rokem +8

    Didn't think of the Caprice as weird, because the B-body is basically GM's answer to Fords Panther-body cars. Fit a certain niche of large sedans and practically mirrored each other at times.

  • @ryanwitman8672
    @ryanwitman8672 Před 2 měsíci

    The rampside van is such a great idea. I could think of so many times that I have helped my friends move furniture that I wish we had a rampside van! Great vid 👍

  • @padroooo
    @padroooo Před rokem +6

    I remember the EV1 on display at Epcot. I think they could only be leased and now bought. Thanks Pat, another great video.

    • @BlackPill-pu4vi
      @BlackPill-pu4vi Před rokem +4

      I still have the sales brochure from that display! That exact car would SELL today.

  • @dhe965
    @dhe965 Před rokem +3

    The Monte Carlo would be a great model to review. I had 5 different models through the 80's & 90's.

  • @nlpnt
    @nlpnt Před rokem +13

    Nader didn't kill the Corvair, Lee Iacocca did. The Mustang was such a huge hit GM stopped putting development money into the Corvair after '65. I'm convinced if it hadn't been for the book and publicity around it the Corvair's last year would've been '66 and GM kept building it for three years just to show they couldn't be pushed around.

  • @kuahmelallah
    @kuahmelallah Před rokem +14

    I love that GM often took risks instead of always playing it safe. They just didn't do the best job of standing by these risks, often backing away quickly.

  • @Saddletramp1200
    @Saddletramp1200 Před rokem +3

    I owned the Corvair that held the world record for 2 years 73-74... 65 Monza.NHRA. Q class. I didnt believe Ralphy at all.

  • @jerryking7502
    @jerryking7502 Před rokem +5

    I liked the HHR! And I liked the SSR!

  • @zechariahcifuentes7002
    @zechariahcifuentes7002 Před rokem +2

    I feel bad for the fox body getting dusted by the HHR 😂 😂😂

  • @808v1
    @808v1 Před 10 měsíci +2

    The 88 Pontiac Fiero GT (manual) was a well sorted car - even mechanics of the time recognized this (first hand knowledge :)

  • @ronniedale6040
    @ronniedale6040 Před rokem +101

    I think the Aztec catches a lot of unnecessary hate. It was super weird at the time and yes ugly. But 20 years later it looks like literally everything else on the road. In terms of pure ugliness the Buick is far far worse. It was just a little ahead of its time.

    • @IAmAnAdowablePanto2190
      @IAmAnAdowablePanto2190 Před rokem +3

      The Buick Signia?

    • @JSchroederee
      @JSchroederee Před rokem +7

      Buick Rendezvous was the rebadged Aztec. It had more blobby styling that actually looks like current crossovers. It doest get all the attention because it was boring rather than ugly and weird.
      Amazing pull on the buick signia concept car.

    • @jaylonworld
      @jaylonworld Před rokem +5

      ​@Josh &Indy the buick was way better than the Aztec

    • @elvistwatty
      @elvistwatty Před rokem +9

      Nothing looks like the Aztec. It gets all the proper hate

    • @Colonel_RamRod
      @Colonel_RamRod Před rokem +3

      Yeah if anything it was a sign of things to come really.

  • @robertharkins5737
    @robertharkins5737 Před rokem +10

    We had a Pontiac Transport. I bought it cheap and that was the appeal. It was fun to drive. The view was great. We have fond memories of it as we took it everywhere. It was kind of ugly from the outside, but then again, we were inside.

    • @TS-ef2gv
      @TS-ef2gv Před rokem +5

      Same here, only ours was a '94 Silhouette with the great 3800 V6. We bought it as a second vehicle in 2000, one owner gently used, and over the next seven years it took us everywhere. It was still running and driving like new when it went to its next owner when we bought something newer in '07. Many of our family photos and videos of summer vacations, our boys growing up, etc from those days have that van in them. It never let us down and was like a member of the family.

  • @whitenas
    @whitenas Před rokem +1

    Awesome video. Really enjoyed it. Chevrolet citation! X body. Surprised it didn't make the list. Owned 3 of them.

  • @williambone7724
    @williambone7724 Před rokem +2

    The bustleback. What was GM thinking?!

  • @StarFyre
    @StarFyre Před rokem +13

    I had a Lumina APV and the sedan. Loved the APV but if you had to brake heavily everything on the dash shot shortwards right to the end of the windscreen so you couldn't retrieve it. Also liked the rear taillights, they were in the best position.

    • @5610winston
      @5610winston Před 11 měsíci +1

      "Rear" taillights? Where else woud you expect to find the taillights?

    • @rogerdodrill4733
      @rogerdodrill4733 Před 11 měsíci

      @@5610winston I think he's referring to their location high on the rear roof supports, like a lot of current cars

    • @gahbah274
      @gahbah274 Před 9 měsíci +1

      Why the hell did you have stuff on the dash??

    • @StarFyre
      @StarFyre Před 9 měsíci

      @@gahbah274 Unless you have the arms of an orangutan the glove box was out of easy reach... you trying to say that you've never put anything on the dash? How odd.

    • @StarFyre
      @StarFyre Před 9 měsíci

      @@rogerdodrill4733 Yep, that's what I meant. Like the ones on a Ford Focus for example.

  • @gravesclayton3604
    @gravesclayton3604 Před rokem +12

    The Caprice also had a Cadillac clone Fleetwood Sedan, also available with the LT1 engine. Its raised rear 1/4 panels looked more like the fins of the 1960's models than the bulbous rear of the Caprice. I believe it was also the last production RWD Cadillac as well.

    • @lvsqcsl
      @lvsqcsl Před rokem +5

      The CT6 is RWD. They just quit making it recently.

    • @jasonrhodes9726
      @jasonrhodes9726 Před rokem +1

      All Cadillac cars are rear drive or all wheel drive and available with manual transmissions. It will be a shame when they stop making them.

    • @alsavage1
      @alsavage1 Před rokem +1

      @@jasonrhodes9726 Ever heard of the Cadillac Cimarron? X-body (think Chevrolet Citation).

    • @jasonrhodes9726
      @jasonrhodes9726 Před rokem

      @@alsavage1 I forgot the word current.
      The Cimarron was that big? I thought it was on the Cavalier chassis.

    • @MarinCipollina
      @MarinCipollina Před rokem +2

      Current Cadillac CT4 and CT5 sedans are RWD.

  • @jamesmcmenamin2526
    @jamesmcmenamin2526 Před rokem +2

    I'm surprised the Avalanche and Escalade EXT didn't make the list.

  • @RoadRunnergarage8570
    @RoadRunnergarage8570 Před rokem +2

    A top 10 weirdest list for Ford and Chrysler would be cool 😎 too...

  • @rtyt2007
    @rtyt2007 Před rokem +4

    We need an Australian cars video on the ford falcon or holden Commodore. Plenty of interesting cars from Australia

    • @adrianmonk4440
      @adrianmonk4440 Před rokem +1

      True that. A job maybe for Ed's Auto History.

  • @DavidFMayerPhD
    @DavidFMayerPhD Před rokem +4

    From model year 1965 onward, Corvair matured into a very nice car. Problems were fixed.

  • @jasonrodgers9063
    @jasonrodgers9063 Před rokem +2

    A good friend of mine has, over the years, owned a Pontiac Aztec, An Olds diesel, AND a Seville "Bustleback". Definitely wanted something different!

  • @monghuni798
    @monghuni798 Před měsícem

    I bought a '92 Chevy Lumina minivan (in 1995). I thought it was weird looking but was surprised how versatile & handy it was.
    My dog LOVED it.

  • @danwilson9530
    @danwilson9530 Před rokem +3

    I actually really dig most of these production oddities.

  • @1mzfe
    @1mzfe Před rokem +7

    Style wise GMs minivans were just like Toyotas minivans. The dustbuster vans were just as futuristic at the Toyota Previa and the later GM minivans were just as mainstream as the Toyota Sienna.

    • @1mzfe
      @1mzfe Před rokem +5

      @jdslyman Yes, the Previa was mid engine with RWD or optional AWD.

    • @atalleywak
      @atalleywak Před rokem +3

      Previas were a nightmare to work on that engine underneath. And that enormous bubble of a windshield was killer-expensive if it cracked.

  • @dmitch1983
    @dmitch1983 Před rokem

    I swear. This channel just keeps getting better and better

  • @Pillowbiter84
    @Pillowbiter84 Před rokem +1

    Another great Saturday night video. Loved it!

  • @PearComputingDevices
    @PearComputingDevices Před rokem +6

    The same designer of the HHR also worked on the Uplander, a weird 'update' to the Venture minivan. It was weird and half baked badge engineering abuse example. But some of the weird elements showed up on both cars. Definitely a mid 2000's era car.

  • @jessekauffman3336
    @jessekauffman3336 Před rokem +3

    The truck ssr was awesome looking

  • @alexblough5739
    @alexblough5739 Před 11 měsíci +1

    I just bought a 91 caprice, and I find it funny that you mentioned it. It definitely isn’t a looker, but they definitely are unique and odd vehicles. I’d love to see an episode on them

  • @jamesszalla4274
    @jamesszalla4274 Před 11 měsíci +1

    I live in Lansing. I occasionally see what I thought were some EV1s on the road. Turns out they were the similarly styled Honda Insight. In addition to similar body styling, both cars had rear fender skirts. I’m guessing the skirts improved the aerodynamics.

  • @alphawoolf5981
    @alphawoolf5981 Před rokem +195

    Ralph Nader is one heck of a guy. Spoiled America on a great car and threw a wrench in a presidential election. What a jerk.

    • @Lzrdman91
      @Lzrdman91 Před rokem +41

      I loathe the dude.

    • @johndaniels651
      @johndaniels651 Před rokem

      Ralph probably failed his driver test exam, and spent the rest of his life ruining driving for the rest of us. Just another useless lawyer from the GREEN party. If there was poetic justice in this world, he'd have been runover by a Prius.

    • @61rampy65
      @61rampy65 Před rokem +44

      Ralph was a guy who knew a little about everything, but didn't know a lot about anything.

    • @brentroscoe9922
      @brentroscoe9922 Před rokem

      The guy that was scared to go around a corner at 5 mph more than suggested speed a true cuck screw you nader

    • @Jangocat
      @Jangocat Před rokem +31

      Ralph Nader has always been about Ralph Nader. The thing that bugs me is that GM fixed the corvairs issues shortly after production started, but Nader had already damaged the car beyond repair.

  • @ADVRider78
    @ADVRider78 Před rokem +3

    Nice video! I always liked the Caprice. Have you done a video on the Honda Element yet?

    • @MyOldCar
      @MyOldCar  Před rokem

      czcams.com/video/sOeHivLNnmg/video.html

  • @patricknicolucci5073
    @patricknicolucci5073 Před 11 měsíci +1

    I'm still the proud owner of a 1986 Cadillac Coupe Deville with the infamous 4.1L engine and it has 179K miles on it and still runs. This car was family owned since purchased new. I have done all the upkeep and repairs over the years.

  • @TheLunchKing0426
    @TheLunchKing0426 Před rokem +2

    Id love to see a video on the history of the Lincoln town cars! I drive a 93' model myself

  • @mikebronicki8264
    @mikebronicki8264 Před 11 měsíci +5

    Sorry dude, the SSR looks way better than the Prowler.