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Everyone remembers cars like the Ford Thunderbird, Pontiac TransAm, and Cadillac Eldorado. However the auto industry’s also had their share of flops through the times. These are the vehicles that you look back at, raise your eyebrow, and wonder, what in the heck were they thinking? …or perhaps just laugh…

Some of these of vehicles include:

1. The Dodge La Femme
2. The Edsel
3. The Subaru BRAT
4. The Suzuki X-90

EDSEL

The Edsel division of Ford was introduced as an experimental project, in order to compete with superior number of dealerships of General Motors and Chrysler. Produced in the ‘50’s and known as one of the most spectacular failures in auto history, Ford lost $350 million on this venture.

SUBARU BRAT

The Subaru BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter), introduced in the 1970’s, was best-known for its welded-in, jump seats in the cargo bed. And these were for what??? Well during this period of time, a 25% import tariff was charged to trucks imported to the U.S., while passenger cars were only taxed 2.5%. The seats were meant to designate the vehicle as a passenger car and avoid the higher tariff.

SUZUKI X-90

Initially a concept car that was well-received by the public, the actual production Suzuki-X-90 was a total flop, selling very poorly. Produced in the ‘90’s, this vehicle was meant to be a small SUV, however it had only 2 seats and a removable roof, and was not equipped with off-road capability, nor a smooth "on-road" ride.

DODGE LA FEMME

Alright ladies, as the CarsDiva, my "favorite" of these automotive blunders is the ultimate girly car. The Dodge La Femme, which was launched in the ‘50’s was one of Chrysler Corporation’s first attempts to create a car just for you. Al Haas, the "On the Road" columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, referred to it as a "Royal Lancer on estrogen." The exterior was sapphire white and heather rose, with gold scripted "La Femme" on the fenders, and the interior featured pink rosebud tapestry fabric. To add to this ridiculous concoction, the purchase of the vehicle included the matching accoutrements… rosebud raincoats, rain bonnets, umbrellas and purses. (Can’t you just see yourself skipping down the street with your "rosebud" ensemble?)

In any case, a total of 2,500 Dodge La Femmes were sold in the two years that the vehicle was offered. So what do you think ladies? Would you buy this car (or a modern replica) if it was back on the market? (There’s actually a website for ’55 &’56 La Femme enthusiasts or those searching to find one to buy.)

Let me know what you think…

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