When we asked readers to name current car models they thought automakers should dump, we didn't expect so many entire brands to be called out. According to respondents, automakers produce altogether too many makes, many of which, they believe should go the way of the Studebaker.
Among the brands most readers dunked in the dead pool were Mitsubishi, Maserati (wha?), GMC, Seat (VW's Euro brand), Fiat, Pontiac, and Saab. One suggested Buick should switch places with the discontinued Oldsmobile, to capture the spirit of Olds's randiest period, circa 1950s-1960s.
Still, the number one company readers thought should bow out immediately, by far, was Ford's Mercury division, considered by many to be a useless exercise in redundancy. One reader summed up Mercury's plight: "Why the hell keep an entire division of rebadged Fords for people too uppity to drive a Ford? Seems stupid." We agree, though Ford says its committed to giving Mercury back its own, upscale vibe (how about starting by changing the Mercury logo, which is as memorable as airplane food). In that case, maybe cutting Lincoln would be a better idea.
Some choice words from readers:
- "Every car to hold the chevrolet name badge currently produced, intentionally excluding the Corvette."
- "Does Chevrolet REALLY need TWO different Malibus? Can't they get rid of the old one they now call the 'Classic'?"
- "How about the Nissan Sentra? Now that one is ancient!"
- "When a SUV has sex with his sister, the Mini-van, an Aztak is born." [Wish granted. The Aztek will join that great but extinct ancient civilization from which its tortured name was derived, after this year.]
- "The Porsche Cayenne was nothing more then a kick in the balls."
Related:
Automakers Clean House; But Will It Be Clean Enough? [internal]