An automotive mulligan is when an automaker realizes they have a dud on their hands, and they scramble to remedy it as quickly as they can. These are the ten biggest.
10.) Ford Five Hundred to Taurus
Inexplicably, Ford decided to call what would have been the fifth generation of the Taurus the Five Hundred for the 2005 model year. It was slow selling, and quickly replaced by the rightful heir to the throne just two years later.
Suggested By: DonKeybals, Photo Credit: Ford
9.) 2011 to 2014 Jetta
For 2011 Volkswagen brought a cheaper, larger Jetta into the US market which did increase sales but wasn't particularly well received by the press (besides Motor Trend). Realizing their error, VW put the upgraded rear suspension from the GLI on all of the Jettas for 2014 and the car was much improved.
Suggested By: BenLikesCars, Photo Credit: Volkswagen
8.) AMC Pacer Wagon
When the Pacer lost its planned rotary engine for a straight six and a V8, it defeated its original economy car purpose. Quickly, AMC embiggened it to make a small, affordable wagon and the project was salvaged.
Suggested By: Jonee, Photo Credit: Alden Jewell
7.) SRT As A Brand
With the launch of the 5th Generation Viper, Chrysler decided to sell the car under the newly created SRT brand instead of Dodge. For 2015 they came to their senses and made the Viper a Dodge once again.
Suggested By: Corz, Photo Credit: Dodge
6.) Porsche 991 GT3
Soon after Porsche unleashed their latest 911 GT3 on the world they quickly realized their car had a tendency to immolate. They brought all of them back to Stuttgart where they replaced all 785 of the fiery engines and now they're starting to appear on the streets.
Suggested By: dr861, Photo Credit: Porsche
5.) 2004 to 2005 GTO
"Yay! Pontiac is bringing back the GTO! Hooray!" said everyone back in 2004. All that hype lead to disappointment when the car came out looking bland and somewhat underpowered with an LS1.
Pontiac fixed it adding some sexy hood scoops, and a fruity LS2 for 2005.
Suggested By: Arch Duke Maxyenko, Now With, Photo Credit: Pontiac
4.) Early K-Cars
When Chrysler released their revolutionary K-Car back in the eighties, the very first were heavily optioned and thus expensive. Realizing their error Chrylser began selling them more stripped out and sales took off.
Suggested By: Green Pig, Photo Credit: Dodge
3.) 2008 to 2009 Subaru WRX
The 2008 WRX was derided by the press and enthusiasts for having "gone soft." Subaru answered in 2009 with 41 horsepower and a firmer suspension setup. Good on you, Subaru!
Suggested By: burglar can't heart click anything, Photo Credit: Subaru
2.) 1964/5 to 1966 Ford GT40
Ford's GT40 program is often remembered as a complete success, but the first two years were pretty pathetic. Once Caroll Shelby took the helm, the project turned around and swept Le Mans in 1966 creating a legend.
Suggested By: You had fordboy357 at "meat tornado", Photo Credit: Ford ('66 win pictured)
1.) Post-Recession Ford
During the recession years Ford realized that their lineup was lacking and their sales were faltering. They quickly remedied this and now have one of their strongest, most consistent lineups in years.
GM and Chrysler have come a long way too, but not as much and so quickly as Ford.
Suggested By: Chris_K_F, Photo Credit: Ford
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Top Photo Credit: Subaru