In the world of automobiles, a redesign can make or break a car’s legacy. While some updates bring innovation and improvement, others can unfortunately miss the mark entirely. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 biggest car redesign fails, showcasing how these changes transformed beloved models into disappointing flops.
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Ford Mustang (1974-1978)
The Mustang II was a drastic departure from the iconic muscle car that enthusiasts adored. Downsized and powered by smaller, less powerful engines, it lost much of its performance edge. This redesign was partly in response to the oil crisis, but the result was a car that felt underwhelming compared to its predecessors, leaving many fans disappointed.
Chevrolet Malibu (2004-2007)
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The redesign of the Malibu during this period introduced a bland, uninspiring design that failed to stand out in a competitive market. Its lack of innovative features and unremarkable styling led to a lukewarm reception. The underpowered base engine and lack of a strong identity further compounded its struggles.
Honda Civic (2012)
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The 2012 Civic redesign was criticized for its cheap interior materials and uninspiring design. Honda’s attempt to cut costs resulted in a downgrade in the overall quality, leading to negative reviews. The car’s lack of refinement, compared to its predecessors and competitors, hurt its reputation significantly.
Nissan 370Z (2009-Present)
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Despite being a part of the Z-car lineage, the 370Z’s redesign failed to introduce significant improvements. Many fans felt it was more of the same, lacking the innovation and excitement expected from a new generation. The car’s outdated design and minimal technological advancements left it behind in a rapidly evolving sports car market.
Toyota Tundra (2022)
The latest redesign of the Toyota Tundra received criticism for its underwhelming interior quality and lackluster performance updates. Despite efforts to modernize, the changes did not resonate with many truck enthusiasts, who expected more substantial improvements in power, comfort, and technological features.
Jeep Cherokee (2014)
The 2014 redesign of the Jeep Cherokee introduced a controversial front-end design that polarized opinions. Departing from the traditional boxy Jeep look, the new styling alienated many Jeep purists. Additionally, the nine-speed automatic transmission was plagued with issues, further tarnishing its appeal.
BMW 7 Series (2002-2008)
The E65 generation of the BMW 7 Series featured a controversial redesign, especially with its rear-end styling. The radical departure from previous designs was not well-received, with many considering it unattractive. The complicated iDrive system also received criticism for being user-unfriendly.
Chevrolet Camaro (1982)
The third-generation Camaro lost much of the muscle car charm that had made it popular. The redesign focused on a more aerodynamic shape but failed to capture the aggressive stance and performance that fans expected. The initial engine offerings were also underpowered compared to previous generations.
Dodge Dart (2013-2016)
The revival of the Dodge Dart nameplate fell flat due to its uninspiring design and performance. The car failed to live up to the legacy of its name, with lackluster driving dynamics and an underwhelming interior. Poor sales and reception led to its discontinuation after only a few years.
Subaru Impreza WRX (2008)
The 2008 redesign of the Subaru Impreza WRX moved to a hatchback style that was not well-received by many fans. The design was seen as less aggressive, and the performance improvements were not enough to offset the disappointment in its new look. The move away from the rally-inspired styling hurt its appeal.
Ford Thunderbird (2002-2005)
The retro-inspired redesign of the Ford Thunderbird aimed to capitalize on nostalgia but failed to resonate with the market. The car’s styling and performance did not meet modern standards, leading to a lackluster reception. It was quickly seen as more of a novelty than a serious contender in the luxury convertible segment.
Acura ZDX (2010-2013)
The Acura ZDX’s unusual design was a significant departure from conventional styling, but it failed to resonate with buyers. The coupe-like crossover was neither practical nor particularly attractive to many, leading to poor sales. The lack of a clear market position contributed to its short lifespan.
Volkswagen Beetle (2011)
The 2011 redesign of the Volkswagen Beetle aimed to attract a broader audience with a more aggressive look, but it ended up alienating some of its core fanbase. The attempt to modernize the classic design while retaining its charm did not fully succeed, resulting in mixed reviews and a drop in popularity.
Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013)
The redesign of the Mercedes-Benz CLA introduced styling changes that led to criticisms about its comfort and build quality. The coupe-like design compromised rear headroom and overall practicality. Additionally, the interior materials and fit and finish were seen as not up to Mercedes’ usual standards.
Infiniti QX80 (2018)
The significant changes in the front grille and overall styling of the Infiniti QX80’s redesign were not well-received. Many felt the new look was overly aggressive and lacked the elegance of the previous model. The interior, while luxurious, did not offer enough innovation to justify the redesign, leading to mixed reviews.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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