Sometimes, even the best ideas in the automotive world don’t go as planned. Over the years, many trucks have attempted to push boundaries with unique features and bold designs. Unfortunately, not all of them hit the mark. Here’s a look at 19 trucks that tried to innovate but ended up falling short.
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Ford Edsel Ranger
The Ford Edsel Ranger, launched in 1958, was a bold attempt by Ford to revolutionize the truck market. Its distinctive “horse-collar” grille and push-button shifting were meant to attract attention, but they only confused potential buyers. Adding to its struggles, the release coincided with a recession, severely impacting sales.
Chevrolet SSR
Chevrolet’s SSR, introduced in 2003, sought to merge retro design with modern performance by offering a convertible pickup truck. However, its high price tag, coupled with a lack of practicality, made it unattractive to both truck enthusiasts and sports car fans. The truck’s limited cargo space and awkward combination of styles didn’t appeal to a large audience.
Dodge Dakota Convertible
The Dodge Dakota Convertible, introduced in 1989, was an unusual attempt to blend a rugged truck with the open-air fun of a convertible. While it was a unique concept, it didn’t provide the durability or hauling capability that traditional truck buyers expected. The soft-top roof also made it impractical for harsh weather conditions or rough use.
Subaru BRAT
The Subaru BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) debuted in the late 1970s as a quirky alternative to traditional trucks. Designed with rear-facing jump seats to bypass import taxes, it caught the eye of some adventurous buyers. However, it lacked the size and utility of conventional trucks, limiting its appeal. The BRAT faded out in the mid-1980s as it failed to carve a significant niche in the competitive U.S. market.
Honda Ridgeline (First Generation)
When Honda introduced the first-generation Ridgeline in 2005, they aimed to redefine the truck market with a unibody design and car-like ride. While it provided superior comfort and innovative features like an in-bed trunk, truck buyers wanted more ruggedness and towing capacity. Its lack of off-road capability and lower payload compared to its competitors made it a tough sell.
Lincoln Blackwood
The Lincoln Blackwood was Ford’s attempt to merge luxury with utility, but it ultimately missed the mark. Released in 2002 with a $52,000 price tag, the Blackwood offered plush interiors and wood-trimmed panels that prioritized style over function. Its cargo bed, lined with carpet, made it nearly useless for hauling. Sales were abysmal, and it was pulled from the market after just one year, cementing its place as a cautionary tale in truck history.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Launched in 2000, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac attempted to combine the comfort of an SUV with the utility of a pickup. However, its small truck bed and limited towing capacity disappointed buyers who needed a full-sized truck’s capabilities. Neither SUV lovers nor truck enthusiasts found the Sport Trac appealing enough to justify its existence. Despite lasting until 2010, it never became the versatile solution Ford envisioned.
Hummer H2 SUT
The Hummer H2 SUT, released in 2005, attempted to capitalize on the massive popularity of the Hummer brand by adding a small truck bed to the oversized SUV. While it maintained the imposing look and off-road capability of the H2, its tiny 2.5-foot bed rendered it impractical for most truck buyers. In addition, its abysmal fuel economy and high operating costs alienated potential customers. With rising fuel prices, the H2 SUT was doomed, and production ceased within a few years.
Chevrolet Avalanche
Chevrolet introduced the Avalanche in 2001, hoping its innovative midgate feature, which allowed the truck bed to extend into the cabin, would set it apart. While the midgate was clever, buyers were confused about whether the Avalanche was a truck or an SUV. The awkward middle ground didn’t resonate with customers, and its higher price compared to traditional trucks further hurt sales.
GMC Envoy XUV
The GMC Envoy XUV hit the market in 2004, offering a retractable roof over the cargo area, allowing for taller items to be transported. Despite this innovation, the vehicle’s heavy weight, mechanical complexity, and poor fuel economy discouraged buyers. Its high price didn’t help either, as most consumers opted for more traditional SUVs or trucks.
International MXT
International’s MXT, launched in 2006, was designed as a rugged, military-grade truck for extreme off-roaders. Although it looked tough and was capable of handling challenging terrain, its size and fuel consumption were significant drawbacks for daily use. Most buyers found it too big for regular roads and far too expensive, with a starting price of over $70,000. It was discontinued after only a few years due to low sales and minimal consumer interest.
Toyota T100
Toyota’s T100, introduced in 1993, was their first attempt to enter the American full-size truck market. Unfortunately, it was underpowered, offering engines that were too small for heavy-duty towing or hauling, making it less competitive against American brands. The T100’s bland design and higher price tag further limited its appeal.
Ford Courier
The Ford Courier, introduced in 1972, was Ford’s answer to the growing market for compact trucks. Manufactured in partnership with Mazda, it offered fuel efficiency but lacked the power and durability of competing trucks from Toyota and Nissan. Its performance and design failed to meet American buyers’ expectations for work trucks, and sales reflected that disappointment. By the early 1980s, the Ford Courier had been replaced by the more capable Ford Ranger.
Dodge Rampage
The Dodge Rampage, introduced in 1982, was an attempt to create a more fuel-efficient truck during the oil crisis. Built on a car platform, it had a unibody construction, which gave it a smooth ride but compromised its ability to handle tough jobs. Its lack of towing capacity and ruggedness made it unpopular with truck buyers, and it was discontinued just three years later.
Isuzu VehiCROSS
The Isuzu VehiCROSS, released in 1997, stood out with its radical design and impressive off-road capability. However, the small interior, stiff ride, and limited cargo space didn’t suit most buyers’ needs, particularly those looking for more utility. Its futuristic styling also divided opinions, attracting only a niche market. High production costs and low sales led Isuzu to end the VehiCROSS’s production in 2001 after just a few short years.
Chevrolet El Camino (1980s)
By the 1980s, the Chevrolet El Camino, which combined the body of a car with the bed of a truck, had become outdated. Initially popular in the 1960s, it no longer met the needs of buyers who wanted a more practical vehicle with greater power and towing capacity. The introduction of more versatile and rugged trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado further diminished interest in the El Camino.
Studebaker Champ
The Studebaker Champ, introduced in 1960, was the company’s last-ditch effort to stay relevant in the truck market. Although it featured a more comfortable cab based on the Studebaker Lark, it was built on an outdated chassis and lacked the power of competitors. With Studebaker’s financial troubles mounting, the Champ was never properly updated or marketed. Production ended in 1964, marking Studebaker’s exit from the truck industry.
Jeep Gladiator (First Generation)
The first-generation Jeep Gladiator, introduced in 1962, attempted to bring Jeep’s off-road prowess to the full-size truck market. Unfortunately, its underpowered engine and dated design failed to compete with trucks from Ford and Chevrolet. Buyers found the Gladiator unreliable, and it struggled to gain traction in a highly competitive market.
Dodge A100
The Dodge A100, introduced in 1964, featured a distinctive cab-over design, with the driver sitting above the front axle. While it offered a unique look, this layout led to awkward handling and poor ride comfort. It also had limited engine options, making it underpowered compared to other trucks of the time. The A100 was eventually phased out as more traditional designs became popular, marking the end of this unconventional experiment.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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