Rust, Recalls & Regrets: 15 Cars That Failed in the ’70s

The 1970s were a turning point for the automotive industry, but not always for the better. Faced with fuel crises and new emissions standards, carmakers scrambled to adapt—often with disastrous results.

The era brought a wave of cars plagued by reliability issues, safety concerns, and poor performance, including the infamous 1971 recall of 6.7 million GM vehicles due to faulty engine mounts. Here are 15 cars that defined this decade of automotive missteps.

1. Chevrolet Vega (1971-1977)

The Chevrolet Vega started with promise but quickly became synonymous with disappointment. Initially praised for its styling and economy, the Vega’s reputation soon crumbled under a mountain of issues.

Its aluminum engine block was prone to warping and oil consumption, while the body had a tendency to rust at an alarming rate.

Why it was bad:

• Severe engine problems, including overheating and excessive oil consumption
• Rapid rusting of body panels, sometimes within the first year
• Poor build quality and reliability issues
• Frequent warranty claims and recalls

2. Ford Pinto (1971-1980)

The Ford Pinto became infamous for its potentially deadly fuel tank design. This compact car was rushed to production to compete with foreign imports, but corners were cut in the process.

The Pinto’s legacy was tarnished by safety concerns and legal battles.

Why it was bad:

• Fuel tank prone to rupture in rear-end collisions, leading to fires
• Controversial decision by Ford to not redesign the fuel system due to cost
• Numerous recalls and lawsuits
• Subpar performance and build quality compared to competitors

3. AMC Gremlin (1970-1978)

The AMC Gremlin was an oddball attempt at creating a subcompact car. With its chopped-off rear end and peculiar styling, the Gremlin was as quirky as its name suggested.

However, its unconventional looks couldn’t make up for its numerous shortcomings.

Why it was bad:

• Uncomfortable ride and poor handling
• Limited rear visibility and cramped interior
• Underpowered engine options
• Reliability issues and subpar build quality

4. Chevrolet Monza (1975-1980)

The Chevrolet Monza was intended to be a sporty compact, but it fell short in many areas. Based on the troubled Vega platform, the Monza inherited some of its predecessor’s problems while adding a few new ones of its own.

Why it was bad:

• Carried over many of the Vega’s reliability issues
• Difficult to service due to cramped engine bay
• Rust-prone body panels
• Underpowered engine options and poor fuel economy

5. Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volare (1976-1980)

The Dodge Aspen and its twin, the Plymouth Volare, were meant to be Chrysler’s new midsize offerings. However, these cars quickly gained a reputation for poor quality and numerous recalls.

They became symbols of Chrysler’s struggles in the late 1970s.

Why it was bad:

• Extensive quality control issues and frequent recalls
• Prone to premature rusting
• Reliability problems with engines and transmissions
• Poor fit and finish, with numerous rattles and squeaks

6. Ford Mustang II (1974-1978)

The Ford Mustang II was a dramatic departure from its muscle car roots. Designed in response to the fuel crisis, this smaller, less powerful Mustang left many enthusiasts disappointed. While it sold well initially, it’s now considered a low point in Mustang history.

Why it was bad:

• Underpowered engines, especially in early models
• Poor handling and performance compared to earlier Mustangs
• Reliability issues and questionable build quality
• Styling that didn’t age well

7. Chevrolet Chevette (1976-1987)

The Chevrolet Chevette was GM’s answer to fuel-efficient imports. While it achieved its goal of being economical, it did so at the expense of almost everything else. The Chevette became synonymous with basic, no-frills transportation.

Why it was bad:

• Extremely slow acceleration and poor performance
• Spartan interior with minimal features
• Noisy and uncomfortable ride
• Rust-prone body and reliability issues

8. AMC Pacer (1975-1980)

The AMC Pacer was marketed as “the first wide small car,” but its unique design didn’t translate to success. With its fishbowl-like greenhouse and unusual proportions, the Pacer was a polarizing vehicle that faced numerous challenges.

Why it was bad:

• Poor fuel economy despite its compact size
• Reliability issues, particularly with the climate control system
• Limited rear cargo space due to the curved design
• Tendency to overheat in traffic

9. Oldsmobile Diesel Engines (1978-1985)

While not a specific car model, Oldsmobile’s venture into diesel engines in the late 1970s deserves mention. These engines, offered in various GM models, were plagued with problems and damaged the reputation of diesel engines in the U.S. for years.

Why it was bad:

• Frequent engine failures and poor reliability
• Lack of power and performance
• Noisy operation and excessive vibration
• Costly repairs and maintenance

10. Triumph TR7 (1975-1981)

The Triumph TR7 was meant to modernize the British sports car, but it fell short of expectations. Plagued by build quality issues and reliability problems, the TR7 struggled to capture the magic of its predecessors.

Why it was bad:

• Poor build quality and reliability issues
• Underpowered engine compared to rivals
• Controversial wedge-shaped styling
• Frequent electrical problems

11. Lada Riva/VAZ-2101 (1970-2013)

While primarily sold in Eastern Europe and Russia, the Lada Riva (based on the Fiat 124) made its way to some Western markets. This Soviet-era car was known for its outdated design and numerous quality issues.

Why it was bad:

• Outdated technology and design
• Poor build quality and reliability
• Subpar safety features
• Inefficient and polluting engines

12. Renault 5 (Le Car in North America) (1972-1985)

The Renault 5, sold as the Le Car in North America, was a popular supermini in Europe but struggled to gain traction in the U.S. market. Its quirky French design and unfamiliar features left many American buyers puzzled.

Why it was bad:

• Underpowered engine for American roads
• Poor reliability and difficulty finding parts
• Unusual ergonomics and controls
• Rust-prone body panels

13. Morris Marina (1971-1980)

The Morris Marina was British Leyland’s attempt to compete with the Ford Cortina. However, it quickly gained a reputation for being one of the worst British cars ever made, plagued by numerous design and quality issues.

Why it was bad:

• Poor handling and outdated suspension design
• Rust-prone body and reliability issues
• Uninspired styling and lackluster performance
• Frequent breakdowns and mechanical problems

14. Bricklin SV-1 (1974-1976)

The Bricklin SV-1 was an ambitious attempt at creating a safe sports car. However, this gull-winged vehicle was plagued by production issues, poor quality control, and financial troubles.

Why it was bad:

• Numerous quality control issues and poor fit and finish
• Underpowered engine for a sports car
• Heavy and complex gull-wing doors prone to failure
• Financial troubles led to limited production and support

15. Chevrolet Camaro (1975-1981)

While the Camaro name carries prestige, the second-generation models from the mid-to-late 1970s were a low point for the nameplate. Strangled by emissions regulations and suffering from poor build quality, these Camaros were a far cry from their muscle car roots.

Why it was bad:

• Severely underpowered engines due to emissions regulations
• Poor build quality and reliability issues
• Handling and braking performance declined
• Rust-prone body panels and subpar interior materials

Source:

1. Reuters