High Octane Tees: The Good the Bad and the Ugly

Sometimes automobile designers hit a home run with a can't miss design that people will love and admire for generations to come. Other times well, they hit a week grounder back to the mound, resulting in an easy play at first.

Here's a quick look at some good vs. bad designs for a few of the larger American Car Manufacturers over the years.

Click the car names for links to more information on that cars Wikipedia page.

Comparison #1: AMC

When it come to ugly car production, American Motors was as guilty as any of the american Auto Manufacturers if not more. The Gremlin and the Pacer were certainly two of their uglier ventures. They did get it right with the Javelin though in my opinion. I remember watching two of these drag race at the top of my block as a kid, and they were burning some serious rubber.

Good: AMC Javelin

Not Good: AMC Gremlin

Comparison #2: Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Chevelle was a big sturdy car that looked great, was available in a variety of engine and styling packages and could really haul ass. The Chevette on the other hand could barely get out of its own way. Not a car I really felt safe driving. Very small and uncomfortable. Oh, and ugly...

Good: Chevy Chevelle

Bad: Chevy Chevette

Comparison #3: Dodge

The Dodge Super Bee is obviously a downright nasty street monster, especially with the 440 six-pack option. Not a car you would typically expect to see in your church parking lot. Meanwhile, the Diplomat was at best, unremarkable. It boasted plain jane looks, average performance, and absolutely terrible gas mileage into one nifty, yet not so thrifty package.

Good: Dodge Superbee

Ugly: Dodge Diplomat

Comparison #4: Ford

My parents had a Mustang convertible, quite similar to the one shown below, although in red. It was a really fun car to ride in as we drove it cross country form PA to the Midwest, and California on more than one occasion. I'm a bit partial to the style below, and also a big fan of the Boss Mustangs. What can you say about the Mustang II. My buddy had one and it was the biggest POS I've ever been in.