What cars, in your view, are pointless?

[MisterWaffles]

$30,000 more than the M4 prices it at $96,000 (that's actually very optimistic). That's nearly $50,0000 less than a GT3, so how is it "within' firing line"? Esp. over the $133,000 M4 GTS?

I actually meant the 911 GTS

 

[FT-1]

I can understand why crossovers, including those only offered with 2WD, exist and are hugely popular. Primarily, the raised driving position gives a greater sense of security. That is a crucial factor for drivers carrying children or anyone who places a high emphasis on safety. Also with the premium price tag crossovers command, They can be more stylish and appealing than their lower riding siblings in some cases.

Spoiler: Regular cars

Hyundai i30

Nissan Pulsar

Toyota Auris

Spoiler: Crossovers based on cars above

Hyundai Tuscon

Nissan Qashqai

Toyota C-HR

 

[Anathema]

Other than the examples mentioned in the OP, there aren't that many cars that I'd consider pointless, at least from my limited experience and knowledge of just how many different cars have been produced since the dawn of the automobile.

The Aztek still is a big puzzle for me, as I haven't ever found a straight answer for the thought process behind the car's design and development (if there was a thought process).

After I do a bit more research I'll edit this with another car I see as pointless, although I need to make sure the version I'm thinking of is the right one...

 

[Northstar]

The Aztek still is a big puzzle for me, as I haven't ever found a straight answer for the thought process behind the car's design and development (if there was a thought process).

Despite the terrible execution the Aztek was actually a pretty cool idea. In a way it was the truest SUV ever made in that it was designed with the intention of being perfect for grabbing groceries then going camping right after.

The Aztek was able to carry within its interior a standard 4 feet (1.2 m) by 8 feet (2.4 m) sheet of plywood and was available with two rear cargo area options: a pull-out cargo tray that held up to 400 pounds (180 kg) that rolled on built-in wheels when removed from the vehicle, or a versatile cargo net system that held up to 200 pounds (91 kg) and could be configured (a claimed) 22 different ways. Options included a center console that doubled as a removable cooler and a tent/inflatable mattress package that, along with a built-in air compressor, allowed the Aztek to double as a camper. Extending this image was a seat-back mounted backpack, and a number of specialty racks for bicycles, canoes, snowboards, and other such items. An optional 10 speaker Pioneer stereo system provided a set of controls located at the rear of the vehicle for tail-gate parties as well as an unusual 2-piece tailgate with built-in cup-holders and contoured seating area for added comfort.

So again, good idea, terrible execution (as was the GM philosophy during that period).

 

[Tornado]

The Aztek still is a big puzzle for me, as I haven't ever found a straight answer for the thought process behind the car's design and development (if there was a thought process).

Because the mostly similar Aztek concept car had received quite a bit of positive response when it was shown off in 1999. Realize at the time the Aztek debuted, nevermind when the concept was shown, the midsize crossover market was the RX300 and pretty much nothing else. Then GM actually put it to market and screwed up the spirit of the concept about as much as possible.
You need only look at the sales/popularity of the Buick Rendezvous for how the Aztek could have done if they hadn't screwed up the execution so much, since it was probably the only car GM made in the decade prior to bankruptcy that actually exceeded their sales targets. Remember that people who actually bought Azteks seemed to like them quite a bit and sought them intentionally, which was also something practically unheard of for GM cars of the time that weren't the Corvette or Aurora/DeVille

 

[Cowboy]

1987 Ford Tempo AWD- 6,000 made

My mother owned a Tempo (and managed to escape a policeman with it once)

 

[05XR8]

In a Crossover CUV's defense, many people don't want a practical wagon(go figure) or to be reminded of their '88 Ford Festiva.
So, it does offer an alternative to just getting a "regular size" Crossover. Even though some of these CUVs cost a pretty penny before options.

Hyper-cars. Why? These electric cars can match them from stop light to stop light. The GT-R and M4 can carry 4 people and are quick enough. It's almost like, why buy a Rolex, when anyone can look at the time on their mobile phone or radio or computer.

 

[McLaren]

I actually meant the 911 GTS

I suppose since it's closer to the CS than the M4 GTS in idea, but that's still a $20,000 gap. I priced one with minimal options (mainly the GTS trim package and alcantara black/red interior) and it jumped to $130,000.

 

[Turbo]

No one at Chrysler ever expected to make any money on the Prowler.

Obviously, novelty vehicles like such never bring in huge profits. But in my belief, part of the Prowler's purpose was to facelift Plymouth's brand identity; that same year, Plymouth developed and elaborate new logo, scrapping the obsolete pentastar that was once used on all Chrysler vehicles. I think Plymouth thought that with an all new badge and an exciting, featured car, buyers would also be lured into the existing Plymouth models (Neon, Breeze, etc). Unfortunately for the brand, this technique did not go as planned.

 

[Roger the Horse]

Arguably nearly all of them, if you have a sufficently well set up public transport system with ample accomodation for pedestrians and cyclists.

Of course, that's not a reflection of the reality in which we live, so ultimately I would say very few of them. They all serve as transportation to some degree, even if as transportation the car in question is extremely impractical and/or inefficient.

 

[SPhilli911]

Generally, I think "show" cars are pointless. The kinda cars people build up all fancy like but do nothing with them except trailer them to shows and events and prop the hood open to show it off. Concours cars or rare classics I can understand, but a Volkswagen GTI with a pristine engine bay is just plain old pointless.

 

[TheCracker]

Bentley Bentayga. Having seen a few of these around now. Has all the presence of a £45k VW Touareg but costs £135k.

 

[Wiegert]

Bentley Bentayga.

Sounding more and more like somebody who plays for Crystal Hotspur Athletic with each mention.

 

[05XR8]

Bentley Bentayga.

Sounding more and more like somebody who plays for Crystal Hotspur Athletic with each mention.

Sounds like the actor from Star Wars Ep.VII.

 

[Turbo]

A giant, heavy, ostentatious, heap of pointless crap.

 

[-Fred-]

But how else are you going to show the world you have absolutely no taste whatsoever?

 

[Sage Ages]

A giant, heavy, ostentatious, heap of pointless crap.

I feel like this is something that you would see in wealthy parts of the Middle East. Gotta one-up all the people in Patrols and Land Cruisers

 

[MedigoFlame]

The BMW 3-Series GT and the BMW 5-Series GT. Why would you buy one over the wagon?

 

[Turbo]

If you're in the market for a new BMW and want a crossover you'd opt for an X3 or X5. If you prefer a wagon, then you'd get a 3 or 5-series estate. But I don't see the point of combining a crossover and a wagon together. Especially when X3s, and X5's outnumber the 3 GT and 5 GT in sales.

 

[05XR8]

Mazda did the same with the 626 and Mazda6. The hatch was cool, but I can see why they'd drop it and offer just a wagon and sedan.

 

[CyborgGT]

Doesn't have the safety equipment to be legal on the track (they could have easily built a cage behind the trim the passenger sees, as in the Ford GT, but no), and having a cage installed after purchase, I would think, would make it technically illegal on the road. So what Dodge has made is what, if we're honest with ourselves because we know what it'll be used for, is a street racer. Or a car for bench racers, however you want to look at it.

Its only real purpose could be a marketing tool for the Dodge brand. As a consumer product, I believe it's completely pointless.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Doesn't have the safety equipment to be legal on the track (they could have easily built a cage behind the trim the passenger sees, as in the Ford GT, but no), and having a cage installed after purchase, I would think, would make it technically illegal on the road. So what Dodge has made is what, if we're honest with ourselves because we know what it'll be used for, is a street racer. Or a car for bench racers, however you want to look at it.

Its only real purpose could be a marketing tool for the Dodge brand. As a consumer product, I believe it's completely pointless.

FCA has been focusing on just getting headline articles, rather than creating a cheap, somewhat reliable, and fuel efficient economy car. This is not how you make money, FCA.... I'm pretty tired of hearing about the Hellcat and Demon. Soon enough the hype is going to die off and they'll be scrambling to get a new high horsepower vehicle to grab peoples attention.

 

[CyborgGT]

Or Tesla can make another dinky hatchback whoop its ass in the 8th mile, like last time.

 

[Tornado]

FCA has been focusing on just getting headline articles, rather than creating a cheap, somewhat reliable, and fuel efficient economy car. This is not how you make money, FCA...

Economy cars aren't how you make money either.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Economy cars aren't how you make money either.

Well...with these days, more like crossovers. The cheap Grand Caravan was doing well, but Chrysler has been cannibalizing Dodge. (After the 200 took over for the Avenger/200 twins and the Pacifica took over the Grand Caravan/Town&Country twins) I suppose it'd be more of just cheap cars in general than economy cars.

 

[Sage Ages]

they could have easily built a cage behind the trim the passenger sees

Still not enough for the track.

 

[CyborgGT]

Still not enough for the track.

The Ford GT's 'hidden' cage is certified legal for tracks. Harnesses are available for the car through the Ford Racing catalog; the mounts are already installed in the car from the factory. Fire extinguishers can be purchased in the aftermarket (SafeCraft is popular with the GT crowd) and are easy to remove for the street (I don't know whether those are street-legal).

 

[Tornado]

And the Ford GT is a carbon fiber supercar built from the start to go racing. The Demon built off of a regular production car and also weighs 900 pounds more.

 

[CyborgGT]

People install weld-in cages into their cars all the time. Dodge couldn't have removed the trim, installed something that fit tight to the body, and covered it up?

But your point seems to support the fact that the rest of the car wasn't designed properly for its performance level.

 

[Tornado]

People install weld-in cages into their cars all the time. Dodge couldn't have removed the trim, installed something that fit tight to the body, and covered it up?

No, I doubt they could have. Certainly not in a way that would have worked as well as a much lighter and much smaller car that was built from the factory to have a cage because it was planned from the start to take it GT racing did.


A lot like how a car that is designed as a coupe and made a convertible later is never as well sorted as a car designed to be a convertible from day one.

But your point seems to support the fact that the rest of the car wasn't designed properly for its performance level.

I didn't say otherwise. But arguing that a 4200 pound full-sized regular production car should have a race-approved cage from the factory because a 3200 pound homologation special did is ridiculous.