31. 1982 Cadillac Cimarron
Whereas the Edsel was just over-blown, the Cadillac Cimarron was a full-scale disaster. The kind that automotive engineers relay to their children on dark moonless nights when the forces of evil are exalted amongst the shadows. An attempt by GM to move the Cadillac brand into the small-car market, the awfully-designed and poorly-performing Cimarron made use of the already unpopular J-platform sedan as its base, leading to the perfect storm of a weak form and horrible function. How bad did things get? The good folks at GM were apparently considering ending the Cadillac brand over the debacle. When it’s serious enough to kill off an American icon, it’s serious.