US Flops but International Hero Cars
The United States is one of the largest car markets in the world, spanning a vast expanse of land for drivers to traverse. Naturally, global manufacturers want to get in on the business. However, not all vehicles meet the needs of the American buyer. Read on to find out why these cars failed to gain traction in the US but took off abroad.
Chery QQ
The QQ is one of China’s top-selling cars due to its affordability and compact size. It gave millions access to a vehicle at a low price. The car never found a place in the US market, though, due to its lack of safety features. It was also criticized for copying the popular Daewoo Matiz. However, it has become a household name in Asia.
Toyota Sera
The Toyota Sera was a Japanese-made spectacle, housing a full glass canopy and butterfly doors. It was undeniably futuristic and was popular among younger drivers for its unique style and bold design aesthetics. However, it struggled to find a foothold in the US market and was unable to meet US safety and emission standards.
Subaru Rex
The Subaru Rex was perfect for Japan's bustling cityscapes, with great fuel economy, a tight turning radius, and a small displacement engine. The Rex was valued for being a reliable and practical option. Unfortunately, the US market tends to favor larger vehicles, which is why it was never a popular import choice.
Mitsubishi Pajero Mini
The Pajero Mini is a four-wheel-drive SUV that never gained significant traction in the US. Its low speeds and small size limited its market value compared to other AWD vehicles in the states. In Japan, it is a kei-class vehicle, perfect for the country's compact mountainous regions while still being city-friendly.
Yugo GV
Presented as the USA's cheapest car, the Yugo GV would soon prove why that was the case. The GV was infamous for its poor construction and cheap design. However, during the economic crisis in Eastern Europe, it would be a symbol of resilience. Locally manufactured and designed to mobilize families, the Yugo is fondly remembered in the Balkans and beyond.
SAAB Sonett
In Sweden, the SAAB Sonett is revered for its creative engineering and safety-first design. It’s definitely an underdog in the coupe scene, though. American buyers weren’t ready to comprehend its lightweight fiberglass body and front-wheel-drive layout. However, it is a unique car that holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors.
Suzuki Cappuccino
The Cappuccino magnificently has a near-perfect fifty-fifty weight distribution. It’s a turbocharged, kei-class roadster designed to navigate tight corners with ease. Nimble handling and a convertible design all fit into a fun-sized ride. Unfortunately, it was too underpowered and tiny for the US, having to compete with cars like the Miata.
Citroen SM
Doomed from the outset in the US due to emission regulations, a lack of reliable components, and complex mechanics, the SM is still regarded as a luxury vehicle in Europe. It boasts a monstrous Maserati V6 engine paired with a sleek, futuristic-looking body. Enthusiasts appreciated the vehicle for its comfort and high-tech engineering.
Nissan Figaro
Its pastel colors, 1950s style, and poise made the Figaro a bit of a status and fashion item in the UK and Japan. However, it was too underpowered to perform in the US and battled with import laws.
Opel GT
The GT was only sold in the US in limited numbers and has been commonly mistaken as a Corvette. Opel has consistently struggled to gain traction among American buyers. This being said, it's fun to handle, classy in style, and lightweight, all of which make it a classic in European markets.
Honda Beat
Here’s the things about the Honda Beat… It is too small, underpowered, and not ideal for traversing US roads. In Japan, though, it is regarded for its size, fuel-efficient engine, and convertible roof. It’s regarded as a JDM classic, offering sporty appeal without being overly flashy.
Fiat Strada
Constructed in Italy and assembled in the US, the Strada had major performance issues, so it never really took off. However, the affordable price point, versatile design, and compactness gave it a second life in Latin America as a trustworthy pickup.
Toyota Century
The Toyota Century struggled to break into the US luxury market as it was too conservatively styled for the flashiness of the period. In Japan, the Century is regarded as the pinnacle of chauffeur car experiences. It’s quiet, intentionally hand-built, and driven by professionals, not owners. It has since become a staple for generations among Japanese executives.
Sterling 825
Developed from the Acura Legend, the 825 battled to break into the US automotive zone. It was seen as having low power, reliability, and a shoddy build. It sold better in the UK under the Rover brand, thanks to its Honda Engineering and British style choices.
Skoda Superb
Not well known in the US, the Superb is somewhat of a European legend, especially in Eastern Europe. It's understated, well-built, and perfect for families and business executives alike. Taxi fleets have also embraced the Superb for its fuel efficiency.
Peugeot 405
The 405 was Peugeot's last major attempt to break into the US market. It was a solid build but not inspiring enough to hook drivers. Back in Europe, however, it sold extremely well. Solidifying itself as a fuel-efficient family sedan, it has become a favorite among French taxi drivers.
Rover 75
Rover's image in the US had always been rather shaky, so it's not surprising that it stayed away from the States’ judgment. Under the hood, it featured BMW engineering, enhancing its performance and building esteem, especially amongst older drivers in the UK.
Alfa Romeo 164
The 164 was Alfa Romeo's attempt to break into the US luxury market. Unfortunately, cheap and unreliable electronics, paired with poor support, would ultimately make it a failure. In Southern Europe, though, with a bit more backing, the car was able to stand out in the executive sedan group.
Saab 9-5 Wagon
The 9-5 struggled to resonate with American buyers, as the SUV market was already somewhat saturated and well-established. In Sweden, it was seen as the reliable, turbocharged family-hauling unit. Plus, it is regarded as a safe option, especially amongst SAAB fans.
Renault LeCar
Unfortunately, the poor build quality and limited support would make the LeCar a tough sell on US soil. As that may be, in Europe, the car was a success, with its Rally counterparts making it famous in countries such as France and Spain.
Fiat Multipla
The frog-faced and unattractive appearance of the Multipla would cause it to have little appeal for import attempts in the States. In Italy, however, the six-seater would go on to be a family favorite, solidifying itself as practical and reasonably priced.
Austin A80 Atlantic
Built with the US market in mind, the Atlantic would go on to be a failed export fantasy. It didn’t meet the standards due to weak performance and overall outdated aesthetics. In the UK, however, it was celebrated for its nostalgic postwar design.
Lancia Thesis
The Thesis would struggle to make its way to the US, as it had a quite unconventional design. However, it had a rather luxurious interior and would go on to be well-regarded in countries such as Italy. Italians know where the style is, right?
Citroen 2CV
The 2CV failed to find a community in the US because it was a utilitarian vehicle with a minimalistic design. At the time, American buyers preferred larger, more powerful cars. Unfortunately, it also faced several regulatory issues. The French appreciated the 2CV for its air-cooled, flat-twin engine and height-adjustable suspension, features Americans were not used to.
Alfa Romeo 166
Alfa Romeo has always had a poor reliability image in the US, which means that the car never officially arrived in the States. Abroad, the 166 enticed buyers with its sleek design and V6 engine and was particularly enjoyed in countries such as Italy, Greece, and Spain.
BMW 318ti
Interpreted by the US as a lowly BMW hatch, its sporty rear-wheel drive was overlooked. Europe appreciated the hatch for its compactness and affordability, and it was marketed and viewed as an entry point for younger drivers to enter BMW ownership.
Citroen C6
The French welcomed the C6, which presidents and diplomats championed for its smooth hydraulic suspension and comfort. Nonetheless, the car didn’t catch on in the US market, selling slowly, mostly due to Citroen's poor branding abroad.
Lancia Scorpion
With a brief stint in the US market, the Lancia Scorpions' reputation was unfortunately marred by its fragile build quality and irregular engine performance. However, in Europe, the Scorpion was known as the Montecarlo and embraced by Italian car enthusiasts.
Peugeot 607
The 607 was a luxury sedan that the US missed out on. It prioritized comfort and tech while competing with German brands abroad. In France, it found a fair amount of success with its executive styling and plush riding experience.
Merkur XR4Ti
In the US, Ford's sports sedan was a colossal failure due to both sketchy branding and poor dealership support. Europe adopted the Merkur sedan for its precise handling and turbocharged power. Later, it would find iconic touring success.
Renault Avantime
Although never properly imported to the US market, the Renault minivan was highly regarded throughout Europe, particularly in France. Its experimental design caught on with drivers, especially its panoramic glass roofing, which has helped it to become a cult classic.
Jensen GT
The Jensen GT failed to grasp the US audience as it was too enigmatic. Unfortunately, the car came with several mechanical issues, and sales dwindled due to a lack of marketing. Although, in the UK, the car has since developed a loyal following as a touring vehicle. Go figure.
VW Phaeton
The goal of the Phaeton was to offer a luxury experience. It failed to compete with vehicles of similar stature in the US, such as what Bentley was putting forward. Yet, in Europe and China, the Phaeton was held with high acclaim, showcasing VW's version of stature.
Opel Kadett
Under the Buick brand, the Opel Kadett struggled to find its footing amongst the range of similar cars in its US class. It was perceived as cheap and inelegant. While in Europe, it was received with high esteem, making for the perfect compact daily driver.
Audi Quattro
In the early to mid-eighties, the all-wheel-drive powerhouse was, and still is, a rally icon throughout Europe. However, the American market wasn’t quite ready for AWD sports coupes. The rally superstar also came at a high price point for the time and was generally underappreciated in the States.
