The 1980s were distinguished by corny televisions, neon signs, absurd hairstyles, and confused automakers. There was a hurry to bring new and innovative cars to the business, and it was quite different from the 1970s, which was full of creative shapes and designs. The '80s was a time of development, connecting American cars of the '60s and '70s to more modern designs inspired by European vehicles.
Unfortunately, many of those attempts failed, although there are exceptions to every rule as not all of the products happened to be a failure and there are many iconic cars that defined style the '80s.
Whether successful or not, there is one thing that many classic cars from that period have in common: the strangeness, both by then and today's standards. Keep reading to find out about the weirdest production cars from the '80s.
10 Yugo GV
The Yugo GV, which was a fitting inexpensive Yugoslavian car, was produced as a derivative of the Fiat 127. It was marketed in the United States from 1985 to 1992, with an entirety of 141,651 sold. This car was subjected to severe criticism over its layout and safety.
The Yugo GV was not only the cheapest car sold in the US at the time but it was also the weakest, the slowest, and the lightest. The car was so lightweight that it once was blown away by the strong wind in Michigan.
9 Renault Fuego
The Fuego was one of the last products of Renault for the US car market. It faced poor reception from the American customers, as a consequence of its weak performance.
Although the Renault Fuego was not a high-quality machine it benefited from exciting characteristics. A front-wheel-drive layout, turbocharged engine, plastic body, remote keyless system, and cruise control were just some of the numerous features of this weird-looking French sports car.
8 Dodge Rampage
Dodge was always seeking to introduce its fashionable SUVs and pickup trucks to the market. One of those attempts was the Dodge Rampage, which was produced from 1982 until 1984 in the US.
As a result of the weak front-wheel-drive passenger car platform and its underpowered 96-hp engine, the unibody Dodge Rampage did not become as successful as expected. It was not desired by pickup truck enthusiasts and was ultimately discontinued.
7 1982 Fiat Ritmo Abarth
The Fiat Ritmo Abarth was introduced as one of the most potent small cars in the '80s. This original Italian spicy wheel was the latest version of the standard Ritmo, a model they had introduced before.
The reasons for Fiat Ritmo Abrath's uniqueness in the '80s were concealed under its hood: there were two carburetors and an eight-valve 123-hp engine that was too much for its 2,000-lb curb weight. It was also equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. In addition to all this, the Abarth racing department fixed the suspension for a threatening ride.
6 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible
As the respected K-body platform was saving Chrysler from bankruptcy at the beginning of the '80s, the company determined to use this kind of platform for most of its forthcoming models. Since it was economical and simple to assemble, they even built minivans and compact sedans bearing this innovation.
Accordingly, Chrysler introduced the Town & Country Convertible, which turned out to be one of the most hated convertibles ever. Many buyers of this car were quite disappointed by the imperfect engine and crazed mix of styles highlighted in this car. As a result, It sold less than 4,000 units within its four-year production run.
5 Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak
In 1986, Nissan was ready to introduce a new model to the market. The basic notion of this model was to combine a regular two-door coupe with the wagon body style. Hence, Nissan had decided to make an extended-body coupe called the Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak.
Although Nissan received some positive attention from costumers for this car, eventually, people preferred more traditional coupe styling. They discounted the Sportbak in 1990, yet it remains one of the weirdest cars they had ever made.
4 1982-'85 Ford EXP
In the battle with low-cost non-American sports coupes, Ford Motor Company introduced its new little two-seater coupe in 1982. The EXP became the first Ford's two-seater since the iconic 1957 Thunderbird. This car was taking advantage of a dual-inlet air cleaner, restriction exhaust, and extraordinary style.
The strange thing about Ford EXP was its small four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive that abolished Ford's passion for making the EXP as impressive as Mustang. Still, it was counted as an attractive car and a fashionable attempt by Ford in the 80s.
3 Subaru XT
Although many car enthusiasts have forgotten the Subaru XT, it is still remembered as one of the most excellent vintage cars in the 1980s. With a wedge-shaped body, pop up headlights, digital dashboard, and optional all-wheel drive, the XT was one of the most advanced cars in its time.
The XT's best versions were the ones with the 2.7-liter flat-six generator with the Subaru exclusive all-wheel-drive system. This vehicle became incredibly popular among car enthusiasts and remains a desirable classic to this day.
2 Buick Reatta
Nowadays, it seems that people disregard Buick's revolutionary car in the 1980s. The Reatta was introduced in the late '80s as Buick's flagship model. It was a neat looking two-seater coupe or convertible that was built on a reduced GM E platform. Beneath the lid, it was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 and independent suspension with disc brakes all across.
Although this car dates back to the '80s, it is armed with onboard computers and lots of improved electronic systems. The production continued for four years, and they sold over 21,000 examples of this car.
1 1980-'85 Cadillac Seville
The most unusual thing about the second-gen Cadillac Seville is its deranged design compared to its older and newer generations. The Seville was a unique car in its 1975-1979 model years; however, stylists changed it into a graceful yet controversial bustle-backed for 1980.
While the first generation Seville had been quite successful, the second-gen didn't experience much success in the '80s. Many of its buyers were regretting their purchase at the time, although the car would later become trendy in hip hop culture.