The Forgotten Automobile Brands That Time Left Behind

Remember the days when the roads weren’t filled with just the same old car brands everywhere you looked? It seemed like every corner you turned, there was a different type of car that you couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of. From big, bold muscle cars to flashy sports cars, the automobile industry had something for everyone. However, as time marches on and trends change, some of these once iconic car brands have faded into obscurity, becoming forgotten relics of a bygone era. These are the forgotten automobile brands that time has left behind.

The DeLorean Motor Company

When you hear the name DeLorean, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the iconic car from the Back to the Future movie franchise. However, the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) only produced about 9,000 cars before going bankrupt in 1982. The DeLorean DMC-12, the one and only car produced by the company, was known for its unique gull-wing doors and brushed stainless steel exterior. Despite its cult following and pop culture status, the DeLorean brand never really took off and remains one of the most forgotten automobile brands today.

Saturn

In the 1990s, Saturn was touted as the “different kind of car company.” With its no-haggle pricing and friendly dealerships, Saturn quickly became a popular choice among consumers. However, the brand never quite reached its full potential and faded into obscurity after being bought by General Motors in the early 2000s. Despite reinventing itself with new models and a new logo, Saturn was eventually discontinued in 2010, leaving behind only memories of those iconic plastic body panels.

Plymouth

Once known as Chrysler’s entry-level brand, Plymouth was founded in 1928 and featured affordable, reliable cars for the everyday driver. However, by the 1970s, Plymouth had lost its identity and struggled to compete with other brands in the market. Despite launching a few iconic models, such as the Barracuda and the Road Runner, Plymouth was dissolved in 2001 and became one of the many forgotten car brands of the 21st century.

Pontiac

Founded in 1926, Pontiac was known for its bold designs and high-performance vehicles. It quickly became a hit among car enthusiasts, especially with models like the GTO and the Trans Am. However, as GM faced financial troubles, Pontiac was one of the brands that had to go and was eventually discontinued in 2010. Today, Pontiac remains one of the most beloved and missed forgotten car brands, with many fans still holding onto their classic Pontiacs.

Saab

This Swedish brand was known for its quirky and innovative designs that made it stand out from the pack. However, despite its loyal fanbase and unique features, Saab struggled to keep up with competitors and faced financial troubles in the late 2000s. After being sold to several different companies and eventually declared bankrupt, Saab went out of production in 2014. Today, the brand is mostly remembered for its iconic Saab 900 model.

The Final Word

While these are just a few of the many forgotten automobile brands that have been left behind in the ever-changing world of cars, they will always hold a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors. From cult classics to once-popular brands, these forgotten cars may no longer be on the roads, but they will forever be a part of the rich history of the automotive industry.