Worst cars ever made include the Ford Mustang II, Pontiac Aztek, and Chevrolet Vega - automotive disasters that destroyed brand reputations and resale values.

Some vehicles earned a bad reputation years ago, but real data, owner loyalty, and context tell a very different story than the headlines suggest.

There was something about automotive design in the 2000s, incorporating elements of retro-futurism, but looking very little like the cars that would come before or after the first 10 of the new ...