Reply #84: Yeah, I'd say the energy crises in general were largely to blame. [View All]

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As you mentioned, the Olds Diesel engine was a bit of a fiasco, never being designed from the ground up as a Diesel. You also mention the Vega, which GM wanted to be a high-revving, 4 cylinder Camaro. The demand for a small, sporty car was certainly brought about by the increase in oil prices. All these mistakes can be traced to moving toward efficiency way too quickly and without a real thought about plan regarding the transition. I'm of the opinion that the 80s were a far worse decade for American cars than the 70s. I'd take a Vega over a Chevette any day.