The zenith and nadir of automakers

[kaisen]

The current changes in the auto industry, including the exit of several marques, have got me thinking about how we got here. There was a time when Pontiac, for instance, was well respected and had a lineup of hot products. Now they're dead.

So for each automaker - when, exactly, was their BEST year? When was their WORST year?

I'll start, randomly (the zeniths are a little easier, IMO):

Toyota's zenith: 1996, nadir: 1986

Porsche's zenith: 1989, nadir: 1976

What do YOU think? Let's see how many manufacturers we can represent.

[on2wheels52]

I always thought the '58 Edsel was head and shoulders above the other years.
Jim

[audiman08]

Audi

Zenith: 2004-2008..hard to pick a single year (launch of the R8, R10 TDI, 5 years of wins at Lemans)

Nadir: 1986 (Audi engineering defects, bad press on Audi 5000 acceleration problem)

[m21sniper]

Chevy: Zenith- 1967

Nadir- 1978

[RWebb]

Porsche's zenith: 1972

[m21sniper]

I would think Porsche's Zenith would coincide with the introduction of the 911 turbo, by far it's most iconic product ever.