[Rinnwald]

...but do not forget the cars!

Umm, no.

There were a couple of good years, that were really a contiuation of the sixties, then 8 years of malaise cars. Objectively some of the worst U.S. cars ever made.

[Windcatcher]

More than just 8 years :/ I’d point to the 1983 Thunderbird as when we first started climbing our way out, and engine technology didn’t really improve until 1986 and SEFI with EEC-IV.

[bankwalker]

1976 was the year that pollution control crap was mandated for cars ... downhill from there ...

[OldGoatCPO]

I do not disagree, but the question was the 1970s. 1970-1974 saw some fantastic cars, but after 1974, American automakers shot themselves in the foot. Even the 75 Corvette was not worth the money. I love watching old commercials and adverts for new cars from back then. Car manufacturers destroyed iconic brands with crap cars. Lee Iacocca is a perfect example: the 1960s, Mustang, Mercury Cougar, Lincoln Marquis, and other great cars. Then in 1971, he introduced the Ford Pinto, WTH! He went on to give us the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare in the late 70s. Every vehicle he built after that sold well, but they were ugly, under powered, forgettable vehicles.

[rxh4n1]

“There were a couple of good years, that were really a contiuation of the sixties, then 8 years of malaise cars. Objectively some of the worst U.S. cars ever made.”

Yep. Cars got really ugly quickly. Compare the ‘69 Charger to the ‘75 Charger.