Quayle was alright. So, I guess, was Bush. Nixon was good as well.
But back before Nixon, when vice presidents knew that they should be seen (as little as possible) and not heard (at all), they may have been even better (with a few exceptions, like Aaron Burr and Henry Wallace).
I think it was LBJ who started the idea that they had to have their own platform or portfolio or responsibilities (and his wife Lady Bird who came up with the same idea for First Ladies). It was another power grab. Things were better when they were just figureheads.
First Ladies? That gives me an idea. I should run a thread discussion on the best of and worst of all First Ladies.