The auto makers aren't too swift sometimes.  Ford had great success with
the mustang but changed it from an economy family sports car to a muscle
car.  The Thunderbird was a highly prized sports car until the turned
that one into a luxury car.  Their Taurus was the best selling car for a
while and then they dropped the line all together.  Now they've put the
Taurus name on another model that doesn't resemble Taurus.

At a time when fuel economy has become a prime concern, the auto makers
are sitting with big inventories of trucks and other gas guzzlers.  No
wonder they are losing in global competition.

Looks are in the eye of the beholder.  The neon was anything but nice
looking.  It's design is basic box on wheels and looks much like so many
other econo cars such as the Corolla, Sentra etc.  Very basic looking.

The Caliber isn't for everyone but then neither is any other car.  Sales
of the Caliber have been quite strong.  It's a hatchback which appeals
to a different crowd.

I do find Jeeps version, the Compass rather ugly.