They weren't so bad. they sold well to those who didn't care much about cars. Like the Fox body Mustang, Cutlass Ciera, or other much maligned modes of transport.
Nothing exciting about them, but they worked quite well and didn't cost too much to keep going. Have they become icons of automotive history?, no. Did the motoring press rave about them?, no.
Did they sell in good numbers?, yes. Did they make a profit for the manufacturers?. yes.
If you are in a manufacturing business do you want rave reviews for your products or a long production run of something making a profit?.
Both, obviously, but what matters more?.
Claud.