Title: Why the Ford Edsel Failed | HowStuffWorks
Headings: Why the Ford Edsel Failed
Why the Ford Edsel Failed
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Ford started developing the Edsel in 1955, based on polling data from car shoppers — but unfortunately, the company disregarded much of the data from the polls. Ford's marketing department also overpromised on the Edsel. That yearlong teaser campaign had whipped the public into a frenzy, leading everyone to expect the car of the future — something the Edsel clearly was not. The Edsel was saddled with quality and reliability issues from the very beginning. Its price was another sticking point: It started at $2,500 and topped out at $3,800, which was much more expensive than other Ford models at the time [source: Carlson ]. Adding to the Edsel's woes was the fact that it debuted at the beginning of a recession. An expensive Ford didn't look like a good option for most consumers. Actually, most people didn't think the Edsel looked good, period.