Dead Car Brands: Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile

Active: 1897–2004
Based: Lansing, Mich.
Notable models: Cutlass Supreme, Delta 88, Toronado, Vista Cruiser

When it went dark in 2004, Oldsmobile became the oldest marque to go out of business. Founded in 1897 by Ransom Olds, the company was acquired by General Motors in 1908 and became one of its most popular divisions. Before World War, Olds was, along with Buick, a premium car priced below Cadillac. But in the 1950s it became increasingly famous for its muscle cars and its powerful V-8 engines. Unfortunately, as power gave way to fuel-efficiency, Olds became increasingly irrelevant and its models failed to catch on with the public.
source businessweek