Oh, the hatchback. The name sounds like an insult, or perhaps something from a French story of the Notre Dame.

Although some hatchbacks were successful throughout US auto history, many were not. There are dozens of failed attempts to get the public enthused about the hatchback. After the dust has settled, there remains a list of the top ten hatchbacks that should never be forgotten (or maybe they should, you decide).

The list begins with the Chevy Corsica Hatchback, a horrible car that lasted two years between 1989 and 1991. We continue with the Fiat Strada, and then the Mercury LN7. The Mitsubishi Cordia comes next, the name a combination of cordite and diamond. Another Mitsubishi, the Precis (pronounced precious?). Followed by the Oldsmobile Firenza (I actually like this one). The famous Pontiac Grand Prix comes next, with its new Aerocoupe body shell for use in NASCAR. Then the Renault Encore, and the Sterling 827. Last, and most definitely not least, the Subaru GL.

Some like the VW golf and the Toyota Prius have made their mark, brilliantly, and in good form. But many have failed. As cars get smaller with time, we may see new inventive ways of using the hatchback.