The Lion That America Did Kill

Peugeot remains alive in other global markets but in the U.S., barely.

Quick Review

peugeot.co.uk

Peugeot was originally a business founded on kitchen tools before its venture into the car market. Though it maintained a respectable history through the years such as the 205 (and the GTI variant), there were many lapses of outright crap (i.e. 1007) according to journalists, customers, Top Gear, and the like. It wasn't until the RCZ, 208, and the 308 that Peugeot finally got back into making decent cars.

Pulling the Plug

peugeot.co.uk / Via nytimes.com

Peugeot departed from the U.S. following poor sales as reported in The New York Times in 1991. A Peugeot spokesman stated, "The American market is depressed and in conflict between U.S. and Japanese producers, and all the European automakers are caught in the vise." A British analyst at the time also reasoned that the 405's pricing was high relative to other manufacturers" of the time. Today many markets sell Peugeot cars even south of the border in Mexico like the 208; though those can't be imported to the U.S.

Margin of Hope

Citroen UK / Via usatoday.com

All is not necessarily lost. Peugeot's parent company, PSA, stated that it did intend to return to the U.S. during a press conference at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. While speculation would have it that Peugeot not be the first to return, it's sister brand, DS which sells city chic cars, would be the obvious choice to target younger buyers. In the meantime, fewer than 60,000 Peugeots remain in the U.S. and are still prized among French car enthusiasts.

Speaking of Which...

While pristine models can fetch generous sums on the market today, plenty of what-can-be-considered repairable old junk can be had for on the cheap. Below are several 504 and 505s available for about a grand apiece.

1984 Peugeot 505 Station Wagon. Turbo diesel auto, car runs. Asking $1500 obo.

1987 Peugeot for sale, 505 Turbo Gas Auto. It is not running. Asking for $1000 obo.

For sale 1979 504 Wagon. Has rebuilt turbo diesel eng. Manual. Car runs. Asking for $1000 obo.

For sale 1987 Peugeot 505 STX. V6 Auto. Not running. Asking for $1000 obo.

For sale 1980 Peugeot 505. Diesel. Still runs. Asking for $800 obo.