In automotive history, the Malaise Era refers to a period from roughly the early 1970s to the early- to mid-1980s, characterized by malaise—poor products and a generalized industry unease—and profound adjustment as the United States automotive industry attempted to adapt to new demands for more fuel-efficient, safe, and environmentally-responsible products.

In the United States, the automotive industry began in the 1890s and, as a result of the size of the domestic market and the use of mass production, rapidly evolved into the largest in the world. The United States was the first country in the world to have a mass market for vehicle production and sales and is a pioneer of the automotive industry and mass market production process. During the 20th century, global competitors emerged, especially in the second half of the century primarily across European and Asian markets, such as Germany, France, Italy, Japan and South Korea. The U.S. is currently second among the largest manufacturers in the world by volume.