Some fans were upset with the sad ending of the episode, and as a result the producers decided to write a sequel in which Herb would be given a kinder fate. The resulting episode, Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes? (1992), aired at the end of the third season.
Both Homer's mother Mona Simpson and Herb make their first appearances in the episode.
On June 29, 2013, Porcubimmer Motors debuted a real-life version of "The Homer," the car that was designed by Homer in this episode, at the 24 Hours of LeMons race in Buttonwillow, California.
The original ending had Herb coming up with another idea as the bus pulled away.
Just before the Simpsons reach Herb's house, Homer drives over a pothole and spills his drink all over himself. It seems to be an inconsequential sight gag, but it actually sets up Homer's request for an "extremely large beverage holder" in his car.