These Cars Were Popular, but Owners Wouldn’t Recommend Them
Whether they’re new or classics, there are plenty of popular cars. However, many people often regret buying into the hype after they’ve experienced a car firsthand. Whatever the reason, there are lots of cars that people wouldn’t buy twice. Keep reading to discover some of the most prominent.
Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli is a vision to behold, so it’s no wonder people are drawn to it. However, many drivers have complained that it isn’t high-quality enough for its price, which begins at around $110,000. Some have dubbed it “overpriced” and lacking the sophistication of its rivals.
Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover is notorious for creating problematic vehicles, but the Discovery is one of the worst. It’s the car that turned many drivers off the brand completely due to its poor reliability, high repair costs, and frequent breakdowns. For most drivers, the Discovery is too much work.
Tesla Model S
Just a few years ago, Teslas were everywhere, but the tide is beginning to turn. The Model S is regarded as one of the most troublesome, with its advanced technology actually working against it. A futuristic design and a famous name aren’t enough to convince people to sacrifice functionality.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
It seems impossible to hate a Chrysler, but numerous drivers have very strong feelings about the PT Cruiser. Whether it’s the “ugly” design, sluggish handling, or non-sporty convertible build, there are many reasons why people wouldn’t buy the PT Cruiser twice.
BMW XM
BMW is one of the most popular manufacturers, but not every model has been a hit. The 2025 XM was highly anticipated, but many were put off by its imposing, disproportionate build, clumsy handling, and shocking base price of $160,500.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Yes, you did read that correctly. But despite being one of the most iconic SUVs ever created, the Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t as alluring as you may think. It’s great for off-road driving but impractical for other purposes, and many drivers cannot justify spending so much on it.
Audi Q7
Audis are known for being luxurious, fast, and innovative, and we can’t deny that the Q7 is all three. However, many drivers have complained about its lack of reliability, especially when compared with other Audis, like the A4. For many, it’s simply not the right investment.
Lincoln Navigator
We admit it’s easy to see why car owners wouldn’t invest in a Lincoln Navigator. It’s an incredibly impressive vehicle, but what regular person needs a 5,000-lb, eight-seater mini limousine? It’s an investment that everyday people can’t commit to.
Bentley Continental GT
Putting a Bentley on this list may seem crazy, but the Continental GT didn’t live up to the brand's reputation. Those with enough money to buy a Bentley twice would likely swerve this model because it has some engine and electrical problems, and it’s one of the most expensive models to repair.
Porsche Cayenne
We’ll never get tired of Porsches, but even we must admit that the Cayenne has some faults. Drivers have reported countless issues with the electrical system, engine power, and air suspension. If you’re going to own a Porsche, you’d choose a more reliable model.
Jaguar XE
It looks as fierce as its name, but the Jaguar XE is one of the brand’s least-recommended cars. The Ingenium diesel engine is mostly to blame for this, and many drivers noticed issues with timing chains and turbochargers. The maintenance alone is grueling.
Cadillac Catera
The Cadillac Catera may have ceased production in 2001, but it has remained a well-known car. Unfortunately, vehicles have far surpassed what was possible in 2001, causing many drivers to disregard the Catera in favor of similarly affordable but more advanced cars.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Does an entire series of cars count? In this case, we think so! The C-Class is the series that put many drivers off Mercedes-Benz completely, with some citing that the C-Class cars weren’t true enough to the brand’s premium image. As a result, reviews skew more negatively.
Chrysler 200
Chrysler does luxury like nobody else, but we can’t say they’re the most reliable. The 200 has several mechanical and electrical problems, and the nine-speed transmission generation, which should have been the most impressive, was particularly faulty and lost the brand some followers.
Range Rover Sport
Speaking of faulty cars, now seems like a good time to add the Range Rover Sport to the list. Though we still see them everywhere, more and more drivers are disregarding Sports because they’re so unreliable and cost too much to fix and maintain.
BMW E60
Though the BMW E60 is popular for many good reasons, it’s another of the brand’s cars that people say they’ll never buy twice. For an expensive investment, it has some serious faults, particularly with the engine and suspension, that cost very serious money to repair.
Aston Martin Lagonda
James Bond never drove the Aston Martin Lagonda, and we may have figured out why! Despite coming from one of the most admired brands, the Lagonda has been called “ugly”, and it’s true that its severe, oversized design is polarizing and impractical.
Porsche 944
The Porsche 944 is another beautiful car that even the biggest automobile enthusiasts would hesitate to splurge on. Its biggest issue is how much maintenance it requires, and this alone can cost up to $1,000 per year. The 944 is a dream car that many will never make a reality.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Speaking of costly maintenance, it seems like a good time to mention the Mercedes-Benz GLE. But even with proper maintenance, the GLE is prone to several frustrating problems, including poor air suspension and rough transmission. As a result, it needs to be repaired often.
Jaguar F-Pace
The Jaguar F-Pace has recently been discontinued, and for some car owners, that’s not a problem. Drivers have previously complained that the transmission was clunky and that the engine improperly consumed oil; both of which are expensive and irritating to fix.
Audi A3
You might be surprised to see the A3 on this list because it’s one of the most well-liked and well-reviewed Audis. However, many people couldn’t help but be disappointed by it when compared to the very successful BMW 1 series. It’s simply a matter of preference.
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is a popular cheap car, but some drivers would easily choose a more expensive car for better quality. The Sentra is designed to be basic, so it doesn’t provide the thrilling driving experience that many crave, nor is it particularly eye-catching.
Toyota Corolla
Everybody knows the Toyota Corolla, and many would still consider it an everyday classic. However, other car owners want more. The simple (and often faulty) 12-volt battery, practical design, and modest performance pale in comparison to some of the Corolla’s main rivals.
Infiniti QX50
The Infiniti QX50 is a frustrating case because it’s a great-looking car brought down by a sub-par internal system. For a vehicle that has a starting price of $43,000, there’s no excuse for faults with basic features like the fuel tank, brakes, and interior electrical software.
Lincoln Aviator
Though it’s not as opulent as the Navigator, the Lincoln Aviator is another case of a car simply being too glamorous for everyday use. People who are going to spend over $50,000 on a car want to get their money’s worth, and, sadly, that’s rather unrealistic with the Aviator.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has two great things going for it: its low price and sophisticated SUV design. However, this isn’t enough if the basics aren’t met. Some drivers have described the Explorer as a “transmission nightmare”, which we think sums it up!
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevies have earned their popularity, but it doesn’t make them flawless. The Camaro is one of the best-known from the brand, but also one of the most problematic. Several drivers have complained of engine failures and discomfort due to how the interior is designed.
Jaguar XJ
The Jaguar XJ is classy and sleek and looks very much like a throwback vintage car. Unfortunately, the shine has been dulled for many drivers who would prefer a more reliable vehicle. Too many inconsistent experiences have marred the XJ’s legacy.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler may have one of the most iconic car designs ever created, but many people have stopped buying into the hype. Any car that has a “death wobble” will likely not inspire confidence! Drivers are embracing newer Jeeps over the rougher old Wrangler models.
Ferrari F355
Most people would give anything to drive a Ferrari, but even the best brands hit a pothole sometimes. The F355 is the only Ferrari that people actively advise against purchasing, mostly because it costs a whopping $120,000 and has an engine that is liable to burst into flames.
Audi A8
Though many still feel passionately about the lesser-recognized Audi A8, those who have driven one noticed the issues straight away. Electrical faults are most common, but bigger repairs, such as to the suspension, are more serious and take a lot longer to be fixed.
Volkswagen Jetta
It’s certainly not your average family car, but its appearance doesn’t exempt the Volkswagen Jetta from criticism. Many disappointed owners made sure to share that the Jetta has serious automatic transmission issues, as well as various electrical and engine problems.
Kia Forte
The Kia Forte has made a respectable name for itself, but the main reason that many drivers wouldn’t choose it again is its in-between status. It’s not your average, affordable city car, but neither is it a grand luxury vehicle. It flits between both without fully committing to one style or audience.
Pontiac Trans Am
The Pontiac Trans Am proves that aggressive American muscle cars are still very much fashionable. However, therein lies the problem. If you’re going to pick a muscle car, why not go the whole hog and splurge on a Mustang instead? Many drivers are hesitant to commit.
Ford Mustang II
Yes, we went there! Although, this isn’t the original Ford Mustang, but the second-generation model that launched in 1974. Car enthusiasts were eager for its release, but many who bought it disliked its new look and style. As a result, the second-gen Mustang has not achieved the success of the iconic original.
