Car Reviews Can Be Scathing
It goes without saying that no brand or manufacturer wants to make a bad vehicle — but it does happen! And that opens the door to some pretty scathing reviews. So with that in mind, we're going to take an in-depth look at a selection of the worst-received car models ever made right here. We hope you're ready, folks.
Vector W8 (1990–93)
To call the Vector W8 a disaster is a bit of an understatement. This motor quite literally stumbled out of the blocks. Each model that Car and Driver tested at the time broke down. We're serious! Although it only lasted for three years, the W8 is still talked about today — but not for good reasons.
Cadillac Catera (1997–01)
Another car that broke down during a test review, this time by Automobile, the Cadillac Catera didn't find much love upon its release. It was often criticized for its boring interior and generic appearance. The V6 engine didn't come out unscathed, either. It was pretty weak! Talk about leaving a bad impression.
Pontiac Aztek (2001–05)
If we're reeling off a list of the worst-received car models of all time, then we can't not mention the poor Pontiac Aztek. Thanks to its bizarre look, this motor was torn to shreds when it first came out. Publications such as Time and the Los Angeles Times were particularly scathing.
Lincoln Blackwood (2002)
The Lincoln Blackwood was essentially a pickup truck version of the Lincoln Navigator SUV. But it didn't work out — at all. This hulking beast was criticized for its poor off-road capabilities and lame utility. In the end, the Blackwood was retired after barely 12 months on the market. Ouch!
Suzuki X-90 (1995–97)
What happens if you mix an SUV with a buggy and a roadster? Well, you get the Suzuki X-90. It had problems, though — big ones. The car received significant criticism for its handling, performance, lack of trunk space, and cramped interior. The eye-catching exterior got it in the neck, too!
Hummer H2 (2002–09)
A hulking, gas-guzzling beast, the Hummer H2 has received a lot of scorn over the years. In addition to being environmentally unfriendly, it also boasted an interior that was surprisingly claustrophobic. The likes of Time, Popular Mechanics, and Autoblog all tore into the H2 during its seven-year production run.
Renault Vel Satis (2002–09)
It's hard to take your eyes off the Renault Vel Satis — and we don't mean that as a compliment! This car was ugly with a capital U. To make matters worse, it handled like a nightmare as well. Reviewers had a field day tearing it to pieces.
Landwind X6 (2005)
The Landwind X6 caused a huge stir back in 2005. During a safety test in Germany, car club ADAC discovered that a head-on crash at just 40 mph would be fatal to the driver. Trust us folks, you're reading that correctly! Talk about a major red flag.
Dodge Caliber (2007–12)
The Dodge Neon was a tough act to follow. Could the Caliber match it? Not really! This vehicle was heavily criticized for a variety of reasons, ranging from its bad performance to its awful interior. The likes of Car and Driver and The Truth About Cars didn't hold back in their reviews.
Rover CityRover (2003–05)
Bad handling? Check. Lame performance? Check. An extremely dated appearance? Unfortunately! Yes, the Rover CityRover proved to be a massive damp squib upon its release in 2003. Publications such as Auto Express, Top Gear, and Parker's all ripped it apart, dubbing it one of the worst cars ever made.
Ford Scorpio (1994–98)
The Ford Scorpio entered its second generation in 1994 — and it had a lot going for it. It handled brilliantly, performed well, and boasted a lovely interior. But folks couldn't get past the Scorpio's bizarre exterior. It was so odd! Reviewers and car buyers hated it, which led to very poor sales.
Jaguar S-Type (1999–07)
The Jaguar S-Type was lavished with praise when it first came out in 1999. From the performance to the comfy interior, it ticked a lot of boxes. But time wasn't kind to this car, folks. Before long, reviewers started to rag on the S-Type's retro appearance and styling.
Renault Avantime (2002–03)
The ugly rear-end. The cramped interior. The awkward size. Yes, the Renault Avantime had a lot of issues to overcome when it rolled out in 2002. Did it succeed, though? Nope! The car was an unmitigated disaster. Its sales figures were absolutely shocking. Few motors have flopped harder.
Saturn Ion (2003–07)
The Saturn Ion had a laundry list of problems. It performed poorly, looked ugly, had questionable safety features, and lacked overall quality. Oh, and we can't forget about the speedometer. It sat atop the central console. Unsurprisingly, folks weren't happy with this thing. Publications such as Best Life and the Los Angeles Times gave it scathing reviews.
Chrysler Crossfire (2004–08)
Essentially a rebodied Mercedes-Benz R170, the Chrysler Crossfire rolled out to very little fanfare in 2004. It was seen as dated by most, and struggled to find many buyers. The Telegraph, Car and Driver, and Top Gear were particularly vicious in their reviews of the motor. It makes for brutal reading, folks!
Jeep Commander (2006–10)
During its four-year run, the Jeep Commander was often on the receiving end of some fierce criticism. It was a heavy gas guzzler that boasted a deceptively cramped interior. The Commander ultimately flopped, earning a spot in many "worst of" lists over the following years. Oof!
Aston Martin Cygnet (2011–13)
A rebadged version of the Scion iQ, the Aston Martin Cygnet puzzled a lot of folks when it came out in 2011. Although it was pretty much a mirror-image of the iQ, this motor was roughly three times more expensive. Yikes! People voted with their wallets, though — the Cygnet fell way short of its sales targets.
Fisker Karma (2011–12)
The Fisker Karma was a plug-in hybrid luxury sedan that came out in 2011. It did earn praise for its eye-catching body — but that's about it! Reviewers criticized its fuel economy, impracticality, and the installation of its battery cell. Following poor sales, the Karma was discontinued after 12 months on the market.
Tesla Cybertruck (2024–present)
To say that the Tesla Cybertruck has had problems would be a massive understatement. Its issues have ranged from loose accelerator pedals to eroding tire sidewalls. The vehicle has been recalled multiple times as a result. And yes, sales have been affected by it, too. What a mess!
Nissan Juke (2010–19)
Was the Nissan Juke a success following its release in 2010? You bet. But was it perfect? No chance! Dodgy timing chains, battery problems, fuel leaks, and gearbox failures were just some of the issues that plagued this car. The Telegraph and The Grand Tour weren't shy in voicing their criticism.
Dodge Nitro (2007–12)
A rebadged version of the Jeep Liberty, the Dodge Nitro didn't get much support when it launched in 2007. Forbes and Consumer Reports were particularly damning in their assessments, criticizing the flat engine and compact interior. It eventually left the market in 2012 — and we don't think many people were sad to see it go!
Jeep Compass (2007–16)
The Jeep Compass promised so much as a compact crossover SUV. But the results? Oh boy. Its off-road capabilities were poor, the design was horrible, and it lacked overall quality. It was a huge disappointment. And time hasn't been kind, either. In 2018, Best Life called the Compass the "worst car of the 21st century."
Chevrolet SSR (2003–06)
Have you ever wanted a hot rod-style pickup truck? No? Well, you're not alone on that front! The Chevrolet SSR baffled more people than it impressed, while its performance left a lot to be desired. It earned plenty of derision from the likes of Time, Car and Driver, and Autoblog.
Vector M12 (1996–98)
Rocking a V12 engine, the Vector M12 could've been a slam-dunk. It wasn't, though — by any stretch! Top Gear criticized the car's build quality, as well as its unreliable air conditioning. Autoweek were much harsher, calling it the worst motor they'd ever reviewed. How damning is that?
Jaguar X-Type (2001–09)
To call the Jaguar X-Type unreliable feels like an insult to unreliable cars! This vehicle had a dodgy engine, lame interior, and a transmission that was essentially a ticking time bomb. Reviewers hated it. The New York Times, Car and Driver, and Time ripped it apart.
Pontiac GTO (2003–06)
After a near 30-year hiatus, the Pontiac GTO made its long-awaited comeback in 2003. But when the car finally rolled out, the disappointment was palpable. It was both boring and lacking in quality — a bad mix! Such was the negative reception, the GTO went back into retirement just three years later.
SsangYong Rodius (2004–13)
We can't help but feel sorry for the SsangYong Rodius. It had a lot going for it — apart from its appearance! Yep, this is widely considered to be one of the ugliest cars of modern times. The Telegraph memorably said that it "looks like a melted hearse."
Chrysler Sebring (2007–10)
The 2007 Chrysler Sebring is a very hard car to praise. There was so much wrong with it! The interior was iffy, it handled poorly, the engine was lame, and it looked terrible. Car and Driver and other publications didn't hold back with their reviews.
Hyundai I10 (2007–15)
Did the first generation Hyundai i10 find much love when it rolled out in 2007? Not really! The car received plenty of criticism for its poor fuel economy. It didn't take long for the likes of CarGuide to call it one of the worst vehicles of that decade.
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011–14)
Dubbed the "world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible," the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet ultimately flattered to deceive. Reviewers hated it, criticizing the exterior, the handling, and the overall performance. To say it was received badly would be underselling it.
Vinfast VF8 (2021–present)
Good luck finding a positive review of the Vinfast VF8. It's an absolute disaster! With poor build quality, reliability issues, bad handling, and software problems, this car has pretty much been panned across the board.
Ford Escort MK V (1990–92)
The Ford Escort MK V left many people scratching their heads when it released in 1990. Why was it still using the tired engines of the previous generation? On top of that, the boring design didn't help, either. Good reviews were hard to come by.
General Motors U Platform Minivans (1990–96)
The Oldsmobile Silhouette, the Chevrolet Lumina APV, and the Pontiac Trans Sport all came under the General Motors U Platform minivan umbrella. Did they make a positive splash in 1990, though? Not quite! These vehicles were heavily criticized for their odd looks and interior layout.
General Motors U-Body Minivans (2005–09)
Boasting a dated layout and questionable exterior design, the U-body minivans from General Motors had a hard time winning people over in 2005. Folks just couldn't get past those negative points. And reviewers felt the same way, too!
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