If you’re considering a new car, you might want to check this list before making a decision!
Consumer Reports has just released its list of worst vehicles — and after thorough tests of each car, the group concluded that ‘every other model in those categories is a better choice.’
Ouch. And even though you might be getting a good deal on one of these vehicles, Consumer Reports strongly advises against it. According to their experts, no matter the incentive, you would be setting yourself up for ‘years of buyer’s remorse.’
The measures Consumer Reports used to test each car included performance, reliability, owner satisfaction and safety. The U.S. brands that had the lowest scoring vehicles included Chrysler, Lincoln and Cadillac, while international brands included Mitsubishi, Mercedes and Land Rover.
When it came to Fiat Chrysler’s ratings, the company told CNBC, ‘We continue to aggressively pursue both product and launch-quality improvements as they are top priorities for the Company and our internal measurements are showing progress.’
And Ford responded to the critique of its newest Lincoln models by saying, ‘The MKS has received positive input from this change for Lincoln and clearly we have learned a great deal in this short time. We will continue to improve as we write the next chapter for Lincoln but feel encouraged about the progress thus far.’
Is your car on the list? Read on to find out, plus a few extra remarks from Consumer Reports.
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Consumer Reports’ worst cars by category
Subcompact: Mitsubishi Mirage
(Image credit: Raymond Boyd / Getty Images)
‘…sluggish acceleration and a raspy chorus of lament…’
Consumer Reports gave this car low marks on a weak engine, a drab interior and noted its low scores in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) small-overlap crash test.
Compact: Fiat 500L
(Image credit: Raymond Boyd / Getty Images)
‘This Italian confection feels undercooked and has several significant flaws.’
Though this car is cute and compact, Consumer Reports noted that it has the worst reliability score out of 740,000 vehicles in their survey and cited an uncomfortable driving experience.
Midsized Sedan: Chrysler 200
(Image credit: Steve Russell / Getty Images)
‘(The transmission) has proven to be a reliability albatross.’
For this car, Consumer Reports pointed out the outdated, clumsy handling, unreliable transmission, and lowest overall road test score in the class.
Compact Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz CLA250
(Image credit: Bloomberg / Getty Images)
‘…the ride is punishingly stiff.’
For the Mercedes-Benz CLA250., Consumer Reports indicated this car was not up to par as far as luxury cars are concerned, and described low scores on reliability and owner satisfaction.
Midsized Luxury Car: Lincoln MKS
(Image credit: Kathryn Scott Osler / Getty Images)
‘…the cabin feels decidedly cave-like…’
For this car, Consumer Reports noted the features and handling as rather mediocre.
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Family SUV: Dodge Journey
(Image credit: Bloomberg / Getty Images)
‘…a poor value anywhere outside of an airport rental lot.’
Citing poor performance in crash tests and the lowest fuel economy in its class, Consumer Reports says this crossover is a no-go.
Luxury Compact SUV: Land Rover Discovery Sport
(Image credit: Anadolu Agency / Getty Images)
‘The ride is stiff-legged and handling is far from sporty.’
Based on what you might expect from a luxury brand such as Land Rover, Consumer Reports called this car an underachiever.
Large Luxury SUV: Cadillac Escalade
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(Image credit: David McNew / Getty Images)
‘Despite casting a massive shadow, the hulking Cadillac is not even that roomy inside.’
From Consumer Reports’ point of view, the Cadillac Escalade should have done better for its size and price: starting at a whopping $72,970. Reasons cited included a cramped interior and poor handling compared to other vehicles in its class.
Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country
(Image credit: Stan Honda / Getty Images)
‘…the second-row seats are thin, low, and uncomfortable.’
Though Consumer Reports didn’t rate this minivan as all bad, it noted sub-par features with that of other family minivans in its class. This car also made it to the list of most unreliable cars over the past 19 years by MojoMotors.com.
Green Car: Mitsubishi i-MiEV
(Image credit: The Asahi Shimbun / Getty Images)
‘…an elbow-rubbing transportation pod, subjecting snuggled occupants to constant noise.’
Basically, this car, though economical, is way too small. Consumer Reports also referenced the 56-mile range as a problem, in addition to being clumsy and having a sub-par driving experience.
For more detail on each car on the list, visit the report on Consumer Reports’ website here.
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