The 5 Worst Cars of 2013
When the Consumer Reports magazine gives us a list of tested cars that have failed miserably’, we listen. Well, at least most of us with any pretentions of standard do. While there were many great cars in 2013, there were the dirty dozen’ which thoroughly disappointed the magazine’s testers. And of these bad’uns we take a look at the top failed five’ that seem to be really at the bottom of the class and in some need of the scrap-yard, if CR has its wish. But are they really as terrible as the ratings suggest or is the CR being too snooty?
1. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited scored 20 on the test and CR cites a string of reasons for the poor score, ranging from below par handling to poor access and ride, among others. Bu the score shouldn’t be seen in isolation. There is no denying that the Jeep Wrangler is awkward and terrible on the road. But it wasn’t meant for the road to begin with.
The very things that makes the rugged vehicle a thrilling ride off-road – the high ground clearance, narrow track, springy tires – also makes it a gauche monster on asphalt. It may be difficult to get into, but, as one reviewer writes, off-roading in the Wrangler can feel like being in Disneyland.
2. Smart fortwo
The Canadians loved the Smart fortwo, but the slow-starting 2-seater electric hasn’t caught on to the US market, despite the green’ USP – it was at the top of the Department of Energy’s list of most fuel efficient cars this year. CR’s tests revealed its ride and handling to be harsh and clumsy. Break transition is jerky. And then there’s the problem of space. It certainly doesn’t seem like it will bring out a love for micro-cars in US drivers.
3. Scion IQ
Toyota’s Scion IQ seems to belong to this list without a doubt. Micro-cars have their uses in crowded cities, but this car is noisy and not meant for the freeway. The rear seats are miniscule, there’s no space for cargo and the interiors look inexpensive. AOL.com calls it a less is more’ philosophy – if minimalism your thing… Competitors that are larger and perform better include the Chevy Sonic and Mini Cooper. The car stood with a score of 29.
4. Mitsubishi iMiEV
The four seats of the Mitsubishi iMiEV may seem throne-size in comparison with micro-cars. But this electric car seems to have sacrificed basic performance features in order to be fuel efficient, putting it next on the list with a score of 34. It is clumsy and slow with simple, cheap-looking interiors. Plus it takes ages to charge – between 6 and 21 hours. That’s a long wait for a ride.
5. Chevrolet Spark 1LT
The Spark 1LT is Chevrolet’s smallest offering, but it may also have appeal to match its size. It has a noisy and cramped cabin, according to CR, and we agree. The acceleration is again, slow. You may find the ride bumpy. And there are cars of the same price range that beat the Spark’s 32 mpg fuel efficiency hollow by doing the other things right.
Note that CR’s lists are created by comparing the cars with competitors. As a result there may be cars from this list that we actually buy and find adequate for our uses.
What do you think the worst cars of the year are?
Author bio:
Bradley Taylor has an overwhelming love for everything automotive design and technology startup companies He’s a big fan of luxury cars and you can always find him on Google+ or Twitter.