Five Worst New Cars by Consumer Reports
What are the worst cars available on today’s market?
Consumer Reports has released its annual list of the best and worst cars available, after putting each vehicle through a battery of tests. The overall scores for each vehicle are based on over 50 individual tests and evaluations and each is scored on a 100-point scale. Reliability and crash test scores are also factored in to the scoring.
#5. Scion iQ
Coming in fifth place with a score of 36 is the Scion iQ, which Consumer Reports describes as “slow, noisy, and uncomfortable.” One of the few positives that the publication gives the compact car is its overall fuel economy of 34 mpg, but they called the rear seats “puny” and the overall feel of the iQ “darty.”
Fourth place went to one of the cheapest electric vehicles available on today’s market, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Scoring 35 out of 100, the i-MiEV is “slow, clumsy, stiff-riding, and quite utilitarian inside,” according to Consumer Reports. The publication notes that the Nissan Leaf is a much better option that “feels like a real car.”
SEE ALSO: Consumer Reports Top Picks for 2015
That isn’t the only vehicle from Mitsubishi on the list, as its Mirage ES compact scored a meager 29. While the publication gave the Mirage a nod for its absorbent ride, 37-mpg fuel economy and accommodating rear seat, Consumer Reports couldn’t get over the Mirage’s weak, vibrating and noisy three-cylinder engine and clumsy handling. One of the biggest cons to the Mirage is its poor score on the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
As we near the worst car rated by Consumer Reports, we have to first address the Smart ForTwo that scored just 25 points. The two-seater subcompact got praise for being good on gas and easy to park, but those are essentially the only positives it has. Slow acceleration, a harsh ride and clumsy handling all attributed to its low rating but there’s actually one car that’s worse than the ForTwo.
That car is the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, notching a mere 20 points on a 100-point scale. Despite the Wrangler being “better than ever,” according to Consumer Reports, it still suffers from clumsy handling and a ride that rocks and jiggles constantly. Loud wind noise at highway speeds, an uncomfortable interior and poor crash test results are all negatives, but the publication does say its off-road performance is solid. Unfortunately, below average reliability also hurt the Wrangler’s rating.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Obviously number 1 is meant in a satirical fashion. If not, author, I command you to never type another article.... ever
My retired mother loves her Scion IQ. She likes that it parks anywhere and the go cart feel. I loved my Jeep Wrangler. You got to know what you are buying before you drive it off the lot. The Wrangler's major fault is it is a money pit for accessories. Just add $30K (lifts, bumpers, racks, armour, and lots more) to really make it yours.