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The worst cars in history: what are their main disadvantages

Alina MilsentNews
Car rating

When choosing a car, drivers are primarily focused on reliability, quality, price, cost, and maintenance. Choosing the list of the worst cars is quite subjective, but some models of the global automotive industry have become a complete disappointment.

Carbuzz experts have released a rating of cars that have failed to meet expectations and become outsiders. The list of the worst cars includes Dodge Caliber, Ford EcoSport, and Suzuki Jimny.

Chrysler Crossfire

Chrysler Crossfire appeared when retro style was the most popular design trend. The Crossfire promised a lot, but drivers were not thrilled with the novelty. With the engine in the front, two seats in the middle, and all the power transmitted to the rear axle, it was a car built on an old platform with an archaic, atmospheric, heavy six-cylinder engine. The top speed was electronically limited to 255 km per hour. The interior was covered in poorly fitted metal-like plastic, but the paint faded over time. Since it was one of the worst cars ever made in America, it can be purchased at a fairly low price.

Dodge Caliber

The Dodge Caliber appeared before the crossover and could have been the dominant subcompact car. Dodge had a styling inspired by muscle cars, which made us think it would be a family car. In fact, the Caliber was equipped with an underpowered 2.0-liter, non-supercharged four-cylinder engine that produced only 158 hp. The top model was equipped with a CVT transmission, but maximum torque was only available from 5000 rpm. On smaller models, a five-speed manual transmission was available, and there was a lot of shifting to keep the engine in the powerband.

Hummer H2

The story of how the military Humvee became a civilian vehicle is well known. In response to civilian demand, AM General began building the Hummer H1. It had the same basic elements as the military Humvee but with the addition of some comfort features. General Motors acquired the brand in 1999. Unfortunately, the H2 was almost useless for off-roading because it was built on the GMT820 platform, which was also used in the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. It had a permanent four-wheel drive system with a transfer case and a locking rear differential, but Jeep could have sold you a much better 4x4 for much less. The main problem was the lack of decent engine options. Previously updated H2s were equipped with a 6.0-liter V8 with 325 hp. General Motors updated the car in 2008, adding a 6.2-liter V8 with 393 hp.

Maybach 57 and 62

Mercedes-Benz decided to bring back Maybach as a separate brand to compete with the Phantom. The 57 (short wheelbase) or 62 (long wheelbase) variants were powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine with 600 horsepower. Slow sales eventually killed Maybach as a standalone brand, and it wasn't because of the recession. Rolls-Royce consistently outsold Maybach, even though the Phantom was less technologically advanced.

Smart ForTwo

The main problem with the ForTwo is that it only worked in the city. The OG ForTwo was only available with a series of turbocharged three-cylinder engines that were mated to a six-speed automated manual transmission. The tiny plastic body offered little protection. But the handling was also much worse due to the unique chassis. You could turn the steering wheel as much as you wanted, but the ForTwo was very clumsy.

Chrysler Sebring Convertible

There were three engine options available, none of them good. The 2.4-liter NA four-cylinder engine lacked power. The 2.7-liter V6 had the same problem, and it was mated to a terrible four-speed automatic transmission. Like many older cars, it downshifts and makes more noise without providing more momentum. The 3.5-liter V6 produced 235 hp and was mated to a six-speed automatic.

Ford EcoSport

The EcoSport was first introduced in 2012. In 2016, Ford decided to adapt the car for the American market. Only a 2.0-liter four-cylinder atmospheric engine developing 166 hp is available.

Aston Martin Cygnet

According to Aston Martin's marketing department, Cygnet "has been designed as a luxury urban mobility solution" and is "an extension of Aston Martin's acclaimed luxury sports car range." The real reason for the Cygnet's existence is the European Union's Average Emissions Regulations. The EU has imposed emission limits on the entire automaker's fleet, and since Aston Martin only produced V8 and V12 models at the time. Experts say that instead of developing a new car following these stupid rules, "Aston Martin bought some Toyota IQs and took off the badges" and "uses Cygnet to get around emissions rules set by politicians who have no idea how the automotive industry works."

Suzuki Jimny

The third-generation Suzuki Jimny was introduced in Japan in late 1998. The Jimny is slow and not standard to drive. For the first two years, the third generation was only available with the three-cylinder K6A engine, with or without a turbocharger. The 658 cubic centimeter, non-supercharged engine produced 53 hp, and the addition of the supercharged engine increased the figure to 63 hp. Sustaining 100 km/h is difficult, even if you choose the later 1.3-liter NA four-cylinder engine.

Jeep Compass (first generation)

Jeep has created some terrible cars in the past. Examples include the Patriot, the previously mentioned Jeep model on the Dodge Caliber. The Liberty and Commander were also outdated before they went on sale. But the biggest of them all was the first-generation Compass, made between 2006 and 2016. It also used the same platform and engines as the Patriot and Caliber, but Jeep changed the marketing for the Compass. The main problem was the CVT transmission. Drivers said it felt as if the clutch was constantly slipping, whining unbearably, and you had to pull it a little to make meaningful progress. This increases fuel consumption.

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