Handle With Care
Have you ever driven a car that just doesn't feel quite right? Well, you're not alone because not all cars handle the streets and terrain the same way. So, before you pay a visit to the showroom, get all the facts right. It's time to learn about the cars that know how to hug the curves and skip the ones that tend to struggle. Here are the 10 cars most notorious for their poor handling and 10 with the best.
1. Chevrolet Impala
When you push the Impala through high-speed corners, it quickly becomes clear that it's not exactly built for precision. The soft suspension and vague steering make it feel more like a luxury cruiser than a performance car. It's a solid highway ride, but when the road gets twisty, it falls apart.
2. Subaru Ascent
This is a family SUV that leaves you constantly second-guessing it on the road. The steer lacks precision, which makes quick lane changes a gamble. If you enjoy the feeling of a boat on choppy waters, this might be your ride. Otherwise, prepare for some white-knuckle moments.
3. Honda Civic
Sure, the Civic is smooth on the city streets, but take it over a rough patch of road, and you'll feel every bump. The suspension isn't ideal for anything beyond smooth tarmac. If you're looking to do anything beyond standard city-driving, brace yourself for frustration!
4. Jeep Cherokee
Take a sharp turn in the Jeep Cherokee, and you'll quickly notice the body roll. It's not that it can't handle off-road conditions, but when you push it around corners, it feels top-heavy and unstable. The handling is much better suited for a leisurely drive.
5. Nissan Juke
The Juke's quirky appearance hides a serious flaw in its maneuverability. With a high center of gravity and a bouncy ride, it struggles to maintain stability on tight turns. At higher speeds, it even feels like you might be about to tip over.
6. Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200's handling falls short when cornering aggressively. It suffers from noticeable body lean and early understeer, giving a vague steering feel. While it performs adequately in casual driving, taking it further reveals weaknesses in both the suspension and steering. This mismatch between the powertrain and the chassis makes it less suited for thrilling rides.
7. Dodge Challenger
Yes, it is a powerful ride, but don't expect it to behave like a sports car on corners. The Challenger is a beast in a straight line, but take it through quick turns, and it starts to feel its weight. The maneuver lacks the precision you'd expect from a performance car.
8. Volvo XC90
The XC90 has luxury, safety, and the handling of a slightly confused elephant. The car might look sleek, but its size and weight make driving an exercise in patience. The steering feels distant, and the body roll turns twisty roads into an awkward runaround. It's only good for cruising.
9. Ford Mustang
The Mustang might be a muscle car, but it's got a tricky side when it comes to perfect handling. Oversteering is common, which means it tends to get a little too eager on tight turns. You have to keep a sharp eye on the road, as the back end likes to swing out when you don't expect it.
10. Subaru Outback
It is excellent for off-road adventures, but throw it into sharp turns, and it's a different story. The suspension of the Outback doesn't quite keep the car's body steady, and the steering can feel a bit vague. It's fine for light off-roading but not built for tricky roads.
Thankfully, there are a few cars that are built for smooth handling, and it's time to put the next ten on your list.
1. Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 has earned its reputation as the ultimate precision machine, and for good reason. When you throw it on a straight road, the car stays glued to the tarmac, no matter the angle. It's so precise that it feels like it's reading your mind. Simply put, it's the benchmark.
2. BMW M3
Someone who has driven the BMW M3 will tell you it's like being in a symbiotic relationship with the road. The maneuver is so responsive and dynamic that it feels like the car moves as soon as you think about the turn. It's a true driver's car, designed to make you ease through every curve of the road.
3. Mazda MX-5 Miata
It's almost like Mazda created the MX-5 Miata to defy physics. The car is light, agile, and small enough to glide through corners with the kind of enthusiasm you expect from a go-kart. It's so nimble that it feels more like an extension of your own body than a car—perfect for the driving enthusiast.
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4. Audi R8
There's something magical about the Audi R8. This is not just a supercar. The R8 is a precision instrument. Whether you're taking it around a tight hairpin bend or blitzing down a straight road, the handling is spot-on. Track or street, it doesn't matter to this car that finds itself equally at home on both.
5. Chevrolet Corvette
Chevy's Corvette has always been known for its power, but its maneuverability sets it apart. With a well-balanced chassis and responsive steering, it feels incredibly stable, even at high speeds. You can push it to the limit and still feel confident in its ability to stick to the road.
6. Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise is an absolute dream on twisty roads and offers precision cornering that even the most seasoned drivers will appreciate. Light and sharp, this agile machine has everything that makes it an essence of driving pleasure.
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7. Ferrari 488 GTB
The 488 GTB is a masterpiece. The handling of this Ferrari is highly fine-tuned. Push it harder, and it only gets better, offering pinpoint accuracy and an incredible grip that most sports cars struggle to achieve. It's as close to perfection as you can get.
8. Honda Civic Type R
If you're looking for a track-ready car that doesn't cost a fortune, you might want to consider the Honda Civic Type R. Its precise maneuverability and sharp feedback make it an absolute joy on the track. The suspension and steering performance created a car that feels every bit as spry as a race car.
9. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is one of those cars that surprises you. Italian flair combined with impeccable control, it grips corners like a true performance vehicle. The chassis is stiff, the operation is precise, and you'll find yourself driving it smoothly through bends just for the sheer joy of it. It's the total package.
10. Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT isn't just a pretty face. The car is a serious contender when it comes to a smooth ride. On the street, it's a darling. On the track, it's ready to dominate. With the right mix of comfort and sharpness, it adapts to every situation and leaves you feeling in complete control.
