Buyer's Remorse
There are plenty of cars out there that have terrible reputations they don’t deserve – then there are those that do. But despite their notoriety and well-reported negative press, some cars just seem to keep selling.
1. Tesla Cybertruck
Tesla has certainly had a lot of drama, and it's safe to say its reputation is all but destroyed. Regardless, people continue to buy the futuristic-looking Cybertruck, despite the many software bugs and safety concerns laid out. That, including expensive repairs and delayed production, makes it questionable at best.
2. Mitsubishi Mirage
While it may seem like Mitsubishi is disappearing from the mainstream, one of their somehow profitable cars is the Mirage, which even looks awkwardly proportioned at first sight. In addition to this, the car is known for its sluggish acceleration and noisy transmissions, but it apparently is one of the cheaper cars around.
3. Dodge Caliber
Dodge has definitely had some hits and misses, but the Caliber was a big miss. With a boxy-looking shape and an unreliable engine, this car had bad luck written all around it. But since some people are lifelong fans of Dodge, they still continue to buy up this car.
4. Chrysler Sebring
The Sebring is best known for its terrible reliability and horrendous-looking convertible version. If that’s not enough to keep you away, it’s interesting to note that plenty of rental companies continue to buy up this car.
5. Kia K5
Why did it have to be a Kia? While the company is trying to make a comeback, the transmission issues and stiff ride are features you simply don’t have to worry about with other vehicles. However, Kia’s unique style still continues to attract buyers to this day.
6. Jeep Commander
Everyone knows why Jeep sells: it’s because they’re Jeep! They’re the quintessential rugged, outdoorsy man’s-man car. But despite this, the Commander is known for terrible fuel economy and numerous electrical issues.
7. Nissan Ariya
The Ariya tries to come across as a futuristic-looking car, but that illusion is broken when you realize you’re paying a pretty penny for lackluster charging speeds and inconsistent software. There are plenty of EVs that do a much better job, but if you’re a Nissan fan, it’s hard to sway.
8. PT Cruiser
Some people swear that the PT Cruiser is the worst car to ever exist. It has a retro look, but that’s paired with gasket failures, bad transmissions, and an interior that feels like plastic. However, it’s hard to argue with nostalgia and those nice and low used-car prices.
9. Honda CR-V
Honda has a reputation for reliability, which is probably why many people continue to buy their cars despite recent declines in performance. With that in mind, the CR-V is plagued with expensive repairs and oil dilution issues.
10. Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper just has this fun and quirky look that keeps customers coming back and back. But if you do a little research, you’ll find that the car’s biggest issues are its expensive repairs, which make it quite the pricey pick.
11. Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO comes across looking pretty plain and boring, and it adds to that with expensive maintenance costs and a weak interior. You shouldn’t expect much out of resale value, but some people love it for its powerful engine and continue to buy.
12. Chrysler 200
Chrysler returns with the aptly named 200, a generic-looking mid-sized sedan with terrible driving quality and an underpowered engine. Some say it’s the rental fleets alone that keep this car alive.
13. Ineos Grenadier
This is another retro-looking car that you might not have heard of before. However, for some off-road fans, it’s a solid choice they keep coming back to. But the reality is that it's quite expensive, and many complain about its outdated tech features.
14. Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen has a weird reputation. It’s a very popular brand in Europe, but in America, it's considered quite unreliable. That being said, the car is criticized for its cheap materials, reliability issues, transmission failures, and numerous engine problems.
15. Buick Rendezvous
Buick is a bit of a running joke in America, where its poor reliability has driven most fans away. But somehow, it’s a very popular brand in China, where the denizens adore its unique look.
16. Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet has also made some terrible cars over the years, despite being a relatively well-known brand. The Malibu in particular has an aggressive stop-start system that drives plenty of drivers crazy. Plus, it’s clear to see that the company was frugal with its materials.
17. Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
Another Chevrolet car to consider is the Corvette, which tries to come across as sleek and cool but is marred by its complicated hybrid system. The questionable reliability makes it an easy skip, but some Chevrolet fans can’t help themselves.
18. Maserati Granturismo
Taking a turn into the world of luxury cars, you might think a Maserati is a fantastic car, which is why so many people keep buying them for that unique Italian sports car look. But aside from the aesthetic, the car has crazy maintenance costs, old tech, and is known to have various issues when driving.
19. Toyota Tacoma
It almost feels sacrilegious to include Toyota, as it is one of the most trusted car brands in the world. While the Tacoma sells well due to its Toyota name, the reality is that the car has poor fuel economy and an outdated engine, lacking modern features that other Toyotas have in spades.
20. Range Rover
For some, the peak of luxury is owning a Range Rover, which is probably why it never has trouble selling as a status symbol. But despite this, the company is famous for its unreliability and expensive maintenance costs. You should know what you’re getting into with this one.
