Blast The Music: 10 Cars With Horrible Sound Systems & 10 With The Best
Crank It or Kill It
Have you ever cranked up the volume in your car, only to be met with speakers that sound like they're on their last breath? Well, only a few cars come with the perfect sound system. The rest of them come with frustration, disappointment, and a complete butchering of all your favorite tunes. So, let's explore the sound systems you should avoid at all costs—as well as the ones that'll do your playlist justice.
AndreaTrubbiani36 on Wikimedia
1. 2009 Toyota Corolla Base Model
Do you hear more rattling than music when you turn on your Corolla's sound? You're not alone. Many owners complain that the factory speakers are poorly insulated, leading to excessive vibration—especially at higher volumes. Even at moderate levels, distortion creeps in to create a frustrating listening experience.
2. 2022 Honda Civic LX Trim
The 2022 Honda Civic LX trim comes with a basic 160-watt, four-speaker system that's, well… underwhelming. Unfortunately, the bass is weak, the midrange is uneven, and the sound just lacks depth. Some even report occasional audio cutouts, which makes an already lackluster system even more frustrating.
3. 2022 Jeep Wrangler Sport Trim
If you're taking your Jeep Wrangler off-road, you might have bigger concerns than sound quality. But even for casual driving, the stock system in the Sport trim is disappointing. People complain about the audio cutting in and out, especially on FM radio. Faulty wiring and amplifier issues are common culprits.
4. 2011 Ford Fiesta Base Model
The 2011 Ford Fiesta's base audio system suffers from weak components and poor speaker placement. The result? A sound experience that feels thin and unbalanced. Some drivers even note that different areas of the car have dramatically different volume levels, which makes for an inconsistent—and often annoying—listening experience.
5. 2012 Nissan Versa S Trim
Many praise the 2012 Nissan Versa for its spacious interior and comfortable seating. But its audio system feels anything but full. Owners often describe the sound as "hollow," especially in the lower frequencies. Thankfully, swapping out the factory speakers for aftermarket options can make a noticeable difference.
6. 2013 Chevrolet Spark Base Model
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark's four-speaker system isn't just weak—it's unreliable. Drivers and passengers report distortion at higher volumes, along with radio unit malfunctions, including freezing and unresponsiveness. In fact, the issues were bad enough that General Motors issued a recall.
order_242 from Chile on Wikimedia
7. 2017 Subaru Impreza Base Model
A six-speaker system sounds decent on paper, but in the 2017 Subaru Impreza, it leaves a lot to be desired. The bass is almost nonexistent, and the mids and highs lack clarity. This distortion gets worse at higher volumes, which makes it one of the most disappointing in its class.
8. 2019 Kia Rio Base Model
Flat sound, harsh treble, and no bass—those are the most common complaints about the 2019 Kia Rio's base audio system. Cranking up the volume only makes things worse, as distortion becomes a real problem. Plus, the system's limited audio settings don't allow for much improvement.
9. 2016 Mazda CX-3 Base Model
The 2016 Mazda CX-3's sound system doesn't just lack bass—it often sounds muffled. Owners also noticed Bluetooth connectivity issues, which makes streaming music an exercise in frustration. If you want decent audio in this car, an aftermarket head unit might be the only solution.
10. 2018 Volkswagen Jetta S Trim
If you own a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta S, you probably know that the factory audio is just… meh. It's not the worst, but far from great. The sound is mediocre at best, and no amount of tweaking seems to fix it. Besides, the sluggish infotainment system is also an issue.
Walk Around on 2018 VW Jetta S by Kyler Hawthorn
Now, what about the best ones?
1. Lexus LS
Step into a Lexus LS, and the Mark Levinson 3D Surround Sound System will change the cabin into a concert hall within seconds. There are 23 strategically placed speakers and an immersive 7.1-channel surround sound. Every note coming out of it is very clear and highly balanced.
2. Bentley Continental GT
Luxury and high-end audio go hand in hand in the Bentley Continental GT. The Naim Audio system delivers 2,200 watts through 21 speakers, offering deep bass, crystal-clear highs, and a rich midrange. Thanks to real-time sound adjustments, road noise doesn't stand a chance.
3. Audi A8
Audi's partnership with Bang & Olufsen means the A8 gets a truly premium listening experience. This system has 1,920 watts of power, and it creates a 3D soundstage so immersive that you'll feel like you're sitting in the front row of a live performance.
4. Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class
The Burmester 4D sound system in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class doesn't just let you hear the music—you can feel it. With 31 speakers, 1,750 watts, and subwoofers built into the seats, this system delivers an unmatched level of depth and clarity.
5. Land Rover Range Rover
In an off-road beast like the Land Rover Range Rover, the Meridian Signature Sound System in the Range Rover is all about high-fidelity listening. One great feature is the Active Noise Cancellation, which counteracts road and engine noise in real time, keeping your music crisp and immersive.
6. BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series brings out power in the Bowers & Wilkins Sound System, which borrows high-end technology from home audio setups. The result is an exceptionally crisp treble with powerful and distortion-free bass, no matter the volume.
7. Cadillac CT6
Cadillac went all out with the Bose Panaray system in the CT6. With 34 speakers placed throughout the cabin—including the dashboard, doors, roof pillars, and seats—this system creates an immersive audio experience few vehicles on the market can match.
8. Tesla Model S Plaid
Known for pushing boundaries, Tesla and its Premium Audio System is no exception. The 22-speaker 960W setup, designed in-house, delivers deep, resonant bass and crisp highs for streaming YouTube, watching Netflix, or enjoying your favorite playlist. The sound is balanced and crystal clear.
9. Porsche Taycan
A car built for luxury deserves an audio system that's just as refined. Porsche teamed up with Burmester to craft their High-End Surround Sound System to ensure every note hits with pinpoint accuracy. This 1,455W, 21-speaker setup adapts to driving conditions, meaning your music always stays crisp and dynamic.
10. Volvo XC90
Volvo brings quality and next-level satisfaction with the Bowers & Wilkins audio system in the XC90. With 19 speakers, this setup is designed to fill the cabin with rich sound. The highlight is a unique "Gothenburg Concert Hall" mode, which recreates the acoustics of a world-class music venue.
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
