When the Consumer Report publication reviewed the 2019 Dodge Journey, they described it as “Smaller than the typical mid-sized SUV … a dated and mediocre performer”. The vehicle was also placed as a contender in the “Worst Overall” and “Least Satisfying” categories. The main reasons cited for the vehicle’s poor reviews regarded its slow performance, high fuel consumption, a transmission that just doesn’t want to change gears, and a small third-row seat.
Kelley Blue Book, a California-based vehicle evaluator and automotive research company that is recognized by both consumers and the automotive industry, also deemed the Journey as a poor contender in the already crowded SUV market. Even though the car was hailed as a worse version of other great SUVs, it was still appreciated for some qualities such as ”comfortable seats, a forgiving ride quality, and many stowage areas to help keep trips bearable.”
1971 Chevrolet Vega
This car truly takes the cake for the worst blunder General Motors has ever made. The 1971 Chevrolet Vega was a broken piece of trash. with a myriad of problems, ranging from faulty engineering, complete lack of reliability, poor safety, high rusting rates, and an engine with a lifespan shorter than most butterflies. These problems were only later discovered by disappointed consumers, as the car initially sold fairly well. The Vega ruined both Chevrolet's brand as a reliable auto-maker and General Motors' reputation in general.
The Vega's engine was so poorly built, that it caused the car to shake excessively while driving. This shaking cracked the valve stems and leaked oil everywhere until there was nothing left in the oil tank within only a few hundred miles. The Vega was extremely prone to overheat and engine fires were not uncommon. When reviewing the Vega, American automotive enthusiast magazine Car and Driver said: "It was so unreliable that it seemed the only time anyone saw a Vega on the road not puking out oil smoke was when it was being towed." Ouch!
Fiat 500L
As usual, Consumer Reports came in as the toughest critic when judging the 2019 Fiat 500L, and marked it with the cursed "Worst Overall" label that they seem to throw around more often than not. However, other reviewers weren’t too thrilled with the small wagon either. Besides plenty of interior passenger and cargo space and a relatively new touchscreen interface, the car was mostly criticized for having a cheap and plastic feel interior, a lack of modern safety features, and for the fact that the back seats cannot fold for extra cargo space (which is standard in such a small car).
Clearly disappointed that “the overall package just doesn't exude the sense of playfulness that makes the 500 such a charming car” Edmunds summarized their review with a recommendation to skip this one. “While the 500L offers a lot of utility at a low price, most other small wagons, hatchbacks, and crossovers are more enjoyable to drive and easier to live with.” they wrote.
Jaguar F-Pace
Boasting a high-performance supercharged V6 acceleration, up to a mind-boggling V8 SVR variant, the 2019 Jaguar F-Pace appears to be on track as one of the year's most exciting SUVs. With some serious marketing dollars behind it, this one made us take a serious look before being disappointed to find that there wasn't much there. The F-Pace's interior materials are a huge disappointment with a starting price of $45,000, and the stiff ride just makes us want to go sit in a Mercedes or a Porsche that goes for about the same price.
Kelley Blue Book nailed the car for having a ride that’s "stiff and choppy". The Jaguar SUV wasn't treated well in reviews and received a measly 3 stars out of 5 from Whatcar.com. They claim that "You could buy a much larger SUV, such as an Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90, for less money, although neither of those rivals is as fast or a sharp to drive as the F-Pace."
2007 BMW X6
When BMW first launched the X6, it was marketed as a way for wealthy off-road enthusiasts to drive in luxury and style, while also being able to travel off-road. Unfortunately for them, the first generation of this car didn’t do a great job with either one of those things.
The SAV (“sports activity vehicle”) opened to moderate sales and wasn’t received too well nor too poorly. Over the subsequent years, BMW has smoothed out the wrinkles and managed to upgrade the car into something an off-road enthusiast would actually enjoy driving. While today’s options for a great BMW to drive in the dirt are much larger and better working, the original X6 was not something anyone would be too proud of.