10 Worst Cars of 2011
We pick the biggest stinkers of the year.
Web2Carz Contributing Writer
Published: October 7th, 2011
This year saw many exciting advancements in fuel efficiency, car technology and advanced safety features. Regardless of the cool cars making their way on U.S. roadways, there are several models that just don't cut the mustard. From fuel efficiency, overall vehicle ownership costs vs. reliability, and even safety ratings--many model choices may not be the best buy for consumers. Web2Carz evaluates the 10 Worst Cars of 2011.
Truth is told--there is an option for everyone. Whatever vehicle classes a consumer may be looking into, there are some definite models to avoid. These are vehicles that score below average in reliability, fuel economy, driving experience, vehicle value depreciation and safety.
Web2Carz has looked at a myriad of factors including fuel efficiency, overall vehicle ownership costs, reliability ratings and safety features from Consumer Reports to come up with the 10 Worse Cars of 2011.
|
|
2011 Cadillac Escalade MPG:14mpg urban/18mpg highway Why a Bad Choice? The Escalade is a luxurious version of the Tahoe and Yukon, but does not justify its price point. Very poor 13-MPG average makes the Escalade a poor choice as many in-class competitors can be had for less money--and with better fuel economy. Third Row seating is cramped and does not fold into the floor for extra cargo space that you think would be available. Reliability also is set below the national average, according to Consumer Reports--who scores the Escalade a 61 points out of a possible 100. |
|
|
2011 SMART ForTwo MPG:33mpg urban/41mpg highway Why a Bad Choice? You may be able to park the SMART ForTwo car with no problems, but do not get into an accident--the vehicle has subpar bodyweight, and is just too small to offer plausible safety. Consumer reviews are below average, and the Smart ForTwo gets bad ratings on its transmission, acceleration, driving noise and the requirement for Premium fuel. Reliability reports are also below the national average. Consumer Reports gives the Smart ForTwo an overall score of 28--out of 100 possible points. |
|
|
2011 Dodge Nitro MPG:16mpg urban/22mpg highway Why a Bad Choice? With a Consumer Report of 33 out of 100, consumers may want to think twice about a Dodge Nitro. Sharing many design attributes as the Jeep Liberty, the Nitro earns a lackluster 16MPG average. Described as a noisy SUV, the Nitro drives clumsy and stiff while lacking handling agility. As Consumer Reports so well explains, "Overall the Nitro is behind the times." |
|
|
2011 Dodge Dakota MPG:15mpg urban/20mpg highway Why a Bad Choice? 4WD models have below-average reliability ratings. The V6 has subpar power, while the V8 4.7-liter can fill the gap. Although the ride is more desirable than some in-class competitors, highway-driving experience feels disconnected--even when the bed is weighted down. Consumer Reports give the Dodge Dakota a 58 out of 100. |
|
|
2011 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid MPG:20mpg urban/23mpg highway Why a Bad Choice? Poor breaking performance coupled with so-so fuel efficiency make the 2011 Tahoe Hybrid not the best bet for prospective buyers looking for large vehicles. Consumer Reports gives the Tahoe Hybrid a score of 57/100, and states that braking is subpar, steering is uncomfortable, third-row seating is cramped, and reliability ratings are below average. |
|
|
2011 Chevrolet Aveo MPG:27mpg urban/35mpg highway Why a Bad Choice? Below average reliability ratings combined with unimpressive acceleration for a small compact make the 2011 Aveo a bad choice. Driving experience feels clunky, and the ride is noisy. Interior quality subpar compared to other affordable compacts. Consumer Reports gives the Aveo a 36/100--far below compact competitors. Look out for the Aveo replacement for 2012--the Chevy Sonic. |
|
|
2011 Jeep Wrangler MPG:15mpg urban/19mpg highway Why a Bad Choice? The oldest 4x4 with a very recognizable name and brand does not do enough justice. The 2011 Jeep Wrangler has subpar power in its 3.8-liter V6, and still guzzles gas at 15-MPG average. Off-Road capability aside, the Wrangler offers a stiff and bumpy ride, while giving passengers subpar safety standards in models not equipped with side-impact airbags. Consumer Reports gives the Wrangler a 17 out of 100. |
|
|
2011 Nissan Titan MPG:29mpg urban/37mpg highway Why a Bad Choice? Noisy V8 and exhaust may interrupt driving experience. The 2011 Nissan Titan scored a 62 out of 100 by Consumer Reports, with reliability dropping below average for the past 5 model years. No full-time AWD to match the power output, and passenger room for crew cab models is subpar compared to in-class competitors. |
|
|
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser MPG:17mpg urban/22mpg highway Why a Bad Choice? Clunky handing and driving experience, poor in-car visibility, poor fuel economy and a bumpy ride make the 2011 Toyota FJ a card to put back in the deck. Consumer Reports scores this vehicle 36 out of a possible 100 points, and is the poorest-rated Toyota model. |
|
|
2011 Ford Ranger MPG:22mpg urban/27mpg highway Why a Bad Choice? Ford tried to create a compact pickup that would be affordable and somewhat fuel-efficient. Instead they created a truck that has poor consumer reviews, poor power and performance in V6 models, 2wd versions that are not good for adverse weather, and minimal safety features. 50 Percent of owners have positive reviews towards 2011 Ford Ranger models, according to Consumer Reports, and they give the vehicle a 25/100 score. |
Interested in finding cars that are best bets while still saving some dough? Check out Web2carz Best Used Cars Under $20,000.
