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by Jeff Bressler on March 6, 2008

Consumer Reports annual list of the 11 worst cars in America is out. Automotive analysts for the magazine took a look at more than 260 vehicles in this year's evaluation and once again SUVs made in the U.S. dominated the field.
Surprisingly, two Toyotas hit rock bottom as well and Chrysler placed three models on the list of ill repute with the Jeep brand.
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Here are the results for 2008, according to Consumer Reports -
•Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: The Wrangler Unlimited is reported to produce poor ride and handling as well as dismal fuel economy, fit and finish.
•Hummer H3 five-cylinder: Consumer Reports rated this SUV as providing poor performance and fuel economy. The Hummer received a low rating for handling and reliability as well.
•Jeep Liberty Sport: Rated poorly for fuel economy as well as fit and finish.
•: The Aveo5 suffers from poor acceleration and handling, according to the magazine.
•Dodge Nitro SLT: Consumer Reports rated this little truck as one of the worst in the field. The Dodge Nitro SLT was scored as having poor ride, handling, braking and fuel economy.
•Toyota FJ Cruiser: One of two Toyotas at the bottom of the list, the SUV requires premium fuel and provides a poor ride, poor handling characteristics, poor fit and finish.
•Toyota Yaris: The little Yaris is a popular subcompact but produces poor acceleration and steering, according to the magazine.
•Suzuki Forenza: The Suzuki Forenza received a poor rating because of lackluster acceleration, fuel economy, ride and low results in side impact crash tests.
•Jeep Patriot Limited: The third Jeep product to make the 11 worst list show up because of poor acceleration, engine noise, driver seating position, visibility, front seat comfort, fit and finish.
•Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT: The Trailblazer LT has been around a long time, maybe too long. The SUV, according to Consumer Reports, produces poor handling, braking and fuel economy.
•Mercury Grand Marquis: The aging dinosaur is the oldest design and largest passenger car made in America. The Grand Marquis makes the bottom of the list at Consumer Reports as one of the worst cars of 2008 because of grumbling engine sounds, poor ride, fuel economy and low results in side impact crash tests.
Permalink: List of Ill Repute
Tags:
Mercury
Grand
Marquis
Chevrolet
TrailBlazer
LT
Jeep
Patriot
Limited
Suzuki
Forenza
Toyota
Yaris
Toyo
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Mr Wong
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(03/06/08 10:55am)
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The self described (top right) "Best Automakers" were Honda, Toyota and Subaru (now part-owned by Toyota).
Manufacturers whose vehicles scored well for test scores but were abysmal in reliability were Mercedes Benz, to a lesser extent, Volkswagen-Audi (more tilting towards Volkswagen).
The three worst companies appeared to be GM (lower left corner), with Suzuki and Chrysler below and slightly to the left (worse test scores compared to GM but - slightly - more reliable).
Interestingly, Mitsubishi scored better reliability than every company other than Honda, Toyota and Subaru - but the test scores were low. Ford was on a similar test score line, but with less reliability.
Similar reliability, but somewhat better test scores, affected Hyundai (including Kia - which probably dragged Hyundai proper's scores down) and Volvo. Above these two, meaning similar reliability to Ford, Volvo and Hyundai, were BMW, Mazda and Nissan in a tight "bunch". So, these makes are not really more reliable than are Fords or Hyundais, but score better in CR tests.
Interestingly, my next new automotive purchase is going to be decided between Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Hyundai, with a "maybe" nod towards Mazda. The only reason I won't even consider a Mitsubishi is the lack of dealer where I live.
I currently have a 2008 Toyota Prius (won't be replaced until the wheels fall off) and my wife's 2007 Hyundai Sonata (lease runs out in May 2009).