10 New Cars You Should Avoid Buying
December 6, 2012
Cars such as the Dodge Journey, Jeep Wrangler, and Nissan Versa Hatchback are included on a list of 10 cars that were picked due to such things as below-par handling and performance, low marks for quality and reliability, and low crash testing ratings. Forbes used sources such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power and Associates, the Highway Loss Data Institute, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to compile the results.
Below are the 10 cars Forbes.com suggests you avoid, along with a few of the reasons why.
Vehicle to Avoid | Why? |
---|---|
Dodge Journey | Base powertrain lacking, low marks for reliability and satisfaction |
Jeep Compass/Jeep Patriot | Below-par performance, marginal side-impact performance |
Jeep Wrangler | Clumsy handling, uncomfortable interior, hard to get in and out of, marginal crash performances |
Nissan Versa Hatchback | Below average quality, design/performance and reliability |
Nissan Xterra | Uncomfortable ride, low marks for quality and design/performance |
Smart ForTwo | Impractical, underpowered, requires premium-grade fuel |
Suzuki Grand Vitara | Below-par performance and handling, low marks for quality and reliability |
Suzuki Kizashi | Low marks for quality and reliability |
Suzuki SX4 | Slow acceleration, noisy cabin, uncomfortable ride, cramped interior, unimpressive fuel economy |
Volvo XC90 | Below-par handling, higher than average ownership costs, below average reliability |
My Recommendation for Car Shoppers
TrueCar No-Haggle, CarsDirect, and Ryde Shopper are the quickest way to see the lowest car prices in your area. These sites show you no-haggle prices from dealers closest to you - and the deals are usually really good. This should be the first step you take when negotiating your car price. Follow this up with my checklist to make sure you squeeze out every last bit of savings.- Gregg Fidan
Signup for The Weekly Newsletter

Each week, I'll keep you up-to-date on the latest car deals and news that might affect your purchase. This includes...
- Best Rebates, Incentives, and Lease Deals
- Latest Car Buying Scams and Tricks
- The Best & Worst Time to Buy a Car
- Which Cars You Should Avoid
About The Author

Latest Weekly Car Buying Tips
April 2021
- Best Bang for Your Buck Lease Deals Apr 08, 2021
- Best Electric, Hybrid Lease Deals Apr 08, 2021
- Best 0% Finance Deals March 2021 Apr 08, 2021
- Real Prices of New Compact SUVs Apr 08, 2021
- Top 100 Cheapest New Cars Apr 01, 2021
- Real Prices of Large SUVs Apr 01, 2021
- New Cars You Should Wait to Buy Apr 01, 2021
- Luxury Lease Deals Under $500/mo Apr 01, 2021
March 2021
- Best Car Deals by Category Mar 25, 2021
- Worst Cars to Lease Right Now Mar 25, 2021
- Which Cars Better to Lease or Buy Mar 25, 2021
- Real Prices of Midsize Cars Mar 25, 2021
- Top 100 Cheapest Lease Deals Mar 18, 2021
- Best Car Deals Around the Country Mar 18, 2021
- Cars With the Largest Rebates Mar 18, 2021
- Price Comparison of Subcompact SUVs Mar 18, 2021
- Real Prices of Midsize SUVs Mar 11, 2021
- Biggest Discounts on New Cars Mar 04, 2021
- Real Prices of Pickup Trucks Mar 04, 2021
- Biggest Discounts on Leftover Models Mar 04, 2021
- Largest Hidden Dealer Rebates Mar 04, 2021
February 2021
- Real Prices of Compact Cars Feb 25, 2021
I welcome your car buying questions. Email Me and I'll be glad to answer them!