From Cars.com: Worst Cars of the 2000s

[Long Island Bob]

By Mike Hanley and Joe Wiesenfelder, Cars.com

Even with the strides that cars have made in recent years, let's face it: There have been some real stinkers, too. Whether poorly executed, ill-conceived or downright dreadful to look at, these 10 stand out for all the wrong reasons. A car had to be sold at any point in the 2000s to be eligible for this list; some of these models were only on the market for a few years, while others are still being sold today


http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/autos_content_landing_pages__17/autos_content_landing_pages-236683267-1254422691.jpg?ymjyo.BDp2IKjwhW

10. Pontiac Aztek
2001-2005

The Aztek was criticized for the duration of its life for its ghastly styling. Design is subjective, so what do you think of the Aztek shown here? Were the critics wrong? Yeah, we didn't think so.



9. Daewoo Anything
1999-2002

We had just tested a Suzuki Esteem and marveled at how competent even the cheapest little econoboxes had become when a leather-lined Leganza midsize sedan showed up — the best Daewoo had to offer. We mused over which would kill us first: the toxic gases from the cheap interior or the recalcitrant transmission and inconsistent acceleration. Three days into the loan, the first Daewoo crash tests in U.S. history came out, and we called Daewoo and told them to come pick up the car. We'd never done that before, and we haven't since.



8. Isuzu VehiCROSS
1999-2002

The outrageous Isuzu VehiCROSS two-door SUV, whose extreme styling drew varied reactions, lasted from 1999 to 2001, and even that's surprising. The fanglike grille uprights made it look like it would eat you, which was scary mainly because inside the VehiCROSS was a place no one wanted to be. Headroom was minimal, and the low roof blocked even shorter drivers' view. If the noisy cabin didn't get to you, the punishing ride would. Isuzu deserved credit for taking a chance then on a design likely to find more admirers now, and it deserved scorn for a 2001 sticker price that would be just as preposterous in the current market. The VehiCROSS cost $30,350 by the time it fired up its interplanetary drive and went back where it belonged. . . . . . . . . .

<snip>


1. Smart ForTwo
2008-present
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/autos_content_landing_pages__15/autos_content_landing_pages-682617283-1236811735.jpg?ymYPd7ADchfY1563
We don't have a problem with small cars in general (we're big fans of the Mini Cooper), just with ones that don't deliver on the benefits of going small. The pint-sized ForTwo sacrifices a lot of passenger space for a relatively unimpressive 41 mpg on the highway, has an SUV-like propensity to roll over, and is equipped with an aggravating sequential manual transmission. Sure, the ForTwo looks cute, but after you drive it you won't be smiling anymore.



http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1071/worst-cars-of-the-2000s/buzz;_ylt=AvacBIjekPC8NB593EiEre90fNdF

[super cool ski instructor]

I will never understand the appeal of those damn Smart Cars.

[Apatriot]

Link to the OPs article?

[Nevarwinter]

I will never understand the appeal of those damn Smart Cars.

It's eco-elitism appeal.

Look at what i'm doing for the environment.

I'm all for high mpg. I really am. Once more people start driving motorcycles, i'll get one. This way, they're not death traps on two wheels.

I used to drive a big mustard yellow (factory color!) 1979 Toyota Landcruiser FJ40 with 36" tires, brush guards and a few extra lights for night driving. You wouldn't believe how many times people switch lanes or pull out of parking lots and damn near ran me off the road because they just didn't look or if they did, they somehow missed the big yellow thing. I remember having to lock those tires up from 45mph because some idiot, on the phone, pulled out of a parking lot into the street without seeing me.

When I bought my jeep, I considered a motorcycle, but I swear, I got run off the road the first day I owned it by a lady in a SUV (on the phone, of course).

[Long Island Bob]

Link to the OPs article?

sorry

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1071/worst-cars-of-the-2000s/buzz;_ylt=AvacBIjekPC8NB593EiEre90fNdF

[grapabeaux]

If you look closely at the SmartCars, you can see where the penny is supposed to go.

[VCaddy05]

LOL, thats a good list. I remember first seeing that "smart" car, and was like huh not bad if you live in the city, guess it gets like 50-60 mpg and is small for compact parking. NO! that piece of **** barely gets 40 and you see some of the dumbest looking people in them! That car is very close to completely worthless.
THe Aztec is another great one on the list! I remember my mother telling me she bought a new car, and I come out and see that thing, I was like what the **** is that! Thing looks like a Dinosaur head or something, and she didnt even get the tent!

[VCaddy05]

It's eco-elitism appeal.

Look at what i'm doing for the environment.

I'm all for high mpg. I really am. Once more people start driving motorcycles, i'll get one. This way, they're not death traps on two wheels.

I used to drive a big mustard yellow (factory color!) 1979 Toyota Landcruiser FJ40 with 36" tires, brush guards and a few extra lights for night driving. You wouldn't believe how many times people switch lanes or pull out of parking lots and damn near ran me off the road because they just didn't look or if they did, they somehow missed the big yellow thing. I remember having to lock those tires up from 45mph because some idiot, on the phone, pulled out of a parking lot into the street without seeing me.

When I bought my jeep, I considered a motorcycle, but I swear, I got run off the road the first day I owned it by a lady in a SUV (on the phone, of course).

Yea i hear you there man! I want a motorcycle bad! but I cant tell you how many times I have been rear ended or cut off, or had people run red lights and nearly hit me ( or really hit me). I just can imagine it wouldnt be different on a bike, and if any one of the times ive been hit by careless idiots, I would be dead for sure. ITs a shame there are so stupid people out there.

[super cool ski instructor]

If you look closely at the SmartCars, you can see where the penny is supposed to go.

:))

[gdoane]

If you look closely at the SmartCars, you can see where the penny is supposed to go.

To look closely at a SmartCar, you need a magnifying glass.

The thing that bugs me the most recently is that cab companies are using Toyota Prius for taxis. That has got to be the crummiest car choice for a taxi ever. You'd need two if you're taking any actual luggage to the airport.

The cab companies call it a "green cab" and even paint the things green. A Prius doesn't need any help in the ugly department but green paint does make it even worse.

The only reason I wouldn't want to be shot for riding in a green Prius is because I wouldn't want to be caught dead in one.

[JenyEliza]

Believe it or not, I like the Smart Car and am actually considering buying one in the next 18 months, as I am going back to school and won't be driving more than 3 miles each way to and from campus, and my twins will become driving age. They will be driving 34 miles round trip to school every day, so I would give them the Nissan Altima I'm currently driving and get the Smart car for me. :)

I don't need a big car to go back and forth to school. That's about all the driving I'm going to be doing, other than maybe the grocery store and doctor's appointments. Anything longer distance than that, I'll just drive the Altima. :D

[MrShotShot]

LOL, thats a good list. I remember first seeing that "smart" car, and was like huh not bad if you live in the city, guess it gets like 50-60 mpg and is small for compact parking. NO! that piece of **** barely gets 40 and you see some of the dumbest looking people in them! That car is very close to completely worthless.


I was very surprised when I saw the mpg on those things - they barely do better than a Honda Civic so why pay the premium for a smaller vehicle?

[WhiteHatBobby]

It's eco-elitism appeal.

Look at what i'm doing for the environment.

I'm all for high mpg. I really am. Once more people start driving motorcycles, i'll get one. This way, they're not death traps on two wheels.


Much of the list consists of small cars -- the type of vehicles that are Obamamobiles, or as I could see them on Wayne Brady's show, Zonkmobiles.

10. Pontiac Aztek - The safety car for the tragic situations of February 18, 2001. Need to say anything else? The Buick Rendezvous was much better thought.

9. Daewoo Automotive - Sure, they went bankrupt in 2002, but the current Chevrolet Aveo is a Daewoo. Of course, Rick Wagoner bought Daewoo in 2002, so the Daewoo of post-2003 is different.

8. Isuzu Vehicross - The crazy crossover idea was this and the Aztek . . .

7. Jaguar X-Type - This is a Ford Mondeo that has the Cat. And remember, Ford couldn't sell the Mondeo Stateside. It was a small car masquerading as a compact. The Focus replaced the Mondeo (Countour) in Ford's small tier, only to be replaced by the Mazda Axela-based Focus coming to the States in 2011. Will the new Focus (which Leno is having people drive) be as big of a disaster as the Mondeo? Ford is pulling the same trick with Volvos that are Axelas.

6. Pontiac Sunfire - The Lordstown machine was a disaster and probably (with Obama too) brought an end to the Tin Indian.

5. Cadillac Catera - This was only an "interim" car before the in-house CTS came on assembly. The CTS should have been first before this compact car.

4. Toyota Echo - Older folks wanted this subcompact? Its successor, the Yaris, fits the Obamamobile trend but that still doesn't have the fuel economy that makes it Obama Approved -- only the Prius has it.

3. Jeep Compass - Believe it or not, this is the problem with the entire auto industry today under the Pelosi/Reid/Obama standards. Small cars raised to look like trucks when they are not have become the "SUV" which isn't. They wanted a war on SUV's, so automakers give us this raised Dodge Caliber.

2. Chrysler Sebring - Not heard of this much, but if you can name the only Sprint Cup driver to win a race in an Avenger/Sebring, you know much.

1. Smart Fortwo - The perfect Obamamobile. The size (2 seats), lighter than an LMP1, and with a motorcycle engine in displacement (61 CID) all fit with the Standards of Obama. Yet the President thinks we need to drive these things. How many people will be severely injured in a Big One?

[CID_0687]

I will never understand the appeal of those damn Smart Cars.
I don't get it either...I'd been seeing a few around town, so I went to the dealership and checked one out...It turns out if you put it on a linoleum or hardwood floor and run it back about ten times it goes pretty fast though.

This is the one my daughter wanted...

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn153/andrewinsuresal/83145717_71c1258d6a-1-1.jpg

[ALBOB2]

I will never understand the appeal of those damn Smart Cars.

Oh come on, you're from Michigan. Couldn't you see yourself jammin' over to Travers City in one of these:

http://files.sharenator.com/f079a_smart_car_body_kit_1_Smart_Body_Kits-s400x321-16558-580.jpg

[WhiteHatBobby]

This is the one my daughter wanted...

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn153/andrewinsuresal/83145717_71c1258d6a-1-1.jpg

We see how these Obamamobiles are very feminine. The most masculine of all vehicles -- the truck -- is what the Obamoids want outlawed!

[super cool ski instructor]

oh come on, you're from michigan. Couldn't you see yourself jammin' over to travers city in one of these:

http://files.sharenator.com/f079a_smart_car_body_kit_1_smart_body_kits-s400x321-16558-580.jpg

omg :)) :))

[super cool ski instructor]

Smart Cars are just ugly.....I will never be caught in an ugly car...

[Army Wife]

They can have their Smart Car I will continue to Motor along getting 36/40mph in my totally cool Mini Cooper!

[VCaddy05]

The smart car is the dumbest concept IMO. It has literally ZERO room in it for anything, and gets worse gas mileage than any diesel car on the road. Hell my Jetta got 35mpg's combined and with the diesel motor it gets like 45. Why anyone in the world would concider one of those things is beyond me. There is just no practical advantage to having it. Id rather have a moped, or a golf cart!

[JimGP20]

Believe it or not, I like the Smart Car and am actually considering buying one in the next 18 months, as I am going back to school and won't be driving more than 3 miles each way to and from campus, and my twins will become driving age. They will be driving 34 miles round trip to school every day, so I would give them the Nissan Altima I'm currently driving and get the Smart car for me. :)

I don't need a big car to go back and forth to school. That's about all the driving I'm going to be doing, other than maybe the grocery store and doctor's appointments. Anything longer distance than that, I'll just drive the Altima. :D


It would be cheaper to rubberband an empty Coke can to a roller skate. Same car. :cool:

[Samm]

The smart car is the dumbest concept IMO. It has literally ZERO room in it for anything, and gets worse gas mileage than any diesel car on the road. Hell my Jetta got 35mpg's combined and with the diesel motor it gets like 45. Why anyone in the world would concider one of those things is beyond me. There is just no practical advantage to having it. Id rather have a moped, or a golf cart!

They are great for driving around inside the Mall... they even fit in the elevators. But you have to put a luggage rack on top to carry stuff.

[pattyk]

I love my new Jeep Liberty 02 vintage. not good on gas though.

BTW: woke up this am to a big snow storm. haven't had this weather here this early in 90+ yrs. thank you 4x4.

GW at work I'm sure.

[Samm]

Believe it or not, I like the Smart Car and am actually considering buying one in the next 18 months, as I am going back to school and won't be driving more than 3 miles each way to and from campus, and my twins will become driving age. They will be driving 34 miles round trip to school every day, so I would give them the Nissan Altima I'm currently driving and get the Smart car for me. :)

I don't need a big car to go back and forth to school. That's about all the driving I'm going to be doing, other than maybe the grocery store and doctor's appointments. Anything longer distance than that, I'll just drive the Altima. :D

The problem is you need to buy two of them... one for each foot. ;)

[coyote1880]

I prefer the Blazer.

Not the Chevy.

The breed of horse.

[sisyphus]

They are great for driving around inside the Mall... they even fit in the elevators. But you have to put a luggage rack on top to carry stuff.

Then FLIP-OVER, put in pocket and walk.....:lol:

P.S. my 1988 Astro (not the jetsons) got 31 mpg with a ladder rack on it.

[ScottFree]

Did anybody else get that e-mail about the guy allegedly texting while driving his smartcar (or similar make) in Brasil, I think? The ones where he went head on with a truck? The man was cut in half. Very grotesque photos. If you Google, I am sure you will find them. I wouldn't advise it though. :sick:

After research, it was a VW Cross Fox. Not a Smart Car.

[WhiteHatBobby]

Small cars crush people, no doubt.

[waynevan]

I will never understand the appeal of those damn Smart Cars.


Or the name.

[blackcatrun]

Lot of them smart cars go in for front end work up here. A few models burn up a senser like clock work.
Mechanics love them smart cars, they bring money in.
The rims on them bend easy, with large pot holes and "drifts" {a place in the road that one almost takes a jump over} ..so a few fellas invested wisely in replacements and other weak parts. Wicked expencive regular fixes in this area happen often enough so much so the machanics are estatic at increased sales of the smart cars.

They also found alot of the new smaller engines are leaking oil. Something about the long hills over working the under powered smart cars.

People carry a lot of everything so it's not just the weight of the car and very cramped passengers from what is being told me. The moters cant take the punishment.

They take long to work on, it's a win for the little guy with out doubt but a sever money drainer for the owners.

[Army Wife]

Small cars crush people, no doubt.

Depending on the car, my Mini has a better safety/crash rating than my F150. So I decide on how invincible I feel on any one day to decide if I drive the Mini or the F150 :cool: