Mitsubishi IMIEV electric car; Lincoln MKT
This isn’t Gildshire being old and crotchety. Rating services J.D. Power and Consumer Reports have found no fewer than ten new cars “substandard” and “unreliable.” That is the highest total of automotive losers since the two rating services combined efforts 16 years ago.
What is the matter with these cars? The problems range from poor initial quality scores to shoddy fit and finish workmanship.
It is our sad, but important service to our readers, to inform you if the dream car you desire is on the list. Close one eye and cross your fingers. Are you ready? Here we go.
10. Mitsubishi iMiEV: Besides being a pronunciation nightmare the oddly shaped little “Mits” produces just 66 horsepower and has just 66 miles of range. That isn’t too far below the industry norm, but the range decreases significantly with the use of accessories…like headlights. Consumer Reports give the iMiEV one of the lowest grades in the publication’s history.
9. Lincoln MKT: Please don’t think this is just going to be one long economy car bash-piece. The expensive Lincoln MKT looks like a boxier version of the too-boxy by half Ford Flex. Now there is some curb appeal for you. J.D. Power says the initial quality s lacking. Consumer Reports says the MKT will depreciate faster than your preferred stock in Enron.
8. Lincoln MKS: Hmm, I wonder why Lincoln is a drag on Ford stock? The MKS is too expensive for a Taurus on steroids. Consumer Reports rates its residual value in the low range. CR’s editors pan it as one of the worst values among new cars. Need more? The MKS is fitted with the MyLincoln Touch multimedia operating system. It confounds and distracts drivers.
7. Jeep Wrangler: Say it ain’t so! A Jeep? Too true. The Wrangler suffers from passenger comfort scores among the lowest in the industry. Harsh and erratic handling, and excessive wind noise at higher speeds is also cited as reasons for the low scores.
6. Jeep Patriot: Okay, now Gildshire’s grief knows no bounds. What’s next, the Compass? Performance and reliability issues plague the Patriot. If you have always wanted a Jeep with traditional Jeep styling, be our guest. But, the Patriot depreciates at a distinctly unpatriotic rate.
5. Jeep Compass: Ohfercryinoutloud! The Compass offers a standard and an optional power plant. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports rates even the bigger one “weak.” It’s 4×4 capabilities are modest, as well. Poor initial quality, per J.D. Power, and lousy resale value earn this jeep its position in the Driveway of Shame.
4. Fiat 500L: Fiat’s smaller 500 coupe rates well. But, the bigger 500L lags behind the competition. Initial quality for fit and finish is low. Resale value appears to be low, as well.
3. Dodge Journey: It is never good news when Consumer Reports says your old-fashioned four-speed transmission is “reluctant to downshift.” The dated Journey also lacks in handling nimbleness and performance from its base engine.
2. Cadillac XTS: This yacht will offer its owner some serious street cred. But on the road it is lacking in many areas. Initial quality numbers are wretched and the XTS doesn’t have the performance characteristics it should have at this price. Consumer Reports suggest prospective XTS owners should by an Impala, and have enough money left over for a trip around the world. That sounds like a plan to Gildshire.
So what new vehicle sits on the pedestal next to the curb in front of Hopeless Deals New Cars and Trucks? Are you agog to find out? We are.
1. BMW 7 Series: SAY WHAT? That’s right. Recently, BMW’s flagship model has lost its mojo. Languid styling will do that to a car, no matter how prestigious. BMW presents an odd product lineup that includes an expensive and inefficient gas-electric hybrid model. Consumer Reports further takes the 7 Series apart for being “a ponderous vehicle with ungainly handling,” and is in lists of worst overall value and most expensive operating costs in its class. It also gets a below-average performance score from J.D. Power.
That’s the lineup. Gildshire hopes your car isn’t on the list. If it is, know that opinions are subjective. Ours are right…but subjective. Happy and safe motoring, no matter what you drive.
Photos: Fedor Selivanov, Naiyyer, Boykov, Rob Wilson, DDCoral, Ed Aldridge, Darren Brode, Zoran Karapancev, EvrenKalinbacak / Shutterstock.com
