Consumer Reports names cars to avoid in 2018 US market
Fiat 500L, Mitsubishi Mirage and Jeep Compass are among the models flagged by Consumer Reports for poor scores in reliability, safety or owner satisfaction.
Consumer Reports has published its annual list of the lowest-rated cars in the US for 2018, warning buyers to steer clear of several models that underperformed in areas such as reliability, safety, comfort and owner satisfaction. The Fiat 500L, Mitsubishi Mirage, Jeep Compass, and Cadillac Escalade are among the models highlighted for serious shortcomings.
Fiat 500L and Mitsubishi Mirage draw lowest scores
At the bottom of the Consumer Reports rankings sits the Fiat 500L, which received the worst overall score for 2018. The 500L was marked down for its uncomfortable driving position, firm ride and poor performance in the IIHS small-overlap frontal crash test. These factors combined to make it the lowest-rated vehicle in the publication’s annual assessment.
The Mitsubishi Mirage, meanwhile, was given the worst road-test score. Testers described the Mirage’s three-cylinder engine as weak and vibration-prone, and found its handling “clumsy” and the interior “depressing.” These criticisms contributed to its place on the list of cars to avoid for buyers seeking even basic comfort and refinement.
SUVs and pickups: Jeep, Cadillac and Ram flagged
Consumer Reports also warned against the Jeep Compass, which it called the lowest-rated small SUV in its 2018 tests. The Jeep Wrangler was singled out as the worst midsize SUV, with testers criticising its ride, handling, braking, noise and fuel economy. The Cadillac Escalade, a staple in the luxury large SUV segment, was flagged for poor comfort, a cramped third row and reliability concerns. The Nissan Armada was criticised for its high fuel consumption, returning just 14 mpg overall in Consumer Reports’ testing.
In the pickup segment, the Ram 3500 was identified for the worst predicted reliability, with issues reported in steering, suspension, engine cooling and general leaks and noises. The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 was rated lowest for accident avoidance, as it performed poorly in rapid lane-change manoeuvres, increasing its rollover risk at higher speeds.
Owner satisfaction and comfort concerns
The Mercedes-Benz GLA was named the model with the lowest owner satisfaction score, with only 44 percent of surveyed owners saying they would buy the car again. Complaints included a stiff ride, noisy cabin and an unrefined seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The Ford Fiesta ST, despite its reputation as a hot hatch, was criticised for a harsh and unsettled ride that left testers unimpressed with its day-to-day comfort.
Segment laggards and recurring issues
Other models that appeared at the bottom of their respective segments included the Lexus IS300, which trailed rivals for comfort, efficiency and driving dynamics, and the Toyota Tacoma, which was criticised for a stiff ride and poor handling. The Nissan Altima was also flagged for its light steering and fussy infotainment, while the Ford Fiesta ST and Chevrolet Aveo5 were marked down for uncomfortable rides and lacklustre performance.
- Fiat 500L: Worst overall score
- Mitsubishi Mirage: Worst road-test score
- Ram 3500: Worst predicted reliability
- Mercedes-Benz GLA: Worst owner satisfaction
- Nissan Armada: Worst fuel economy
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500: Worst accident-avoidance score
- Ford Fiesta ST: Worst ride comfort
What buyers should consider
Consumer Reports’ annual warnings are widely followed by US buyers looking to avoid vehicles with persistent reliability, safety or comfort issues. While some models on the list, such as the Fiat 500L and Mitsubishi Mirage, have drawn consistent criticism, others like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Ford Fiesta ST may surprise shoppers given their brand reputations. The findings highlight the importance of independent testing and owner feedback when choosing a new car. For more on how reliability issues affect US buyers, seeConsumer Reports Releases Top 10 Unreliable Car Brands.
