Unsafe Vehicles

Unsafe Vehicles: Consumer Report’s 2014 List of Cars to Avoid

Consumer Reports is known for their annual list of what they consider the best buys in cars and SUVs for that model year. It’s a pretty long list, and shows that there are always great choices every year. All car makers want to be on that list, and they strive to make it.

But that list isn’t the end of it. The magazine’s editors and publishers also want to make sure everyone knows which cars to stay away from. So every year they publish a comprehensive list of cars and SUVs to avoid for their relative lack of safety.

No car maker wants to be on that list, and it’s a pretty safe bet that some are none too happy with their inclusion. With the release of the 2014 list, Chrysler can’t be happy, since their Jeep models practically sweep the SUV results. Ford and Toyota also take a bit of heat as well.

Here is the list of cars and SUVs on the list, with a summary of what Consumer Reports didn’t like about each vehicle. Keep them in mind when it’s time to go vehicle shopping.

Luxury sedans

• BMW 7-Series – A lot of electronic technology, but with terrible handling.
• Lexus IS – Consumer Reports claims it is just too short.
• Lincoln MKS – Simply doesn’t measure up to a typical luxury sedan.

Large sedans

• Ford Taurus – Below average reliability, too cramped for a large car, and MyFord Touch entertainment system controls are too distracting and complicated.

Midsize sedans

• Chrysler 200 and the Dodge Avenger (Same vehicle) Described as very unreliable.

Compact cars

• Scion tC – Uncomfortable, bad handling, difficult to drive.
• Mitsubishi Lancer – Very little power, noisy, bad handling.
• Dodge Dart – Unreliable, difficult to drive, and more expensive than others in the class.

Subcompact cars

• Smart ForTwo – Very tiny, an under-powered engine and a transmission that is not smooth at all.
• Scion iQ – Loud cabin, terrible rear seat, no power.
• Chevrolet Spark – Poor handling, lack of power.

Wagons & minivans

• Honda Crosstour – Poor handling, touchscreen audio system is too complicated.

Luxury SUVs

• Volvo XC90 – Design is old and clunky.
• Lincoln MKX – Unreliable, difficult handling and the My Lincoln Touch control system is very complicated.
• Land Rover Range Rover Evoque – Noisy cabin, poor handling.

Midsize & large SUVs

• Ford Edge – Noisy, poor handling and the same problem with the MyFord Touch system.
• Nissan Armada – At 13 mpg, it drinks gas, poor reliability and high ownership costs.
• Dodge Journey – Poor handling, clunky transmission, and reliability is below average.

Small SUVs

• Jeep Compass – Lacks power, handles rough, cabin is very cramped.
• Jeep Patriot – Just average all the way around.
• Jeep Cherokee – Underpowered, poor fuel efficiency, unresponsive transmission.
• Mitsubishi Outlander – Bad handling, rough ride, cheap interior.

In order to be safe when you drive on the highways and byways of Texas and elsewhere, you have to feel as if your car is reliable and comfortable, and provides little distraction. According to Consumer Reports, the above vehicles simply don’t fit the bill.