Worst Cars of 2012

Car buyers have a lot of great models to choose from for 2012. There are innovative new designs, increased fuel efficiency, excellent standard safety features, and more power in many models. The automotive press will publish their Car of the Year and Ten Best lists, highlighting their top picks for the new model year.

But instead of looking at the many good models to choose from, we take a contrarian’s view and make our picks for the worst cars of 2012.

1. Smart fortwo – The novelty of its unique styling and diminutive size has worn off and reality has set in. This tiny 2-seat coupe’s 1.0-liter 70 horsepower engine gets fuel economy nearly equivalent to many much larger, more powerful, more spacious, and safer models.

If you really need a car this small, consider the new 2012 Scion iQ. It is a little larger than the smart but is smaller than the Mini Cooper.

photo credit: MSVG

photo credit: João Paulo Cars

2. Mitsubishi Galant – This midsize sedan really lags its peers such as the Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord. If you must buy a Galant, go for the SE trim as it has navigation system, backup camera, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

3. Dodge Caliber – This antiquated compact hatchback is in its sixth model year in 2012. The engine has changed little since that time. The model gets up to 32-mpg highway while many of its competitors reach 40-mpg highway. Even the Chevy Equinox SUV gets 32-mpg highway.

On the positive side, it is expected that Chrysler will replace the Caliber with a new compact model in 2013.

photo credit: NathanF

photo credit: MSVG

4. Mitsubishi Eclipse – This sporty couple and convertible has been around for more than 20 years but 2012 will be its last model year. Mitsubishi is offering a special edition trim to commemorate it. It has smoke-colored rims and unique decals and costs more than $30,000.

The Eclipse’s engine and transmissions let it down. It offers an antiquated four-speed automatic in the base and an inefficient 3.8-liter 265 horsepower V6 engine in higher trim lines.

photo credit: The Central Florida Mills Adventure & Eco Squad

photo credit: FotoSleuth

5. Chevy Impala – The 2012 Impala is the model’s seventh year of its current generation. The Impala is actually significantly better than it was in 2011. It adds a modern V6 engine that massively boosts horsepower by 89 to 300. Steering and suspension are improved and 16” inches wheels are standard.

Unfortunately its rental car styling and weak interior still sink it. A new Impala is expected for the 2014 model year.

This list of the five worst cars of 2012 should provide a starting point for models to avoid. There are much better cars on the market for buyers to choose from.

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