Don’t Buy These Popular Cars

A vehicle’s popularity isn’t always an indicator of how well it performs.

According to Consumer Reports – which meticulously tests dozens of cars each year – there’s a handful of vehicles that are popular sellers, but simply don’t live up to their hype.

CR compiled a list of vehicles it says consumers would be better off avoiding. Here are a few highlights from the six-vehicle list:

• Volkswagen Beetle. Sure, that bug is cute, and it’s relatively cheap, at just under $21,000. But CR said its reliability is “far below average,” which could mean expensive repair bills. Other cons include a cramped rear seat, lack of knee room in the front, and the view of the rear is restricted. CR says pass on the Beetle, and instead try out the Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf or Subaru Impreza.
• Mercedes-Benz CLA. At $36,500, this is hyped as an “affordable” Mercedes. But, unfortunately, it appears this isn’t the luxury car you think of when you hear Mercedes-Benz. “It’s a cramped compact with a stiff ride and poor visibility,” CR said. This Benz is also difficult to get in and out of and it “lacks the handling finesse and refinement you might expect.” Skip the Benz and choose the BMW 320i, Mercedes-Benz C250 or the Acura TSX.
• Mitsubishi Outlander. Priced at $27,180, this small SUV can carry up to seven people. But in addition to a tiny third-row seat, “the Outlander handles clumsily, is slow to accelerate, assaults your ears with engine noise, and shakes your body with a nervous ride.” A better choice might be the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 or the Subaru Forester.

For a full list of CR’s popular cars to avoid, click here.

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