Modern cars have come a long way in the last few years, with several advancements that increase safety and comfort while behind the wheel. However, current market trends indicate that manufacturers are having trouble meeting high consumer demand due to a confluence of unexpected dynamics and supply chain disruptions, the majority of which are connected to the epidemic.
The price of used cars increased by a staggering 40.5% over the past year, whereas the price of new cars increased by 12.2%. Given that the high prices already present a challenge for prospective buyers, it makes sense to avoid any mediocre market entrants.
Automakers have made some really unreliable cars in the past, but they never fail to let us down with boring, expensive cars that don’t live up to their prices. Let’s look at a few of these cars and why you should avoid them in 2023.
20 Worst Cars To Avoid In 2023
20. 2023 Honda Insight:
The poor resale value of the Honda Insight might surprise some owners. The Honda Insight has one of the lowest resale prices of cars in its class. According to Edmunds, the Honda Insight has a depreciation cost of $4,509 and a resale value of $26,779 for the year 2023. Moreover, it will depreciate by a total of $10,704 in the next five years (from 2023 to 2027).
That’s a lot compared to other cars with similar specs and features from other brands, which usually lose half as much value. Fitting more big objects in the Honda Insight’s trunk is challenging due to the car’s rather constrained trunk space.
This can be a problem for families and those frequently transporting large items. Although the rear seat may be folded down to provide more space, it is still insufficient when compared to other cars with comparable specs and amenities.
19. 2019 Buick Cascada:
The Buick Cascada convertible had a short lifespan. The four-seat ragtop was released in 2016 and discontinued after the 2019 model year. The Buick performs well in a few key categories. It contains a ton of standard features and is affordable to buy. The Cascada has an excellent reliability rating, and its smooth ride shields passengers from bumpy roads.
However, the 2019 Buick Cascada has some drawbacks. Compared to its competitors, it has poor fuel economy, and its hard seats make prolonged trips uncomfortable. Additionally, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not accessible, and it is less agile than other vehicles in its class.
18. 2020 Nissan 370Z:
The Nissan 370Z is a stylish vehicle with excellent performance but lacks in other aspects. The 370Z’s stable footing is a nice quality. Its steering is responsive, and it feels safe on winding roads. But this list ends there. The rough ride of this Nissan causes passengers to feel bumps and jolts.
Its interior is also a failure with an outdated design, outdated technology, and an excessive amount of harsh plastics. Sound insulation is poor; therefore, wind and road noise can be heard inside the vehicle. And don’t hold out much hope for driving assistance systems. Only a rear-view camera is available.
17. 2022 Acura ILX:
The Acura ILX is not a good bargain due to its weak engine performance, inadequate standard infotainment features, cramped rear seat legroom, and absence of an all-wheel-drive system. Those looking for a fun sedan ride should consider better options.
One reason not to buy it is because the Acura ILX is less powerful than its competitors. It takes 6.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, which is slower than the 5.4-second mark recorded by the BMW 3 Series. It also doesn’t have all-wheel drive (AWD); thus, it won’t be as capable in more extreme weather than an AWD car would be.
16. 2022 Dodge Caravan:
The Dodge Caravan ranks near the bottom compared to other minivans on the market. The slow acceleration of the Caravan is one reason not to buy it. Although it has a powerful engine, it isn’t built to be as fast and aggressive as other vehicles.
Additionally, the Caravan is criticized for its low fuel efficiency, achieving only 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This means you’ll have to refill your tank often to keep going. The Caravan lacks safety features like blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, lane keep assist, and technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
15. 2023 Toyota Mirai:
The 2023 Toyota Mirai is a stunning vehicle with outstanding performance, a lavish interior, and a zero-carbon footprint. There are a plethora of advanced driver aids that come standard on it, such as lane departure warning, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-keeping system that gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to veer.
So what’s the issue? It’s a typical example of technology that is far too advanced for its time. Although Toyota’s goal for a sustainable hydrogen society produced excellent hydrogen fuel cell technology, there are currently less than 100 publicly accessible hydrogen filling stations in the United States. And because the majority of these stations are clustered around California’s largest cities, you can only use the Mirai in a specific region of that state.
14. 2023 Tesla Model Y:
The Tesla Model Y is the SUV version of the Tesla Model 3, and they have similar fundamental components, amenities, and accessories. The Tesla Model Y owners appreciate its agility, speed, and space, but they also encounter problems with the body’s integrity, the climate control system, and the in-car electronics. Moreover, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not compatible.
Recently, the NHTSA discovered several safety issues with the Tesla Model Y on several occasions, leading to 7 recalls. The problems, which have been ongoing for quite some time, continue into the next model year, with several complaints about the issues with the brakes, steering, electrical systems, and many other components.
13. 2023 Maserati Ghibli:
A reminder that not all luxury sedans are created equal, the Maserati brand is synonymous with racing excitement and jet-setting celebrities. Despite its charisma, the Maserati Ghibli lacks appealing packaging that fulfills its promise of sporting elegance.
The 2023 Maserati Ghibli, with a price range of $86,795 to $125,195, offers significantly less than nearly all other midsize luxury cars on the market. From the disappointing cabin space to the unimpressive in-car amenities to the basic trim’s disappointingly weak powertrain, the Maserati Ghibli falls short in every way to justify the high price.
12. 2023 Lexus GX:
The exceptional off-roading skills of the 2023 Lexus GX set it apart from other luxury SUVs, but you would have to give up some other features to do that. To begin with, you would have to make do with a cumbersome, outdated design that is no longer relevant by today’s standards.
Additionally, the interior comforts of the SUV hardly seem to be worth the pricey $57,575 price tag. Lexus GX competitors provide better comfort and storage. The 2023 Lexus GX also has a terrible combined fuel efficiency of 16 mpg, making it a gas guzzler. Aside from the rough ride, reviews also claim that the engine is extremely unresponsive for the price and stature of the vehicle.
11. 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4:
With an overall fuel economy of 37 mpg and a reasonable starting price, the Mitsubishi Mirage might seem like a great car. The Mirage, however, really lives up to its name since the moment you put the tiny car on the road, the illusion vanishes.
A three-cylinder engine in the Mirage G4 that only manages to produce 78 horsepower is incredibly underpowered and loud. It also has poor soundproofing, average construction quality, a cheaply constructed interior, and, to top it all off, a below-average reliability rating.
10. 2023 Subaru Ascent:
In addition to smooth power delivery, a comfortable ride, and a practical cabin, the new 2023 Subaru Ascent provides a remarkable all-around performance that has won over SUV lovers. The four-cylinder turbocharged engine performs better and moves faster than the figures on the paper would indicate, but it still has a modest disadvantage in a market where V6s predominate.
Although the majority of consumers view Subaru as a reliable brand, its largest three-row SUV casts some doubt on this perception, despite the redesign, this SUV still has poor acceleration, a loud engine, and a tight third row.
9. 2023 Nissan Sentra:
People might be surprised to hear that the Nissan Sentra is one of the worst cars to buy in 2023. However, its noisy and weak engine detracts from what might have otherwise been a good option for shoppers looking for an economical car.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces a pitiful 149 horsepower, rendering this vehicle completely incapable of providing any sort of excitement. However, the underpowered engine is by no means the only issue here. The compact vehicle has weak steering and handling qualities and slow acceleration.
While the front seats provide plenty of space, taller travelers will wish the back seats had greater headroom. The 2023 Nissan Sentra isn’t the best option if you want a car that excels in performance and provides comfortable seating for five people.
Related: Top 13 Sports Cars For Tall People | Fast & Comfort
8. 2023 Chrysler 300:
The Chrysler 300 is the company’s best-selling sedan, and for good reason: it’s more refined, powerful, and plush than it’s ever been before. However, this large sedan also has some issues. The basic spec sheet suggests that it is a classic highway cruiser in most aspects.
The Chrysler 300 has an appearance that seems out of date by today’s standards, and the obvious lack of standard tech features doesn’t help matters much either. The 300 appears to be a waste of money because its handling and performance are inferior to those of its competitor’s full-size sedans and muscle cars.
7. 2023 Ford Explorer:
The Explorer is well-known; most drivers appreciate its roomy, quiet interior and swift driving. However, Consumer Reports notes various problems with the 2023 model. The Explorer has a rough ride and problems with its transmission, engine, power equipment, technology inside, and paint on the outside.
In addition, the third row’s legroom is limited, and the interior is filled with hard plastics, giving it a poor appearance when compared to vehicles like the Toyota Highlander or Chevrolet Traverse. Therefore, you would be wise to search elsewhere if comfort is your first priority.
6. 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE:
With its powerful engine, quiet interior, supportive seats, and superb fits and finishes, the GLE delivers the riding comfort everyone expects from Mercedes-Benz. With 6 recalls in the last year, the GLE’s reliability has declined due to engine issues, body integrity, in-car electronics, electrical systems, and climate control.
But it doesn’t end there. Customers are turning away from the vehicle in favor of alternatives like the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7 due to its clumsy steering controls, confusing infotainment system, and less-than-seamless shifting.
5. 2023 Genesis GV60:
Since more and more consumers value EVs for their peaceful cabins, swift acceleration, and cutting-edge technology, the luxury EV market is expanding at a record rate. Genesis, one of the most rapidly expanding luxury brands, wants to rule the luxury EV market, which is why it created the eccentric GV60.
The GV60 shares the same platform with the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and it has a 77.4 kWh battery pack with a range of up to 321 miles. Customers can select a single-motor or dual-motor configuration that produces 225 hp and 429 hp, respectively.
The GV60 is great, but there is one drawback: the cost. The GV60 costs almost $20,000 more than the Kia EV6 but has equal performance.
4. 2023 Mazda MX-30:
In 2019, Mazda announced that it was developing its first mass-produced EV – the MX-30. A year later, the car was released, and it became a smashing success. The clamshell doors, which were inspired by the RX8, were a favorite feature among many gearheads. Given that the MX-30 is one of the most reasonably priced EVs on the market, the MX-30’s future appeared promising, but there was an issue.
With a meager 35 kWh battery pack installed by Mazda, it has a pitiful range of just over 100 miles. This has significantly impacted sales as range anxiety is one of the primary deterrents for gearheads from purchasing electric vehicles. Hopefully, Mazda will make amends and provide a long-range model soon.
3. 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz:
Due to the popularity of pickup trucks in the US, Hyundai opted to produce its first four-door pickup truck for the region’s market in 2021. The Santa Cruz pickup truck is one of the rare trucks to use a unibody platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Tuscon SUV.
Due to its attractive appearance, excellent handling that makes it feel more like a car than a pickup truck, and low price, the Santa Cruz has become one of the most popular pickup trucks on the market right now. However, the Santa Cruz has drawn much criticism for its weak drivetrains, poor off-road ability, and limited towing capability compared to comparable trucks.
2. 2023 Mini Cooper Electric:
The Mini has been in production for decades. Especially now that the Mini Cooper Electric is available, this well-liked hot hatchback appears to have an endless future.
The Mini Cooper Electric keeps the distinctive aesthetic cues that fans adore about the standard model but switches out its tiny three-cylinder engine for an electric drivetrain. Even while we adore the concept of an electric Mini, its 28.8 kWh battery pack only provides 110 miles of range on a single charge.
1. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas:
The Volkswagen Atlas is a crossover SUV. It has been in the company’s lineup for the past five years, between the Tiguan and Touareg. As a three-row SUV with plenty of room for the family, the Atlas has gained popularity since its release due to its simple design, competitive pricing, and spacious inside.
Unfortunately, like many new Volkswagens, the Atlas isn’t very reliable. That’s why J.D. Power gave the 2023 model only a bad reliability score of 72. According to a Consumer Reports survey, only 38% of Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport buyers stated they would purchase the vehicle again.
Conclusion
When looking for a car, you want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. Doing research on cars and finding out how well-known they are can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. We have made this easy for you by compiling a list of 20 worse cars that you should avoid in 2023 at all costs. You can use this guide to make your decision-making process easier.
