The Worst Cars for the Money

[Ban Hammer 13,342]

No carmaker is perfect. Each has best and worst sellers, hits and misses. And while plenty of cars are generally good values, there are a few that don't make as much sense when you work out the calculations over time. That's where our new list comes in: the Worst Cars for the Money.

The Worst Cars for the Money were identified using data from the U.S. News car rankings, which are based on the collective opinion of the automotive press. This tells us how "good" or "bad" a car is within its class, according to a large number of critics. We then weigh the rankings against how much value the car packs in compared to others within its class. Using data from IntelliChoice, an industry leader in determining ownership costs, we include how much buyers can expect to spend up front, how much they'll spend on maintenance and fuel, and how much of a hit they'll take from the car's depreciation during the first five years.

The result is a list of cars you may want to think twice about before buying. But also keep in mind the unwritten part of a car's value: if you really like one of these models, then chances are you'll be happy driving it no matter what - which means that in the end, it could be the best car for your money.

Compact Car: Pontiac G5

The G5 trails the majority of compact cars when it comes to comfort, quality and performance, leading to a poor U.S. News ranking. Its sticker price is also a bit higher than many competitors, and it's expected to depreciate as much as 60 percent within the first five years of ownership - twice as fast as its top-ranked competitors. In addition, five years of fueling and maintaining the G5 is estimated to cost you $5,000 to $10,000 more than Honda's Fit or Civic. The G5's future is unclear since GM has announced plans to shrink the Pontiac model line significantly. Pontiac sold just 767 G5s nationwide in January.

Better values: If you're in the market for a compact car, consider the Honda Fit and Hyundai Elantra.

Compact Crossover: Suzuki XL7

Some critics note that while it's a competent people hauler, the Suzuki XL7 can't match the acceleration, handling and interior quality of top rivals. Its five-year cost of ownership is quite high - almost $47,000 as compared to the Honda CR-V, which is about $37,000. Depreciation is the major cause - like the Pontiac G5, the XL7 is expected to lose more than 60 percent of its value over five years. We should note that while the XL7 may have some shortcomings, this SUV has stellar crash test ratings and should be on the list for small SUV shoppers concerned about safety.

Better values: If you're in the market for a compact crossover, you may do better with the Mazda Mazda5 or the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Full-Size SUV: Jeep Commander

The Jeep Commander is a good choice for off-road enthusiasts, but buyers who spend the majority of their time on the pavement should look elsewhere. U.S. News ranks the Commander last among large SUVs. Its cost of ownership over five-years is $10,000 more than the Mazda CX-9 crossover and even higher than the popular Chevrolet Tahoe, another off-road-ready vehicle. While the Commander's sub-$30K sticker may look appealing, this big SUV is expected to depreciate 50 to 60 percent over five years. Sales were down 56 percent last year, and there's speculation that it may be discontinued after 2009.

Better values: If you're in the market for a full-size SUV, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Mazda CX-9 are worth a look.

Full Size Pickup: Nissan Titan

With rugged practicality and a strong powertrain, the 2009 Nissan Titan isn't out of place in the full-size truck market. However, after more than three years on the market, the Titan still hasn't pulled in a lot of American buyers. Sales were down almost 50 percent in 2008. That may be because the Titan's value equation just doesn't make sense. It's generally well liked, but it costs up to $5,000 more than solid American options. The Titan also lags the competition in fuel economy, with only 13 miles per gallon in the city for the base model. Nissan has announced it will end production of the Titan in 2010 and is planning to replace it with a pickup based on the Dodge Ram.

Better values: Consider the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado.

Upscale Car: Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 is based on a nine-year-old design and has been left in the dust by continually improved competitors like the Infiniti G37 and BMW 3-Series. On the plus side, the S60 could save you two or three thousand dollars over five years, compared to the 3-Series or the Cadillac CTS. But consider that the existing S60's deprecation will likely only get worse: Volvo debuted a new concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show that will make the current S60 extinct.

Better values: If you're in the market for an upscale car, consider the Infiniti G37 or Lexus ES.

Sports Car: Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse offers aggressive sports car styling, but critics claim it lacks the power and agility they expect in a sports car. This contributes to an underwhelming performance in the U.S. News rankings. The Eclipse isn't such a bad deal if you just want to look the part of a speed racer - there are just other sports cars that are better. The Eclipse's sticker price undercuts most of its rivals. The car will run you about $40k + to own over five years - about $5,000 less than the Honda S2000. The Eclipse's sales numbers confirm that it has loyal buyers. Sure, sales are down about 38 percent from a year ago, but the Eclipse still sold better than the S2000 or Mazda Miata. The Eclipse just received a refresh for 2009, which means it probably won't be going anywhere soon.

Better values: Still, for cars that perform better within the mainstream sports car class, take a look at the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Nissan 370Z.

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[NickD 203]

Pontiac G5

The G5 trails the majority of compact cars when it comes to comfort.

Dies is more like it, sat in one, sat on more comfortable concrete blocks than this thing, is GM going nuts? And loading these things with electronic gadgets that go to hell in no time, all consumer grade stuff like Wal-Marts sells, but cost an arm an a leg to replace.

Still have the old GMCard with no limits, just wait until I have enough for an even trade, sell that car on Ebay and buy a Toyota if GM can't get it's act together.

[Jasman0717 9]

I was just reading this You been reading my mind again...at least it is a short story

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Pontiac G5

The G5 trails the majority of compact cars when it comes to comfort.

Dies is more like it, sat in one, sat on more comfortable concrete blocks than this thing, is GM going nuts? And loading these things with electronic gadgets that go to hell in no time, all consumer grade stuff like Wal-Marts sells, but cost an arm an a leg to replace.

Still have the old GMCard with no limits, just wait until I have enough for an even trade, sell that car on Ebay and buy a Toyota if GM can't get it's act together.

So, somewhat of X-car (Omega, Citation, ...) redux? With "default" seat of X-car (or Celebrity/Ciera class), that was quite true (edit: I made that comment using 2x4 rather than concrete block), as I found out from a body-shop-loaner Omega.

[NickD 203]

In 1929, we had over 3,300 automotive manufacturers in this country, all local, after the depression, was less than ten. Can almost say, let's have a depression to get rid of the competition.

Buick is or was always GM's flagship car, comparing prices for a 1965 Electra, was $3,800 list, the last year, GM made this car, list price was $40,000.00! In comparing quality and manufacturing, the 65 had many, practically rebuildable components, and the controls were all very expensive to manufacture electromechanical assemblies. It cost $3.69 to manufacture a voltage regulator back then, cost today with inflation is like 69 cents. A once very precision starter solenoid held together with screws today is made no different than a throwaway pop can. In a comparative example, a 20" rather unreliable TV set cost 670 bucks in 1965, today, a far more reliable set, a 27", cost around 150 bucks with inflation. Tons of chrome was replaced with dirt cheap plastic moldings, the list goes on and on. Plus we have automation today, where back then, everything was done by hand.

So why do cars cost over ten times as much today, when in fact they should be even cheaper, just like that TV set example? Only thing I can think of, is no competition, just like Micrsoft not having any competition today. We would have never heard of Microsoft if it wasn't for the deregulation Reagan and his gang created saying this would be good for this country.

Do you think that Ford and GM are enemies? Can tell you this, think again.

[Donna A 4]

cobalt and g5 are built on the same line...they are basically the same so why didnt they bring cobalt up?

[Saddle Bronc 124]

cobalt and g5 are built on the same line...they are basically the same so why didnt they bring cobalt up?

why the self-answering question?

[MarkTexas 3]

I only got ONE tip; Stay FAR AWAY from ANY FORD V8-Diesel (fleet & civillian models)

F250, F350, F450 & F550 series single & duallie wheel after 2005!

My Company Got;

5 X F250's single wheel Late 2007 model

20 X F350's Duallie wheel Late 2007 model

10 X F450's Duallie wheel Mid 2008 model

7 X F550's Duallie wheel Mid 2008 model

Every single one is DEALER maintained!

And EVERY single one of them have been "MORE IN THE SHOP, THEN ON THE JOB!"

Problems?

- Fire and flames comming into the truck through the fire wall

- Complete engine replacements just after hitting the 10.000 mile mark!!!

- Fuel tanks rusting on the INSIDE after just 40.000 miles!

- 23 complete turbo's replacements within 37.000miles!

- ICP sensors quitting

- Blown head gaskets

- EGR cooler replacements and replaced again within 6months of the new one! $2000,- a piece!

- EGR valves replacments

- Oil leaks within the first 5.000 miles

- Computer problem's/lock-up's/failure,...which causes everything else electric to fail aswell!

- Injector replacements before 40.000 miles!

- Pressure sensors not working

- Radio's not working anymore AFTER being in the shop at the dealer!

- Ect

- Ect

- And the list of FORD failures goes ON and ON and ON and ON and ON!

- Ect

- Ect

The engine failed on 37 Trucks within the first 3000 miles!

Ford does not want to cover it under warranty.

They say that we put some Bad Fuel in them, and that the parts are not covered under warranty!

Ford does NOT believe that they have a Engine and EVERYTHING else design problem.

I know a design engineer for a nuclear power plant and HE is relatively confident that their

management and the public would be VERY concerned if HIS/THEIR product design had the same failure rate as FORD!

And believe it or not,......these basically BRAND-SPANKING-NEW trucks are NOT covered

under the so called; "lemon law!"

"FORD-pickup's",......are litterally the most expensive piece's of JUNK you will ever buy!

Almost 1Million Dollars worth on NEW SCRAP METAL sitting in the YARD!!!

Edited March 12, 2009 by MarkTexas

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Mark, are you actually unfamiliar with the de-acronyms of "Ford":

• Fix Or Repair Daily
• Found On Road Dead
• Fugged*** Old Reworked Dodge (on the last word, the car's name tells you what to do with it)

***"borrowed" from Norm Mailer's "Naked & Dead" Edited March 12, 2009 by CherryXS

[GiGii 4]

I heard that GM was going to get rid of the Pontiac & Saturn line, as part of its restructuring. Good riddens.

[Donna A 4]

i like pontiacs but saturns are just ugly.