The Spies Want To Know: What Do YOU Think Is the Worst Car or Truck Introduced In 2008?

The Spies Want To Know: What Do YOU Think Is the Worst Car or Truck Introduced In 2008?
As 2008 winds down we like to look back and reflect on the year gone by.  Be it a good or bad year, our human nature is such that reflecting and remembering the things that went on throughout the year typically leading to the New Year's Resolution(s).

Looking back over 2008 I thought it would be fun to identify the worst car or truck of this past year.

In doing this, I would argue that potential candidates for this honor not necessarily be a bad car per se, but rather perhaps a badly timed vehicle given the change in vehicle needs that transpired this year with the fuel crisis and economic meltdown.

A good example would be the new Ford F150.  Ford knew the timing was wrong for the introduction of the new truck choosing to delay production and the start of sales to in an attempt to allow current model inventories to be absorbed along with a sales campaign focused more on economy.


The Hummer H3T is another great example of having the wrong product at the wrong time, but then again ALL Hummer products were the wrong product this past summer.


The Acura TL is a car that has the potential to make the worst car list, although a 2009 model its introduction in 2008 makes it eligible for consideration.

There are quite a few cars that fit the bill, so why not have some year end fun and enlighten the rest of us with what you think is the worst car or truck for 2008.


EL34EL34 - 12/27/2008 11:06:26 PM
+7 Boost
Right now is a bad time to bring out the new Ford F-150?

I just heard on the news about a gas station in the USA selling regular unleaded for $.93 cents a gallon.


Agent004Agent004 - 12/28/2008 2:00:43 PM
0 Boost
Hyundai ________________


irloyalirloyal - 1/2/2009 3:42:30 PM
0 Boost
Regardless of how cheap gas get here are the worst 10:

10 - Hyundai Genesis. Does the world really need another V8 powered boring sports coupe?

9 - Piaggio MP3 - a motorcycle dressed as an automobile priced like an Aveo. WTF?

8 - Can-Am Spyder - See above and add $4000 to price. SHEESH!

7 - Tesla Electric - a $110,000 elctric sports car. What a stooopid idea. Obviously for guilt panged small pen*sed NIMBY's.

6 - Honda Ridgeline - This is not a truck. Quit advertising it as such.

5 - Any Chrysler product. Insert any one here. They all are equally cheap looking, poorly assembled, and don't hold re-sale value. I say just let them go Chapter 7 and be done with it.

4 - Hummer H3. An emasculated Saturn Vue with a Botox make-over. I've driven two as rentals and both were P.O.S. If you want a Hummer, buy a real 4 wheeler instead. A Ford Expedition or Jeep or Chevy Tahoe.

3 - Malibu Hybrid. Calling this a hybrid is like calling Tofu, meat. A single battery to restart the car when it auto-powers down. OOOH but they use regenrative breaking to charge the battery..... GIVE ME A BREAK!

2 - The NEW Mazda6. Uh....the old Mazda6 handles better, goes faster, looks better and gets better real world milage. WHAT WAS MAZDA THINKING???

1 - The Smart Car. 'Nuff said.


motor1motor1 - 12/27/2008 11:10:40 PM
+7 Boost
Quite simply the Acura TL. That's enough.


motor1motor1 - 12/28/2008 6:11:44 PM
+2 Boost
Enough said.


EL34EL34 - 12/27/2008 11:17:24 PM
+1 Boost
Has anyone seen the new Cadillac Escalade Hybrid commercial claming it gets better gas miliage than the Mini Cooper S?


Agent001Agent001 - 12/27/2008 11:31:54 PM
+4 Boost
Yes, city mileage only.

Tested the Escalade Hybrid and it gets 22.5 MPG City for real.

That is as good as city mileage on the new clean diesel trucks and you use cheaper regular gas.

001


bigTYMEbigTYME - 12/28/2008 12:35:36 AM
+4 Boost
Smart ForTwo, introduced in the US, that is.
It gets 36 combined mpg on premium. Costs about the same as a Civic, which gets a few less mpg on regular unleaded. The Civic is much safer and more practical. Oh yea, substitute the Civic with any of its other competitors, still better than the Smart.


XYZZXYZZ - 12/28/2008 5:14:41 AM
+1 Boost
chatted with a neighbor just this afternoon.

her awd matrix gets 37 mpg on trips.

for its size, the (not so) smart getws HORRIBLE mileage.


_43LE_43LE - 12/28/2008 2:02:12 PM
+5 Boost
Hands down, the Mercedes Smart, for the above reasons, and it looks absolutely dorky.


g2okg2ok - 12/28/2008 1:39:21 AM
+5 Boost
Acura is the worst without doubt.
It's a shame what has been done to a nice brand.


motor1motor1 - 12/28/2008 2:26:07 AM
+1 Boost
I'll drink to that


528i528i - 12/28/2008 4:08:12 AM
+3 Boost
I don't think the TL is a bad car. its just ugly thats it. same with the new 7 series. they both full with technology but some how ugly.


SpeedoholicSpeedoholic - 12/28/2008 5:06:32 AM
0 Boost
Porsche Panamera.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 12/29/2008 8:10:53 AM
+1 Boost
I totally disagree with Speedoholic -- tha Panamera will be an excellent competitor to the Maserati Quatroporte. There are more Porsche dealers than Maserati dealers which is a bonus when touring long distances as there is always the possibility of mechanical breakdown. I want my drive to be as worry-free as possible.


truckmantruckman - 12/28/2008 6:05:08 AM
+1 Boost
The Tundra because of it's inferior frame and lack of an off road package, and stickers and shocks don't count, lockers and larger tires and more wheel travel like the Ford Rapture
And the Hummer H-3 because it is all marketing and has very little substance! There lockers are actually a mechanical limited slip almost as good as a true track, It's just a re-badged Colorado that looks like the big brother H-1. I like the H-1!


truckmantruckman - 12/29/2008 3:09:02 AM
+2 Boost
I must correct myself about the H-3, they actually have selectable lockers! There trucks have the inferior "lockers" that I was referring too. The worst thing about the H-3 P/U is that it only carries 1000. lbs! That is 200lbs more than my Honda Civic! Or in some cases it could carry one more person if it had six seats. Isn't it supposed to be a work truck? So all it can carry is two guys and two dirt bikes, and if they brought there BBQ and lunch for the day they would void the warantee and get a ticket! Pathetic!


XYZZXYZZ - 12/29/2008 4:47:54 AM
0 Boost

the Tacoma is the all time off road champion pickup. when modified by Ironman Stewart, it is absolutely unbeatable.

the Tundra doesn't need to compete in that arena, where it's li'l brother OWNS the segment. tundras are meant for mostly heavy duty and on pavement work.




DoctorCDoctorC - 12/29/2008 5:11:25 AM
+2 Boost
Just for a reminder how you really should drive your Hummer :)

http://www.motocar.co.il/gallery/picture.aspx?ImgInd=10&tnyyr4B_vq=MFJM

Advanced driving course in the IDF


bimmerrianbimmerrian - 12/28/2008 8:18:48 AM
+5 Boost
Belive me,personally i think these are all all great choices for the worst car of 2008(except for the new 7 comment)but most importantly,have you guys all gone completely mad and forgotten about the dodge durango "hybrid"?HORRIBLE


91z4me91z4me - 12/28/2008 9:46:50 PM
-1 Boost
That 'Hybrid' gets better mileage than any Japanese or German fullsize SUV on sale in the US. So how horrible could it be?


truckmantruckman - 12/29/2008 3:22:23 AM
+1 Boost
I am not a fan of any hybrids, 91z4me, what kind of mileage does it acquire? Your statement sound out there that it gets the best gas mileage, It probable gets 14mpg instead of 10? Please correct me if I am wrong.Not a Dorango fan at all


XYZZXYZZ - 12/29/2008 4:53:35 AM
+1 Boost

friend of mine has a hybrid Highlander. she gets in the high-20s mpg. (yeah, it's not a p/u. but she uses it as one.)


TheRealDrFillTheRealDrFill - 12/28/2008 10:16:07 AM
-7 Boost
Truckman
Not only is it's frame good enough for a Top Pick crash test, ever heard of TRD Off-Road package?
Questioning Toyota's off-road credentials?
FJ Cruiser/Tacoma/Land Cruiser?
Ironman Tundra 0-60 in 4.4 seconds? Fastest truck ever?
Can tow 10k loads that make F-150 wease like an Asthmatic?
Try not to advertise your ignorance.
Unless your Rush Limbaugh
Then it's expected
DrFill


EL34EL34 - 12/28/2008 1:46:34 PM
+6 Boost
You're comparing an aftermarket truck to a production truck.

Who are you Fidel Castro???


JD00JD00 - 12/29/2008 10:50:02 PM
+2 Boost
That's "you're," Dr. Rocket Scientist.


truckmantruckman - 12/30/2008 5:31:23 AM
+2 Boost
The realdrfill, As for facts, first off I have owned and thrashed three Toyota 4x4's and have done most of the repairs on them all, so I like the older Toyota's and I have more insight than your average person with my mechanical knowledge. The New Tundra for 2008 2009 has good crash test results on the Tundra and the Tacoma, the Tacoma has the best and only 5 star crash test results for side impact! The tundra may be safe but it has a frame that is too flexy! Check out you tube "truck bed bounce Tundra" You will reluctantly eat your words of ignorance!lol Please don't take it personally, we have all posted mistakes here and there.We can't know it all, humility is a gift. And for the TRD package, doesn't the Tacoma TRD come with the selectable locker (awesome) and progressive spring rate and shocks and don't forget the sticker!lol No big deal! As for Ironman's truck, it's not factory so what are you trying to say? It would be safe to say any trophy truck from any of the manufacturers would have comparable numbers.As far as the FJ is concerned it was beaten by the H-3! And as far as the towing ability is concerned the F-150 tows more! Yes the Tundra has a better engine, but it is a poorly engineered PU when you compare them to the big three. Stick to the facts not bias.


TheRealDrFillTheRealDrFill - 12/28/2008 10:19:42 AM
+2 Boost
So topping the list is Acura (all vehicles), F-150 (weak engines, so they sell on EPA), Hummer, and BMW X6 is pretty rank, and Lexus IS convertible

A nice addition will be Land Rover LRX in 2010
Toyota Venza looks like a winner
And the 1-series a huge hit
DrFill


EL34EL34 - 12/28/2008 12:11:17 PM
+3 Boost
I saw a Toyota Venza on the 5 freeway in Irvine, Ca yesterday and it's not too pretty from the front end.


EL34EL34 - 12/28/2008 1:44:57 PM
0 Boost
I take that back.

The Toyota Venza is so pretty it looks like a basket of flowers.

A total chick mobile.


_43LE_43LE - 12/28/2008 2:02:39 PM
+1 Boost
I've told you this before, stop looking in the mirror!


toolatetoracetoolatetorace - 12/28/2008 2:18:59 PM
0 Boost
Good one


zorbeezezorbeeze - 12/28/2008 11:18:57 AM
+5 Boost
As far as ugliness goes the X6 and TL are the winners in that category.


krackerhatesmekrackerhatesme - 12/28/2008 12:20:54 PM
-8 Boost
What about the Ram - quality sucks. Chevy truck bed shakes worst than the Tundra. Ford F-150 is under powered compared to the Tundra. Better parts (brakes, engine, transmission...) Tundra is not the best looking truck - I'll agree.


toolatetoracetoolatetorace - 12/28/2008 2:17:10 PM
+4 Boost
Yes I have seen Chev truck beds wiggle going over two sets of railroad tracks due in part because the cab is rubber mounted and the box is not . At least the box does not run into the cab on rumblle strips like the toyota does . I thught for awhile that the Tundra was not too bad looking until you see it from a certain angle . I loks like it is staring to share the lines of an old cab over engine oil delivery truck


91z4me91z4me - 12/28/2008 9:50:03 PM
+1 Boost
1UAW, I had heard many times that the F150 frame was tops. Though Dodge has the best engine options (390 hp 5.7 OHV Hemi destroys the ~320 hp 5.4 Triton).


XYZZXYZZ - 12/29/2008 5:00:01 AM
0 Boost

that 390 hp is inflated.

proof is in the pudding. tundra's 'mere' 371 hp beats it in 0 -60 and 1/4 mile, despite weighing 200 lbs more.


800over800over - 12/29/2008 11:29:06 PM
+1 Boost
Chet did you even read the article? Vehicles introduced this year. Tundra has been around since Feb 07.


KthornKthorn - 1/4/2009 1:47:48 AM
+1 Boost
Did somebody say comedy hour? Are there any drink specials? I know, it's a silly retort.


henbmwhenbmw - 12/28/2008 12:18:12 PM
+4 Boost
Hummer H3T. It should die, like yesterday.


truckmantruckman - 12/29/2008 3:16:46 AM
+2 Boost
I am a 4x4 nut and I agree, why do you think it sucks? Are you on the politically correct bandwagon because hippies dislike hummers or do you dislike it because you know it is more about marketing and has little substance and can only carry 160lbs more than a Civic!!And a 4 speed tranny with thew V-8?#@ Torsion bars? What crap! It is just a Colarado with larger tires! The only bonus is the selectable tires and it comes factory with good size tires.


henbmwhenbmw - 12/31/2008 11:33:24 AM
+2 Boost
The latter.


1dott81dott8 - 12/28/2008 12:41:47 PM
+4 Boost
BMW X6


AmericaAmerica - 12/28/2008 12:47:43 PM
-2 Boost
The X6 is sold out world wide for months, yeah terrible....

dottie gets thumbs down


1dott81dott8 - 12/28/2008 1:28:54 PM
+1 Boost
so what? just because the iphone sells like crazy does that make it the greatest phone? that's called good marketing. the X6 is just plain ugly and useless. what is it? is it a sports car, NO, too high. is it an SUV/SAV, NO, too small. just because it works for you doesn't mean my opinion deserves a deboost, buddy.


1dott81dott8 - 12/28/2008 1:30:43 PM
+2 Boost
by the way, that's the new name you're using now Amazin?


M53RM53R - 12/28/2008 10:12:43 PM
+4 Boost
1dott8

It's something new... it's not supposed to be a mass seller. It's for those who want something different that can go fast. Try and be open to new things, it'll help you in life.


1dott81dott8 - 12/29/2008 3:04:43 PM
-3 Boost
M53R - i don't care what it sold, to me it is still ugly and useless. that is my opinion and no matter what you or anyone else says, i will still feel the same way tomorrow.


M53RM53R - 12/30/2008 10:59:44 AM
+4 Boost
Next time you look at an X6, just think "X5 coupe" with a funky roof ;)


t_bonet_bone - 12/28/2008 1:00:51 PM
+4 Boost
X6, TL, MINI Clubman

I pick on the car companies that should know better...


0to600to60 - 12/28/2008 2:37:47 PM
+4 Boost
TL > RL (But barely). The RL wins the award!


NItePhireNItePhire - 12/28/2008 3:14:25 PM
+9 Boost
Worst trucklet would be hands down the Honda Pilot. Ugly ass styling inside and out, worst brake performance and MPG than last model. Did I mention it was ugly. Worst Car has got to be the Smart 4-2. People who buys this might as well catch the bus cause we know you dont like driving at all.


0to600to60 - 12/28/2008 4:43:53 PM
+2 Boost
http://jalopnik.com/399115/the-ten-ugliest-cars-currently-sold-in-the-united-states

I disagree with the focus. Especially at #1


motor1motor1 - 12/28/2008 6:13:07 PM
0 Boost
The American Ford Focus is truly an ugly car. The one offered in Europe and Australia is a very stylish, but simple, hatchback.


DutchmanDutchman - 12/28/2008 6:30:51 PM
-1 Boost
FERRARI CALIFORNIA. CHICK CAR WITH A FOLD DOWN ROOF. I dont care about stats or first drives either it's a sell out and everyone knows it.


scottyrobertsscottyroberts - 12/28/2008 7:26:39 PM
+1 Boost
Using a defineable set of criteria (S.P.A.C.E.D.) instead of ego, the most logical selection for worst vehicle of the year is the H3T, hands down.



91z4me91z4me - 12/28/2008 9:52:24 PM
+4 Boost
I love it when people use acronyms without defining them. It makes them seem so much smarter than the rest of us uneducated folks.

[Be sure to take note of the nearly fatal overdose of sarcasm here]


scottyrobertsscottyroberts - 12/29/2008 2:08:51 PM
0 Boost
Forgive me, I thought this site was for automobile professionals and enthusiast's. The spaced acronym is used by many professionals to formulate a proper product presentation highlighting features, benefits, and advantages. When comparing and contrasting the subject vehicle against the competition, keeping spaced in the back of your mind helps you keep the process focused. So sorry to bunch the panties of a surf... (tongue planted firmly in cheek) Here you go.

Safety
Performance
Appearance
Comfort
Economy
Dependability



JonathanJonathan - 12/30/2008 12:30:25 AM
0 Boost
I'd have to agree with scottyroberts on this one. There seems to be an overemphasis on aesthetics when there are many other factors that can make a vehicle "the worst".


OBSERVER1984OBSERVER1984 - 12/28/2008 8:44:42 PM
+5 Boost
BMW X6 is absolutely useless car. It's neither a real off-roader nor a sportscar.


M53RM53R - 12/28/2008 10:13:43 PM
+5 Boost
X5 coupe?


Type707Type707 - 12/28/2008 9:59:30 PM
+1 Boost
The Acura TL (poor design,) ALL Hummers, Chevrolet Volt, Toyota Yaris & Venza


M53RM53R - 12/28/2008 10:15:03 PM
+1 Boost
I think it's the CLC from Mercedes. Ugly thing.


BJS470BJS470 - 12/29/2008 1:50:56 AM
+2 Boost
TL and X6


2ndbimmer2ndbimmer - 12/29/2008 10:28:12 AM
+3 Boost
How is the F150 a bad choice? its a great looking truck and they sell about 1 million per year. yeah, really bad to bring a truck that sells so well...
fool

acura TL is just so ugly it isnt even funny.


veyron1001veyron1001 - 12/29/2008 7:48:33 PM
0 Boost
That would equate to 950,000 mistakes a year as its a compensation from something. 50k actually use the truck like it was intended for in the first place.


mercuryguymercuryguy - 12/29/2008 12:13:20 PM
+1 Boost
F-150 is nice, the only truck with Mahogony Wood Door panels, but it will need a Diesel to cope with future energy concerns.

Acura Tail is very nice, but the front grille suffers from the Ford Edsel disease.

Best Cars are the Passat CC, and Bentley Arnage, Audi R8.


mercuryguymercuryguy - 12/29/2008 12:16:57 PM
+1 Boost
Oh, someone said F-150-weak engine. The Standard 4.6L is a strong car engine, but too small for this truck. You need to opt for the 5.4L which has ample power even with a 3.55 rear end. The engine upgrade is pocket change unlike other companies that charge huge premiums.


WhelanWhelan - 12/29/2008 12:47:09 PM
+1 Boost
It would be a tie between the Acura TL and the Smart 4-2. The TL simply do to its design. A car that competes size wise with a 5 series (if you wanna call it competing). Does not even offer a V-8 option, and was styled by some 5th grader.

The Smart was popular for a few months when gas topped $4 a gallon. Now I rarely see one on the road. They are WAY to small to be safe on US roads. I wouldn't even want one in a city, especially with all those Crown Vic taxi's that could lay you out flat. It has no place on a highway either. I coudl easily see this thing being blown off the road by a strong wind gust.


mercuryguymercuryguy - 12/30/2008 3:22:41 PM
+1 Boost
I wouldn't want to drive a Smart on the Thruway with Tandem Trailer 18 wheelers. They are even talking tripple trailers some day.

Tonnage wins, evertime in a collision. Just one Flatbed trailer hauling steel tips the scales at 60, 70 80,000 Lbs.


shiftlessshiftless - 1/1/2009 12:51:35 PM
+2 Boost
THE SMART CAR, REALLY I MEAN REALLY IF YOU WERE GOIN TO BUY A CAR SIMPLY ON SMALL FRAME AND GREAT GAS MILEAGE...WHY NOT GET A BIKE!!!


tesla311tesla311 - 1/3/2009 3:43:35 PM
+1 Boost
the tesla is beyond your comprehension


autopromissaautopromissa - 1/3/2009 6:06:04 PM
+1 Boost
The Detroit 3 bail out!


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