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You’ve most likely seen the same old ‘worst automotive’ lists. However after revisiting the info, speaking to actual homeowners, and studying interval opinions, we discovered extra to the story. A few of these vehicles simply wanted a little bit of care, or a bit extra credit score.
We wished to set the document straight. So we checked out actual information, talked to homeowners, and skim via previous opinions to search out out which vehicles really received a nasty popularity they didn’t deserve. If a automotive had fixable issues, a loyal fan base, and wasn’t as unhealthy as individuals say, it earned a spot right here.
How We Rescued These Misjudged Machines
We used RepairPal to examine how a lot these vehicles value to keep up. We additionally appeared up widespread issues on Client Experiences when obtainable. To get the complete image, we dug into previous automotive magazines like Automobile and Driver, Street & Observe, and MotorTrend, plus brochures saved on AutoEvolution.
Then we learn via fashionable boards and Reddit posts the place actual individuals talked about proudly owning and fixing these vehicles. We additionally checked public sale outcomes and worth guides from websites like Carry a Trailer and Hemmings to see which vehicles have been going up in worth.
Backside line: if a automotive was enjoyable to drive, had fixable points, and nonetheless reveals up on “keep away from” lists right now, we expect it’s time to offer it one other look.
Honda Del Sol
One widespread mistake that retains popping up is asking the Honda Del Sol the “CRX Del Sol,” not less than within the States. In keeping with MotorTrend, it was launched because the Civic Del Sol in 1993, however the “Civic” a part of the identify was dropped in 1995. It was solely known as CRX Del Sol in Japan and Europe!
The Del Sol was a successor to the CRX, however it was its personal mannequin with a targa prime and traditional ‘90s appeal. It provided Honda reliability, enjoyable driving dynamics, and gasoline effectivity that made it an incredible every day driver. Being primarily based on the Civic platform means there’s a ton of aftermarket help for it as nicely, so it may be was a correct pocket rocket. In keeping with Honda boards, early fashions suffered from leaky roof seals, however when you swap these for later ones, the issue must be solved and shouldn’t cease you from shopping for one. If something, the Del Sol is a future collectible, not one thing to keep away from.
Mazda RX-8
The RX-8 typically will get unfair criticism due to its rotary engine, which requires extra upkeep than a conventional piston engine. However right here’s the factor: actual rotary fans know what they’re moving into. RepairPal mentions that common annual upkeep prices are $517, whereas its not the most affordable on the market, it’s additionally not horrendous by any requirements.
What’s even worse than the same old rotary misconceptions? We’ve seen sources declare the RX-8 had a four-cylinder engine. It most positively didn’t! Each RX-8 was powered by Mazda’s 1.3-liter RENESIS rotary engine — by no means a four-cylinder.
In the event you see a used itemizing (or a media outlet) making that mistake, run. In the event you keep on prime of upkeep and drive it the way you’re presupposed to, the RX-8 delivers a high-revving, completely balanced driving expertise you received’t discover anyplace else. It’s actually not a automotive for the uninformed, however for many who recognize rotary energy, it’s a gem, and an inexpensive one at that!
Subaru SVX
The Subaru SVX is a forgotten grand tourer and the model’s daring leap into the posh GT market. Sure, it was a gross sales flop, however we expect it deserves way more respect. In keeping with MotorTrend, it was penned by Giugiaro, and its futuristic “window-within-a-window” design nonetheless turns heads right now.
Beneath the hood, the SVX packed a 3.3-liter flat-six with 230 hp and commonplace AWD, which is uncommon for a ’90s grand tourer. Critics knocked it for its weight, odd design, and lack of a guide transmission, however the SVX delivers a clean, composed journey with real long-distance consolation. It wasn’t meant to be a WRX, it was a unusual, succesful cruiser constructed forward of its time.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
You might have come throughout lists claiming the Mitsubishi Eclipse isn’t value shopping for attributable to reliability considerations. What they fail to say is that this automotive was a efficiency icon for a era.
Pop the hood on the turbocharged Eclipse, and also you’ll see the identical 4G63T engine that powered the legendary Lancer Evolution. It goes with out saying that these fashions are significantly enjoyable to drive. Certain, some variations of the Eclipse had transmission points, and others have been underpowered, however that doesn’t imply your entire Eclipse lineup is a no-go. Redditors say that so long as you’re taking correct care of it, these vehicles can nonetheless be thrilling every day drivers or, when you’re keen to throw some cash at one, it may be a critical efficiency automotive.
Mazda MX-6
The Mazda MX-6 by no means received the eye it deserved, overshadowed by flashier rivals, and right now, it’s an aesthetic ’90s sports activities coupe most individuals have forgotten about. Nonetheless, this modern Mazda had critical appeal. Particularly in LS trim.
In keeping with Automobile and Driver, the 1993 MX-6 was obtainable with a clean 2.5L V6 shared with its cousin, the Ford Probe GT, which was constructed on the identical platform. It might even be had with a guide transmission. The MX-6 provided surprisingly sharp dealing with and a refined driving expertise, effortlessly mixing sport and luxury. No, it wasn’t an excessive efficiency automotive, however it excelled as a classy, competent every day driver with simply sufficient edge to be enjoyable. At the moment, it’s a uncommon, budget-friendly gem that deserves a re-examination.
Toyota Paseo
The Toyota Paseo is commonly criticized for being underpowered, however let’s be sincere: not each automotive is constructed for velocity. This was basically a sportier model of the Toyota Tercel — that means it was ultra-reliable, fuel-efficient, and low-cost to keep up.
Even Vehicles.com wholeheartedly recommends the Paseo to those that want an reasonably priced, worry-free commuter that appears considerably sporty, because it nonetheless is a strong, if considerably quirky, selection.
Toyota MR2 Spyder (ZZW30)
Typically dismissed for its modest energy and odd seems to be, the third-gen MR2 Spyder is among the best-kept secrets and techniques in reasonably priced sports activities vehicles, and a very good various to the Mazda Miata. With a light-weight chassis, mid-engine structure, and near-perfect weight distribution, it delivers razor-sharp dealing with that rivals vehicles twice its worth.
Robert Bowen at Grassroots Motorsports studies that the 1.8L engine solely makes 138 hp, however paired with a low curb weight, it’s extra about momentum than muscle. Whereas some disliked the shortage of storage and the quirky styling, it is a driver’s automotive via and thru. It’s pure, analog, and criminally underrated. Significantly, it’s like a bargain-basement Lotus Elise!
Suzuki Samurai & X-90
The Suzuki Samurai has lengthy been unfairly labeled a rollover danger, regardless of later studies exhibiting that driver error and improper tire strain performed greater roles in them flipping over. The reality is, off-road fans love the Samurai for its rugged functionality and light-weight construct — these little issues could be as succesful as a Jeep Wrangler off the overwhelmed path.
As for the Suzuki X-90, it positively seems to be unconventional, however not each automotive must mix in. Some autos enchantment to area of interest markets, and that’s not a nasty factor. If you wish to stand out from the group when hitting the paths, it’s actually value a glance. Each homeowners {and professional} reviewers at Vehicles.com say it’s a troublesome cookie that’s reasonably priced to personal.
Mitsubishi 3000GT (Base & SL Fashions)
Certain, everybody remembers the 3000GT VR-4 twin-turbo flagship mannequin, however fans typically overlook the lesser base and SL variations, and so they’re higher than individuals give them credit score for. Haters complain about reliability points, upkeep prices, and restricted aftermarket help. Some additionally level to the automotive’s advanced programs, such because the 4WS and engine bay, as being difficult to work on
As per AutoEvolution, the bottom and SL fashions share the identical putting design, aggressive stance, and three.0-liter V6 pushing out 222 hp, which was very respectable within the early Nineteen Nineties, and greater than sufficient to have some enjoyable. The SL added digital suspension and a extra refined GT really feel. With out the VR-4’s advanced AWD and energetic aero programs, these variations are lighter, less complicated, and cheaper to keep up, making them nice grand tourers with unique seems to be and a strong V6 growl. They’re not sluggish, simply misunderstood.
Nissan NX2000
Don’t let the funky ‘90s styling idiot you; the Nissan NX2000 was a really succesful sports activities compact. FWD, sure, however in line with Street & Observe, it was primarily based on the Sentra SE-R, and packed the beloved 2.0L SR20DE engine, a limited-slip differential, and sport-tuned suspension proper from the manufacturing facility.
Light-weight and nimble, it provided sharp dealing with and punchy efficiency that might embarrass costlier vehicles on a twisty highway. Critics wrote it off as quirky and underpowered, however fans understand it as a hidden gem in Nissan’s efficiency historical past. Sensible, dependable, extremely tossable, and genuinely enjoyable, the NX2000 is among the finest forgotten FWD performers of the period.
Honda CR-Z
As AutoEvolution studies, the Honda CR-Z aimed to select up the place the CRX left off by mixing sporty driving with hybrid effectivity, a daring concept that left many scratching their heads. Critics panned it for being neither quick nor tremendous environment friendly, however we expect they missed the purpose.
With a light-weight chassis, sharp steering, and an obtainable 6-speed guide, the CR-Z is among the few on a regular basis hybrid vehicles that’s really enjoyable to drive. It seems to be good, handles nicely, and has a great deal of potential with easy mods. It’s not a sizzling hatch out of the field, however it’s a novel, driver-focused oddball value appreciating.
Toyota Celica GT (Seventh Gen)
Whereas the high-revving Seventh-gen Celica GT-S will get many of the love, the essential GT is way from a slouch. As per Hemmings, this underdog is powered by the 1.8L 1ZZ-FE engine with 140 hp, it’s lighter, extra fuel-efficient, and cheaper to keep up than its 2ZZ sibling. The sharp styling, low-slung stance, and nimble dealing with give it actual sport compact cred, even when it’s not a screamer at redline.
Critics wrote it off as underpowered, however it excels as a dependable, trendy, and chuckable every day driver with loads of tuning potential. For budget-minded fans, the GT is an choice that deserves extra love.
Sensationalism Over Substance
It’s straightforward to create an inventory of “vehicles to keep away from” by pulling outdated reliability complaints or judging a automobile primarily based on the mistaken standards. Nonetheless, most of the vehicles on these lists are beloved by homeowners, fans, and collectors. Earlier than writing off a automotive primarily based on a headline, examine real-world reliability information, speak to homeowners, and take into account what you really want in a automobile.
You may discover that a few of these so-called “unhealthy” vehicles are extra like hidden gems. Have you ever owned any of those fashions? Tell us within the feedback!
