The 12 Best-Rated & 12 Worst-Rated Cars Ever Made
The first car my cousin ever bought was a used lemon-yellow hatchback with a cassette player that only played ABBA and a tendency to stall when making left turns.
He loved it, despite everyone else calling it a disaster on wheels. At the same time, a neighbor had just picked up a top-rated sedan that looked perfect on paper but spent more time in the shop than on the road.
It just goes to show that reputation doesn’t always match reality. Some cars earn their praise—or infamy—fair and square, while others slip through the cracks of common sense and customer reviews alike.
1. Tesla Model S
Electric elegance on wheels! The Tesla Model S redefined what a luxury car could be, with its jaw-dropping acceleration and futuristic tech. It’s like driving a smartphone on wheels.
This beauty glides silently, making every trip an eco-friendly adventure. Its minimalist interior is a tech lover’s dream, with a screen that could rival your home TV.
Did you know? It can even play video games while parked! Who knew saving the planet could be this much fun?
2. Ferrari F40
The Ferrari F40 is a symphony of speed and style. Born in the 80s, it was the last car signed off by Enzo Ferrari, making it a legend.
With its turbocharged V8 engine, it roars down the road and into the hearts of thrill-seekers. Its design is pure, aggressive beauty—like a cheetah in metal form.
Fun fact: The F40 was the first production car to break the 200 mph barrier, making it the supercar of its time.
3. Ford Pinto
The Ford Pinto, a fiery piece of history—for all the wrong reasons. Known for its unfortunate exploding gas tanks, it’s the cautionary tale of automotive design.
Despite its compact charm, it often left drivers in a hot mess, quite literally. And let’s not mention the infamous rear-end collision reports.
Remarkably, it taught car manufacturers some crucial lessons. In a twisted way, it helped improve safety standards. Talk about learning from your mistakes!
4. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has earned its place among the best-rated cars of all time thanks to its unbeatable combination of reliability, affordability, and efficiency.
With decades of consistent performance and global popularity, the Corolla is a car that simply works. It’s not flashy, but that’s never been the point.
It’s dependable, low-maintenance, and built to last, which is exactly what millions of drivers want. Across generations, it has quietly dominated the compact car segment and built a reputation few rivals can match.
5. Pontiac Aztek
Few cars have faced more ridicule than the Pontiac Aztek. Designed with practicality in mind, it offered a versatile interior and even a built-in camping package.
But its odd, bulky styling quickly overshadowed its features, making it a punchline for years. Poor sales and harsh reviews landed it on countless “worst car” lists.
Still, some have come to appreciate its quirky charm, and it now holds a cult following. But no doubt, the Aztek is one of GM’s boldest misfires.
6. Chevrolet Corvette
Vroom! The Chevrolet Corvette is America’s answer to the supercar, with its roaring V8 and head-turning looks.
It’s a car that screams ‘freedom’ on the open road, with performance that matches its striking design. Every curve on this beast is designed to thrill.
Did you know? The Corvette was almost called the “Cheetah,” but its current name suits its speed and agility just fine!
7. Yugo
Ah, the Yugo—a car with more jokes than miles. Known for its, shall we say, minimalist approach to engineering, this little guy became a punchline.
With a price tag as small as its engine, it promised no frills and delivered even less. Breakdowns were as common as the rising sun.
Yet, it holds a place in automotive history as a lesson in what not to do. Sometimes, low cost comes at a high price!
8. Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle—a car with curves and charisma. Born out of necessity, it became a symbol of peace and love.
Its distinctive shape and cheerful demeanor won hearts worldwide. It’s as much a cultural icon as a mode of transport.
Fun fact: The Beetle was originally designed to be the “people’s car,” and it surely lived up to that promise over the decades.
9. AMC Gremlin
Meet the AMC Gremlin, a car with a name as peculiar as its design. It was the answer to the needs of the 1970s, compact and full of character.
The Gremlin wasn’t winning beauty contests, but it was uniquely American, with a shape that defied conventions.
Despite its odd appearance, it found a niche following. Sometimes, being quirky just works!
10. Honda Accord
Smooth, sleek, and oh-so reliable, the Honda Accord is the unsung hero of the highway.
With its balance of comfort and efficiency, it’s the car that keeps going and going. Popular among families and commuters, it’s dependable as a sunrise.
Interesting tidbit: The Accord has been a staple in the automotive world for over four decades, weathering trends and economic shifts with grace.
11. DeLorean DMC-12
Great Scott! The DeLorean DMC-12 isn’t just a car; it’s a time machine! Thanks to “Back to the Future,” it captured our imaginations like few others.
With its stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, it was as futuristic as the 80s got. Sadly, time wasn’t kind to its performance.
Despite its shortcomings, it remains an icon of pop culture. Who wouldn’t want to time travel in style?
12. Ford Model T
The Ford Model T isn’t just one of the best-rated cars—it’s one of the most important. Introduced in 1908, it revolutionized transportation by bringing car ownership to the masses.
Its simple design, low cost, and assembly line production made it accessible and reliable. With over 15 million units sold, the Model T didn’t just mobilize America—it changed the world.
Its cultural and technological impact makes it more than a car; it’s a symbol of innovation and progress in automotive history.
13. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series has long been the benchmark for sport sedans, praised for its balance of performance, comfort, and driving dynamics.
For decades, it has won over critics and enthusiasts alike with its precise handling and upscale feel.
Whether in coupe, sedan, or wagon form, the 3 Series delivers a driving experience that blends practicality with luxury.
It’s a car that feels equally at home on winding roads and daily commutes, earning its place among the most consistently top-rated vehicles worldwide.
14. Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla—a car that challenges the eye and the norm. Its frog-like appearance belies a roomy interior and practicality.
With seating for six, it’s perfect for families who march to the beat of their own drum. It’s as unconventional as they come.
Fun fact: Despite its looks, it’s won awards for its clever design. Sometimes, beauty isn’t everything!
15. Lamborghini Miura
The Lamborghini Miura is a legend. Introduced in the late 1960s, it’s often credited as the first true supercar, combining a mid-engine layout with exotic styling that stunned the world.
Powered by a V12 and dripping with Italian flair, the Miura was both beautiful and brutally fast for its time.
Reviewers and collectors alike continue to revere it for its groundbreaking design and thrilling performance. It didn’t just raise the bar—it defined it, earning a top-tier spot in automotive history.
16. Chevrolet Chevette
The Chevrolet Chevette may have been cheap and fuel-efficient, but that’s about where the praise ends.
Built during a time when small, economy cars were in demand, the Chevette delivered minimal power, uninspired handling, and a bare-bones interior.
Though it sold in large numbers due to its low price, it became synonymous with mediocrity and lackluster quality.
Critics slammed its dull design and poor performance, and today it’s often remembered as one of the worst American cars of the era.
17. Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is a true icon that’s stayed at the top of the performance game for over 60 years.
Loved for its rear-engine layout, razor-sharp handling, and everyday usability, the 911 has evolved while staying true to its roots.
From air-cooled classics to modern turbocharged beasts, it remains a benchmark for sports cars everywhere.
Critics and enthusiasts consistently praise its engineering and timeless design. Few cars have such a legacy of excellence—and fewer still have earned such lasting respect.
18. Renault Dauphine
The Renault Dauphine might have had charming looks, but it quickly earned a reputation as one of the worst-rated cars ever made.
Plagued by poor build quality, rust issues, and a painfully underpowered engine, the Dauphine was a disaster in performance and reliability.
When it hit the U.S. market, it failed to impress even the most budget-conscious buyers.
Despite initial popularity in Europe, its long-term legacy was marred by breakdowns and disappointment, landing it firmly in the automotive hall of shame.
19. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Zoom zoom! The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the roadster that’s all about the joy of driving.
Lightweight and nimble, it dances through curves with the grace of a ballet dancer. Its simplicity is its strength.
Fun fact: The Miata holds the Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sports car. Who knew fun could come in such a compact package?
20. Trabant
Built behind the Iron Curtain, the East German Trabant was a car of necessity, not luxury. Its body was made of plastic-like material, and its tiny two-stroke engine emitted clouds of smoke.
With minimal features and sluggish performance, it became infamous for its lack of refinement.
Though it was a symbol of mobility in communist Europe, the Trabant is widely regarded as one of the worst cars ever built. Today, it’s a curious relic of a very specific time and place.
21. Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5—James Bond’s ride of choice and the epitome of British cool. It’s a car that’s as suave as 007 himself.
With its graceful lines and powerful engine, it’s more than just a car; it’s a statement.
Fun fact: The DB5 gained fame in “Goldfinger,” forever linking it with espionage and elegance.
22. Smart Fortwo
The Smart Fortwo was designed to make city driving a breeze with its ultra-compact footprint and easy parking. But what it gained in maneuverability, it lost in ride comfort, performance, and practicality.
The car’s harsh suspension, clunky transmission, and limited cargo space earned it poor reviews from critics.
It had its niche, but for many, the drawbacks outweighed the benefits. Though innovative in concept, the Fortwo failed to impress as a complete package, often landing on lists of underwhelming modern cars.
23. Jaguar E-Type
Elegance meets performance in the Jaguar E-Type. Often called the most beautiful car ever made, it’s a classic that turns heads.
With a smooth ride and a design that’s pure art, it’s the epitome of 1960s style.
Fun fact: Enzo Ferrari himself once called it “the most beautiful car ever made.” That’s high praise!
24. Peel P50
The Peel P50, with its one-of-a-kind charm and pint-sized frame, is more than just a novelty car.
This microcar, hailing from the Isle of Man, captured imaginations in the 1960s with its claim of being the world’s smallest car.
Though it’s often laughed off as a quirky relic, the P50’s simplicity and unique design have earned it a loyal fanbase.
Surprisingly, its single-cylinder engine and three wheels have become symbols of innovation in miniaturization.