Consumer Reports has released its annual list of the worst cars of 2008. Over 260 vehicles were compared in this year’s evaluation. Once again, American SUVs dominated the field, although there were a number of Toyota models, usually the strong players, at the bottom of the field as well. The worst cars are as follows:

• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – The Wrangler Unlimited was characterized by its poor ride and handling, as well as its subpar fuel economy, fit, and finish.
• Hummer H3 five-cylinder – Poor performance and fuel economy as well as a low rating for handling and reliability ensured the Hummer H3 was at the bottom.
• Jeep Liberty Sport – Rated poorly for fuel economy, NVH levels and fit and finish.
• Chevrolet Aveo5 – The Aveo5 only suffered from poor acceleration and handling but compared to its rivals the South Korean hatch was the worst performer.
• Dodge Nitro SLT – One of the worst cars in the field, the Dodge Nitro SLT was rated as having poor ride, handling, braking, NVH levels and fuel economy.
• Toyota FJ Cruiser – A work horse SUV that requires premium fuel and suffers from poor fit and finish and subpar ride and handling.
• Toyota Yaris – The Yaris is one of the most popular subcompacts in the world but its poor acceleration and vague steering meant it was one of the worst cars in this year’s comparison.
• Suzuki Forenza – The Suzuki Forenza was rated poorly because of its inadequate acceleration, fuel economy, ride, and low results in the IIHS side-crash result.
• Jeep Patriot Limited – Another Jeep model made the list of worst performance, once again for poor acceleration, engine noise, driving position, visibility, front-seat comfort and fit and finish.
• Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT – Poor handling, braking and fuel economy ensure the Chevrolet TrailBlazer is at the bottom of the list.
• Mercury Grand Marquis – The aging Grand Marquis rounds out the list of the 11 worst cars of 2008, and was picked because of its rough sounding engine, poor ride and fuel economy and low IIHS side-crash result.

Source: Consumer Reports

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