Top 7 cars that owners regret buying (2026)

Trying to make the most of cars that owners regret? You are in the right place. Below we break it down in plain English, with practical tips you can actually use.

Key Takeaways

• Buying a new car is a big financial decision, so most people spend hours researching different models to find the best combination of price...
• But unfortunately, there are some vehicles that disappoint their owners more than others , which is why that research is so crucial.
• Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Read more: 10 vehicles that owners keep for 10 years or longer New rep...

Buying a new car is a big financial decision, so most people spend hours researching different models to find the best combination of cost and performance.

But unfortunately, there are some vehicles that disappoint their owners more than others , which is why that research is so crucial.

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Read more: 10 vehicles that owners keep for 10 years or longer

New report: Owners regret buying these 7 cars

Consumer Reports asked owners of 2014 to 2017 model-year vehicles if they would purchase the same car again. The good news is that 70% were happy with their choice. However, that means 30% wish they could have a do-over.

Out of more than 300,000 responses to Consumer Reports’ owner satisfaction survey, here are the seven vehicles that owners regret buying the most: 

Small SUV: Jeep Compass

Complaints from owners: Weak acceleration, noisy, cramped cabin, narrow front seats and difficult rearward views.

Midsized SUV: Nissan Pathfinder

“Frankly, it lacks off-road ruggedness and is boring to drive,” Consumer Reports said.

Small car: Dodge Dart

Complaints from owners: Uncomfortable seating, poor air conditioning and stiff ride.

Midsized sedan: Chrysler 200

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“It would be generous to say Chrysler’s 200 is mediocre, clumsy handling, an unsettled ride, and an underwhelming base four-cylinder engine make it feel sorely outdated,” Consumer Reports said.

Minivan: Dodge Grand Caravan

Complaints from owners: Transmission shifts roughly, uncomfortable second-row seats and affordable interior.

Pickup truck: Nissan Frontier

The high levels of road noise, clumsy steering, and difficulty maneuvering in parking lots bothered respondents,” Consumer Reports said.

Least-satisfying overall: Acura ILX

Complaints from owners: Lacks acceleration, loud road nose, poor paint quality and shaky ride.

Four vehicles on the list are made by Chrysler, which was ranked by Consumer Reports as one of the least reliable car brands in 2016. 

In addition to researching the best cars to purchase, bring someone along for your test drive so that they can help you spot potential red flags, whether they’re related to the car’s performance or just comfort. 

For more information, read Clark’s guides to buying a new car and a used car.

Buying a car: A step-by-step guide to buying the best car for you

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Final Thoughts

The bottom line: a little research on cars that owners regret goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is one click away.

Originally published at clark.com.