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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

The 'disappointing dozen': Consumer Reports releases list of 12 cars you shouldn't be driving

By: Jodi Lai

Posted: 03/15/2013 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Toyota Yaris (TOYOTA)

A group of 2013 Toyotas and domestic SUVs top the list of "disappointing dozen" vehicles that have failed Consumer Reports' vigorous testing.

The consumer magazine conducts tests all year round, and although it says it often comes across very good cars, the 12 on its "disappointing" list "fail miserably."

Some common faults the magazine finds in cars it tests are poor handling, uncomfortable driving position, tepid acceleration and too much engine noise among others -- simply, buyers can get better cars that have more value for the same price.

The following vehicles are listed on Consumer Reports' Disappointing Dozen from worst to "less terrible" and how they came up short:

-- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara

Ride, handling, braking, wind noise, fit and finish, fuel economy, seat comfort, reliability, visibility, access.

-- Smart ForTwo Passion

Transmission, need for premium fuel, seats only two, acceleration, agility, noise.

-- Scion iQ

Ride, noise, acceleration, steering, driving position, fit and finish, radio controls, blind spots, tiny rear seat.

-- Mitsubishi i SE

Short range, long charging time, weak cabin heat, Spartan accommodations, acceleration, ride, agility, seats only four, complicated radio, headlights.

-- Chevrolet Spark 1LT

Acceleration, transmission, ride, noise, front-seat comfort, driving position, controls.

-- Toyota FJ Cruiser

Visibility, ride, handling, noise, fuel economy, fit and finish, access.

-- Toyota Yaris LE

Noise, ride, agility, driving position, front-seat comfort, fit and finish, radio controls, rear visibility.

-- Dodge Avenger SXT (four-cylinder)

Engine noise, acceleration, braking, handling, rear visibility, transmission, driving position, fuel economy.

-- Jeep Compass Latitude

Engine noise, acceleration, driving position, front-seat comfort, rear visibility, cornering limits, braking, reliability.

-- Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie (6.7L inline six-cylinder)

Ride, noise, handling, transmission, high step-in, complicated optional radio, reliability.

-- Toyota Tacoma (V-6)

Ride, handling, driving position, high step-in, low rear seat.

-- Jeep Patriot Latitude

Engine noise, acceleration, driving position, front-seat comfort, complicated optional radio.

-- Postmedia News

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 15, 2013 B4

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