It is human nature to want the best of everything. No matter in which stage of life, we all desire to possess great stuff. It may be for the purposes of showing off or it could be for our own self-satisfaction. One of the most common desires is a car. After all, who doesn't dream of owning the perfect car?
Dreams and realities seldom coincide, though. There are a few lucky people among us who have the means to buy and own the fastest, most exotic vehicles available. Others aren't as blessed. For us commoners, we have to make do with the best options available to us. We have to match our budget with our needs and limitations.
A common misconception is that the higher something costs, the better it is. That is not always true especially in the case of cars. Many times we have seen cars that punch well above their weight when it comes to their price. However, on the other side of the spectrum, there have been examples of cars that appear to solely exist to steal our hard-earned money by ripping us off.
This could be due to inferior build quality, exorbitant costs, or due to it being from a certain brand or being flat out deficient when it comes to the requirements of the customer. In this article, we will look at cars that offer the best bang for the buck and those which do not justify their price tag.
24 RIPOFF: Dodge Viper
The Viper is one of the most recognized cars in the world and a true product of Detroit power. For a car that offers reasonable performance and an exterior that is both beautiful and menacing at the same time, it may come as a surprise that the Viper is one of the cars to avoid if you are running on a budget. Make no mistake, the Viper has a good combination of power, cornering ability, and a friendly infotainment system. However, the Viper seriously lacks in two crucial departments: the mileage and ride experience. With a price tag of $118,795, there is a whole host of other cars you could go for in this range.
23 RIPOFF: Nissan GT-R
What hasn’t already been said in praise about the GT-R? Introduced in 2007, the GT-R was an absolute revelation and rightly perceived as a car of the future. Even today, nearly a decade after it first made its mark, the GT-R still holds a special place in the hearts of the purists. However, like most models which continue for a long period, the GT-R has quite a few shortcomings now. Its performance figures are still impressive—especially its acceleration and cornering ability—however, one look at the interior and you are taken back to 2007. Even today, the interior feels dated and you can tell that there is a significant lack of luxury-grade materials. The fact that it costs between $101,770 and $149,990, depending on the features and options, means that there are better options on the table.
22 RIPOFF: Maserati Ghibli
The Ghibli scores competent scores for its stylish looks and decent performance. However, that is pretty much all that it has going for it. The in-car technology of the Ghibli does not quite compare to that found in the more up-to-date cars such as Mercedes E-Class or its BMW counterpart: the BMW 5-Series. Not only that, but the quality of its build is also quite inferior compared to its rivals. The fact that the Ghibli weighs 4,100 pounds and features a rather stiff suspension (which translates to a harsh ride experience) means that the Ghibli could certainly do with some much-needed improvement.
21 RIPOFF: Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes may feature on this list, but no one should doubt their prowess in delivering world-class luxury cars. So, this begs the question of why the GLE is on this list. Well, primarily it’s because it is quite dated. Introduced initially as the M-class in 2011, it morphed into the GLE, as we know it today, in 2015 and should have undergone a complete revamp. However, as it is, the GLE received only a minor touch up. The GLE is by no means a bad vehicle, but for its range, there are certainly much better, up-to-date options that you could go for.
20 RIPOFF: Buick Envision
The Envision is compact crossover SUV built and developed in the USA since 2016. The Envision is offered as a luxury vehicle from its manufacturer but in whatever way you look at it, it doesn't quite justify as a vehicle of that class. The Envision comes up short in a number of departments: the ride experience feels pretty jiggly, the cabin sounds way too loud, and the steering can only be described as shoddy, at best. The fact that the Envision sets you back by nearly $50,000 can only be surmised as a poor return on investment. In the words of Auto Guide's Craig Cole, "The Envision provides a pretty depressing on-road experience."
19 RIPOFF: Infiniti QX70
The QX70 first debuted in the year 2009 and is still going. Nine years is a long time for a vehicle to keep its original specifications and, thus, the model can only be called unfathomably old. You have to hand it to Infiniti, however, the QX70 doesn't hurt your eyes even in this day and age. However, prop it up next to more recent offerings, such as the QX30, and it feels like the QX70 is not even from the same manufacturer. The QX70 comes in just a singular engine variant: a 3.7-liter V6.However, that is just a bit too much of a guzzler and pretty much past its sell-by date.
18 RIPOFF: Cadillac ATS
The ATS is probably the worst car on this list, as it fails in probably every aspect of what makes a good car. Let's start from the top: the ATS fails to make the cut in adequate styling, pretty lackluster options for the powertrain, and perhaps most comical of all, a marketing team which tries to sell you the ATS to be comparable to offerings from Germany. Don't fall for it, as the ATS neither possesses neither the trademark luxuriousness of the Mercedes C-Class nor the systematic grunt of the BMW 3-Series. Step inside the ATS and you'll be forgiven for mistaking the gauges as if they are directly ported from the 1995 Chevy Beretta. Even its touch-activated audio controls are an absolute hassle. Long story short: pretty forgettable.
17 RIPOFF: Mercedes-Benz SLC
Similar to the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the SLC was developed and manufactured in 2011 during the short-lived association between Daimler and Chrysler. The SLC scores adequate marks when it comes to its stylings but it is found lacking in other departments. The SLC comes in two engine variants, with neither delivering the requisite power outputs: a 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine that delivers 241 horsepower and a bigger, twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 362 horsepower. The driving experience is also not something that you feel engaged with. Also, the fact that it costs $50,000 for the base version means that there are better performance variants you could go for in this range, like the new BMW Z4.
16 RIPOFF: Lincoln MKT
The MKT can be thought of as a hybrid of all the entries on this list so far, but a hybrid of all the bad qualities, unfortunately. Is the MKT ugly? Yup. Does it feel outdated? You bet. Terrible in-car technology? Check. Even its powertrain manages to further lower its considerably low bar. A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 paired with an outdated automatic six-speed transmission gives a measly 16 MPG rating for in-city driving. The ridiculous fact that the MKT is still on sale is trumped only by the fact that it costs $44,000. There can only be pity felt for those poor individuals who actually dump their cash on one of these.
15 RIPOFF: Mercedes Maybach Exelero
After the MKT, it might be a surprise to see another entry that could offer worse value. That surprise only widens when you look at the Maybach Exelero, a cross between a luxury coupe and a limousine. The Maybach also houses a pretty stellar powertrain. A twin-turbo, V12 engine powers the Exelero to nearly 700 horses and a top speed of 218 mph. The question then arises, why is the Exelero such poor value for money? Simple, it is overly expensive. In fact, the Exelero is arguably the most expensive car in the world, costing a mammoth $8 million. Yes, there is only one example ever made, so there is that exclusivity cost, but there is absolutely no justification for the price demanded by this car.
14 Good Value: Toyota Prius C
The Prius C is a smaller, more compact offering from Toyota, the cheapest in the Prius lineup. Ultimately, you end up getting what you pay for and the Prius C can't really be regarded as a substitute for the actual Prius. The Prius C lacks the smoothness of the Prius, plus it has a relatively loud engine and acceleration that feels insufficient. The interior also takes a bit of a hit with slightly cramped seats and cargo space. However, the Prius C makes its value felt with its superlative fuel economy of 43 mpg while its relatively small dimensions mean that its an ideal choice for urban driving. Car Consumers rates its reliability as above average and since the 2017 model, automatic emergency braking is now standard for Prius C.
13 Good Value: Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra received a makeover in 2017 and the result is a car that is substantially roomier, is much more fuel efficient, and allows the driver to be in more in control thanks to intuitive controls. The powertrain is also no slouch, with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine giving a rating of 33 MPG, although it comes at the cost of unpleasant buzzing sounds at higher revs. The Elantra also offers an Eco version, however, but this comes at a cost of a $3,000 premium. The Elantra delivers steady and adequate handling and sharp bumps can become noticeable. The Elantra also offers a sports version of its engine with a four-cylinder, 1.6-liter, turbocharged engine.
12 Good Value: Kia Optima
Kia renovated the Optima to pack plenty of value and substance into one midsized sedan. The driving experience is a pleasure, while the suspension may feel quite firm but is sufficiently responsive. The handling capability is no slouch, either. The standard engine variant is a four-cylinder, 2.4-liter engine which provides a fuel economy of 28 mpg. Kia also provides a sportier engine: a 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine which takes the power up a notch. The standard EX trim features soft leather seats, an automatic climate control option, and quite roomy rear seats. All this is available for a reasonable $26,000. Kia also offers a hybrid variant.
11 Good Value: Chevrolet Impala
The Impala scores decent points for value thanks to the fact that it is quite roomy and provides a quiet and comfortable drive experience, giving the impression that you are driving a true luxury sedan. Chevrolet provides two engine variants for the Impala: a smaller four-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine as well as the higher-end, 3.6-liter V6 engine. Both the variants are coupled with an automatic six-speed transmission. The V6 variant provides decent mileage of 22 MPG and gives pretty good acceleration. The braking capability is up to mark and the steering feels quite responsive. The interior houses plenty of intuitive controls which are easy to use, although the rear visibility could do with some improvement.
10 Good Value: Buick Regal
This sports sedan from Buick gives off a vibe which can probably be attributed to its Opel roots. Thanks to its extremely responsive handling capability, fast steering, and pretty steady ride experience, the Regal is one of the better offerings from Buick. The powertrain of the Regal consists of a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine which produces 259 horsepower and gives a fuel economy rating of 24 MPG. The interior doesn't feel like budget cuts were made, as the cabin is composed of high-quality materials. The seats are roomy and a large trunk is basically the icing on the cake. The infotainment system features easy-to-use controls and all-wheel-drive is standard on all trims.
9 Good Value: Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is in its fourth generation from Mazda and it retains its roots of Mazda's original formula of a lightweight roadster with a rear-wheel-drive layout. Its 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine may only produce a paltry 155 horsepower, but make no mistake, the Miata shoots off well thanks to its extremely light weight, while the engine gives it very impressive fuel economy of 34 MPG. Available with both manual and automatic transmissions, the Miata allows for very fast and responsive handling, though somebody roll may be noticeable. The cabin space may not be something to shout about and the infotainment system could be made a bit more intuitive, though.
8 Good Value: Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica improves upon nearly every aspect from the outgoing Chrysler Town and Country minivan that it replaced. The Pacifica is offered in two passenger seating configurations: a seven-seater and an eight-seater, although the thigh support is not anything to write home about. The powertrain consists of a 3.6-liter V6 engine which is coupled with a nine-speed transmission which delivers reasonable power performance and a fuel economy of 21 MPG. The Pacifica handles beautifully and delivers a quiet and comfortable drive experience. A hybrid version is also available, which gives an all-electric range of up to 30 miles.
7 Good Value: Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester hits that sweet spot when it comes to the complete package, providing a roomy interior, venerable safety equipment, and quite stellar visibility all packed into a very affordable and reasonable package. The fuel economy is also not too shabby, landing in the region of 26 MPG, all the more impressive given that the Forester has an all-wheel-drive system. The ride is quite light and handling feels straightforward. The infotainment system has been given a touch-up and now features an intuitive touchscreen. There is also a highly recommended optional feature available called the EyeSight system which includes a forward-collision warning.
6 Good Value: Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe featured an update in 2017 which included the addition of advanced safety options such as the Multiview camera, automatic emergency braking, and a warning signal for lane departure. However, none of this has compromised the roomy interior of the Santa Fe. The powertrain is a 3.3-liter V6 engine which is coupled with a responsive automatic six-speed transmission. This combination gives the Santa a fuel economy of 20 MPG. Handling is light and responsive and the compliant ride provides a comfortable ride experience and also easily negotiates road surface imperfections. The cabin gives the feel of a well-finished product and only adds to its value.
5 Good Value: Ford Flex
The Ford Flex gives the best of both worlds of car-like driving mechanics and the versatility of an SUV. The Flex features a highly functional interior and allows up to seven passengers to be seated in its three rows. The handling capability may not be quite as light and supple, however, but this does not distract from an adequately comfortable driving experience, aided by its quiet cabin. The fuel mileage of the Flex is not particularly impressive, however. The base version, a 3.5-liter V6, gives only 18 MPG. The turbo variant of this engine provides faster acceleration.