While the concept of a sports car in itself is highly appealing to the everyman, gearheads tend to be a bit pickier when it comes to fast rides. It's not all about high horsepower outputs or sporty designs, and knowledgeable car enthusiasts know that the automotive industry has produced a plethora of terrible "sports cars" no one would enjoy driving, let alone owning.
Sure, the standard sports car recipe includes dumping a high-horsepower engine in a sleek and lightweight body and adding some performance tires. However, some manufacturers fail to address many equally important aspects of a great sports car such as build quality, ergonomics, and most importantly, the performance itself.
Gearheads have formed their opinions over the years and hold certain sports cars in much higher regard than others, whether it's because they're faster and more beautiful or because they have proven themselves desirable. This list, on the other hand, will examine 10 sports cars no knowledgeable gearhead would feel good about driving.
10 Mitsubishi FTO
The Mitsubishi FTO was launched in 1994, and while it was originally marketed for Japan, it soon made its way into the European markets. It was actually quite a good car upon its release as it won the Japanese Car of the Year award, so it wasn't a bad car by any means. The car was acceptable in terms of power at the time too as it came with 168 bhp. Despite this, the car has been neglected by owners in recent years, making it quite undesirable for gearheads looking for a cheap JDM sports car.
Crashes and bad modifications have made the car completely run down and interest in the FTO is dwindling because of these. Add in that that these were FWD in a time where AWD Japanese sports cars ruled the world, and you have yourself a good reason why no self-respecting gearhead would ever go near an FTO nowadays.
9 Ferrari Mondial 8
The Ferrari Mondial 8 was a complete letdown by Ferrari. The V8 engine looked good and the car came with four seats, which is quite the novelty for a sports car (especially a Ferrari). However, many didn't like the Mondial because it was slow for a Ferrari (going 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds is hardly impressive) and it was incredibly awkward looking, even Ferrari couldn't make a mid-engined four-seater work.
Due to its status as being at the bottom end of the Ferrari lineup, it isn't highly regarded among enthusiasts. Many wouldn't thank you for one and we don't blame them. Even several updates to the car including switching the engine to be mounted longitudinally and adding more power couldn't make it desirable.
8 Lexus SC430
The Lexus SC430 was an interesting car. It had experienced plenty of success and it was marketed by Lexus as being the "jewel" of their brand. And with the 4.3-liter V8 engine, it was set to be impressive. Today, however, the SC430 is one of the most undesirable convertibles among gearheads, thanks to its lackluster performance and dull looks.
Top Gear named this car the worst car of the century, and with good reason, too. The car wasn't great for the SC nameplate as this one was bloated and was worse to drive than the fan-favorite Z30 SC that came before it. Gearheads steer clear from this car because it killed the SC lineage, and most people don't want anything to do with it.
7 Chrysler TC by Maserati
The Chrysler TC was made by Chrysler and Maserati and was sold as a grand tourer. The car was also a complete lemon. Its development took a lot longer than expected, and in the end, it was identical in looks to the Chrysler LeBaron. They also shared the same engine, but the LeBaron was a lot cheaper than the TC. It also wasn't that sporty, making it a complete letdown from a car sporting the Maserati Trident.
Gearheads often stay away from the TC, not only because the car was bad, but because there aren't that many left. There are plenty of better cars out there, and gearheads know this. Even if it's the cheapest way to buy a Maserati it still is not worth how bad it is.
6 Lotus Europa S
Launched in 2006, the Lotus Europa S received a lot of negative reception among enthusiasts. While Lotus is known for the lightweight sports cars that are also incredibly focused and well driven, the Europa S couldn't have been further from this. Being based on the Elise meant that the car had big shoes to fill, which it definitely didn't.
Sadly, despite the car being decently powerful through a turbo 2.0-liter engine, the car was too heavy to be marketed as a light sports car. It didn't make sense for Lotus to make a heavier version of the Elise when the original was so successful. As such, gearheads stay away from the Lotus Europa S, and simply opt for the Elise.
5 Hyundai S Coupe
The Hyundai S Coupe, or the 'Scoupe', was a bland car pretending to be a sports car. It came with a 1.5-liter engine that produced 81 hp, and it was slow too. It did have some accolades as the car was reliable and cheap, but it was simply just a lackluster vehicle.
The turbo version that came along was much better, and many opt for that instead of the S Coupe even if it wasn't exactly good to drive. The original S Coupe is an unusual choice for sure, but gearheads would likely stay away from ever owning one.
4 Chrysler Crossfire
Launched in 2004, the Chrysler did not compare well with rival sports cars like the Nissan 350Z. The car shared a chassis with the old Mercedes SLK, which had been replaced, and it just wasn't modern enough in comparison to other cars at the time. It was lazy and dull.
With looks compared to looking like a dog squatting, the car didn't really receive many accolades and it came with an interior that felt extremely cheap. Gearheads are sure to stay away from the Chrysler Crossfire, as should anyone wanting to buy a sports coupe.
3 Honda CRX Del Sol
The Honda CRX Del Sol was launched in 1992, and it wasn't popular among consumers. Being based on the Civic platform wasn't a bad idea, but it was actually a car that no one really asked for, a non-sporty sports car. However, it did come with the Honda's first targa-top, which the name 'Del Sol' references.
The car just didn't garner much interest, and it still doesn't nowadays. The running costs of the car are sky-high and that targa-top has a nasty habit of leaking. Add in that the car itself isn't very fun to drive, there are better cars that gearheads can buy.
2 Pontiac Sunfire
Introduced in 1995, the Sunfire replaced the Pontiac Sunbird. There were some interesting design choices made to the car, which many didn't like at all. It was a definite letdown in comparison to the Sunbird, which was an iconic-looking sports car.
It wasn't fun to drive either, feeling bland and very woolen. It was also quick to rust, and many term it as being a rust bucket nowadays because of this. As such, the car isn't exactly appealing for gearheads who want a good Pontiac.
1 Toyota Celica Mk7
The seventh generation of the Celica was launched in 1999. It was handling was decent and it came with the usual build quality of a Toyota so it could have been good. But sadly, the seventh installment of the car just didn't live up to the historic Celica name.
The car didn't come with a turbo, AWD option, or any rallying pedigree making it a hugely undesirable option for enthusiasts to buy. Gearheads are more suited to buying the Mk3 Celica as it came with much of what a car lover wants, unlike this generation that was a letdown.