The 1990s were an incredible era for cars. It felt like nearly every manufacturer was on a roll, cranking out iconic machines, but not everything could be stellar. Some models had to be pretty awful so the rest could shine by comparison. That notion is what prompted the question I tossed to you at the end of last week.
I wanted to know which cars you all felt embodied the worst the 1990s had to offer. Which vehicles — even during that golden period in the industry — managed to capture that downside? You all supplied some excellent responses, and a few of you even backed my controversial opinion that the correct pick is the Ferrari 348. Anyway, we’ve got everything from lousy econoboxes and faux sports cars to vans that looked like a wrong-headed vision of the future and badge-engineering disasters.
Did your 1990s ride make the list? If so, maybe you should rethink the life choices you made during the Clinton Administration. I’m sure Bill did.
Pontiac Sunfire Convertible
The 1995–97 Pontiac Sunfire Convertible showed a 49% probability of serious injury to occupants in 35 mph crash tests.
If that doesn’t qualify as a terrible car, I don’t know what does.
Submitted by: potbellyjoe
Cadillac Catera
It would be difficult to put together a list of the worst 1990s cars without at least naming the Cadillac Catera. With most “bad” cars there’s usually some redeeming quality to mention. I don’t think anyone ever defended the Catera as anything other than a cynical rebadge of the Opel Omega.
Submitted by: Funky Dynamite
BMW 318ti
From base to base it was pricier than a Nissan 240SX. It was slower, less powerful, and apart from the E36 front end it was an ugly car with a really cheap-feeling interior. When luxury brands chase bargain-priced models it usually goes poorly — the exception being the Porsche Boxster, which was priced near Corvette territory and helped save Porsche in the ’90s.
Submitted by: Tex
Ford Aspire
My girlfriend in high school owned one. Total death trap. 60 hp, automatic, and no power steering. I’m pretty sure if I tried I could punch a hole in the door. It was a tin can.
Submitted by: TheDuke
The Dustbusters
The 1990s “Dustbuster” minivans — the Chevrolet Lumina APV, Oldsmobile Silhouette, and Pontiac Transport.
I can’t recall the last time I saw one…they were so ugly, and I think every one of my friends’ parents had one. (My family was cool — we had a K5 Blazer as the family vehicle back then!)
Submitted by: Pabst302
Ferrari 348
My vote is also for the 348, and that’s from direct experience. I got to take one out for a weekend in 1995 or ’96. The unreliability and constant anxiety of driving such a delicate, attention-grabbing car pushed me to a bit of a breakdown, and I couldn’t get it back fast enough. I said we took it out for a weekend, but truthfully we never made it to our destination. About three-quarters of the way there we turned around hoping to make it home. It really killed my Ferrari dream.
Submitted by: JBJB
Oldsmobile Cutlass
I nominate the car my then-girlfriend (now wife) drove in the early ’00s: a 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. What a heap that was. It was astounding how much worse it felt compared to an Accord of the same year (supposedly its rival).
Submitted by: Neal Richards
All Geos
Anything Geo. In the ’90s, this was the brand most commonly mocked as the unofficial ride of every pizza delivery driver.
Submitted by: Speed Racer
Buick Regal
The Buick Regals of the ’90s (well, probably most Buicks). Sure, many had the 3800 engine and were so reliable and indestructible that plenty are still on the road today. And comfortable.
BUT — as a young enthusiast that was the absolute definition of a grandma car. One I was asked to move didn’t even have a light switch, it was so simplified for old people who “couldn’t” figure them out.
Submitted by: cintocrunch1
Chevy Cavalier
Chevy Cavalier, mostly because an ex-girlfriend drove one.
Submitted by: BloggyMcBlogBlog
Plymouth Prowler
If the Miata is always the automatic answer, then the 180-degree opposite has to be the Plymouth Prowler. And yes, it’s a natural fit for this list.
Submitted by: BuddyS
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