The Worst (Four-Door) Road Trip Vehicles On Sale

"Satish Kondapavulur" (becauseCAR)
10/05/2013 at 13:40 • Filed to: MY STUPID LISTS

I, like most car enthusiasts, enjoy a good road trip, mainly to get away from ordinary things, such as watching back-to-back episodes of Parks and Recreation on Netflix, playing with Hot Wheels cars, composing a post on why the XC90 V8 is the best Volvo ever made, and most importantly, looking for a job.

With me being from the SF Bay Area, you may think this involves a jaunt down the Pacific Coast Highway in a powerful convertible with a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model riding shotgun while dueling with Miatas. Unfortunately...no.

Usually, it's more like me in my Jetta driving down I-5 praying from a half-a-mile away that the Highlander with the roof-mounted cargo box doesn't get in the left lane to overtake a semi within the next 10 seconds. (For any CHP officers reading this and attempting the distance/time formula, well...don't.)

But one day, in between bursts of Parks and Rec , I wondered if there were some cars I flat-out wouldn't consider. In effect, this led to a list. SUVs and pickups used to contend for this list, but manufacturers have realized their trucks are considered family vehicles and consequently their ride quality has improved from "I keep on coloring outside the lines!" to "Be quiet mom! I can't hear this Miley Cyrus song!"

So today, as the list will show, the vehicles not to consider will once again be cars.

Author's Note: Anything with two doors was left off the list because that would be too easy. Imagine a Lamborghini anything, Lotus Evora, Porsche 911 GT3, Mercedes SLS Black Series and a Smart fortwo on the list. It would've been way too easy.

Subaru WRX STI/Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (with the big rear wing)

You are a target for any police officer, plain and simple. That rear wing, while helping downforce tremendously, makes others think you're attempting to live out some Vin Diesel fantasy. They won't care if a Smart fortwo passed you, you're still getting that ticket. Mainly because they won't believe a Smart passed you .

And beyond being ticket bait, these two cars won't be the most comfortable in the world. The front seats might be somewhat comfortable, but anyone in the back seat will get sick of them. Especially since the lack of sound deadening will make noise-canceling headphones a necessity. But the ride quality on choppy highways won't let the headphones stay on your ears.

Any Electric/Hydrogen/CNG Cars (And that includes the Tesla Model S)

Yes. I know Elon Musk has proposed a cross-country road trip in his Model S. But I have to bring up the question of electric car range anxiety. For instance (Mr. Musk, you will go through this), you'll be driving on Interstate 80 and one of your five kids sees a sign saying "American Museum of Yo-Yos at the next exit!" Because he will be yelling at the top of his lungs, you'll eventually give in and drive 50 miles off the highway, adding an extra 100 miles in between filling stations. At that point, getting to the next Supercharger will be in jeopardy. Or they'd better make nice with the museum and use their plug.

The question of range anxiety also falls to hydrogen and CNG cars such as the Honda FCX Clarity and the Honda Civic GX. CNG and hydrogen filling stations are in some cases over 400 miles apart, and those cars have nowhere near that range. People might think you're an alien because your car doesn't take good old gasoline, or at least plug in to something. And then those people will call the Feds. Who promptly won't show up for reasons known to everyone .

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

I admit both the G550 and G63 will be comfortable to ride in. There is plenty of space to stretch and room for cargo. And they can hold their own against Porsches at a stoplight drag race. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! And expect people to snap photos of you while driving, thinking you're a Kardashian.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

But the G-Class is only a good road trip car at speeds up to 80 mph. After that, the truck feels unstable and feels as if it wants you to venture off-road, because darn it, that's what I was made for! On road trips, you'd like to relax and let the vehicle eat up the miles. Not so with a G550 or G63. This thing needs an unusual amount of driver involvement especially when turning. And the G-Class may be the only vehicle where you have to plan ahead of time for panic stops. You have to be very on edge when driving the G-Class; otherwise, you may end up on Wrecked Exotics.

Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mirage just does not have enough power (and enough weight) for today's American roads. For one, the three-cylinder engine makes 74 hp, which will make overtaking trucks harder than it needs to be. The car weighs under 2,000 pounds, meaning windy situations or a GL63 overtaking it at 100 mph may wreak some havoc.

On top of that, if anything goes wrong, Mitsubishi's paltry dealer network will take plenty of time to fix the car. And expect people tailgating you when you attempt to overtake a semi. It's good as a city car with excellent mileage, but the Mirage just isn't your best bet for driving from Phoenix to Austin. You're better off renting a Chrysler 200, as much as the thought brings tears to your eyes.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Let me make this clear. I LOVE the C63. It makes excellent noises and can find a way to go sideways everywhere, whether in a parking lot or a furniture warehouse. It's also comfortable. In fact, I'll buy a new Edition 507 once I have the money. (As an unemployed millennial, expect that not to happen anytime soon.)

However, on a road trip, it'll provoke range anxiety of a different kind. Mainly the result of having such a small fuel tank while having an incredibly thirsty engine. Getting 300 miles out of a tank will be difficult. You're compelled to be easy on the go pedal, because one race with a sports car will kill your range. This means that Miata guy can brag about that time he beat a C63 at the next autocross session. As a result of a thirsty engine, you'll be looking for a gas station half the time. That's no way to have fun on a road trip.

What four-door cars do you think are horrible for road trips?

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! runs !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , named because "Clunker.com" was $82 at auction and would've taken 30% out of the balance of his Eagle Vision for LeMons fund. In between contemplating cross-country runs, he spends much of his time attempting to convince others that his MkV Jetta 2.0T Wolfsburg is indeed a sports sedan.

All images per the respective manufacturers.

DISCUSSION (100)

NipperDawg > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 14:30

Tesla, especially in the midwest, can be recharged at any campground with a 240 volt outlet. As long as there is electricity someplace, you will never truly be stuck. I do agree with the CNG/LP cars, as they need a specific fueling station. Unlike the Tesla (extension cord or tow truck to outlet), Gasoline (gas can or tow truck), a CNG/LP can truly be stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Satish Kondapavulur > NipperDawg
10/05/2013 at 14:37

That's true, but it adds substantial time to the journey. Though you could take in the sights at campgrounds.

Well Spoken Waffles > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 14:55

that's why i want to order one with a lightening rod. instant charging during thunderstorms

KirkyV > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:02

Kinja'd!!!

They offered my car in a five-door. It could do it, but not in a great deal of comfort, and with an awful lot of wind-buffeting: she only weighs 700-ish kilograms.

I love you, old girl, but an American road trip machine you are not. You'd handle their highways about as well as a Crown Vic would handle a British back road.

Mr2LotusWannabe > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:06

This vehicle has THE worst rear seats known to man. I am 5'6" and I barely made it 5 miles to lunch in the back seat without cramping. Not to mention the horrendous gas mileage and the strong possibility that it breaks down along the way.

Kinja'd!!!

Zurreco > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:07

In 2012 I went on a road trip from San Diego to Austin in my friend's 2004 WRX. While I normally love riding in that thing, feeling all 1,300 miles of road without being able to get very situated was a real drag. Having to pull over every ~300 miles for gas was also annoying, especially in Western TX.

In 2013, we did a road trip from San Diego to Seattle, and I insisted that we take my 2008 Passat instead. The increased stability, storage, movement room, mpt, etc. made a world of difference.

Mr2LotusWannabe > NipperDawg
10/05/2013 at 15:08

I am going to have to disagree on very specific terms. If you have passengers that don't last in a car very well past the 200-300 mile mark, then the car works wonderfully.

TheCrudMan > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:12

I am gonna head down hwy 1 today to Santa Cruz in my Miata then an autocross down there tomorrow...no model in the passenger seat...just tires.

FEC > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:12

Aston Martin Rapide. I'm only 5'10" yet in the back seat I was bent forward hoping we didn't stop suddenly and our luggage came flying out and smacked me in the back of the head. How such a large car can be so small in the back is a wonder of modern day packaging.

TheCrudMan > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:14

FWIW I've seen Miatas beat a C63 AMG at autocross!

duediggidy > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:14

I owned a GR STI and the ride is pretty choppy but not unbearable.

TamerlaneBlog > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:19

How about a road trip from Portland to Oakland in a 4-door Citroen XM?

Wolfy oo()()oo > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:20

Anything that's so new, the new car smell kills you. I went from NY to FL with my uncle and aunt in there new Chevy equinox, and the new car smell induced some bad headaches.

prisoners > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:25

I once drove cross country in a 2004 Corolla, it wasn't as bad as I expected. Fuel costs were minimal and the highway ride was tolerable. 8-10 hours a day was the most that I really wanted to do but even the best highway car would'nt stretch that time much further. Road noise combined with a lousy stock radio was probably the worst issue, and my left foot was never comfortable due to the awkward floorpan. The seats weren't that bad,especially for an economy car.

wrightmonster > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:28

DickNixon1972 > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:28

The XC90 - powertrain choice notwithstanding - is junk, but okay.

eternus > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:31

Id like to counter this article with the best 4 door road trip vehicle, my Mk4 Jetta TDI. Capable of 60 mpg highway, and comfortable. Even fully loaded and driven like you stole it you can still expect to get 40 mpg. And with a few mild mods you can pass with ease.

My dads Silverado was a pretty rough road trip vehicle. Heavy, thirsty, seats aren't great, sound quality on the stereo was meh.

duurtlang > NipperDawg
10/05/2013 at 15:32

Can't CNG cars run on gasoline as well? My car has been converted to LPG (propane/butane mix), but can still run on gasoline just fine. I've got 2 tanks, the regular one for gasoline and a second tank for LPG.

In my car it increases the usefulness of the car for road trips, as the theoretical range is extended. Theoretical, as LPG costs less than half of what gasoline costs here so I don't want to use gasoline.

Atomic Buffalo > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:39

Get over your gasoline range anxiety — you don't need more than 200 miles on a tank to travel just about anywhere in the US. Gasoline is everywhere.

duurtlang > TamerlaneBlog
10/05/2013 at 15:40

He said worst , not best .

Satish Kondapavulur > prisoners
10/05/2013 at 15:41

The Corolla is a good car designed to drive long distances. In fact, in Asian countries, where many taxi companies use them, the Corolla has to withstand plenty of abuse while staying comfortable.

Satish Kondapavulur > DickNixon1972
10/05/2013 at 15:42

No! The V8 is amazing!

But the transmission is junk, especially the GM-sourced ones.

Satish Kondapavulur > Atomic Buffalo
10/05/2013 at 15:45

True, but at full-throttle in a C63 there's no telling when or where the gas light might come on. Especially if you're traveling through Utah and there's no station for 100 miles and you only have a little bit less than half the tank left.

Satish Kondapavulur > TheCrudMan
10/05/2013 at 15:46

I'm not surprised one bit. And the sad part is the Miata probably had a lot more of its rear tires left.

Big Bubba Ray > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 15:46

+1 on the C63 for road-tripping. I was stuck in the backseat of one from Topeka, KS back home to St. Louis after a Chump car race last year. There is less than zero room in the back seat. As much as I love the C63, you won't catch me in one for a long trip ever again.

Satish Kondapavulur > FEC
10/05/2013 at 15:46

Well, it is essentially a stretched DB9. But now I have to ride in a Rapide.

Satish Kondapavulur > Zurreco
10/05/2013 at 15:48

I'd rather be in a Passat than a WRX on a road trip as well, especially as a passenger.

Satish Kondapavulur > Mr2LotusWannabe
10/05/2013 at 15:48

You're the second person I've seen commenting on this. Now I have to sit in the back seat of one of these.

Satish Kondapavulur > duediggidy
10/05/2013 at 15:49

In the driver's seat with a steering wheel, it's not that bad, but as a passenger on a choppy highway, it can get tedious.

Satish Kondapavulur > TamerlaneBlog
10/05/2013 at 15:51

I'd be genuinely scared if it broke down.

On a side note, I'm in Berkeley and I genuinely want a ride in your XM.

Satish Kondapavulur > KirkyV
10/05/2013 at 15:54

And don't forget the scenario if it breaks down.

Atomic Buffalo > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 16:01

How inattentive were you to get into that situation in the first place? A hundred miles from the nearest gas station with less than half a tank means (1) you spent more than half a tank to go 100 miles, or (2) you didn't fill up when you should have.

If the source of your anxiety is not paying attention to your car, I suggest you're not Oppo.

bones > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 16:01

tahoe's. because women.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 16:02

Is it bad that I am pretty knowledgeable about cars and I have never heard they revived the Mirage nameplate into this sad little hatch?

I knew about the older sedans, but not this. It is so bright and cheerful on the outside, but so sad and depressed on the inside since it knows its parents are fighting and going to be gone soon.

prisoners > Mr2LotusWannabe
10/05/2013 at 16:11

Dude I'd sit in the front of a hay wagon after the horse ate Beefarino if she was sitting there too.

tobythesandwich > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
10/05/2013 at 16:12

As opposed to the sad little econobox the Mirage was before this?

tobythesandwich > DickNixon1972
10/05/2013 at 16:18

The powertrains on them are all decent.

And it's not really junk? Is it aging? Sure. It definitely is due for replacement. But I've driven several over long distances and they are great vehicles. I can't remember the last SUV I found that was as comfortable as my S60.

tobythesandwich > eternus
10/05/2013 at 16:19

To get that 60mpg highway you have to be going 55mph-60mph... So I hope you like infuriating the drivers behind you on the highway.

crapsjoot > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 16:22

drove from texas to california in a tiny old 2 door dodge dakota with 4 people. fun lol

R W > Mr2LotusWannabe
10/05/2013 at 16:25

Thats some god damn 1% problems right there.

PardonMyFlemish16 > TheCrudMan
10/05/2013 at 16:33

They probably had the same tires.....

KirkyV > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 16:36

Ah, yes. I imagine it would be rather rough, finding Peugeot parts in America.

Still, it must be pointed out that, at least in my experience, 106s are very reliable cars. I've had mine for a year, and I've only had three very small wear-and-tear problems: a seal around one of the rear light clusters perished and started letting water into the car when it rained, leading to a few wet bottoms on the back seat; my washer jets stopped working because of a blockage in the line that feeds them, and my engine started idling a little roughly because the idle control valve had gone too long without a clean.

Considering that she's thirteen years old - only five younger than her driver - that's quite the record.

Satish Kondapavulur > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
10/05/2013 at 16:41

Not really. Mitsubishi hasn't really attempted to give it to auto journalists all that much.

AChinaGhost52 > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 16:42

I have an Evo X, I stripped out sound deadening, installed stiffer coilovers, and a completely catless, unmuffled exhaust. unless I'm driving around town, I wear my shooting foam earplugs. Other than that, its perfectly comfortable.

Satish Kondapavulur > Atomic Buffalo
10/05/2013 at 16:43

Thankfully, it wasn't me (because people are smart enough not to give me a C63 for an extended amount of time). But, in their defense, you can get distracted by the scenery.

550F2 > eternus
10/05/2013 at 16:43

A Jetta, are you serious? It's not the best anything, and probably the worst Volkwagen in the whole lineup period. Maybe you're confusing it with a Phaeton tdi long wheelbase, that would be a nice car for a long roadtrip indeed.

Or isn't something like a 335D already much better?

Satish Kondapavulur > AChinaGhost52
10/05/2013 at 16:44

What's been the passenger feedback?

AChinaGhost52 > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 16:48

my roommates (the people who ride in it most often) don't have a problem with the ride. Sometimes when a lady gets in who is, lets say well endowed, they make a remark about their breasts jiggling, but they like that the seats hug them.

A.DrewWilliams > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 16:52

Kinja'd!!!

This whole car screams RAV-4, especially with Toyota's ever growing line up of hybrid abominations.

JohnDoeIII > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 16:54

I honestly can't tell you what the worst is, but.....my Navigator L is one of the best. It is quite comfortable on trips (During shrimp season I've been making the trip from south Louisiana to north Louisiana and south Louisiana to north Arkansas on a regular basis and that drive is very very pleasant ) and I going down the interstate I can drive at 85-90 with no problem.

DickNixon1972 > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 16:56

Actually, the Hydramatic is the only decent transmission circa early 2000s. With a 4-SPD S80, just flush, refill, shudder stop, and you're good for another 100k. Good luck with the 5-SPDs.

Junk might be exaggerating (unless you're talking about resale value, then junk x10), but they're nothing to write home about. Interior trim quality is abysmal and they develop trademark Volvo leather stretch marks within months of new. If you obtain a newish one for around $29-32k like I've been able to as of late, not a bad value. But for the $42k+ they're asking for new? Get out of town.

Also, the V8 is NOT 'amazing' in the XC90; in the S80, yes. Not the land-trawler-with-twelve-airbags XC, though.

DickNixon1972 > tobythesandwich
10/05/2013 at 16:59

"Aging"? "Due for a replacement"? The Cutlass Ciera had more changes in 14 years than the XC90 has had in twelve.

DickNixon1972 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
10/05/2013 at 17:00

Someone has to build vehicles for the "credit challenged" to finance for ten months, destroy, then get reposess...I mean..."I gave it back to the bank."

DickNixon1972 > JohnDoeIII
10/05/2013 at 17:04

Whatever Lincoln did to recalibrate the traditionally wallowy and woefully unreliable 4-corner air suspension on the current generation SUVs, they did a good job. Extremely quiet, compliant, comfortable, and decent-handling as well.

tobythesandwich > DickNixon1972
10/05/2013 at 17:18

Powertrain updates, interior material changes, suspension changes, facelift in 2007, etc etc.

But why does the XC90 make a bad road trip vehicle? Because you're too foolish to see it has had changes made in it's 10 years of production? Of course for someone who doesn't know how long a vehicle has been in production, I wouldn't expect you to know much about it to begin with.

Scott Keelan > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 17:26

My wife recently drove from Baltimore to Buffalo in a rented Mazda2 and really disliked what felt like an underpowered car. She cited a few moments where an attempt to overtake resulted in a lower gear, a louder engine, and not much extra speed.

I would like to nominate any car that doesn't have much passing power as a less than ideal road trip choice.

DickNixon1972 > tobythesandwich
10/05/2013 at 17:39

You can't even find where in the author's original paragraph the XC90 was mentioned. Nothing about road trip vehicle, but about how its 'cool.' its not.

Also, the Cutlass Ciera had powertain, interior, and suspension upgrades, too. Twice. The XC90 also has been in production since 2002 - if you use Wikipedia, use all of it. Finally, Volvo's half-ass Chinese overlords don't know much about it either nor do their counterparts in the field because - in spite of what you or I think - I'm not purging a good percentage of my production into daily rental fleets who are dumping en masse tons of low-mileage and obviously unpopular current-model-year Volvos into the used car market for literally 60% of original RE: current MSRP.

Volvo is.

So. Joke's on them. Tick-tock. RIP with SAAB.

Manuél Ferrari > Atomic Buffalo
10/05/2013 at 17:40

I don't see why the fact that gasoline is everywhere changes the fact that cars with huge engines and small gas tanks suck for road trips. It's still a bad mix. It's annoying to have to make more stops than you want to.

Cars with thirsty engines should have large tanks. The problem with these high-output versions of small luxury sedans is they have the same gas tank that the base model has. As an E90 M3 owner I know how annoying it is. I haven't run out of gas because of it, but it does make cars with bigger tanks or better MPG more enjoyable for road trips.

TamerlaneBlog > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 17:41

It belongs to a friend. Come to Seconds Saturdays next year in Oakland. Plenty of Citroens and other odd cars.

Satish Kondapavulur > Scott Keelan
10/05/2013 at 17:45

That's probably true. Though the Mazda2 with the manual will be slightly better in terms of passing.

Alex Cassidy > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 18:26

"But the G-Class is only a good road trip car at speeds up to 80 mph."

In other words, the G-Class is a good road trip car for 99% of drivers in 99% of circumstances?

vc-10 > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 18:44

There's a reason. It's shit.

SuperBudgie > DickNixon1972
10/05/2013 at 18:57

Why so angry at Volvo? It seems like you've got a grudge against them. By the way...

Volvo sells alot of cars outside of the USA. Even if they pull out of the american market, they've still got Europe and China. I dont see them shuttering there doors anytime soon.

nmalinoski > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 19:00

How about unlikely cars for road trips? I nominate the Caterham Seven.

Caterham USA, if you're listening, I'll be willing to take a leave of absence from work to do a cross-country promo trip in any of your vehicles (Aeroseven, mayhaps?).

OneRotor > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 19:06

BMW X6/X6M or the Acura ZDX. Useless vehicles. The only time I tried to get in the back seat of the ZDX I couldn't get my legs through the rear doors (6'4 with a 34" inseam).

FrankenB5S4 > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 19:21

The 2.5L I4 fusion is horrible. Zero power and a sloppy transmission.

tobythesandwich > DickNixon1972
10/05/2013 at 19:42

It wasn't anything negative about the XC90. It's hardly relevant.

And the Cutlass Ciera never got an interior upgrade twice.

And XC90 production started in late 2002 as a 2003 model. That still makes it 11 years, and not 12. Math must not be your strong suit, it's okay.

As a brand volvo is doing fine. Their sales are actually up and their cars are becoming actual respectable to own in "luxury" circles compared to the A4/3/C. And they aren't selling current MY Volvos for 60% of original MSRP. That's just a rumor. And in fact the XC90 (while not selling as well as before) is still selling decent. Not to mention there's a brand new model on the horizon.

They won't be going under anytime soon though. Financially they are not struggling that badly. As opposed to Saab who WOULD still be alive had GM not been shitty with their sale. Neglecting to allow Saab to keep anything they had been producing really hurt their sale. And GM wasn't interested in putting Saab for sale so much as just killing them off to satisfy their bailout overlords.

Satish Kondapavulur > Alex Cassidy
10/05/2013 at 19:46

Who goes 80 mph on road trips?

Satish Kondapavulur > OneRotor
10/05/2013 at 19:47

Interesting. I thought the ZDX was at least somewhat comfortable in the back.

Satish Kondapavulur > nmalinoski
10/05/2013 at 19:47

Now there's an experience.

SpeedSix > duurtlang
10/05/2013 at 19:53

Dedicated CNG cars without double tanks can't run on gasoline. I think dual-fuel CNG cars generally have reduced gasoline tank capacities because of the need for both tanks and additional CNG-related equipment, but take this with a grain of salt.

Jumpingjalops > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 19:56

Mr Satish, you will not help your job seeking by being negative to Tesla on Jalopnik.
Please refer to Tesla as awesome from now on.

TeamZz > JohnDoeIII
10/05/2013 at 19:57

Isnt it just great! I love our L! Soo much room, soo comfy!

Sly Jackal > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 20:17

Have you ever driven these cars? Or are these assumptions based on car reviews from others.

omaxem > KirkyV
10/05/2013 at 20:17

I had one of the 106s cousins, a Citroen Saxo, for 8 years from new, drove it to about 110k miles and the worst thing that ever happened to it was having to have the battery replaced ( i think it happened 3 times in total ). I also did a bit of road tripping in it, more than a couple of 400/500km trips anyway, and it was ok. Definitely underpowered, no room at the back at all, but not as bad as you'd expect.

Satish Kondapavulur > Sly Jackal
10/05/2013 at 20:33

I've driven everything except the Mirage and Honda FCX Clarity. For obvious reasons.

Satish Kondapavulur > Jumpingjalops
10/05/2013 at 20:37

Totally awesome. And the design is beautiful and the infotainment is to die for. But getting from San Carlos to Seattle will take longer than in an Audi S8.

DickNixon1972 > tobythesandwich
10/05/2013 at 20:41

LOL. Figures. One of those SAAB. people. Blame GM all you want - like every SAAB owner who eventually wises up, they got tired of throwing good money after bad with no end in sight.

Also, they're not dumping 2014MY daily rental Volvos for 60-70% of MSRP? ORLY? EZ Rental Car and Fox Rent-a-Car just purged FIFTY-FIVE 2014 S60, XC60s, and XC90s at FAAO last week. All have 3,000-5,000 miles. All clean title, no frame, no paintwork, many Premier and Premier Plus or Prestige lines. Volvo MSRPs an XC90 Premier Plus at $43-44k; they sold for $30,5-32,5k!

Same time last year when '13s were coming out, I was buying the same $42-44k MSRP XC90s for $28-29,5.

So much for prestige and luxury in the marketplace. And resale value. Can't forget that Volvo hallmark.

But it isn't just Volvo; its all the luxury brands. Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti et al - its fun to watch the perennial 'untouchables' of the faux luxury/badge whore world get their ass handed to them in the real marketplace. So, good for Volvo for playing catchup to the point where they're now somewhat even-handed with the falling stars of the luxury field. I would love to own a car as 'vaunted' as the CLA and whatever 4-cylinder sled BMW is whoring its badge on now. Go, Sweedes. And by Sweedes I mean the Chinese. So why even buy a Volvo anymore now that the majority of the market offers the same levels of safety without the intrusiveness (City Safe? Pedestrian Impact Hoods? Yeesh...) and the 'Volvo Premium' is just a badge whored out by a Chinese industrial consortium?

Atomic Buffalo > Manuél Ferrari
10/05/2013 at 20:41

"Suck" is a matter of opinion; every car is a collection of compromises. Thirsty sport sedans require a less cavalier attitude toward fuel stops; fans of such cars tend to find the compromise worthwhile. Haul ass across Nevada passing everything in sight (except that state trooper, whoops) and stopping every two hours or so for gas isn't so bad.

Think about what it takes to put a bigger tank in that thirsty sport sedan. It means oversizing it for the mainstream sedan on which it's based, compromising overall packaging and weight for that sedan — not likely — or substantially reengineering the thirsty version — also not likely.

Honestly, complaining about range in a car like the C63 or CTS-V is unseemly, and not using one for road trips, affordability aside, is just tragic.

But hey, there's always a sports car, which goes like stink and gets much better fuel economy than a sedan-based asshauler. Of course, if you need to take along more than one passenger, or haul a lot of stuff, then it's the sports car that "sucks" for road trips.

April_N_ > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 20:49

10 seconds in half a mile is equal to 180 mph. If you assume that you are gaining on another going the speed limit (70 on the I5) to make up the half mile gap you'd have to go more like 250?

DriventoInsanity > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 20:52

I'd still take the Tesla S over half of these. Seriously. In a heartbeat.

Atomic Buffalo > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 20:55

So, based on the criteria used to judge these the worse road trip cars, what would be the best? A diesel wagon with a stick? ;)

Satish Kondapavulur > Atomic Buffalo
10/05/2013 at 21:00

Anything on this list: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/five-new-cars-…

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Satish Kondapavulur > April_N_
10/05/2013 at 21:02

Make that 15 seconds. :)

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
10/05/2013 at 21:28

I was thinking the same. Also...under 2000 pounds? Dear god.

Manuél Ferrari > Atomic Buffalo
10/05/2013 at 21:30

Would it have totally ruined the dynamics of the car to give every car in the E9X lineup a larger tank? There are cars in the same market segment that have larger tanks. The E9X tank seems small for all models in the lineup.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Mr2LotusWannabe
10/05/2013 at 21:30

I'm sorry, I am. But I hate that car. No Rapide looks that good in person. They just look way too long, way too tall, and way too thin. They're way under-powered for the money. The transmission is garbage. And, as you said, rear seats suck.

But I still kind of want the new one. That is a car for sexy time.

Atomic Buffalo > Mr2LotusWannabe
10/05/2013 at 21:40

If she's in the back seat, I'm okay with that.

Obruni > Satish Kondapavulur
10/05/2013 at 21:45

the base Dodge Journey. a 4 cylinder engine with an ancient 4 speed slushbox hauling 7 passengers and nearly two tons of car.

so it would be slow and nowhere near fuel efficient enough to make up for the compromises.

Satish Kondapavulur > Obruni
10/05/2013 at 21:46

Interesting. Completely forgot about the Dodge Journey.

GodBlessTexas > Scott Keelan
10/05/2013 at 21:59

I just bought a Mazda 2 with an auto and it is an underpowered, little bitch.

tobythesandwich > DickNixon1972
10/05/2013 at 22:20

I'm not a Saab owner. I don't even really care for the brand (brand confusion between GM and Saab really gave us shit like the 93 and 95 for years). But GM had to cut all it's brands. The reason they refused to sell Saab to the Chinese was that (being an emerging marketplace) they didn't want "internal" competition from a company using their own platforms. 99% of the blame fell on GM. Between not wanting to sell the brand if it meant competition for them, and years of brand neglect. 1% on Saab who failed to be competitive in the 80's before being purchased by GM.

As far as selling FIFTY FIVE whole cars to rental car fleets, really? That's your argument? They produced around 3k XC90's this year alone. So fifty five of 3 different models is not exactly a huge fact you have there. and 3k-5k indicates it was most likely a dealer rental model (When my S60 was in the shop I got a brand new XC60 to drive).

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
10/05/2013 at 22:24

Seriously? How is that possible? I think it may be made out of plastic. How safe can that be?

I think a Miata is around 2400

DangerRanger > Atomic Buffalo
10/05/2013 at 23:34

Agree 100%. Sure, when you're driving a long distance with a hard deadline, range is important, but that is NOT what I associate with "road trip". If I'm hauling ass and just trying to get there, I don't want to stop for anything but fuel, but if I'm traveling for fun, a fuel stop can be a chance to get off the slab, and get a look at the area I'm going through.

If it's really a road trip you're talking about, range doesn't matter, because the stops can be just as fun as the drive.

OttoMaddox > Atomic Buffalo
10/06/2013 at 00:32

Never leave Salt Lake City without a full tank of gas.

JDMatt > Big Bubba Ray
10/06/2013 at 00:56

I rode in a C300 for 5 minutes. My legs hated it. I'm 5'7".

Barry Land > Satish Kondapavulur
10/06/2013 at 00:56

Worst road trip I ever went on was in a rented '99 or '00 Lincoln Town Car driving from Toledo to NYC, and then to Pittsburg and then to DC and then back to Toledo. I know so many people of the carsites love the Panthers, but wow, was that thing a turd. The car was almost new, it had like 160 miles on it when it was rented after my friend's Tahoe was stolen and seriously trashed. The trip had been planned for a while, so he rented something big enough for 4 of us and our junk could be comfortable in. The first annoyance was the amazing amount of wind noise it had at anything over 65MPH. We set the cruise at 64 to keep the howl down, but soon abandoned that as people were riding us and flipping up the bird when they finally got pissed enough to go around. So the stereo's volume went up to cover it up, as best it could. The stereo was pretty weak, so people in the front seats could still hear the howling. After we were a couple hundred miles along, the tires began making some weird drone and we finally stopped in some little town and went to a tire store where they put it on a lift and quickly solved the problem, it was mold flash that needed to be broken up between the tread blocks. We were planning on driving straight through to NYC, but the wind noise and droning was really tiring,so we stopped for the night. In NYC, we tried to swap the Town Car for something else, but all they had were identical looking Town Cars! So, we just complained and drove on with all the riders wearing those crappy foam earplugs to keep the howl low enough, and swapped driving every time we stopped. After we got back, the bodyshop kept extending the time needed to fix the Tahoe, and the insurance company extended paying the rental on the Town Car. This went on and on, and then the Tahoe, while on a "test drive" was in a wreck, so it kept on being extended. In the meantime, it had been coast to coast several times on trips taken by the various family members, and when the Tahoe was finally fixed, it had over 31,000 miles on it. The look on the rental guy's face when he looked at the odometer was worth all the annoyance of the howling. We figured out it averaged out to just about 400+ miles a day! The insurance agent asked my friend what the "excessive" miles were all about, and he just said, "Hey, it had unlimited mileage, and I had errands to run!". In LA, Vegas, Alberquerque, Dallas, Houston, etc...I don't think I could have taken riding in that thing to the West coast and back.

Satish Kondapavulur > Barry Land
10/06/2013 at 01:27

I actually thought the Town Car would be excellent as a highway car, since I've ridden in them before. I found the rental car return story hilarious though.

Derpwagon > Well Spoken Waffles
10/06/2013 at 01:31

You. I like you.