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15 Cars Called “Worst” by a 2025 Gadget Review Article—and What That List Actually Shows

A May 2025 Gadget Review article calls out 15 worst cars, but its retrieved text names the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid twice. Here are the 14 unique vehicles and a practical way to assess any specific model year or used car.
Entry765 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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A May 12, 2025, Gadget Review article titled “15 of the Worst Cars on the Market Today, According to Car Journalists” names several vehicles, but its retrieved text repeats the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and therefore contains only 14 unique model names. It also does not establish a consistent scoring method, complete model-year scope, or that every vehicle remained available new. Treat it as one outlet’s editorial list—not a verified consensus or a buying verdict.

What the list can—and cannot—tell you

Gadget Review says its team analyzed reviews from outlets including Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and Consumer Reports. Its article is dated May 12, 2025. The retrieved article text does not identify a complete model-year or market scope, explain how the vehicles were scored, or provide a consistent method for comparing them. The title’s phrase “on the market today” does not establish current new-car availability.

The source text names the models below. Because it describes the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid twice, it yields 14 unique names rather than 15. The available text does not establish a reliable ranking order, so these are listed alphabetically, not from worst to best.

Vehicle named in the article What the source establishes
Chevrolet Malibu Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Chrysler 300 Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Named twice in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Dodge Hornet Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Ford F-150 Hybrid Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Kia Optima Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Mitsubishi Mirage Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Nissan Frontier Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Nissan Versa Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Volkswagen Jetta Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Volkswagen Taos Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.
Volvo XC60 Named in the article; model year, trim, and individual criticism are not established in the retrieved text.

Gadget Review’s criticisms span different considerations, including performance, comfort, cabin usability, build quality, reliability, and value. These are not interchangeable measures: a vehicle can be disappointing in one area and suitable in another. The retrieved text does not provide comparable ratings or measurements across the names.

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#1 Best Overall
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Asmodee HEAT: Pedal to the Metal Board Game - Intense Car Racing and Strategy Game, Fun Family Game for Kids and Adults, Ages 10+, 1-4 Players, 60 Minute Playtime
  • INTENSE CAR RACING: HEAT: Pedal to the Metal puts you in the driver's seat of thrilling car races. Race, jockey for position, and make strategic moves to outmaneuver your opponents and be the first to cross the finish line.
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How to evaluate a car on the list

Use the list as a prompt to investigate a specific year and configuration, not as a substitute for that work. For a new-car shopper, first confirm whether the vehicle is offered in your country for the model year you are considering. For a used-car shopper, the individual vehicle’s condition and history can outweigh broad model-level criticism.

  1. Pin down the exact vehicle. Identify model year, trim, powertrain, and, where relevant, drivetrain. A model name alone is not a precise comparison.
  2. Check safety ratings and recalls. Look for ratings that apply to the specific year and configuration, and check whether recalls remain open for the vehicle’s VIN.
  3. Compare reliability evidence by year. Prefer sources that disclose their sample, year, and method. Do not treat an unsupported reliability claim as a measured failure rate.
  4. Estimate ownership costs. Compare insurance, fuel or charging, scheduled service, likely repair costs, and parts availability for the particular vehicle and region.
  5. Test the car against your needs. Assess acceleration, braking feel, ride, noise, seat comfort, visibility, controls, cargo space, and ease of installing child seats or carrying equipment as applicable.
  6. Compare alternatives at the same price. Use the same criteria for competing vehicles; do not turn an editorial label into a single all-purpose score.

What to check before buying a used example

A list about a model cannot establish whether a particular used car is sound. Maintenance records, inspection findings, mileage, damage history, and the exact trim and year all matter.

Rank #2
Rio Grande Games Boxcars Board Game, 2-6 Player Family Strategy Game
  • 2-6 Players
  • 90 minute playing time
  • Great family game
  • For 2-6 Players
  • Review service records and ask about unresolved warning lights, recent repairs, and recurring problems.
  • Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic. A code reader can surface some stored fault codes, but it cannot establish overall condition or diagnose every fault.
  • Check the VIN for open recalls and verify that recall repairs were completed.
  • Test the vehicle in conditions relevant to your use, including highway speeds if safe and practical; check that warning lights, electronics, climate controls, and safety features operate as expected.
  • Compare the asking price with vehicles of the same year, trim, mileage, and condition rather than relying on the model’s reputation alone.
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How to read “worst” rankings responsibly

“Worst” is an editorial judgment, not a regulator’s designation. A useful ranking should identify its model-year scope, explain its criteria and weighting, and distinguish review impressions from evidence such as safety ratings, recall records, or reliability data. Without those details, the Gadget Review list is best read as a starting point for questions about the named vehicles—not proof that all are poor choices or that they share the same problem.

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MasterPieces Opoly Board Games - Route 66 Opoly - Officially Licensed Board Games for Adults, Kids, & Family
  • Officially Licensed Route 66 family board game for kids and adults
  • Property cards have a map of Route 66 featuring historic landmarks on the back
  • Six metal playing pieces include Route 66 Sign, Cadillac, Jukebox, Milkshake, Gas Station Pump, Motorcycle
  • MasterPieces stands behind its products and guarantees your satisfaction.
Rank #4
SMART CARDS Cars, Gift, Stocking Stuffer, Travel Game, 7 Games in 1, Pairs, Snap, Trumps, Rummy, Memory Quiz, Learn Facts, Age 5+, 1-8 Players
  • GREAT GIFT for petrol heads and car enthusiasts! 50 Cards of fun and facts about CARS. 25 photo cards of cars grouped by luxury, electric, supercars, e-supercars, sports cars - each photo card pairs to a fact card with top trump stats eg top speed, 0-60mph, range and power.
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Rank #3
TRAVOFUN Magnetic Car Race Game | Travel Games for Kids Ages 4-8
  • Exciting Magnetic Racing Game: Experience the thrill of racing with our magnetic racing game, offering hours of engaging and competitive gameplay for all ages.
  • 16 Magnetic Car Tokens: Enjoy racing with a set of 16 magnetic car tokens, featuring 4 different car designs, each with 4 tokens. Choose your favorite car and compete for victory!
  • Compact and Travel-Friendly: The compact and travel-friendly design of our magnetic racing game makes it an ideal companion for road trips, camping, or any travel adventure. Take the race wherever you go!
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Gather your family and friends for competitive racing fun. This interactive game promotes family bonding, friendly competition, and memorable moments together.
  • Educational and Fun: These games are not only entertaining but also help improve memory, observation, and logical thinking skills in kids, this set provides a fun way to learn and grow.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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