Forbes Magazine, which last year listed the "Worst Cars Of All Time," has issued a new list of what it calls the "Ten Worst Cars On The Market." The magazine said compiling this list was a bit more difficult, noting that most new cars are of better quality.
Forbes said it made its selections based on three criteria: the worst crash test scores, the lowest projected reliability and the lowest projected residual values. Recalls did not become a factor, since the 2005 model year is too young for all the lemons to rise to the top. The list is as follows:
• Kia's Rio sedan - listed for its poor showing in both frontal and rear side-impact crash tests.
• Mitsubishi's Lancer sedan - has only a two-star rating from its frontal side-impact crash test.
• Nissan's Sentra sedan - judged deficient in both frontal side-impact crashes.
• Four-wheel-drive models of Ford's Ranger pickup - cited for poor rollover resistance ratings. In a single-vehicle crash, a four-wheel-drive Ranger has a 30% chance of rolling over.
• Four-wheel-drive models of Mazda's B-Series pickup - a twin vehicle to the Ranger, same problem.
• Two-wheel-drive models of Ford's Explorer Sport Trac pickup - made the list for poor rollover resistance ratings.
• Ford's Lincoln Navigator sport utility vehicle - with a projected reliability rating that is 181% lower than that of the average car, is the least reliable car on the market, according to Consumer Reports.
• Dodge Neon - lowest projected residual value on the market. Buy a new, entry-level 2005 Neon now and in five years it will retain only 18% of its original value, according to the January/February edition of the Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide.
• V-6 models of Lincoln's LS sedan - second-lowest projected residual value on the market, retaining an estimated 19% of its value after five years.
• Chrysler's Sebring sedan - According to the January/February edition of the Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide, has the third-lowest projected residual value on the market.
Forbes says it excluded from consideration any cars that are in the process of being phased out by their manufacturers. Including the Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire.
Forbes said the sources for all crash test scores is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation that administers vehicular safety laws.
