The TWATs Keep Chugging Along

by Derek Kreindler

Published: November 16th, 2012

Our preliminary shortlist for the Ten Worst Automobiles Today award ended up garnering even more nominations, and some questions about the process. In the interest of transparency, we’ll tackle some of those below, as well as post an updated list.

1) One of the best questions raised by the readers is how to deal with cars that are rebadged versions across multiple lines, or variants with changes that are substantial enough that they bear little in common with one another. For the first example, think of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. For the second example, think of the Mitsubishi Lancer and the Evolution. One reader raised the possibility of a car like the Lancer potentially being on both the Best and Worst car lists this year, when arguably, only one variant deserves the respective honor. For the sake of clarity, I will allow nominations based on whether the car is listed on a manufacturers website as part of a broader product range, or as a separate line. For example, the Lancer and Evo are listed individually on Mitsubishi’s website, while Ford lumps all Mustangs, from the lowliest V6 to the baddest GT500, as one range. Will some models get caught in the crossfire by this rule? It’s possible. However it is the most equitable and neutral way to draw the line, without any undue accusations of bias or favoritism.

2) Since we last published the our preliminary list, 18 new nominations have been added, for a total of 53 vehicles. We need to pare this down to 20 finalists by December 1st, and it’s up to you, the Best & Brightest, to get us there. I will post the revised list below, and finalists will be determined based on your well-reasoned arguments. We want to hear why this car is a standout in a crowd of generally competent vehicles. Saying “it’s boring” is not a real reason. Plenty of people like boring. Is it a vehicle with no discernible reason to exist? Does it lag behind every single competitor in its segment? Is it outrageously overpriced? The more detailed and well-reasoned answers will be given precedence over the one-line snarky comments.

2a) DO NOT ask for a vehicle to be removed from the list. If you feel it doesn’t deserve to be given a TWAT, don’t vote for it and make your case for another vehicle.

3) Polls open on December 3rd. At that point, the editors, at their discretion, will have selected a short list of 20 vehicles, with your input being the determining factor for what makes the final list. On December 10th, voting will be closed and we will prepare out in-house polling software for voting. You will be able to vote starting December 3rd, with polls closing on December 10th. Winners will be announced shortly after.

Here’s the list, including new nominations

Acura ILX

Acura RLAcura ZDXBMW 3-SeriesBMW 5-Series GTCadillac EscaladeCadillac XTSChevrolet ColoradoChevrolet ImpalaChevrolet MalibuChevrolet SonicChevrolet VoltChevy ExpressChrysler 200Dodge AvengerFiat 500Fisker KarmaFord E-SeriesFord ExpeditionGMC CanyonGMC SavannaHonda CivicHonda CR-ZHonda CrosstourHonda RidgelineHyundai Sonata HybridInfiniti EXJeep PatroitKia SedonaLand Rover LR2Lexus GXLexus HS250hLincoln MKSLincoln MKTLincoln NavigatorMaybachMitsubishi EclipseMitsubishi GalantNissan JukeNissan Murano CCNissan NVNissan SentraNissan Versa SedanNissan QuestPorsche CayennePorsche PanameraScion iQScion xBScion xDSmartForTwoToyota CamryToyota FJ CruiserToyota MatrixVolvo XC90VW Beetle

#2012Twats #NewCars #TWAT #TWATs

Derek Kreindler

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2 of 155 comments

Nick on Nov 21, 2012

Glad the Juke is there...some vehicles are so ugly they deserve to make it on the list alone. I'd like to add: The MINI, simply by virtue of being a) expensive for what is, and b) being a garage queen that, as an added bonus, is outrageously expensive to repair. The BMW X6 because it's hideous, has a terrible ride, devours fuel, is remarkably lacking in room despite its bloat and because it's hideous. The G class Benz because it is a one giant oxymoron on wheels, an expensive one at that, and because the drivers all seem to fit the same mold (douchebag). Looks like a rough tough offroad vehicle, but will never go there. Has tons of power, but isn't really sporty. It costs a fortune but does nothing well. And because everyone I see driving one has the look of some selfstyled entrepreneur (which in this case really means scam artist) with a gold tie, slicked back hair, black suit, and spends 100% of their time behind the wheel talking on their cell phone and 100% of their time in the line up (wherever) shouting into their phone and holding everyone up.

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Slavuta on Dec 05, 2012

if you guys don't include infinity qx56 and toyota 4runner - i am not reading on this site again

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