From Sedans to SUVs Here Are 10 Cars You Should Avoid Buying In 2026

Consumers will have plenty of options when buying a car in 2026. From trucks and SUVs to sedans, there is a vehicle to suit everyone's lifestyle. With their pleasing designs or budget-friendly price tags, many of these vehicles might seem like smart purchases.

Unfortunately, some of these cars are also unreliable, offer a poor driving experience, or could require tons of maintenance and repairs, making them a costly financial move for car owners.

Here are 10 cars shoppers should avoid buying in 2026.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes

Currently Insured?

Yes

No

Multiple Cars?

Yes

No

Homeowner

Yes

No

Age

30-39

• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80+

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Great News! We’ve located some excellent quote options just for you.

Where can we send you info and recommendations?

Enter Email

Bundle Home & Auto to Save More?

Yes

No

Active Military?

No

Yes

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

With a base price below $14,000, the Chevrolet Spark was once the cheapest car in America. An affordable subcompact hatchback might seem like a great deal in 2025. However, upon close inspection, it's easy to see why General Motors pulled the plug on the Spark in 2022 after years of declining sales.

Reviewers have complained that the Spark lacks sufficient power, taking 12 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. They have also noted that its interior lacks refinement and comfort.

With a starting price of $27,000, the Nissan Altima might seem attractive to car shoppers, but reviewers warn otherwise. They criticized the Altima's braking and uninspired performance capabilities.

They also criticized the sedan's creature comforts, such as the infotainment system, as unimpressive. In particular, they criticized the Altima's 8-inch touchscreen for being unresponsive to inputs.

Featuring lackluster technology, inconsistent reliability, and a hefty price tag, car shoppers should be grateful that the Blue Oval discontinued selling this compact SUV in North America in 2022.

Some reviewers criticized the diminutive SUV's subpar acceleration and fuel economy. Its engine produced an anemic 166 horsepower and a meager 24 miles per gallon overall.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is an expensive option for minivan shoppers, starting at $52,260. Consumer Reports gave Chrysler's minivan a dismal reliability score of 14/100.

They also criticized the Pacifica for its hybrid battery, electric motor, and in-car electronics issues. Shoppers looking for a reliable family vehicle should avoid the Pacifica to avoid costly maintenance and repairs down the road.

The Honda Insight is a sensible, respectable, and affordable hybrid. Except for some unpleasant engine noise, this sturdy hybrid, with its EPA-estimated 52 miles per gallon, is a solid option for car buyers.

So why is it on this list? Because it pales in comparison to the Toyota Prius. At roughly the same price point, Toyota's fifth-generation Prius is more stylish and fuel-efficient than the Insight, with an astounding EPA-estimated 57 miles per gallon.

Available for $25,495, the Volkswagen Taos is a budget-friendly option for compact SUV shoppers. It's also a solid fuel-efficient vehicle, getting an EPA-estimated 28/36 MPG.

However, Consumer Reports has given the Taos a reliability score of 18/100, citing issues with the SUV's brakes, transmission, engine, and electrical system. Car buyers should consider passing on this troubled vehicle to avoid frustrating repair costs.

The Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid is a pricey midsize SUV starting at $62,445. While it boasts some impressive features, such as Google built-in, a 455 horsepower output, and an EPA-estimated 63 miles per gallon, reliability issues hamper it.

However, reviewers have noted it as unreliable, highlighting issues with its battery, charging system, and other electrical components. For over $60,000, consumers deserve a more reliable vehicle.

Consumer Reports gave the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee a woeful reliability score of 26/100. To say that assessment leaves something to be desired for the storied SUV is an understatement.

For a starting price of more than $36,000, consumers should seek out an SUV without suspension, electrical, drive system, and body hardware issues.

Customers looking for a midsize pickup truck might be tempted to buy a Toyota Tacoma. With a starting MSRP of $31,590, this rugged truck with its 326 horsepower turbo engine is a good deal.

However, consumers have filed 107 complaints for the Toyota pickup truck with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Most of those issues pertain to the Tacoma's powertrain. Midsize truck shoppers should look elsewhere for a reliable pickup to handle their towing and hauling needs.

The stylish Rivian R1T is an impressive all-wheel-drive electric truck with a starting price of over $70,000. However, its futuristic exterior should not fool consumers looking to make smart money moves for drivers.

Consumer Reports rated the electric pickup truck's reliability 22 out of 100. They cited the R1T's drive system, body hardware, and climate system as frequent problem areas.

With so many cars out there, consumers must make wise purchasing decisions when buying a new vehicle in 2026 to avoid wasting their time and hard-earned money.

Finding dealerships with good warranties or certified pre-owned programs can allow car buyers to offset potentially expensive repair and maintenance costs. Vehicle owners looking to keep more money in their wallets should also consider re-examining their automotive coverage to save on car insurance.