Consumer Reports: Avoid Disappointment, Don’t Buy These Cars
It’s never a good feeling when, after spending all that time, energy, and money during the car buying process, you end up with a dud. But not all duds are necessarily lemons or even unreliable. Sometimes, new cars just leave their owners cold. And according to a recent Consumer Reports owner survey, two cars, in particular, leave an unsatisfying taste in peoples’ mouths.
The 2022 Infiniti Q50 is the least satisfying new passenger car to own according to Consumer Reports readers
This might come as a shock given how well it scored in Consumer Reports testing, but owners rated the Infiniti Q50 as the least satisfying new car to own. Granted, it’s not the least satisfying new vehicle to own—that’s the Toyota C-HR. But even so, only 40% of Q50 owners would buy their car again, CR says.
So, why is it that the Infiniti Q50 is good on paper but seemingly bad in reality? Keep in mind, this is Consumer Reports’ #1 luxury compact car; it’s ranked above the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. And it’s reliable to boot. Usually, these are good qualities in any car.
The problem isn’t that the Infiniti Q50 is unreliable, though, but that’s rather old. This is a luxury car that has wireless Apple CarPlay but wired Android Auto. Also, despite its recent tech upgrades, the 2022 Infiniti Q50’s dual-screen infotainment system is still “slow and cumbersome to use,” Consumer Reports notes. And while its exterior is stylish, its interior isn’t quite as roomy or refined as its competitors’ cabins.
Its most egregious problem, though, is arguably its firm suspension. It delivers a “jittery” ride without any real-world handling benefits, MotorTrend reports. For a luxury car, that simply won’t do.
In short, the 2022 Infiniti Q50 is a new luxury car that falls short of its claims. Little wonder why so many owners are unsatisfied.
There are more satisfying new compact cars to own than the 2022 Kia Forte, Consumer Reports readers claim
The 2022 Kia Forte now holds a dubious award: it has the highest satisfaction rate of Consumer Reports’ least satisfying new cars. Of the Forte owners surveyed, 47% said that they’d buy their cars again. But unlike the Q50’s situation, it’s a bit easier to see why the compact car’s approval rating is low.
On the plus side, the 2022 Kia Forte is still an affordable compact car, something that’s becoming increasingly rare. And unlike the Q50, its infotainment is easy to use; plus, some trims offer automatic climate control. Also, its exterior design is rather sharp.
However, being a stylish, great deal for the money only goes so far. In the Forte’s case, it doesn’t make up for a “too-stiff ride and excess noise,” Consumer Reports says. Nor does it sufficiently gloss over the sedan’s uncomfortable seats and less-than-stellar reliability record. Also, while it’s decently sporty, it’s slower than the Civic, which has a better interior and handling. Furthermore, the Forte’s CVT “’is insane,’” shifting slowly and at odd times, MT reports.
Basically, the 2022 Kia Forte isn’t an enjoyable new car to own or drive. Hence why it left owners and Consumer Reports itself so unsatisfied.
Are there more satisfying alternatives to the 2022 Forte and Q50?
Luckily, there are other new cars that don’t leave their owners so cold.
In the Infiniti Q50’s case, the Lexus IS remains a Consumer Reports recommended car and enjoys a 68% satisfaction rate. There’s also the 2022 Audi A4, which ranks just below the Q50 and beats the IS slightly in approval ratings. If you value sportiness, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has an 83% satisfaction rating, though its reliability isn’t the greatest. But the 2022 Genesis G70 is just as athletic but noticeably more reliable.
As for the Kia Forte, it’s literally the worst new compact car Consumer Reports has tested, so the list of alternatives is even longer. As noted earlier, the 2022 Honda Civic beats it in several categories, plus it has a 71% CR satisfaction rating. There’s also the 2022 Hyundai Elantra, with a 73% approval rating and a #3 spot on CR’s compact sedans list.
It’s worth noting that if you own a 2022 Forte or 2022 Q50 and enjoy it, there’s no reason to sell it and move on. If you like your car and it’s not causing you problems, keep driving it. But if owning one of these new cars is leaving you dissatisfied, know that you have other options.
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