We don't often dunk on undeserving cars, but spotting a struggling Suzuki Jimny on the highway the other day reminded me just what a terrible car it actually is. Yes, it's an epic off-roader, but very few of us actually have to drive over a mountain to get to work. As a result, Jimny ownership means living with a highly compromised yet cute car that can only do one thing.Many of you won't agree with the cars on this list, which includes a Jeep for the very reasons mentioned above. But rest assured that I will also make a case for why these cars can be forgiven for sucking.Let's launch straight into this list of cars that have a reputation for being fantastic, but will drive you mad if you spend enough time with them. Suzuki Jimny: It Only Does One Thing 2019 suzuki jimny frontIn the USA, the current Jimny is known as forbidden fruit. Enthusiasts look at it and wonder how cool it would be to drive the car that Mercedes-Benz copied when it designed the G-Class. (Look it up. The Jimny's ancestors predate the G-Class). You can buy a Samurai easily enough, but they have gone up in value in recent years. Thankfully, there are still cheap Suzuki off-roader options available.The problem with the Suzuki is twofold. First, Suzuki had a singular focus while developing the thing. It was built to be as good as possible off-road, while everything else was secondary. Yes, Suzuki gave it all the modern comforts, but it still has solid axles at the front and rear. That means any inputs to the steering wheel are best described as suggestions, and it leans so much through the corners that there's a risk you might scrape your elbow.The second issue is power, or rather a lack of it. The 1.5-liter NA engine tries extremely hard, but it's not up to the task. The result is 23.5 MPG on the combined cycle, which is ridiculous for such a small car.On the positive side, the lack of power can be seen as a safety feature. At 70 mph, the car has a nasty tendency to sway, and its boxy shape is extremely susceptible to any kind of wind. Still, it is cute, but that's its biggest problem. The looks lure unsuspecting people to showrooms, and they buy it because it's extremely stylish.But then you have to live with it far outside its comfort zone, and weeks later you realize that a faux off-roader like the Mazda CX-30 would have been a much better purchase. Aston Martin Vantage V8: Lots Of Noise, Not Much Progress 2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ProdriveThis one pains me, because I actually adore the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. I'm obviously not talking about the current Vantage, which has a ridiculous 656 horsepower on tap, but rather the first-generation that arrived in the USA in 2006.First, the good bits. It's easily one of the best-looking cars ever made, even though its design is fairly simple. It also came with a manual gearbox and an exhaust sound that could be heard from miles away. This car is equal parts sports car and pantomime. And let's make the obligatory James Bond connection. Yes, it's a cliché, but it's impossible to drive an Aston Martin and not feel sexy, suave, and dangerous, even though your belly, bald patch, and "Best of the 90s" playlist suggest otherwise.The V8 Vantage's biggest sin was that it wasn't as quick as promised. The first model year in the USA (2008) was equipped with a 4.3-liter NA V8 producing 380 hp. Aston fixed it a few years later with an updated 4.7-liter V8 producing 420 hp, but even that wasn't enough. The 911 Carrera S of the same period only had 355 hp to work with, but it upstaged the Vantage in every department. And the Porsche was roughly $40,000 cheaper... these days it's an absolute bargain, however. And very easy to recommend. Jeep Wrangler: Same Issues As The Jimny 2026 Jeep Wrangler Willys 392I'll keep this one short. If you want the best factory-built off-roader, the best option is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. It has loads of tricks that make it nearly unstoppable off-road, but those same set of tricks make it difficult to live with daily. The hood dives under braking, the steering is as vague as a misty day, and the sound insulation is poor.There are no official figures on how many Wrangler owners actually use their cars in the manner that was intended, but a Jeep designer hinted in 2019 that it's as low as 10–15%. Yes, you can remove the roof and doors, and that will make you smile for a few months. But then it starts to rain, and you'll be jealous of the guy in the Ford Bronco Sport waiting at the lights next to you. Alfa Romeo 4C 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Front 3/4 ViewI have a love/hate relationship with this car. The same goes for the managing editor. We've discussed this car at great length, and the best way to describe it is to say that it's the perfect "fifth car". That's when you already have a car for every other possible occasion, and you absolutely feel the need to have a 4C. It's the kind of car you're only in the mood for maybe twice a year, but when the mood strikes, nothing else will get the job done.The 4C is infamous for being extremely sensitive to road camber, and it will often dart in an unintended direction. The unassisted steering sounds romantic but it's annoying. And because it's an Alfa, the interior quality is poor, suspension components wear out prematurely, electronic glitches are part of daily life, and it's expensive to maintain. Toyota Corolla Cross 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE frontThe Toyota Corolla Cross is a near perfect car. It's brilliant, in fact. Having driven one quite extensively, I can honestly say it's the best car to buy if you're in the market for a car that does car things effortlessly. It also starts at $24,935, making it perfect for people who don't care about cars, and just want something reliable built by a brand they've actually heard of.That's also its cardinal sin. If you're on this page, it means you like cars. You want a car that's an extension of your personality, fun to drive, and something you can boast about.The average Corolla Cross driver simply went to the nearest Toyota dealership and said, "Please sell me 176 inches of car". It's a decent car. But for decent, read "good enough", "adequate". And who likes being described in those terms?