A Closer Look At FWD
Performance doesn’t always match the hype, and some cars are infamous for being major disappointments. A few front-wheelers were expected to crush it and didn’t. Others kept it low-key and still made a name for themselves. Let’s break down who fumbled the FWD game before we check out the ones who impressed.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
1. Pontiac Aztek (2001–2005)
You looked at it, didn’t you? Everyone did—and flinched. The Aztek baffled buyers with its clunky silhouette and oddball body cladding. General Motors pitched it as a lifestyle SUV, but instead delivered plastic-heavy chaos on wheels. Buyers didn’t bite, and its resale tanked.
2. Chrysler Sebring (2007–2010)
The Sebring promised refinement and elegance, but what arrived felt unfinished. With a coarse powertrain, uninspired cabin, and chunky dashboard design, drivers found no charm behind the wheel. It missed its mark by miles, and mid-size rivals ran laps around it.
3. Dodge Caliber (2007–2012)
Crossing into the compact scene with a bold stance, the Caliber sounded promising until you drove it. Its unresponsive CVT whined like a toddler skipping naptime, while the cabin materials aged fast. Its performance wasn’t impressive at all, either.
4. Chevrolet Malibu (2004–2007)
Chevrolet positioned the Malibu to compete in the mid-size segment, but the 2004–2007 model struggled to meet expectations. The steering lacked precision, the ride quality felt unrefined, and interior materials were noticeably cheap. Critics pointed to an uninspired design and weak engine options.
5. Saturn Ion (2003–2007)
The Ion’s quirky center-mounted instruments alienated drivers, while cheap plastic trim screamed “budget bin.” Handling leaned toward vague, with minimal road feel. Shoppers left showrooms shaking their heads. General Motors supported Saturn’s brand until its 2009 closure.
6. Nissan Altima (2013–2018)
A wolf in sheep’s clothing, minus the bite. While the Altima wore a sleek exterior, its infamous CVT sapped driving joy. Owners voiced concerns about juddering and costly failures. Enthusiasts? They vanished. Lawsuits followed, denting what was once a trusted nameplate.
7. Ford Contour (1995–2000)
Ford shrank European flair into a cramped, awkward shell. The Contour drove well on paper, but it neglected rear legroom and comfort. Buyers expected more for their dollar and turned elsewhere. Despite a promising chassis, it couldn’t survive in the American jungle.
8. Toyota Echo (2000–2005)
Simplicity has a ceiling. First, the Echo’s high roofline made it look like a cartoon sketch; second, its thin doors and spartan interior offered little to love. Though reliable, it felt like a penalty box on wheels, and city dwellers groaned at highway speeds.
9. Suzuki Verona (2004–2006)
You probably forgot it existed, and for good reason. The Verona offered bland styling, a sluggish six-cylinder engine, and few redeeming features. Suzuki aimed to take on the Camry but brought a soup spoon to a sword fight. Its exit was swift.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
10. Hyundai Excel (1985–1994)
Hyundai’s first U.S. impression resembled a shrug. At first, the Excel sold fast, but then sales started declining. Reasons ranged from early models rusting faster to drivetrain issues that haunted owners. Mechanics smiled; wallets didn’t. Thankfully, Hyundai turned the ship around years later.
That covers the ones that didn’t quite hit the mark. Now let’s take a look at the front-wheel-drive models that went above and beyond what anyone expected.
1. Honda Civic Type R (FK8, 2017–2021)
You want savage precision in FWD form? Look no further. The FK8 Type R sliced track records while carrying groceries. Its dual-axis front suspension neutralized torque steer, leaving you stunned. Reviewers praised its poise; drivers praised its performance.
2. Acura Integra Type R (1997–2001)
This car didn’t whisper performance; it screamed it through VTEC at 8,400 RPM. Lightweight construction, razor-sharp steering, and limited-slip magic delivered a driver’s high. Many still rank it as the purest front-wheel machine ever built. Demand skyrocketed, and the values went through the roof.
3. Ford Fiesta ST (2013–2019)
Ever wrung joy from a corner? Well, the Fiesta ST made enthusiasts giddy with grin-inducing torque and laser-sharp handling. This vehicle was a tiny titan with a turbo heart. It gripped like glue and darted like a greyhound. Who knew small could thrill?
Sarah Larson from Ann Arbor, MI, USA on Wikimedia
4. Volkswagen GTI (Mk7)
This vehicle was the Swiss Army knife of hot hatches. It offered its owners comfort, composure, and thrill. The Mk7 struck a harmony between punchy turbo thrust and daily drive civility. The plaid seats were just the icing on the cake. Ownership felt well compensated for buying this vehicle.
5. Hyundai Elantra N (2022–Present)
Hyundai went ballistic and built a rival-killing monster. The Elantra N blitzed tracks and barked exhaust notes like it meant business. Rev-matching, e-LSD, and real chassis balance boosted it far beyond expectations. This car proved that Korean cars meet and exceed expectations.
6. Chevrolet Cobalt SS (2005–2007)
Laugh if you must, but the Cobalt SS Turbo was no joke. With Nürburgring-tuned suspension and 205 horsepower under the hood, it turned doubters into believers. Benchmarked against legends, it held its own. General Motors surprised everyone by pulling off a true sleeper.
7. Mazda3 (2019–Present)
The Mazda3’s cabin mimicked luxury rivals, and its chassis danced through curves with surprising agility. The 3 skipped gimmicks and focused on delivering feel. Even without turbo power, it handled like it cared. Mazda didn’t just try—it nailed it.
8. Mini Cooper S (2002–2006)
The first-generation Mini Cooper S, developed under BMW from 2002 to 2006, delivered sharp handling and quick steering that appealed to enthusiasts. Its compact size and sport-tuned suspension provided strong cornering capability. Additionally, the supercharged engine offered respectable power for its class.
9. Kia Forte GT (2020–Present)
Kia tossed its conservative hat aside and gave drivers a turbo punch wrapped in value. With dual-clutch shifting, tight handling, and a sporty attitude, the Forte GT flexed its credentials far above its badge. This vehicle did not have to bark for attention since it earned it quietly.
10. Honda Accord (10th Gen, 2018–2022)
The 10th-generation impressed with its well-balanced chassis and available turbocharged engines. It delivered composed handling and a smooth ride, even under everyday driving conditions. Here, Honda engineered the Accord to offer both practicality and driver engagement.
