Great Looks, Mixed Results
You know the kind of car you double-take whenever you see one? Well, more often than not, it's a two-seater. They’re meant to be sleek, fast, and fun. But ambition doesn’t always equal success because some end up turning heads for all the wrong reasons. So let's take a look at a couple of two-seaters that got the formula right, and the ones that should’ve stayed on the drawing board.
1. Pontiac Fiero (1984–1988)
GM's ambitious mid-engine sports car dream turned into a nightmare of biblical proportions when Fieros started literally catching fire on highways across America. Built from a hodgepodge of leftover Chevrolet Citation parts to save costs, these cars suffered from faulty connecting rods.
Jonrev at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
2. Smart ForTwo (2008–2019)
When it comes to the Smart ForTwo, the most consistent criticism is the herky-jerky automated manual transmission, which results in slow, awkward, and uncomfortable gear changes. The automobile’s short wheelbase and stiff suspension also give rise to a harsh and bumpy ride.
3. Suzuki X-90 (1996–1998)
What happens when you take the worst handling characteristics of an SUV and combine them with the impracticality of a sports car? You get Suzuki's X-90. This vehicle failed spectacularly at everything it attempted, equipped with only 95 horsepower.
4. Chevrolet SSR (2003–2006)
Nobody likes seeing a 4,700-pound behemoth masquerading as a sports car while serving the performance of a loaded pickup truck. Despite costing more than a Corvette, its initial 300-horsepower engine couldn't overcome the laws of physics, making it slower than most family sedans.
5. Plymouth Prowler (1997–2002)
Here was Chrysler's chance to build the ultimate hot rod throwback, complete with exposed wheels and an aggressive stance that screamed V8 power. Instead, they stuffed a wheezing V6 under the hood, crafting the automotive equivalent of a fake lion's roar.
6. Mercedes-Benz SLK320 (1998–2004)
Mercedes-Benz revolutionized the roadster world with its retractable hardtop technology. We got the first convertible that could turn into a coupe at the push of a button. Unfortunately, this engineering marvel became a maintenance nightmare, with its complex hydraulic systems failing frequently.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
7. Toyota MR2 (1991–1995)
Let’s talk about the "snap-oversteer special." The moment you lifted off the throttle mid-corner, the car's rear end would whip around with such violence that even experienced drivers found themselves facing backward before they knew what happened. Toyota never thoroughly tamed the beast.
8. Saturn Sky (2007–2010)
Saturn's final attempt at building something exciting resulted in a structurally compromised convertible. The entire body would flex and shake over even modest bumps in the road. The interior screamed "rental car special" with cheap plastics present throughout the car.
9. Chrysler Crossfire (2004–2008)
Built on Mercedes-Benz's aging SLK platform, the Crossfire should have been a bargain alternative to German engineering excellence. Sadly, the poor weight distribution caused the handling to suffer dramatically. At the same time, the automatic transmission responded to throttle inputs with zero enthusiasm.
10. Alfa Romeo 4C (2014–2020)
Alfa Romeo stripped away every conceivable comfort feature in pursuit of pure driving pleasure, forming a carbon fiber-bodied exotic. This car lacked power steering, air conditioning, and even a radio in base trim. The lack of power assistance made parking lots difficult to tackle.
Fortunately, not every two-seater story ends in disappointment.
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata (1989–Present)
The Miata became the best-selling roadster in history, proving that perfect 50/50 weight distribution and surgical steering precision could triumph over raw horsepower. Weighing less than 2,400 pounds in its current iteration, it is a Japanese interpretation of British roadster philosophy.
2. Honda S2000 (1999–2009)
Honda's VTEC wizardry reached its absolute peak in the S2000's naturally aspirated engine, which screamed to an otherworldly 9,000 rpm redline while producing one of the highest horsepower-per-liter ratios ever achieved in a production car. It came with a six-speed manual transmission.
Rich Niewiroski Jr. on Wikimedia
3. Lotus Elise (1996–2021)
This featherweight fighter could rocket from 0–60 mph in under 4.5 seconds with only 190 horsepower. It proves that Colin Chapman's "add lightness" concept remains undefeated in the physics department. Addiotnally, the Toyota-sourced engine provides bulletproof reliability.
4. Ferrari 488 GTB (2015–2019)
The switch to turbocharging by Ferrari could have spelled disaster, but the 488's twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 produces 661 horsepower while eliminating the traditional turbo lag that plagued previous forced-induction supercars. The functional side air intakes are critical for feeding the hungry turbos.
5. BMW Z4 M40i (2019–Present)
Born from an unlikely partnership between BMW and Toyota, the Z4 shares its fundamental architecture with the Toyota Supra. That turbocharged inline-six pumps out 382 horsepower. The soft top can be utilized at speeds of up to 31 mph for quick weather changes.
6. McLaren 720S (2017–2022)
This beast goes from 0–60 mph in a brain-scrambling 2.8 seconds, thanks to a twin-turbocharged V8 that works in harmony with active aerodynamics. It constantly adjusts for optimal performance without any driver input. Plus, its carbon fiber monocoque weighs only 165 pounds.
7. Aston Martin Vantage (2005–2018)
The naturally aspirated V8 symphony emanating from the Vantage's exhaust became the stuff of automotive legend, producing one of the most soul-stirring soundtracks. Hand-stitched leather adorned the cabin. It also offered one of the last manual transmissions available in the luxury segment.
8. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (2014–2019)
General Motors' aluminum space frame construction enhanced the Corvette's structural integrity while dramatically reducing weight, enabling the LT1 V8 to achieve an almost unbelievable 29 mpg on the highway. The magnetic ride control system adjusted suspension settings 1,000 times per second.
9. Porsche Boxster (1996–2016)
As an accessible roadster, it generated the financial success that saved Porsche from bankruptcy in the 1990s. Sharing some essential components with the iconic 911, the Boxster democratized Porsche ownership. The flat-six engine created an unmistakable soundtrack that defined the Porsche experience.
10. Alpine A110 (2017–Present)
After a 22-year absence, Alpine's dramatic return brought modern safety requirements into harmony with featherweight construction, achieving a weight of just 2,432 pounds despite contemporary crash standards. The mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder engine gives the exact power-to-weight ratio for spirited cruising.
