....was an Olds Cutlass Ciera that we rented and took back within an hour or two. Every time the road curved even slightly, the car screeched and felt like it was going to fishtail. A real POS. I think that is the same model that Consumer Reports once reviewed and summed up with the line, "This IS your father's Oldsmobile."
Steve jogged my memories this evening.
I had a an old Triumph TR-3 when I was in my 20's. The vehicle really was aweful to drive. Jumped all over the road. (Solid rear axle).
Very little winter heat from the heater and I had to hand-crank it countless times to start up this piece of junk when the dumb battery quit! The hand-crank used to smack me in the back of my hand and almost broke my hand countless times! Is Triumph still in buisness? I hope not! Junk English auto!
I used to drive my girlfriend at the time up to Bartlett, NH, to a ski lodge. I had to bring a blanket for the girl to wrap around her legs in order to make the trip. Heater was bad.
The Triumph should have been sold in the Southern California region only. Not New England!
Another Junk auto was a Fiat back in the early 70's. The ignition never had a good seal on it and I was always stranded on a water-filled highway or road. The frame collapsed due to rot after three years. The frame must have been built from old beer cans! Another bad vehicle.
I bought a French vehicle once. Lasted a year and a half. The head gasket blew and the anti-freeze came back into the cylindar walls and blew the engine. Just Great! Viva La France!
Same for a Buick LeSabre that cost me $700 for a minor motor job rebuild. The paint and vinyl roof blew off on the highway two years later. Nice paint job?NOT!! So much for Detroit lousy paint technology!
Jaguar had a history of valve problems and suspension problems over the years also.
My friend had 4 transmissions replaced in her Dodge vehicle within 4 years. Dodge offers 70K miles guarantee on their transmissions. Good for 70K. After that, forget it. True story.
Wonder why the Japanese are today's #1 auto makers and will always be?
Seems to be Toyota and Honda in the running as the world's auto makers.
I have learned my lesson over the years. I now have owned a Honda Civic since 2001. I think I will will have this vehicle in 2010 and still get a nice used car value for it. Great auto. 32-38 MPG still.
And you?? Any horror stories out there? Do not be shy. The year does not matter or manufacturer.
Come on JR or anyone else?
Angeline, you must have bought a lemon at some time?
-Kevin
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic