It’s an occasionally uncomfortable fact that few entities in this world are thoroughly devoid of positive traits or features, no matter how wretched or morally bankrupt the entity is. When it comes to people, this is a slippery slope that leads to whatever Ye’s doing right now, but when it comes to cars, it’s something worth thinking about because cars are generally harmless things.
As pro-car as we are at The Autopian, each of us has cars that we personally despise. They could’ve wronged us in the past, they could be wretched to work on, or they could just be spiteful, miserable machines sold by cynical corporations who thought the public was dumber than they actually are. A great example of that last one is the Ford Ecosport.
In an attempt to compete in the subcompact crossover segment, Ford plucked a small crossover out of its developing markets line and slightly massaged it for the American market. The result was a vehicle that, by North American standards, didn’t do anything well. It didn’t ride well, it didn’t steer well, it didn’t handle well, it wasn’t comfortable, it wasn’t massively spacious, it wasn’t quick, and it wasn’t even that economical. It was misery on four wheels, and yet there’s one thing I can’t hate about it.
See that? That’s a spare tire mounted to a swing-out tailgate. It’s instantly nostalgic, and it makes the Ecosport the last truly small entry-level SUV or CUV to be sold in America with this option. Sure, it’s not the most practical place to put a spare tire, it could likely do a number on the bodywork in a light rear-end collision, and it hampers rear visibility, but it’s fun and odd. Sure, models with a spare tire carrier are rare sights on the road, but I can’t be mad on the odd chance that I see one.
So, what’s something you like about a car you thoroughly dislike? Maybe it’s the power of the unreliable and impractical BMW ActiveHybrid X6 when it’s working, or the nifty multi-mode display in the Nissan Juke, or the sleeper status of the rare PT Cruiser GT Turbo. Whatever the case, let us know in the comments below.
(Photo credits: Ford, Autotrader seller)
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I absolutely hate the Cyber Truck. Yet, I have to admit, I’m glad that it exists. Although I find it hideous, it doesn’t look like anything else, and that’s got to be worth something.