FWD Fails And Wins
Front-wheel drive has powered everything from commuter legends to notorious flops. Over the years, drivers have seen both extremes, and now it’s time to set the record straight. So, here we are with ten of the worst and best front-wheel drive cars ever built. Let’s begin with the rides that got it all wrong.
1. Chevrolet Citation (1980–1985)
This car has earned a reputation for being more flawed than functional. Launched with hype, the Citation quickly became a cautionary tale. GM’s first front-wheel-drive compact suffered transmission failures and body rust that could start within months. People expected innovation but got recalls.
2. Cadillac Cimarron (1982–1988)
Slap Cadillac badges on a base-model Chevy Cavalier and charge double, and you have the Cimarron. Built to compete with BMW, it missed by miles. Buyers got cheap plastic and slow acceleration. There was luxury only in its name. Owners felt duped, and Cadillac’s image took years to recover.
3. Pontiac Aztek (2001–2005)
Bold? Maybe, but never beloved. The Aztek’s jagged design attracted the wrong kind of attention. You couldn’t ignore it, but you probably wanted to. Underneath, it was a minivan in disguise, poorly executed and confusingly marketed. Even its TV cameo in Survivor couldn’t save it.
4. Jeep Compass (First Generation, 2007–2016)
Noisy engines and sluggish front-wheel-drive handling—Jeep’s Compass veered off course from day one. Built on a car chassis, it lacked the off-road chops people expected. You wanted adventure; it offered awkward gear ratios and a whiny CVT instead. Jeep fans were baffled.
5. Dodge Avenger (2008–2014)
Borrowed from Chrysler’s recycled components and burdened with blandness, the Avenger couldn’t live up to its name. Sloppy steering and cheap interiors were backed by engines that droned more than roared. Even rental fleets grew tired of it. It simply vanished without being missed.
6. Yugo GV (1985–1992)
Think “car” in the loosest possible sense. The GV was imported from Yugoslavia and sold dirt cheap. It often broke before your first oil change. Users experienced electrical failures and mysterious noises by mile 500. This was a car so bad it became a punchline.
7. Dodge Caliber (2007–2012)
Boxy looks and a jumpy CVT were the Caliber’s legacy. You'd expect practicality from a hatchback, but this one delivered poor visibility and awkward space use. Dodge pitched it as edgy and versatile, but most owners discovered that it lacked the basics—comfort and refinement.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
8. Chrysler Sebring (1995–2010)
In the showroom, the Sebring looked stylish, but it was a disappointment on the streets. It was all sizzle, no substance. With its clunky ride and underwhelming front-wheel-drive setup, you couldn't even rely on it for peace of mind. Sebring frequently kept the mechanic’s lights on.
9. Oldsmobile Omega (1980–1984)
Following the Citation’s shaky lead, the Omega shared many of its mechanical missteps. You’d think GM would’ve learned, but bad alignment, faulty brakes, and body panels that didn’t quite align proved you wrong. Omega ushered Oldsmobile toward its quiet sunset.
10. Buick Skylark (1980–1985)
Sharing GM’s infamous X-body platform didn’t help. The car was supposed to bring Buick forward, but it mostly reminded people of GM’s struggles. Clunky steering and inconsistent quality defined this Skylark generation. Plus, the slow response when you press the gas annoyed everyone.
But not every front-wheel ride turned into a letdown. Some hit the pavement running and kept winning hearts miles later. The next ten are among them.
1. 2025 Honda Civic Type R
Turbocharged power and track-ready design define the latest Civic Type R. You get 315 horsepower and adaptive dampers, and purists love the manual gearbox. Built in Japan, it’s a spiritual successor to hot hatch legends. Grip the wheel, and you’ll be tempted to push your limits.
2025 Honda Civic Type R 50th Anniversary: 329HP of Pure JDM Perfection! by AUTO TV
2. 2025 Acura Integra Type S
Performance-focused yet polished, the Integra Type S delivers excitement without compromise. Equipped with a 2.0L turbo engine, it shares DNA with the Civic Type R but wears premium touches. You’ll feel the difference on winding roads or during your weekday commute.
2025 Acura Integra Type S Review | Close To Perfection? by EURO CAR GUY
3. 2025 Hyundai Elantra N
Corner-carving precision isn’t reserved for rear drives anymore. The Elantra N proves it. Drivers enjoy rev-matching, launch control, and electronically adjustable suspension—all in a sedan. It’s engineered for enthusiasts but affordable enough for everyday drivers. Did someone say it’s underrated? You’d better believe it.
4. 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Since 1976, the GTI has set the benchmark for performance. You're looking at its modern evolution—subtle design, a turbocharged punch, and more. It balances comfort and fun like few others, and it doesn't matter if you're navigating city traffic or carving canyon roads.
2025 VW Golf GTI - Sound, Interior and Exterior Walkaround by DreamCars
5. 2025 Toyota RAV4
Consistency wins championships—and sales. The RAV4’s FWD variant offers dependable performance and smart space for families. Thanks to Toyota’s legendary reliability, you’ll find it leading its class year after year. Want efficiency and practicality in one package? This crossover delivers both and more.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Overview | Toyota by Toyota USA
6. 2025 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid
The Civic Sport Touring Hybrid gives flexibility and flair. With up to 50 mpg and a low center of gravity, you feel agile without sacrificing economy. Its hatchback form adds versatility and shows you can drive smart without feeling bored or average.
7. 2025 Honda CR-V
Crossovers get crowded, but the CR-V stands apart. Besides cavernous cargo space, drivers benefit from responsive steering and clever hybrid tech. It doesn’t feel bulky or hard to maneuver, and it is small enough to save garage space. Comfortable and consistently on top of its game!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=1azUAPPfnMM
8. 2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line
Power punches from a midsize sedan? Absolutely. The Sonata N Line’s turbocharged 290 horsepower and dual-clutch gearbox give you raw thrills on tap. Inside, sporty stitching and intuitive tech meet daily needs. Family hauler by day, adrenaline factory by night—it wears both hats confidently.
2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line - Perfect Sedan details by AROVCars
9. 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback
Style doesn’t always shout. The Mazda3 Hatchback whispers class through its sculpted design and nimble handling. You get engaging steering and one of the most driver-focused experiences in the segment. Take it through a curve, and you'll instantly feel why this car gets high praise.
Review: 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback Preferred - Showing its Age? by Matt Maran Motoring
10. 2025 Kia K5 GT
Aggressive lines and sports-sedan performance define the K5 GT. Armed with 290 hp and sharp throttle response, it transforms your drive into something thrilling. Don't judge it by its badge, or you’ll miss out on standout value and surprising swagger.
