For many Canadians, buying a new car is a milestone until the reality of ownership kicks in. Some models don’t live up to expectations, whether it’s constant mechanical failures, poor fuel economy, uninspiring performance, or outdated tech. These are the cars Canadian drivers regret almost immediately and can’t wait to trade in, sell, or see gone from their driveways. Here are 23 cars that Canadian owners can’t wait to get rid of:
Chevrolet Trax
Despite its compact size and city-friendly design, the Chevrolet Trax has underwhelmed Canadian owners. The 1.4L turbocharged engine produces only 155 horsepower, with a sluggish 0–100 km/h of 9.3 seconds. The ride quality is stiff, cabin noise is high, and the functional interior feels dated with cheap plastics and minimal comfort features. Owners frequently report reliability issues and poor resale value. Its modest fuel economy of 9.2 L/100 km in the city isn’t enough to redeem it, and many drivers are counting down the days until they can upgrade to something more dependable.
Dodge Journey
Once a staple of Canadian family driveways, the Dodge Journey has overstayed its welcome. Powered by a dated 2.4L engine delivering just 173 horsepower, it lags in acceleration at 0–100 km/h in around 10 seconds. The interior feels basic and cramped compared to modern SUVs, and safety scores lag behind the competition. Mechanical issues and transmission complaints are common, and its city fuel consumption of 12.7 L/100 km doesn’t help. Canadians are increasingly trading in the Journey for newer crossovers with better reliability and technology.
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass appeals with its rugged styling, but many Canadian owners have been frustrated. Its 2.4L Tigershark engine delivers 180 horsepower, yet acceleration is sluggish at 0–100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. While stylish at first glance, the interior is marred by quality-control issues and limited rear-seat space. Numerous reports cite transmission problems and inconsistent infotainment system performance, and fuel economy hovers at 10.8 L/100 km city, underwhelming for a compact SUV.
Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport promised a fun, efficient city ride but disappointed Canadian buyers. Its base 1.0L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine produces just 123 horsepower, and acceleration is painfully slow, taking over 11 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The interior is tight and feels outdated, and the cargo space is cramped for a vehicle in this segment. Poor handling and fuel efficiency of 10.2 L/100 km city make it even less appealing, and owners often cite loud road noise and lackluster reliability as reasons for quick trade-ins.
Nissan Sentra (Pre-2020 models)
While recent redesigns have improved its image, older Nissan Sentras have become a headache for many Canadian owners. The 1.8L engine produces 124 horsepower, paired with a CVT transmission that’s earned widespread criticism for jerky performance and unreliability. Acceleration is weak at 0–100 km/h in about 10 seconds, and the interior is spartan with little comfort or excitement. City fuel economy is average at 8.9 L/100 km. Owners burned by repair costs and transmission failures have quickly moved to competitors with better track records.
Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark was designed as an affordable city runabout, but many Canadians find it underpowered and outdated. With a tiny 1.4L engine generating just 98 horsepower, it takes a sluggish 11 seconds to reach 100 km/h. While the compact size is great for parking, the interior is barebones, with limited tech features and cheap materials. Rear seat space is cramped, and the ride feels choppy on anything but smooth roads. Despite a decent city fuel economy of 7.7 L/100 km, owners grow frustrated with its lack of performance and refinement, making it one of the most frequently traded cars.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of Canada’s most affordable new cars, but that low price comes at a cost. The 1.2L 3-cylinder engine produces just 78 horsepower, making highway driving an exercise in patience. Acceleration is poor, clocking over 12 seconds to 100 km/h. Interior features are sparse, with hard plastics and limited infotainment options. It boasts excellent fuel economy of 6.6 L/100 km city, but mechanical issues, especially with the CVT transmission, have plagued long-term owners, and many regret choosing the Mirage once the ongoing maintenance costs and weak performance become clear.
Hyundai Accent (Older Models)
While newer Hyundai models shine, older Accents (especially pre-2018) have left Canadians cold. The 1.6L engine offers 137 horsepower with an average acceleration of 0–100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, but what frustrates owners is the road noise, stiff ride, and uncomfortable seating. Fuel economy is reasonable at 8.2 L/100 km city, but interior features are basic, and safety ratings for earlier trims fall short. Many drivers find the overall package too underwhelming for modern standards, trading it in for something quieter, smoother, and safer.
Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot promised off-road flair in a budget SUV but disappointed many Canadian buyers with its outdated design and poor drivetrain. With a 2.0L engine producing 158 horsepower, its acceleration is sluggish at 0–100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. The interior lacks refinement, features basic infotainment, minimal insulation, and cramped rear seats, and the fuel economy isn’t impressive either at 10.7 L/100 km in the city. Reliability issues, including electrical and transmission problems, have led many owners to abandon the Patriot early and opt for more modern, dependable SUVs.
Chevrolet Malibu (2016–2019)
The Chevrolet Malibu once held promise as a midsize family sedan, but reliability issues and underwhelming performance led many Canadians to regret their purchase. The base 1.5L turbocharged engine produces 160 horsepower and struggles under acceleration, taking over 9 seconds to hit 100 km/h. While the ride is smooth, the interior feels plasticky and lacks the upscale feel of competitors. Reports of electronic glitches, engine problems, and disappointing resale value have turned owners away. With city fuel consumption around 8.9 L/100 km, many have switched to more trusted midsize options from Honda or Toyota.
Toyota Yaris (Pre-2020)
While Toyota is known for reliability, many Canadian owners of the pre-2020 Yaris found the driving experience underwhelming. Powered by a modest 1.5L engine pushing 106 horsepower, acceleration is sluggish at 0–100 km/h and takes over 10.5 seconds. The ride is firm, and cabin noise is pronounced at highway speeds. Interior materials feel dated, with minimal tech features and tight space for rear passengers. Fuel economy is decent at 7.8 L/100 km in the city, but many owners expected more from the Toyota badge. As newer subcompacts became more refined, the Yaris lost its appeal.
Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200, particularly the 2015–2017 models, looked sleek but disappointed in real-world performance and reliability. Its 2.4L base engine offered 184 horsepower, but the 9-speed automatic transmission caused jerky shifts and erratic behavior. Acceleration wasn’t terrible at 0–100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, but mechanical issues and expensive repairs drove many Canadians to ditch it early. The interior is stylish but tight in the rear, and the infotainment system often lags.
Fiat 500L
The quirky Fiat 500L turned heads with its Euro styling, but Canadian owners quickly grew tired of its flaws. The 1.4L turbo engine makes 160 horsepower, yet acceleration is disappointing at about 9.8 seconds to 100 km/h. Handling is awkward, thick pillars compromise visibility, and the interior feels cramped despite its tall profile. Quality issues, from electrical failures to suspension problems, are frequent, and the city’s fuel economy is mediocre at 9.6 L/100 km. Despite its fun exterior, many owners report constant frustrations and low resale value, prompting an early exit.
Volkswagen Passat (2012–2018)
The Volkswagen Passat once offered European sophistication in a midsize sedan, but Canadian drivers became weary of reliability issues. The 1.8L turbo engine delivers 170 horsepower and decent acceleration of 0–100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, but the ride can feel floaty and uninspired. Interior quality is solid, yet infotainment systems in older models lack modern features. Fuel economy hovers around 9.4 L/100 km city. Common complaints include electrical problems, turbo failure, and costly repairs after warranty expiration.
Nissan Rogue (2013–2018)
The first-generation Nissan Rogue attracted buyers with affordable pricing and AWD, but its long-term drawbacks became hard to ignore. The 2.5L engine makes 170 horsepower, but the sluggish CVT transmission creates a rubber-band effect, making acceleration to 100 km/h of around 9.8 seconds feel labored. The cabin is roomy, but early models suffer from cheap materials and a noisy ride. Fuel economy is acceptable at 9.6 L/100 km city, but widespread complaints about the CVT’s reliability and hefty repair bills have sent owners packing in search of more durable alternatives.
Ford Fiesta (2011–2019)
The Ford Fiesta once charmed Canadians with its compact size and peppy handling, but many owners soured on it due to chronic reliability issues. The 1.6L engine produces 120 horsepower, and 100 km/h acceleration takes roughly 9.5 seconds. While the driving dynamics are nimble, the infamous PowerShift dual-clutch transmission is plagued by jerking, slipping, and costly failures. The interior is basic, with cramped rear seats and outdated tech in earlier models. The fuel economy is solid at 7.6 L/100 km in the city, but for many, it wasn’t enough to justify the frequent trips to the mechanic.
Kia Forte (2010–2015)
Early Kia Forte models seemed great, but Canadians quickly discovered their limitations. Powered by a 2.0L engine producing 156 horsepower, the Forte accelerates to 100 km/h in about 8.8 seconds. Unfortunately, owners report engine knocking, transmission slips, and premature suspension wear. The interior is plain, with minimal sound insulation and hard plastics. The city’s fuel economy lands at around 8.9 L/100 km. Though later versions improved, many who bought earlier models couldn’t wait to trade theirs in after a few disappointing years.
Buick Verano
Designed to be an entry-level luxury car, the Buick Verano underwhelmed many Canadians with underpowered performance and aging features. Its 2.4L engine produces 180 horsepower and goes 0–100 km/h in around 9 seconds. While the ride is comfortable and the interior is quiet, the infotainment and safety tech feel dated, and the fuel economy isn’t stellar for a compact sedan at 9.9 L/100 km city. Owners also report engine stalling, electrical gremlins, and inconsistent build quality. With a high cost of ownership and poor resale value, the Verano has become a common sight at trade-in counters.
Mazda CX-7
Mazda’s now-discontinued CX-7 attracted Canadians with sporty styling, but long-term ownership revealed serious issues. The turbocharged 2.3L engine offers 244 horsepower, which sounds impressive until turbo lag and sluggish 0–100 km/h acceleration of over 9 seconds let drivers down. The interior is stylish but lacks rear legroom and a premium feel. Owners cite engine failures, oil leaks, and turbo problems as key reasons they’ve ditched the CX-7 in favor of newer, more reliable crossovers.
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart returned with high hopes, leaving Canadian owners disappointed with its lack of reliability and driving enjoyment. The base 2.0L engine puts out 160 horsepower and takes a sluggish 10.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The handling is uninspired, and the spacious interior feels cheaply made. Early models were plagued with transmission and electronic issues. The city’s fuel economy of 9.4 L/100 km isn’t enough to offset the long-term frustration, and many owners traded their dart early, looking for better performance and reliability.
Suzuki SX4
Though rare, the Suzuki SX4 was once found to be in favor in parts of Canada due to its AWD option and compact footprint. But the 2.0L engine’s 150 horsepower doesn’t offer much punch as 0–100 km/h takes over 10 seconds. The ride is rough, and the cabin is cluttered with dated controls and subpar materials. The city’s fuel economy of 9.8 L/100 km is unimpressive, given its size. With Suzuki exiting the Canadian market in 2014, parts availability has declined, making the SX4 a headache to maintain.
Chevrolet Aveo
Once a budget staple in Canada, the Chevrolet Aveo is now largely forgotten, and for good reason. The 1.6L engine pushes out just 103 horsepower, resulting in sluggish acceleration of 0–100 km/h in 11.5 seconds. Despite its compact size, city fuel economy is a modest 8.6 L/100 km. The interior is barebones with little noise insulation, uncomfortable seats, and minimal tech, and reliability is poor, especially in models with automatic transmission. Many Canadians who picked up the Aveo for its low sticker price quickly got rid of it when it proved more trouble than it was worth.
Hyundai Entourage
Hyundai’s attempt at a minivan didn’t win many fans in Canada. The Entourage comes with a 3.8L V6 producing 250 horsepower, yet it struggles with acceleration of 0–100 km/h in around 9.5 seconds due to its hefty weight. The fuel economy is poor at 13.0 L/100 km in the city, making it one of the thirstiest vans in its class. Interior space is generous, but the materials, fit, and finish lag behind competitors like the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. Brake and suspension issues are common, and many owners opted to trade it in before it became a money pit.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
