Sure, it had a spacious interior, but what’s the point of all that space when you’re stuck in a car that feels like a glorified toaster on wheels? The ride quality was so harsh that you’d think the suspension was made of steel rods instead of springs and shocks. It was like driving over a pothole-filled road in a shopping cart.
Under the hood, the xB was about as exciting as watching paint dry. Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine coughed up a measly 158 horsepower, making it slower than a herd of snails on a leisurely stroll. And the transmission options? Well, you could choose between a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, which is like being asked if you prefer to walk or crawl.
Fuel efficiency? Don’t get too excited. With an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, you’d be forgiven for thinking that a horse-drawn carriage might be a more sensible mode of transportation.
But here’s the kicker: despite its flaws, the xB did have a small following, mostly among young folks who wanted something “stylish and practical.” Unfortunately, it wasn’t stylish, and its idea of practicality left much to be desired.
In the end, the Scion xB was a car that dared to be different but ended up being just plain weird. It tried to carve out a niche for itself but found itself in a niche so tiny that even the most devoted fans couldn’t keep it alive. The xB may have been ahead of its time, but sometimes, there’s a reason some things are left in the past.
Number 4. Fiat Multipla
Fiat Multipla, the minivan that looked like it was designed during a fever dream. This automotive oddity rolled off the Fiat production line from 1998 to 2010, leaving a trail of bewilderment in its wake.
First, let’s talk about its design, or should I say, its alien-like appearance. The Multipla had a front end so wide it looked like it was trying to break the record for the world’s largest grin. The large windows made it feel like you were driving a greenhouse on wheels, which was fitting because it certainly belonged in a category of its own. And as for the two-row, three-seat layout, it was a reminder that sometimes, car designers need to put down the crayons and step away from the drawing board.
Sure, it had a spacious interior, but what’s the point when you’re stuck in a car that felt like it was held together with rubber bands and chewing gum? Build quality was so poor that you’d swear it was a DIY project gone horribly wrong.
Safety? Well, that was a luxury the Multipla couldn’t afford. It was like a tin can on wheels, offering about as much protection in a crash as a paper umbrella in a hurricane.
Under the hood, the Multipla was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that churned out a feeble 105 horsepower. It was available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, both of which felt like relics from a bygone era.
Fuel efficiency? Well, that was one of the few things the Multipla got right, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. But when you’re driving a car that looks like it was designed by Dr. Seuss on a bender, fuel economy is hardly the top priority.
