Car Tips #88: Six Good Underrated Cars

By Frank-Ling / May 15, 2015
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Image: DodgeThere are some car brands that a lot of people trust such as Honda, Toyota, and even Chevrolet, to name a few. But sometimes going with the flow of popularity can cause you to miss some really great cars that are often overlooked.

Consumer Reports thinks it’s got a good list of these cars, and whether you agree with it or not, the cars on its list may still be worth a look, just in case you missed them.

Why They Were Selected

Consumer Reports takes special pride in being fair and non-biased in its car reviews. One reason why it can say this is because every car it tests is purchased by them, and not through freebies or demo models provided by the car manufacturer.

The following 5-cars were selected as “underdog values” from outstanding ratings by consumers who bought these cars and their willingness to purchase these models again. Added to this, these cars had to be highly rated by Consumer Reports, as well.

1. Chrysler 300

If you want European style in a luxury car without paying European luxury prices, the Chrysler 300 may be your cup of tea, old chap. The car is based upon the old Mercedes-Benz E-class, and gives all the creature comforts and extras you’d expect for $10,000 more. Downsides? Depending on the model year, some may have repair problems.

2. Dodge Challenger

The only car to make it as a muscle car for this list, the Dodge Challenger gives the owner some great performance, while still offering 4-door convenience and everyday drivability. As it is with the Chrysler 300, dependability can vary from year to year.

3. Mazda3

Admittedly, Toyota and Honda have the compact car segment almost locked up with their Corolla and Civic selling like crazy. But flying just under the radar is the Mazda3, which offers great handling; good fuel economy, and is lots of fun to drive. 78 percent of Mazda3 owners say they would buy this model again.

4. Subaru Forester

The emergence of the small SUV category in this country has made this a very popular vehicle for families and those who want more interior room for people and storage, while having a comfortable ride. There are lots of standard features for this SUV, and it is on par, as far as pricing, with other vehicles in its class.

5. Subaru Legacy

With the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry to face off against, the Subaru Legacy is often left behind as a wallflower. But the 2015 model packs a ride that rates as the most comfortable of midsized sedans, and has a standard 4-wheel drive that can take harsh weather as well as the good stuff. The Legacy, in short, is a bargain for a luxury sedan.

6. Volkswagen Passat

This car has been a longtime favorite for those who love cars that are off the beaten track, so to speak. The Passat has cavernous interior and trunk space, in addition to great cabin controls, and a diesel engine that gets 51 mpg on the freeway. This means you’ll be driving for 700 miles before you’ll need a fill up. Not bad at all.

Source: Consumer Reports
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