These Are Perfect Features Found On Awful Cars
We all love finding automotive diamonds in the rough. However, sometimes that diamond can be embedded inside a massive lump of coal. Earlier this week we asked what are the standout unique features of cars that aren't worth aspiring to own. The comments had various answers ranging from basic automated operations to basically the entire Pontiac Aztek. Without further ado, here are the best features found on awful cars:
Here is an off-the-wall one. My old SAAB 9-3SS would automatically turn the recirc on when you used the windshield washer. This prevented the smell of washer fluid from entering the cabin. Sounds pointless until you have a car that doesn't do that and you get a whiff of who knows how old washer fluid when you go to use it. It also had a cooled glove box that I used exactly once. The infamous Night Panel could also dim and turn off all the interior backlighting with the exception of the speedometer at night. I think Rivian is starting to do this with their upcoming vehicles and I wish others would as well since every car has a dash full screen now.
Submitted by: Caj
As much as I hate to give the many credit, I do like how Tesla's watch themselves when parked and have that Dog mode so you can leave your pooch in there for a few minutes. However, I'd still never buy one of those swasticars, new or used.
Submitted by: ReluctantFloridaMan
I had a base model, poverty spec, first-gen Kia Sorento. We're talking stick shift, steel wheel model. It was not a terrible car, but it was far from great, and it slowly fell apart over the years.
But it had a heater for the base of the windshield so your wipers never froze! My neighbor, who had a top-of-the-line Harley-Davidson F150 SuperCrew was really annoyed my SUV had that, and his truck didn't.
Submitted by: Anthony Thornton
Check out this feature list:
- Removable cooler: The center console can be removed and used as a cooler for drinks- Sliding cargo tray: The cargo area has a sliding tray that can hold up to 400 pounds- Rear-mounted stereo: The cargo area has rear-mounted audio controls for the sound system- Removable rear seats: The rear seats can be removed to create a large 'living space'- Air compressor: An on-board air compressor can inflate an air mattress- Attachable tent: An optional camping package includes an attachable tent.- Utility packs: The front doors have removable utility packs
It can all be yours in the Pontiac Aztec.
Submitted by: PostOMatic2000
The glovebox beer cooler fridge (aka the DUI compartment) found in late-00s Dodge products. Definitely not a 'perfect' feature or really even a good one, but hilarious that the cars with the highest DUI rate came with a chilled cupholder you could use to keep your beer cold (and hidden from police) while drinking and driving.
Submitted by: BigRed91
I had a '97 Dodge Stratus 2.0 5-speed, base model, crank windows, etc. It was not a terrible car but it has a reputation as such. I had some excellent attributes. It's a minor thing but I always thought the layout of the dash and controls was perfect, and overall excellent visibility and ergonomics. A/C was incorporated into the fan switch- so 12 o'clock was off. To turn on the A/C you turned the switch 1,2, or 3 clicks to the left, for heat/vent you did the same to the right. Easy-peasy 3-dial single zone HVAC controls. Simple is best.
Submitted by: spookiness
If one goes from an enthusiast perspective instead of a rational one, the rock-solid reliability of cars that enthusiasts hate.
Camrys, Priuses, Civics and Accords, boring cars that every enthusiast KNOWS are TERRIBLE to drive and the worst thing ever and yet, they just keep going and going. Meanwhile, your M3 is in the shop again, your GTI is broken, your WRX just vomited its transmission onto your garage floor.
Submitted by: Buckfiddiousagain
VW and Audi had a feature where if you hold the lock button (or in older cars turn the key in lock position) and it puts up all the windows, or puts all the windows down if held in unlock. Not sure how many other cars have that feature. My other answer is the keypad on Ford/Mercury/Lincolns. Many poorly built cars had that sweet keypad to lock/unlock the car without keys.
Submitted by: klone121
This probably doesn't count because it's bass-ackwards of what you asked, but...
Tesla Model Y. Everything is pretty nice except for the company's CEO. I'd probably own one if the company belonged to someone else.
so.... generally good car, but one very bad feature....
Submitted by: Grasscatcher2
I'd have to say swivel 2nd row seats in large SUVs and minivans. Only the Chrysler T&C had this as well as the non-US Kia EV9. It seems like a no-brainer to allow for flexible interior seating in 3-row vehicles.
Submitted by: JSinclair39
I have said it before, but I am 100% down for steering wheel-based blinkers. Since the 'new' advent of push forward on the blinker stalk for high beams, I hate that, even with my big hands, reaching the stalk is a stretch when they are one. To be fair it's a minor gripe as I don't use the high beams often, but it's annoying.
Submitted by: liffie420
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