In compiling our fourth annual list of Automotive Turkeys, we looked at four factors, all pertaining to 2007 model-year vehicles: number of recalls to date, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database; reliability ratings from Consumer Reports; depreciation, in the form of Automotive Leasing Guide’s (ALG) star ratings; and safety, from NHTSA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash-test ratings.
Besides a standout number of recalls, we looked specifically for below-average reliability, high depreciation, and NHTSA ratings below four stars and/or IIHS results of “Marginal” or “Poor.” Of the vehicles that met at least two of these qualifications, we also looked subjectively at other factors, such as fuel efficiency and cost.
Topping the list are the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Caliber, and Dodge Magnum.
Turkeys six through ten: Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Aveo, Nissan Quest, Hyundai Entourage and Pontiac Grand Prix.