Some of North America’s Most Boring Vehicles

Michael Schlee

It has been said that a vehicle is an extension of one’s personality. This is particularly true of car guys. We always seem to buy vehicles that either reflects who we are or who we want to be. There are the truck guys, the sports car guys, the off-roaders, the tuners, etc.

1996 Ford Taurus G

So what about those out there who do not have a passion for automobiles? What do they drive? Well, usually it is a vehicle that has an attractive price, is dependable or has great value/content. Some would go as far as to say some people buy cars as a transportation appliances.

Now, being a gearhead, I have never been able to wrap my head around this concept. I want a car with a soul, a passion, a purpose (besides getting from point A to B).

Below is a list of ten vehicles that have all come and gone. None of them will ever go down in history as overly remarkable vehicles or an enthusiast’s top choice. The ironic thing is a lot of these vehicles were huge sales success. I guess that proves us motorheads are in the minority.

 
2001 Buick Century – 160HP, 4 Speed Automatic, a ‘floating cloud’ ride and large size were this cars trademark.

2001 Buick Century

2004 Chevrolet Epica LS – An oddball 2.5L horizontally opposed inline-6 cylinder was overmatched by the cars 3400lbs+ curb weight. Add to that not many options and skinny tires on the LS model.

2004 Chevrolet Epica

1998 Chevrolet Malibu – With the 4 cylinder this car was about as boring to look at as it was to drive. Although a lot are still on the road today due to a good bang for the buck ratio.

1998 Chevrolet Malibu

2002 Chrysler Sebring LX – The modern Sebring has never been a performance vehicle, but the 2002 4 cylinder Sebring was especially boring. Think of it as the equivalent to a slight newer, curvier 1998 Malibu.

2002 Chrysler Sebring LX

1996 Ford Taurus G – Aside from its ‘unique’ styling, the 1998 Ford Taurus G had a front bench, soft suspension, 4 speed automatic and a 3.0L V6 with only 145HP. This car gets extra boring points for being a rental car favourite.

1996 Ford Taurus G

1999 Hyundai Sonata – Just another middle of the pack family sedan, nothing about this car stood out or made it engaging. The 138HP 4 cylinder/4 speed automatic combination created extra snooze.

1999 Hyundai Sonata

2001 Suzuki Esteem Sedan – Many do not even remember this car. Could it be it blended into the crowd too well? Or was it just that boring and un-memorable? At least the wagon variant added a bit of spice to this otherwise boring sedan.

2001 Suzuki Esteem

1994 Toyota Camry DX – The Camry has never been labelled as an exciting car. That is part of its appeal to people. Even with the Solara Coupe and Convertible, the Camry has always been more an appliance then a soulful car. The 1996 model was extra ordinary (not to be confused with extraordinary).

1994 Toyota Camry DX

2000 Toyota Echo Sedan – The butt end of many jokes, the Echo didn’t have an easy life. Amazingly practical and great on the fuel, the Echo had all the soul of shredded wheat.

2000 Toyota Echo Sedan

1998 Toyota Corolla DX – The DX came standard with low power and not a sporting bone in its body. However reliable and great on gas, the 1998 Corolla is the epitome of basic boring transportation.

1998 Toyota Corolla