Shoppers love reliable Japanese nameplates, yet some picks carry costly compromises. Cars with badge appeal can disappoint when repair bills grow, safety questions linger, or demand fades. This quick guide points to five models that miss the mark on value, reliability, or everyday comfort. The goal stays simple: help you avoid headaches while still getting style and performance. Read on for key years, common faults, and smarter alternatives that hold their price better over time.
Mazda RX-8: sporty promise with thin reliability margin
Sold from 2004 to 2008, the first-generation RX-8 looked sharp and felt agile. The engine made 212 horsepower, yet pace lagged rivals. More troubling, owners logged engine failures, power steering jerks, and heavy oil use. Recalls added up across the years, which hurt long-term trust and resale.
Independent trackers rank the RX-8 mid-pack within its brand. Based on owner reports in the reliability category, MazdaProblems.com ranking it 11th out of 19. When it comes to pickups, the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado and RAM pickup still top the sales in the U.S. The other vehicles in the top 10 include the Honda CR-V, Toyota Camry, Nissan Rogue, and Honda Civic.
Consider this coupe at your own risk when it comes to maintenance, because even the better examples can still incur some real risk. If you crave the style, shop records and compression tests, then budget for steering and engine work. For everyday value, other cars from the same era hold price better and need fewer repairs.
Cars with cheap thrills that hide costly trade-offs
Older Mitsubishi Eclipse models tempt budget seekers with low prices and decent fuel economy. Kelley Blue Book lists early-2000s trims near the $3,000 mark today, which looks attractive. Yet bargain buys can hide wear. Wheels and rims suffer damage over time, while tires often wear faster than peers on similar mileage.
There are reports of a specific problem years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 and then again in 2007. Registered owners report faults with the automatic transmission, powertrain, and steering, more notably with the 1999 model, in particular. The interior trim seems flimsy enough, and pieces such as the switches can break, rapidly leading to a dated cabin and a corresponding impression of quality.
If you are thinking about any Mitsubishi Eclipse, make sure to thoroughly ‘check it out and take it for a long test drive. Check the service history, look for any uneven tire wear, vibration, or lazy shifting. Some good examples exist, but many shoppers may find cleaner cars in that price tier with a better parts solution and quirks not associated with a specific model.
Honda CRX Del Sol: style missed, expectations fell
Honda’s brand stays trusted, and sales show it, with Civic and CR-V among recent top sellers. The Del Sol, launched in 1992 to replace the CR-X, did not meet that bar. Reviews labeled it “terribly disappointing,” citing lost driving edge and a package that never matched its beloved predecessor.
Owners reported a leaky roof panel and a noisy cabin. Front brake rotors also warped, which shook confidence under hard stops. The result felt less like a sporty coupe and more like a compromise. Honda retired the concept, and no direct modern successor now exists in the showroom lineup.
Shoppers seeking fun should instead look at late-model Civic Si coupes. Clean examples trade near $20,000 and tend to hold price well when serviced. You still get sharp steering and daily comfort, while you avoid the Del Sol’s main flaws. These cars balance playfulness with real-world dependability.
Cars that fade from memory, Toyota Paseo’s brief run
The Paseo barely registered with shoppers in the 1990s. Toyota built it on small-car underpinnings and sold it from 1991 to 1997 in the U.S., with coupe and convertible body styles. Mechanical gremlins were not the core issue; the challenge was demand. Few buyers felt a strong pull.
Because supply stayed limited here, parts hunting can get tricky decades later. Even solid examples fetch thousands in excellent condition, yet support varies by region. When a model disappears quickly, shelves thin and prices rise. That reality matters on any restoration plan, budget forecast, and timeline for a driver-quality build.
If you love the look, move slowly and verify parts sources before you commit money. Search interchange listings and check trim availability, since small items stall projects. Many shoppers pivot to more common Toyota cars from the era, which keep stronger support networks and easier access to inexpensive components.
Suzuki Samurai and X-90: safety questions overshadow charm
Suzuki chased mini-SUV buyers with the boxy Samurai and later the two-seat X-90. Consumer Reports rated the Samurai “not acceptable” for rollover behavior during sharp maneuvers, which damaged its reputation. Sales fell hard after coverage spread, and legal battles followed. The risk profile never escaped the spotlight.
The X-90 carried only 90 horsepower and a puzzling identity. Coupe, sports car, or half-truck, the answer never convinced enough shoppers. It looked quirky, yet it tipped easily in testing narratives and owner tales. Today, appeal remains niche. The nameplate stands as a warning rather than a guidepost.
For everyday driving needs, stability confidence matters more than novelty. If a model presents rollover chatter in respected tests, you should weigh that risk first. Vintage charm tempts, yes, yet practical buyers pick safer cars with clearer roles, stronger parts support, and crash data that inspires real confidence.
How to shop smarter and avoid costly garage time now
Use this shortlist as a filter, not a blanket rule. Condition, service records, and parts access decide real ownership joy. When a model shows shaky reliability, scarce support, or safety doubts, walk away. You will still find plenty of great cars that hold value and deliver comfort. Compare options side by side, check trusted data, and protect your budget. Drive before you decide, and bring a mechanic when unsure. Honest inspections save cash and stress.