Poorly reviewed cars that were better than you expected

[WhyAyeMan]

What cars have you driven that have not been well regarded but surprised you when you did have a go?

My mate has just got himself an FN2 Civic Type R and I thought to myself "What the hell did you buy that for". Anyway he kindly gave me a blast in it. Well, I quite liked it I have to say, it surprised me. I used to have a DC2 and have driven an EP3 and although its not as good as a drivers car as the DC2 was, I preferred it to the EP3, just felt better in most respects.

Granted, its not as hardcore as older Type-Rs but it was a damn good compromise. I liked the looks and interior too.

So what cars have you driven that have been better than you expected, given the poor reviews or reception they may have received?

[stargazer30]

Agree with the FN2. I have one and prefer it over the Focus ST I used to have and the EP3 I drove.

To add, Toyota MR2 which my family/friends slated me for buying as its a hairdressers car. Best handling car I've ever driven.

[bigkeeko]

Reviews can be opinionated, are subjective and can be personal.
I drove a Maserati 4200 recently. I had been considering buying one as a weekend toy and having read all the good reviews I was excited about being a prospective owner. Absolutely not for me. Liked little about it but that`s just my opinion and came away disappointed.

I know a guy with a Chevrolet Lacetti automatic estate. Loves it.

[WhyAyeMan]

stargazer30 said:

Agree with the FN2. I have one and prefer it over the Focus ST I used to have and the EP3 I drove.

To add, Toyota MR2 which my family/friends slated me for buying as its a hairdressers car. Best handling car I've ever driven.

The FN2 really surprised me. I reckon I would also prefer it to any turbocharged hatch as I simply like NA engines more, and this is a particularly good one.

Was the MR2 a Mk3? I've really been thinking about getting a cheap one and 2ZZ'ing it. I used to have a Mk2 and I loved that.

[bigkeeko]

On the Honda thing. I had an H22A7 2001 Accord R a few years back. I paid over the odds for it as it was a one owner minter. Low miles and unabused. I`ve had some pretty special cars over the years (I`m nearing 50) but that was the best bang for buck I ever had on any car. Massively underrated car in every department. The pedal set, seats, the cockpit and seating position, steering feedback, the gearbox, the engine the lot. I`ve always been a RWD man but for a front driver I was seriously impressed I sold it on for the same money I bought it for and regretted it for months.
I drive a car now with more than twice the power but I know on anything but a straight (ish) road the Accord would still be infront.