Maybe just the power steering system issue, not to mention the notchy gearshift. But hey, the AE101/EE100 are the best in their class. They have good economy and very reliable elsewhere. The suspension is ideal for our bad road conditions, albeit the front ground clearance being relatively high. The GLi can also measure up against all 1.6 without variable valve timing.

As for cars that sucked, it will have to be my friend's 95 Volvo 850 GLT A/T wagon. Other than good space and safety, it's a loser everywhere. The engine is buzzy, drinks fuel and can't quite get away from a stock Civic VTi A/T. The gearbox is clumsy and inaccurate in shifting. Rattles are also prevalent in the univiting cabin, especially at the tailgate. Steering and suspension feel is nowhere near extraordinary, thus no driver rewards. An Accord is much more fun.

Good riddance though when he already replaced it with a new V70 T5. While I think that his former car was already abused when he bought it second-hand a few years ago, it's still a disappointment on Volvo's part.