Between a recent auto show, shopping for a new car, and the recent post about run-flat tires I've been thinking about certain design flaws or pet peeves. I'm not necessarily referring to cost-cutting practices but more like choices made buy the designer/engineer/manufacturer. For example:

- Swinging rear door on SUVs. Why do some SUVs still have this? It's the worst way of opening the door because you have to have a lot more clearance and when it's open it doesn't offer shelter from the elements. I think the clam shell (like in the Toyota Landcruiser and LR LR3) is the best design; it's nice to be able to open the upper part and put in smaller items (plus things don't fall out when you open it) and the lower part can serve as a 'work bench' when it's open. Some swinging door offenders are the Toyota RAV4, Lexus GX470, and the old LR Discovery.

- Frameless windows. I really dislike frameless windows on fixed roof cars. Obviously a convertible needs it but why put it on a sedan like Subaru does to nearly all of their cars? For me, it gives a very cheap feeling to the car. If the window is rolled down and you close the door it usually clatters like mad. While I like the Subaru Legacy, the frameless door prevents me from buying it – it would drive me crazy on a daily basis.

- Certain exterior door handles: I consider the exterior door handle to be a reflection of the overall construction of the car. Some handles are great; they have the perfect weight and movement to them that gives reassurance that the door and the car are constructed securely. I know it's weird, but its one of those little pet peeves of mine. The most recent offender is the current VW Passat. The handle is mounted fairly low needs to be pulled directly out; it does not have any upward movement that you would expect (due to its rather low mounted position) so it feels awkward. Every time I opened the door it felt funny. The Saab 9-3 and 9-5 handles are great. They have the perfect design to them; they can be used with your palm up or down and have the right amount of upward movement. The previous BMW 3-series also had some good door handles as well. Other offenders include the Ford Taurus and the possibly the worst door handle of all time was the 1 x 4" brick handle used on nearly every GM car and truck for about 20 years (from ~1970-1990).

So, do you have any others to add?

posted by 70.56.12...

• Automotive design flaws / pet peeves, CWilson, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 10:40:14 <-- Viewing This Message
  • No 1 flaw is fuel choice......., Landjet , Sat, 17 Mar 2007 19:33:26
  • glass sunroofs with sunshade, Josh91900, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:38:21
    • I like them..., PGAero , Fri, 16 Mar 2007 16:09:47
  • Chrome. Anywhere or for any purpose..., Noel, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 11:24:04
  • Overly bright reading lights and..., Mike NY, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:41:53
    • ford had some dim horn ideas, KenManiac , Thu, 15 Mar 2007 16:24:24
    • Re: Overly bright reading lights and..., Eric, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:53:26
      • Re: Overly bright reading lights and..., jp, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:02:03
        • Re: Overly bright reading lights and..., Eric, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 19:31:31
  • Re: Automotive design flaws / pet peeves, anthonySF, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:14:42
  • Low-angle windshields and thick A-pillars, Bill Homer , Thu, 15 Mar 2007 07:32:33
  • Highly integrated sound systems that can't be upgraded, Caarl , Thu, 15 Mar 2007 07:18:38
  • How about a cup holder perched right above the, JBack, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 07:17:40
  • Fake chrome head/tail light clusters, patm, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 06:12:04
  • SUVs, JMJ in NC, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 05:31:46
  • How 'bout them thumb buttons for the tranny? :-( n/m, mikef, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 23:03:36
    • intuitively, kevine, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 08:32:25
  • C900 lovers, bamaChris...;-)...nm, Mike Lynch , Wed, 14 Mar 2007 19:50:51
    • thanks for the press...., bamaCHRIS, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 10:46:12
  • Used to hate not having a glove compartment in my 9000, turrbo , Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:24:58
  • Can't see traffic signals because I am 6'..., Chaz, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:53:30
  • more..., KTurner, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:35:13
  • Non-intuitive controls for wipers, cruise, etc., Caarl , Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:28:51
    • I love Saab cruise controls, boramiNYC, Thu, 15 Mar 2007 10:23:15
  • and a couple more..., CWilson, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:58:40
  • Re: Automotive design flaws / pet peeves, Eric, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:43:23
    • Re: Automotive design flaws / pet peeves, ursaw, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 20:26:10
      • I do not know if my horn works..., AlS, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 21:19:16
    • I use them all the time, Ray L, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:24:14
    • Re: Steering Wheel Buttons, CWilson, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:40:55
  • Re: Automotive design flaws / pet peeves, jp, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:19:16
  • Multiple Overhead Controls....., MI-Roger , Wed, 14 Mar 2007 13:48:10
  • People are never taller than 6'1", JasonS, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:50:29
  • non-intuitive controls and fog lights, Ken , Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:45:49
  • Seats!, LesH, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:56:02
  • Red Blinkers, Jesse and his Champ, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:10:34
    • Ditto, ursaw, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 20:14:18
    • Re: Red Blinkers, Lawrence, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:18:34
    • I agree completely! (n/m), KeithB, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 13:41:05
    • Re: Red Blinkers, Erik919kt, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:50:02
      • I remember when they were all red..., Peter_MA, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:54:26
  • yes....my pet peeve, bamaCHRIS, Wed, 14 Mar 2007 10:55:23

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