24 MGs That Didn’t Win Everyone Over
My uncle once had an MG Midget that he swore was “quirky, not broken.” It left him stranded outside a drive-in theater more times than he’d admit, but he loved that little car like it was family.
MGs have always danced between charming and frustrating, often depending on who you ask and whether the engine started that day.
Some models earned loyal fans, others sparked debates, and a few just quietly disappeared without much fuss.
1. MG Metro
An MG Metro, with its dinky frame, felt like driving a toy car—a slice of British nostalgia. In the 80s, it was all the rage, but time hasn’t been too kind.
It was supposed to be the successor to the Mini, but its boxy look and performance didn’t win everyone over. While it had its fans, many drivers expected more pizazz.
The Metro was the quintessential symbol of British motoring optimism. Alas, the legacy didn’t last, and now it’s a rare sight on the roads.
2. MG ZR
A spirited little hatchback based on the Rover 25, the MG ZR tried hard to be the cool kid in town. With boy-racer styling and peppy performance, it certainly looked the part.
But under the surface, it couldn’t shake its budget roots. Build quality concerns and a somewhat dated platform left many drivers underwhelmed, even if it did find a niche following among younger enthusiasts.
In the end, the ZR showed promise, but didn’t quite stick the landing.
3. MG ZS (2001–2005)
The MG ZS was an ambitious attempt to bring sophistication to the masses, yet it ended up as an oddball. With its saloon style, it struggled to find a niche.
The ride was decent, yet unremarkable; performance was adequate, yet uninspired. A car for those who wanted to be different but not too different.
Praised for its balance but criticized for its lack of flair, the ZS remains a puzzling chapter in MG’s history.
4. MG ZT
The MG ZT was a bold attempt to blend British luxury with sportiness, borrowing heavily from the Rover 75. It looked sharp and handled better than many expected, especially in V8 form.
Yet despite its strengths, the ZT struggled to convince traditional luxury buyers and enthusiasts alike.
MG’s shifting identity and ownership didn’t help either. It’s now remembered more as an ambitious outlier than a true success.
5. MG 6
The MG 6 was supposed to herald MG’s modern revival, but it got lost in translation. With ambitions high, it tried to capture new audiences.
Despite its modern look, the MG 6 often lacked the quality expected in a competitive market, falling short of its bold promises.
A car that wanted to lead but ended up following, it became more of a footnote than a chapter in MG’s resurgence story.
6. MG 3
The MG 3 is a modern attempt to revive the brand’s small car legacy, but its charm doesn’t always translate.
While affordable and quirky, its interior finish, dated engine options, and inconsistent driving dynamics often left reviewers cold.
It’s a case of a car that looks promising on paper, but struggles to leave a lasting impression when put to the test.
7. MG 5 EV
In a world shifting to electric, the MG 5 EV sought to lead but found itself trailing. Positioned as a budget-friendly EV, it skimped on some essentials.
While the eco-conscious appreciated the move, others found its range and features lacking compared to competitors.
It tried to electrify the market but ended up being a low-watt contender—an interesting start that needs more spark.
8. MG GS
The MG GS ventured into the compact SUV scene with hopes of shaking up the segment.
Unfortunately, it missed the mark. Its underpowered engine, plasticky interior, and lack of refinement made it hard to recommend.
While it offered decent space and equipment for the price, buyers found better value and quality elsewhere. Not a terrible car, but far from a standout.
9. MG HS
The MG HS is the brand’s modern-day SUV contender, aiming for mainstream appeal with a budget-friendly price and generous tech.
On the surface, it delivers—there’s space, a big touchscreen, and even a plug-in hybrid variant. But despite those perks, it hasn’t wowed critics.
Tepid performance, vague steering, and an interior that feels more flash than substance hold it back. While it’s a big step forward for MG, the HS still feels like it’s trying to catch up rather than lead.
10. MG Maestro
The MG Maestro tried to add excitement to a very ordinary package.
While it gained a turbocharged engine and sporty trimmings, it couldn’t escape its aging underpinnings and boxy shape.
Reliability issues and inconsistent build quality didn’t do it any favors either. It became an oddity: quick in a straight line but forgettable almost everywhere else.
11. MG Montego
For those needing a family car, the MG Montego seemed perfect on paper. Yet, its charm faded faster than a British summer.
Praised for its space but criticized for its reliability, it was a mixed bag of family-friendly features and mechanical woes.
The Montego was a practical option but failed to inspire loyalty, becoming a forgotten chapter in MG’s family car endeavors.
12. MG Midget 1500
The Midget 1500 marked the end of the Midget line, but purists weren’t thrilled.
Emission regulations brought in the taller rubber bumpers and a heavier Triumph-sourced engine that dulled the lively charm of earlier models.
While still a classic British roadster at heart, this version lacked the finesse and fun factor that had made the Midget name iconic.
13. MG RV8
Reviving the classic roadster spirit, the MG RV8 aimed for nostalgic glory. Unfortunately, it was more of a collector’s piece than a daily driver.
The limited production and hefty price tag made it elusive, preferred by enthusiasts rather than average drivers.
A nod to past elegance, the RV8 was a dream for collectors but an impractical choice for others.
14. MG TF (2002–2005)
Reviving the mid-engine roadster formula, the MG TF had real potential.
It handled beautifully and looked the part, but reliability issues, especially with its infamous head gasket problems, damaged its reputation.
Build quality wasn’t always up to par either. Despite its engaging drive, many buyers were left burned by the ownership experience.
15. MG XPower SV
Daredevils took notice when the MG XPower SV roared onto the scene, aiming for supercar status. However, it stumbled on execution.
Its aggressive design and potent engine hinted at greatness, yet it struggled with practicality and reliability issues.
An ambitious yet flawed endeavor, the XPower SV remains a testament to MG’s daring, if not entirely successful, leap into high performance.
16. MG F
Before the TF, there was the MG F: sleek, mid-engined, and full of potential. It brought MG back into the spotlight in the 1990s, but it wasn’t without flaws.
Quality control and cooling issues hampered what should’ve been a golden return. Some saw it as a welcome revival; others were disappointed by its uneven execution.
17. MG Magnette ZB Varitone
In the realm of classic cars, the MG Magnette ZB Varitone stood out with its elegance and charm. Yet, it was overshadowed by contemporaries.
A car for the discerning driver, it exuded sophistication but required patience to maintain.
An understated icon, the Magnette ZB Varitone was a quiet achiever with a timeless appeal, cherished by enthusiasts.
18. MG 1300
Derived from the BMC ADO16 family, the MG 1300 added a dose of sportiness to a practical front-wheel-drive sedan.
While it performed well for its time, it didn’t quite deliver the thrills buyers expected from the MG badge.
The conservative styling and family-car demeanor didn’t help its case, making it an MG that struggled to carve out a distinct identity.
19. MG Y-Type
The MG Y-Type, from the post-war era, offered classic motoring charm. Yet, its appeal was limited to a niche audience.
Regarded as elegant and simple, it was overshadowed by more innovative designs. A car for those who appreciated old-world luxury.
A nostalgic ride, the Y-Type captured a past era, cherished by collectors and history buffs.
20. MG WA
The MG WA was the brand’s largest pre-war saloon and aimed at more upscale buyers. It was elegant and luxurious, but launched at the wrong time—right before WWII changed everything.
Production ended quickly, and many felt the car never fully realized its potential. Today, it’s a fascinating but largely forgotten piece of MG history.
21. MG 1100
Small yet spacious, the MG 1100 aimed to revolutionize family motoring. But its ambitions didn’t quite translate into widespread appeal.
Praised for its innovative design, it was plagued by reliability issues. A family car that required patience and care.
Though not a runaway success, the MG 1100 holds a special place for those who appreciated its avant-garde attempt at practicality.
22. MG ZS EV (first gen)
The MG ZS EV, a pioneer in MG’s electric lineup, promised to lead the charge. Yet, the first generation was more of a whisper than a roar.
While it offered affordability, it lacked the range and features needed to stand out. A stepping stone in MG’s electric journey.
A first attempt that hinted at greater things to come, the ZS EV was a quiet start in the electric revolution.
23. MG TC
The MG TC might be a surprise on this list, as it introduced many Americans to British sports cars after WWII.
But its archaic technology and cramped interior limited its appeal beyond the most loyal enthusiast crowd.
For every driver enchanted by its vintage charm, there were others put off by its rough ride and outdated design. A legend, yes—but not universally loved.
24. MG MGA Twin Cam
Performance enthusiasts were excited for the MG MGA Twin Cam, but its complexity became its Achilles’ heel. Fast yet finicky.
Designed for speed, the Twin Cam had a reputation for being temperamental, requiring skilled hands. A car for purists.
Despite its challenges, the MGA Twin Cam is remembered as a thrilling ride for those who dared to master it.