Yesterday Consumer Reports released its annual ‘Top Picks’ list of the best cars of 2008 and now we have a list of the worst contenders. Judges compared over 260 vehicles in this year’s evaluation and once again American SUVs dominated the field although there were a number of Toyota models, usually the strong players, at the bottom of the field as well.

The worst cars are as follows:

• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The Wrangler Unlimited was characterised by its poor ride and handling as well as its subpar fuel-economy, fit and finish.

• Hummer H3 five-cylinder

Poor performance and fuel-economy as well as a low rating for handling and reliability ensured the Hummer H3 was at the bottom.

• Jeep Liberty Sport

Rated poorly for fuel-economy, NVH levels and fit and finish.

• Chevrolet Aveo5

The Aveo5 only suffered from poor acceleration and handling but compared to its rivals the South Korean hatch was the worst performer.

• Dodge Nitro SLT

One of the worst cars in the field, the Dodge Nitro SLT was rated as having poor ride, handling, braking, NVH levels and fuel-economy.

• Toyota FJ Cruiser

A work horse SUV that requires premium fuel and suffers from poor fit and finish and subpar ride and handling.

• Toyota Yaris

The Yaris is one of the most popular subcompacts in the world but its poor acceleration and vague steering meant it was one of the worst cars in this year’s compare.

• Suzuki Forenza

The Suzuki Forenza was rated poorly because of its inadequate acceleration, fuel economy, ride, and low results in the IIHS sidecrash result.

• Jeep Patriot Limited

Another Jeep model made the list of worst performance, once again for poor acceleration, engine noise, driving position, visibility, front-seat comfort and fit and finish.

• Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT

Poor handling, braking and fuel-economy ensure the Chevrolet TrailBlazer is at the bottom of the list.

• Mercury Grand Marquis

The ageing Grand Marquis rounds out the list of the 11 worst cars of 2008, and was picked because of its rough sounding engine, poor ride and fuel-economy and low IIHS side-crash result.