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Surprising Cars Banned from the USA

The top ten cars banned from the USA might shock you. From Land Rovers to Lamborghinis, America's car regulations are strict, but for good reason.

By Stephen ClearyPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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Though maybe initially discouraging to see each of these beautiful cars banned from the USA, keep in mind the momentum behind our country's regulations and laws created by the NHTSA.

To keep US citizens safe and put a stop to sitting unfit drivers behind seriously powerful cars, these ten cars are no longer available in the United States. From land rovers to Lamborghinis, which is the most shocking to you?

Land Rover Defender

Due to an unfortunate airbag issue, this beautiful SUV from the United Kingdom is the first on the list of the most surprising cars banned from the USA. Even besides the airbag trouble, these vehicles were proven to be unreliable for many reasons. Plus, the slowing of sales proved this point exactly.

As a luxury sport utility vehicle that is beloved by many, the Defender development is no longer available to be driven in America. The last Defender to be produced was in January of 2016.

Audi RS2 Avant

Strictly available in Europe, the Audi RS2 Avant is one of the most surprising cars banned from the USA because of its extreme appeal and high demand.

Advertised mostly for its incredible power, it was the first car to make it on the list of National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration illegible vehicles to drive due to its instability and unreliable drive.

Plus, the power behind the Audi is not one you want to put in unfit hands, as only extremely experienced drivers could handle the technology involved in creating this car.

Peugeot RCZ Coupe

Banned from America for being an unfit vehicle, the French car company, Peugeot, has chosen to solely release the RCZ Coupe in Europe, due to their denial to meet North American standards.

This car had a lot of anticipation behind the release, and because of its momentum, the frustration from America has grown. However, due to strict laws and regulations, the car is not capable of being sold in the United States.

And frankly, it's for good reason. The stubbornness of Peugeot was not worth tampering with if they refuse to better the car for safety.

TVR Sagaris

Another luxury car on the list of the most surprising cars banned from the USA is the TVR Sagaris.

Due to its speed, luxury, and needed driving experience to get behind the wheel of this vehicle, it is illegal to own a Sagaris because of its blatant safety issues.

UK car manufacturers strive in creating luxury vehicles, but in the states, this kind of power does not slide as easily.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Once originally available in North America, Alfa Romeo pulled Giulietta from the states in 1995, expecting to eventually return. Unfortunately, this was never seen, and the return of the sports car will no longer be occurring.

However, this is for a good cause. Some reviewers of the vehicle even went as far to say that they were scared to death while behind the wheel.

That's not exactly a car that America would take pride in putting average drivers in.

Ford Focus RS500

Though the car has a cult following for many reasons, the Ford Focus RS500 is one of the most surprising cars banned from the USA for many reasons.

Described as a street demon, the power of this small vehicle is one that America's government deemed as unfit to the average driver.

Described at the "fiercest Focus ever" the vehicle is not one that America is comfortable in releasing to the roads, no matter how appealing it might be to the users.

Jaguar XJ220-S

Having only six vehicles to ever be produced of this model in 1993, the Jaguar XJ220-S is certainly an unobtainable car. The NHTSA banned the car from the US, clearly, and for just reasoning.

Though it might be nice to look at, the XJ220-S is one that only luxury car lovers can dream of.

Once the model was deemed unfit, Jaguar was not discouraged, and went right back into creating a new more street-worthy model.

Lamborghini Strosek Diablo

Next on our list of the most shocking cars banned from the USA is Lamborghini's Strosek Diablo. Designed as a modification to the body of the famous Diablo, both the front and rear bumpers were replaced as well as the headlights, mirrors, and turn signals.

Though there aren't very many people who would be able to afford a model like this anyway, the headlights are far too small and the side mirrors are very oddly placed, just asking for an accident. With a single look at this vehicle, you're able to guess why it has been banned from the US.

Noble M600

At the cost of a new house, the Noble M600 is a luxury vehicle made with only a small demographic in mind.

However, no matter how little people are able to afford one of these expensive vehicles, the Noble M600 has little to no driver aids and no ABS. A death trap just waiting to happen, this vehicle is not available in the US for obvious reasons.

As a luxury car that lacks the basic necessities of controlling the power that comes with a sports car, this isn't something you'll see on the roads.

Lotus Elise S1

To complete our list of the most surprising cars banned from the USA, we couldn't finish without mentioning Lotus Elise Series 1. The vehicle was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds.

As too light of a vehicle with that kind of power behind the engine, at only 1,550 pounds, the car's regulations are against American laws. Though very unique looking and appealing to many, an inevitable accident is not worth the trouble.

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About the Creator

Stephen Cleary

Either playing soccer, working out, or at the movies.

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