Nope
Jay Leno and Tim Allen might be Hollywood’s funniest gearheads, but their garages are no joke—packed with muscle cars, prototypes, steam machines, supercars, and automotive weirdos most people have never even heard of. Still, even these two car-obsessed collectors have hard “nope” lists.
Some cars bore them, some annoy them, and some just don’t live up to the horsepower-soaked standards of two guys who basically live in garages.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Jay Leno once joked that retro styling only works when the car underneath is good…and the PT Cruiser wasn’t. Tim Allen has also said he’s “not into fake nostalgia.” Between its underpowered engines and plasticky cabin, this is one retro ride neither comedy-car guy would ever bring home.
Smart Fortwo
Both Leno and Allen appreciate clever engineering, but the Smart Fortwo is simply too tiny and too compromised. Leno has said small cars are great “when they’re actually fun,” which this one isn’t. And Allen? Let’s just say a car that weighs less than his tool chest isn’t happening.
Johannes Maximilian, Wikimedia Commons
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mirage’s mission is affordability—not excitement. Leno loves quirky cheap cars, but even he’s admitted some budget models “go too far.” Allen prefers strong performance in even his daily drivers, making the Mirage’s three-cylinder drone an instant pass for both.
EurovisionNim, Wikimedia Commons
Fiat 500L
Jay Leno has praised Fiat’s charm…but the 500L has none of it. Tim Allen has also stated he avoids cars that “try to be cool but miss the mark.” With its awkward proportions and unimpressive reliability, this is one Fiat neither would ever give garage space.
Petar Milosevic, Wikimedia Commons
Nissan Versa (First Generation)
The early Versa was practical but painfully dull. Leno enjoys slow cars that are fun—just not slow cars that feel like appliances. Allen likes a little soul in his daily drivers. The original Versa delivers mpg…but nothing resembling excitement.
MercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons
Chevy Spark
There’s “city car cute,” and then there’s “no thanks.” Leno has highlighted tiny cars that punch above their weight—this one doesn’t. Allen’s garage leans toward power and personality, making the Spark’s modest output and bare-bones cabin an automatic no.
Toyota Prius (First Generation)
Leno respects hybrids but has openly said styling matters—and the early Prius had none. Allen, a lifelong hot-rod fan, famously leans performance first. Even though reliability is strong, this early-gen Prius doesn’t fit either man’s automotive identity.
BMW X6
Jay Leno dislikes vehicles that sacrifice function for looks, and the X6’s coupe-SUV mashup is exactly that. Allen, who prefers authentic purpose-built machines, sees it the same way. Too heavy, too compromised, and too flashy for either collector.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
Hummer H2
Leno enjoys big trucks…when they actually perform. The H2 was more about presence than capability. Allen has joked about “giant SUVs that handle like boats,” and this one sails right past what either would consider a keeper.
Ford EcoSport
The EcoSport never quite lived up to its adventurous name. Leno appreciates small SUVs with real engineering credibility; this wasn’t one. Allen prefers vehicles that feel planted and solid—two traits the EcoSport struggled to deliver.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
Kia Rio (Early 2000s)
Early Rios were known for being extremely basic and not much else. Leno’s all about unusual or historically significant cars, and this one is neither. Allen would never settle for the mushy steering and weak acceleration of those early-era economy Kias.
Jeep Compass (First Generation)
Both guys like Jeeps…but not this one. The first-gen Compass felt cheap, underpowered, and nothing like the rugged Jeeps Leno and Allen admire. With lackluster off-road chops and an economy-car interior, it’s a hard pass from both.
Mytwocents at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons
Dodge Journey
The Journey sold well, but fans of performance or engineering innovation rarely loved it. Leno would call it “transportation, not a car guy car.” Allen’s expectations for American SUVs sit much higher, making the Journey far too bland for his standards.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Yaris iA
Reliable? Absolutely. Memorable? Not really. Leno has said he avoids cars that “blend into the background,” and this little sedan is the definition of anonymous. Allen’s preferences skew toward torque and character—two things the iA lacks entirely.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
Chevy Trax
Many buyers love the Trax for its size and comfort, but Leno and Allen look for standout engineering. The Trax never delivered excitement or identity. It’s simply too ordinary for two guys who prefer cars with stories, quirks, or muscle.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport tries to be rugged but doesn’t quite back it up. Leno appreciates capability, and this compact SUV didn't impress off-road. Allen looks for responsive steering and strong acceleration—this Mitsubishi delivers neither.
Ford Fiesta (Base Model)
Leno likes the sporty ST version, but the base Fiesta is a different story. Slow acceleration and a bare-bones interior don’t appeal to collectors. Allen tends to avoid anything that feels “cheap first, car second,” making the entry-level Fiesta an easy no.
Charlie from United Kingdom, Wikimedia Commons
Chevy Aveo
The Aveo is one of those cars sold mostly because it was inexpensive. Leno has criticized cars that feel like “disposable appliances,” and the Aveo fits the bill. Allen would prefer almost anything else with style or power.
Volkswagen New Beetle (Non-Turbo)
Leno enjoys classics—just not their weaker modern reboots. The naturally aspirated New Beetle offered more cuteness than capability, something neither collector prioritizes. Allen likes cars that feel eager; this one struggled to keep up.
MercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons
Nissan Cube
Fun? Yes. Charming? Absolutely. But Leno and Allen select cars based on uniqueness and driving feel. The Cube is quirky, but not thrilling. Its soft suspension, modest power, and boxy aerodynamics keep it off both collectors’ wish lists.
Hatsukari715, Wikimedia Commons
Scion iQ
Leno loves microcars with personality, but the iQ felt more like Toyota’s experiment in going too small. Allen has said he prefers cars that feel “planted,” which the iQ definitely didn’t. Between its odd proportions and twitchy highway behavior, neither collector would give it a spot indoors.
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Wikimedia Commons
Chevy Malibu (Rental-Spec Trims)
The Malibu isn’t a bad car—but the rental-fleet versions are the definition of forgettable. Leno gravitates toward models with historical significance, and “airport sedan” isn’t one. Allen’s love of big V8s and character means a low-power base Malibu is an instant no-go.
Jason Lawrence from New York, Wikimedia Commons
Dodge Caliber
Both comedians appreciate quirky ideas…but only when the execution works. The Caliber’s plasticky interior, uninspiring engines, and awkward proportions make it a nonstarter. Leno once said some cars “age instantly,” and this is one. Allen would rather take literally any old muscle car instead.
Jeff Broughton, Wikimedia Commons
Suzuki Reno
The Reno attempted to be stylish and affordable, but ended up being neither. Leno occasionally loves obscure imports, but only when they’re interesting—this one isn’t. Allen would be underwhelmed by its sluggish drivetrain and flimsy interior. It’s a car both would walk right past.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
Ford Freestyle
The Freestyle was practical but hardly inspiring. Leno’s garage thrives on uniqueness—and a tall wagon that drives like a refrigerator doesn’t fit the bill. Allen prefers power and attitude, neither of which the CVT-equipped Freestyle offered. Perfect for families, but not for enthusiasts like these two.
Hyundai Entourage
Minivans have their place…but not in either of these garages. The Entourage lacked the personality or engineering quirks that occasionally draw Leno in. Allen’s a pickup and muscle-car guy at heart; a rebadged Kia minivan simply wouldn’t make the cut.
Pontiac Aztek
Leno has mentioned he loves oddball cars—when they’re lovable oddballs. The Aztek was just awkward. Allen famously gravitates toward strong design, and the Aztek is the opposite. Despite its later cult status, neither collector is inviting one home.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Mitsubishi Eclipse (Final Generation)
The early Eclipses were icons; the last generation wasn’t. Leno enjoys cars that represent a moment in automotive history, but this model represented a fizzle, not a milestone. Allen would skip it for lacking the sharpness and turbo excitement that made the originals special.
Nissan Sentra (2013–2015)
These Sentras were known for soft handling and CVT complaints. Leno likes economy cars when they’re fun—this one wasn’t. Allen has said steering feel is a deal-breaker, and the Sentra’s was mushy at best. Reliable, sure—but not legendary-garage material.
Bull-Doser at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons
Buick Encore
Comfortable? Definitely. Enthusiast-friendly? Not so much. Leno and Allen both appreciate performance and engineering substance, and the Encore’s modest turbo and tidy packaging don’t scream “collector’s item.” It’s a fine daily, but neither would ever choose to store one long-term.
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