2025’s Strangest Cars: VinFast, Honda Acty, and More

M.Chen — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:47:49 +0000

As the year 2025 draws to a close, car enthusiasts have spotted some truly bizarre vehicles on American roads. From eccentric microtrucks to peculiar electric cars, these standouts challenge conventional automotive norms.

Key Takeaways

The VinFast VF e-Fortuner has made unexpected appearances in small towns across the Southeastern U.S., despite limited dealerships.
A 1990s Honda Acty microtruck continues to surprise drivers with its compact size alongside large American vehicles like F-150 trucks and SUVs.
One of the strangest custom builds seen this year was a Johnson Surfer boat hull mounted on a BMW E46 chassis, showcased at an automotive museum in Philadelphia.

The VinFast VF e-Fortuner has become quite visible despite being available only through two dealerships: one in Lake Charles and another in Pensacola. This distribution strategy leaves many wondering about the company’s market approach.

On the other end of the spectrum, the 1990s Honda Acty microtruck remains a rare sight but continues to attract attention with its diminutive size compared to mainstream American vehicles like the Ford F-150 and three-row SUVs. Its unique design makes it stand out in suburban areas.

The Johnson Surfer boat hull mounted on a 2000 BMW E46 chassis is an example of automotive ingenuity, pushing boundaries with unconventional modifications seen at car shows across the country.

While these vehicles represent extremes in creativity and practicality, they offer insights into evolving trends within the auto industry. From electric cars to retro microtrucks, each contributes uniquely to the diverse landscape of modern automobiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are VinFast dealerships only in small towns?

VinFast’s strategy may involve targeting less competitive markets where they can establish brand presence without immediate competition. However, this approach also limits potential customer reach.

What makes the Honda Acty unique compared to other microtrucks?

The Honda Acty stands out due to its compact size and versatility in Japanese markets. Weighing just 2000lbs, it’s significantly smaller than American trucks like the F-150, making it a rare sight on U.S. roads.

As automotive trends continue evolving, these peculiar sightings remind us of the vast possibilities within the industry for both manufacturers and enthusiasts alike.

The post 2025’s Strangest Cars: VinFast, Honda Acty, and More appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

VinFast VF 8 Owners Sue Over Slow Charging Speeds

M.Chen — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:28:39 +0000

Owners of the VinFast VF 8 Plus AWD are taking legal action against the Vietnamese automaker, alleging that their vehicles charge at an unexpectedly slow rate of under 2 kW. This is far below the advertised charging capacity of up to 6.6 kW and results in a full day’s wait for a complete battery recharge.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California claims that the vehicles’ performance falls short of expectations set by other electric vehicle manufacturers. For instance, competitors like Tesla Model Y offer charging speeds up to 11 kW and above, significantly reducing the time needed to reach a full charge.

Plaintiffs Gil Swigi and Joseph Mizrahi assert that their cars shut down when attempting to charge at the advertised rate of 32 amps. They were forced to use lower amperage settings, leading to an average charging speed of around 19 amps or less than 4 kW, which is notably slower compared to other EV models in the market.

The plaintiffs argue that VinFast misled them about the charging capabilities of their vehicles. According to Carcomplaints, VinFast attempted multiple repairs on both Swigi and Mizrahi’s cars without resolving the issue satisfactorily. The lawsuit covers owners who leased or purchased a VF 8 Plus AWD in the past four years.

Despite the plaintiffs’ claims, VinFast successfully argued for arbitration of their disputes. As a result, the judge has paused class action proceedings and directed the case to be resolved through an arbitration process set for February 20, 2026. This decision reflects the company’s strategy to handle such complaints outside of public court litigation.

With the growing competition in the electric vehicle market, including established brands like Tesla and newer entrants like Lucid Motors, VinFast faces challenges in maintaining customer satisfaction and trust. The slow charging issue highlighted by this lawsuit could impact consumer confidence and sales as potential buyers weigh their options against more reliable EV models with superior performance characteristics.