Now, I'm not talking about the most powerful Autobot. No, I mean the best character, due to personality, quirks, balance, or worthiness. AND NO, OPTIMUS PRIME DOESN'T COUNT.

Personally, to this extent, I think that Ultra Magnus is the best Autobot.

 

Ultra Magnus was definitely a great character.

How about also Bumblebee or Jazz as second best non Optimus Prime Autobot?

 

Hmmm... I'll have to admit, Bumblebee isn't the best. I'd prefer Jazz for second.

 

To be honest, I always found ALL the characters to be 2 dimensional, and completely stereotypical.

If I'd be force to state one, I'd go with Grimlock. He struggles with his role in a few ways, has been written with mental difficulties on a regular basis, but still ends up being loyal.

They act the role they play from the writers (if you can follow that sentence)  .

If I was to go with a different but similar question, I'd ask "who should be a great one" if would even be written well, and then the list opens up.

Ultra Magnus being a top contender, then Jetfire, Grimlock (again), Sideswipe and Smokescreen just to name a few.

 

Ultra Magnus, Jetfire, Star Saber, and countless more.

 

SG Megatron, because it allows me to still use the "main protagonist" without using prime.

 

Bee

 

Bumblebee Prime.

 

*sigh.* You realize that means RID 2015 Bumblebee too, right?

 

Of course!

 

This x 100
Most of the season one and two guys can't even be called "characters". They're plot-devices mostly.
Ultra-Magnus is a good pick.

 

Jazz hands down

 

Grimlock.

 

Skyfire. Under used due to copyright business but the character was a house.

Big and strong check
Space jet that can carry others check
Kick ass double barrel gun check and check.

"Save Megatron for me!" - Skyfire

 

Answer: Sunstreaker

 

Ratchet. He always tries his best too the very end. He’s not a fighter it’s his courage and wits that see him through.

Mainly based on the Marvel comics but IDW too.

 

Marvel Ratchet, most Ratchets throughout the multiverse.

RID15 Bumblebee, the whole Bee Team really.

Marvel Blaster

G1 Marvel/Sunbow Ultra Magnus

Bulkhead in Animated

Prowl in Animated

Wheeljack in Cyberverse

G1 Marvel/Sunbow Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime

Car Robots 3 Car Robo Brothers

Fire Convoy and God Magnus (stretching, ik)

GRIMLOCK especially Marvel G1, RID15 as mentioned and most other depictions.

The mighty, the magnificent, the melodramatic: SKY-LYNX

Jazz with any decent amount of screen time.

Drift, all except Cyberverse.

 

I’m in the early stages of IDW, so I’m not too far along with those characters, but so far my favorites from across all parts of the franchise are:
Marvel Ratchet
Marvel Goldbug
IDW Drift
Armada Starscream, until he got turned into boring super-loyal-to-Megatron Starscream in Energon, then annoying me-want-power Starscream in Cybertron
Any version of Soundwave
Marvel Skids
Joe

 

IDW Orion Pax and Animated Optimus Prime are easily two of the best incarnations of the character.

 

What about that scene where Bumblebee does yoga or whatever?