Car design has always been a fascinating fusion of art, engineering, and practicality. While many vehicles are celebrated for their aesthetic charm, some have gained notoriety for their unconventional and, at times, unappealing designs. These cars often make their mark in history not for their performance or innovation, but for their looks, which leave much to be desired.
As Frank Stephenson wisely notes, “Quality over quantity. I focus on the design problem first, then contemplate the solution, visualize it, sketch it, refine it, and proceed with it.” Continue reading to discover the 20 ugliest cars in the world.
PT Cruiser
The PT Cruiser is undeniably one of the most aesthetically unappealing cars to hit the market. Yet, its initial success was nothing short of surprising. Upon its launch in 2005, sales exceeded 132,000 units, climbing to nearly 139,000 in 2006. However, this initial popularity quickly waned, leading to its discontinuation in 2010.
Chrysler’s attempt at a retro design resulted in a car that appeared outdated and out of touch with contemporary tastes. Its bulky frame resembled that of the equally unattractive Plymouth Prowler, but with an even chunkier build. The situation worsened when Chrysler introduced a two-door convertible version, doubling down on a design that was already widely criticized.
Reliant Robin
My first experience with the Reliant Robin comes from an episode of Top Gear, where Jeremy Clarkson famously tipped it over at the slightest turn. The Reliant Robin, produced starting in 1973, initially featured a 750cc engine, which was later upgraded to 850cc in 1975, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 85 mph.
Surprisingly, the car gained popularity because it required only a motorcycle license and benefited from lower taxes compared to four-wheeled vehicles. Although Clarkson later admitted that the episode was exaggerated for comedic effect, the Reliant Robin’s reputation as one of the ugliest cars in the world remains unchallenged.
Nissan S-Cargo
The Nissan S-Cargo, a name derived from the French word for snail, “escargot,” perfectly encapsulates its design—quirky and far from elegant. Despite being part of Nissan’s Pike Factory project, which aimed to produce uniquely styled vehicles, the S-Cargo missed the mark on style.
This compact cargo van, launched in 1989, featured a high roof ideal for deliveries and storage, contributing to its odd shape. With only 8,000 units produced over two model years, the S-Cargo remains a rare and peculiar sight on the roads.
Plymouth Prowler
In the 1990s, Chrysler Corp. sought to rejuvenate the Plymouth lineup by paying homage to 1930s hot rods with the introduction of the Prowler. While the concept had potential, the execution fell short. The open front wheels, reminiscent of IndyCars, were a good idea, but the awkward placement of the front and rear bumpers ruined the overall aesthetic.
Performance-wise, the Prowler was more show than substance. It debuted in 1997 with a mere 214 horsepower, later upgraded to 254 horsepower, but it never offered a manual transmission, limiting its appeal to driving enthusiasts.
Citicar Electric Car
Before GM’s EV1, there was the CitiCar electric vehicle from Sebring-Vanguard, launched in 1974. Inspired by the fuel crisis of the era, the CitiCar’s design was more of a crisis in itself. Its wedge-shaped body looked more like a block of cheese, with bug-eyed headlights and an aggressive front slant that made it resemble a child’s drawing rather than a functional vehicle.
During its production, the CitiCar was available in three models, offering a paltry range of 2.5 to 6 horsepower and top speeds between 30 and 50 mph. Far from practical, this car was more of a glorified golf cart than a viable mode of transportation.
1957 Aurora
The Aurora’s story is as unique as its design. Created by Father Alfred Juliano, a Catholic priest with a childhood passion for cars, this concept car aimed to be the safest vehicle on the road. Featuring a driver’s seat positioned in the center for optimal collision protection, a collapsible steering column, and shatter-proof plastic windows, the Aurora seemed to have it all.
Unfortunately, it also had unchecked fuel lines, leading to 15 breakdowns on its way to a 1957 media event. The lukewarm reception and mechanical issues eventually led to Father Juliano’s bankruptcy, leaving only one Aurora prototype in existence.
Fiat Multipla
Italy is renowned for its art, fashion, and automotive excellence. However, the Fiat Multipla stands in stark contrast to this legacy. Launched in 1998, this compact car with three front seats is often regarded as one of the ugliest cars ever made.
Its dual headlights give it an odd, bug-eyed appearance, making it look more like a quirky alien than a sleek vehicle. How such a design emerged from the same country that brought us the Ferrari and Lamborghini remains a mystery.
Nissan Juke
Often nicknamed the “Nissan Joke,” the Juke is a compact crossover that looks more like a Pokémon character than a functional vehicle. Its turn signals are placed on the hood, giving it a peculiar, bug-eyed look. Despite its unconventional design, the Juke managed to sell 135,000 units in 2013 alone. While some found its design sleek and cute, others were left scratching their heads.
Lincoln MKT
Image Credit: Jengtinchen/Wikimedia Commons
The Lincoln MKT was a midsize luxury SUV with three rows of seats and an unfortunate design. Its bulging rear end and full-width taillights made it look like it was perpetually yelling at anyone behind it.
Sharing a platform with the Ford Flex, which narrowly avoided this list, the MKT was not only visually unappealing but also a commercial flop, selling just 3,000 units in 2018 before production ceased.
Chevrolet SSR
Is it a pickup truck, a sports car, or a hot rod? The Chevrolet SSR, or Super Sport Roadster, attempted to be all three but missed the mark on each.
With a 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 300 horsepower, it lacked the speed of a roadster and the practicality of a pickup truck. Its retro design, inspired by the Chevrolet Advance Design trucks of the ’40s and ’50s, failed to impress, leading to its discontinuation in 2006. And honestly, that’s for the best.
Pontiac Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek gained some notoriety thanks to its role in the TV show “Breaking Bad,” which symbolized Walter White’s underachiever status. Launched in the early 2000s, the Aztek was GM’s attempt to attract the camping crowd and rejuvenate the Pontiac brand.
Despite features like an attachable tent, an air mattress, and a built-in cooler, the car’s hideous exterior doomed it to failure. The Aztek never caught on, leaving its mark as one of the most unattractive cars in automotive history.
BMW Isetta
The BMW Isetta’s distinctive bubble shape makes it look like an escape pod from a 1950s sci-fi movie. When BMW faced declining sales, they found inspiration in the Iso Isetta, a microcar with a fridge-like door, at the 1954 Turin Car Show.
They acquired the licensing rights, resulting in a hit product in Germany and beyond, with over 161,000 units sold. The Isetta proved that not every hero is defined by his looks.
Nissan Cube
Nissan attempted to create a cool, unique car targeting young drivers with the Cube. Despite its boxy shape designed for spaciousness, it featured questionable design choices, including a vast wrap-around window and a back door that opens like a refrigerator.
Described by Nissan as having a “bold but friendly front grille inspired by a bulldog wearing shades,” the Cube produced three generations over 20 years, each maintaining its distinctive, if not universally loved, appearance.
Pontiac Trans Sport
Nicknamed “The Dustbuster,” the Pontiac Trans Sport’s resemblance to a handheld vacuum cleaner was more than superficial. Initially praised for its futuristic concept in 1986, the production model released in 1990 disappointed many by lacking the innovative features consumers eagerly anticipated. Instead, it offered an unappealing design that failed to live up to its early promise.
Suzuki X-90
The Suzuki X-90 is a puzzling fusion of cars, trucks, and SUVs produced between 1995 and 1997. With a truck-like front, the profile of a toy car, and a stubby rear end, the X-90 struggled to carve out a distinct identity. It’s a clear example of designers aiming for innovation but missing the mark, resulting in a vehicle that left many scratching their heads.
Sbarro Autobau concept
It’s reminiscent of Bruce Wayne, who, after depleting the family fortune, had to cobble together a Batmobile from a Bond Bug. Surprisingly, this concept isn’t a relic from the ’80s; it was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. While a remarkable mid-mounted 12-cylinder engine from Ferrari powered the wheels, the Autobau managed only 500bhp—modest by today’s supercar standards.
Tata Magic Iris
The Tata Magic Iris, produced by an Indian car manufacturer, didn’t exactly hit a home run with its predecessor, the Tata Nano, but the real pièce de résistance is the Magic Iris. Since its debut in 2010, this three-door microvan, which seats four to five people, looks more like a toy for kindergartners than an actual car. However, it does serve a unique purpose in the congested streets of Indian cities, where it competes with auto-rickshaws.
AMC Gremlin
Naming a car “Gremlin” might not have been the best marketing strategy, but it’s pretty fitting. This two-door subcompact, produced from 1970 to 1978, shares its body with the AMC Hornet, just shorter.
It features a nearly vertical hatchback tail, a design choice that’s hard to love. Intended to rival fuel-efficient European and Japanese models, the Gremlin fell short of those standards. With cars like this, it’s no wonder AMC struggled to keep up with major auto manufacturers.
Aston Martin Lagonda
Once highly coveted by collectors and capable of fetching over £100,000, the wedge-shaped Lagonda from the 1980s is frequently considered Aston Martin’s least attractive design. However, its minimalist interior was strikingly ahead of its time, boasting a single-spoke steering wheel and digital instruments that radiated a futuristic charm.
SsangYong Rodius
MPVs don’t have to be unattractive—just look at the stylish Ford S-Max or the more subdued Vauxhall Zafira and Ford Galaxy. Yet, even in this unremarkable segment, the SsangYong Rodius stands out like a thumb injured from repeated hammer strikes. Designed by Ken Greenley, the former head of the Royal College of Art and Design’s automotive program, it aimed to capture the essence of a luxury yacht—but it arguably deserved to be shelved.
