Automotive design has always been a subjective topic, with some cars achieving instant acclaim for their beauty while others spark debate. Certain vehicles, like the Jaguar E-Type, are widely recognized as stunning from their debut, while others, such as the Ferrari F50, take time to grow on people.
However, some cars are universally acknowledged as unattractive, with designs that baffle enthusiasts and critics alike. This article highlights ten of the ugliest cars ever made, whose looks are nearly impossible to defend.
1. BMW XM
BMW has recently embraced controversial design choices, with its oversized grilles and unconventional styling dividing opinions. The XM, however, stands out as particularly offensive. With an awkward and bulky shape, it appears to have been modeled after a cartoonish pig rather than a high-performance SUV. BMW attempted to pay homage to its legendary M1 with engraved roundels, but this only adds to the confusion and disappointment. Few, if any, outside of BMW’s design team find the XM visually appealing.
2. AMC Pacer
The AMC Pacer suffered not only from mechanical shortcomings but also from a design that left much to be desired. Despite its compact classification, it was excessively heavy due to its large engines, resulting in poor performance and fuel efficiency. Aesthetically, its oversized headlights and oddly bulbous rear gave it a clumsy, awkward appearance. Even a pop-culture boost from its role in Wayne’s World couldn’t salvage its reputation as an ugly car.
3. Yangwang U8
Many Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have adopted bold styling, sometimes to the point of absurdity. The Yangwang U8 is a prime example of this, appearing as a chaotic mashup of different design elements. From the side, it closely resembles the Land Rover Defender, but the front and rear styling take an extreme departure into disarray. The bizarre headlight and taillight arrangements defy logic, leaving the U8 looking more like a failed experiment than a cohesive design.
4. Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla has long been the poster child for ugly cars, despite its practical advantages. Ingeniously designed to maximize interior space, it comfortably seats six within a compact footprint. Yet, the Multipla’s split-level headlights and bulbous proportions make it undeniably unattractive. While its quirky ugliness has endeared it to some over time, it remains one of the most frequently ridiculed car designs ever produced.
5. Nissan Juke (First-Generation)
Automakers sometimes attempt to make cars deliberately eccentric, but the results can be polarizing. The first-generation Nissan Juke is a case in point. Its large, round headlights look misplaced, making the upper lighting elements seem unnecessary. The rear’s boomerang-shaped taillights attempt to evoke the sporty 370Z but fall short, giving the Juke an awkward and disjointed look. Its odd proportions and awkward detailing have made it a favorite among critics of ugly car design.
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6. Pontiac Aztek
No list of ugly cars would be complete without the Pontiac Aztek. From the moment it debuted, it was widely condemned for its mishmash of clashing design elements. Appearing as if multiple teams designed different sections without communication, the Aztek’s jarring angles and mismatched lines created a chaotic, unappealing aesthetic. Though it offered some functional benefits, such as a versatile interior and camping-friendly features, its unattractive exterior ensured its infamy. Even its prominent role in Breaking Bad couldn’t rescue its reputation.
7. Chrysler PT Cruiser
Retro designs can be charming, but only when executed well. The Chrysler PT Cruiser aimed to evoke classic 1930s styling, yet the result was an ungainly, bloated design that lacked elegance. Compared to the Volkswagen New Beetle, which successfully embraced retro charm, the PT Cruiser appeared uninspired and awkward. Over time, its appeal has only diminished, and it remains one of Chrysler’s most unfortunate design missteps.
8. Human Horizons HiPhi Z
Another entry from the world of extreme EV styling, the Human Horizons HiPhi Z, tries too hard to appear futuristic. Instead of a sleek, cutting-edge look, it resembles a budget version of a Gundam robot. The design lacks cohesion, with disparate elements thrown together seemingly at random. A roof-mounted radar array feels like an afterthought, and while its customizable LED panels may amuse briefly, they offer little lasting appeal. The HiPhi Z stands as a cautionary tale of excess in automotive design.
9. Ssangyong Rodius
Some cars are both boring and ugly, and the Ssangyong Rodius falls squarely into this category. While MPVs are rarely praised for aesthetics, the Rodius took awkwardness to a new level. Its rear window looks as if it was hastily tacked on, disrupting the already uninspired shape. The front end, with its resemblance to early 2000s Mercedes designs mixed with awkward Lancia influences, further cements its reputation as one of the most aesthetically displeasing vehicles ever produced.
10. Toyota Prius (First-Generation)
The Toyota Prius has been a groundbreaking vehicle in terms of efficiency and hybrid technology, but its original design left much to be desired. While aerodynamic efficiency influenced its shape, the result was a dull, uninspiring exterior. Its front grille and pointed nose gave it an awkward, insect-like appearance.
In contrast, the first-generation Honda Insight demonstrated that a hybrid could be both stylish and efficient. Although later Prius models have improved in appearance, the first generation remains an example of the function-prioritizing form to an unfortunate degree.
While beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, some cars seem to have been designed without aesthetics in mind at all. The models featured in this list stand as examples of how ambitious, eccentric, or simply misguided design choices can lead to some of the most unattractive cars ever made.
Though some, like the Fiat Multipla and Pontiac Aztek, have gained cult followings, their visual appeal remains highly questionable. Whether due to poor execution, excessive ambition, or a complete disregard for conventional beauty, these cars will likely continue to be recognized as some of the ugliest automobiles in history.
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