Cars are meant to be an extension of their owners, a combination of style, performance, and practicality. But sometimes, designers miss the mark in ways that leave people scratching their heads. Here are some of the most questionable designs to ever hit the road.
Pontiac Aztek
If there’s one car that constantly tops the ugly list, it’s the Pontiac Aztek. Launched in the early 2000s, this SUV had an unusual, blocky design that seemed like it couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be futuristic or rugged. It was practical, but no one was buying it for the looks. Even though it found some late-stage fame thanks to Breaking Bad, that wasn’t enough to save it from its reputation.
Fiat Multipla
Some designs challenge conventions, and then there’s the Fiat Multipla. This Italian compact MPV looked like two different cars had been mashed together in a science experiment gone wrong. The most confusing part? A second set of headlights positioned above the standard ones, which gave it a weird, bug-eyed appearance.
While it had a spacious and functional interior, most people couldn’t get past its strange proportions.
AMC Pacer
Back in the 1970s, most automakers experimented with futuristic designs, but not all of them worked. The AMC Pacer was a prime example of a car that didn’t quite land right. With a huge glass area and a bubble-like shape, it looked more like a fishbowl than a car. Some appreciated its quirkiness, but most drivers just found it odd.
Nissan Juke
Sometimes, trying to be unique backfires. The Nissan Juke was an attempt at a sporty compact crossover with a bold, unconventional design. But it didn’t really work. The front end had slim daytime running lights sitting high on the hood, while the main headlights were placed much lower, which almost made it look like a frog. Despite its unusual looks, the Juke actually sold well, but it didn’t win any beauty pageants.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
There was a time when retro-style cars were all the rage, and the Chrysler PT Cruiser tried to tap into that nostalgia. But it ended up looking more like an awkward cartoon version of a 1930s car rather than something stylish.
It may have had a loyal fan base, but for most, it was a rolling example of how retro designs can go wrong when executed poorly.
Toyota Mirai (First Generation)
When Toyota set out to create a hydrogen-powered vehicle, they focused on innovation, but clearly, styling wasn’t high on the list. The first-generation Mirai looked like a car from a dystopian future, but not in a cool way. The oversized front vents, sharp angles, and mismatched design elements looked disjointed. The technology was impressive, but the exterior left much to be desired.
Chevrolet SSR
At first glance, the Chevrolet SSR looked like a confused mix of a pickup truck and a hot rod. It had a retractable hardtop, but that didn’t help its awkward proportions. The rounded front end and exaggerated wheel arches made it look more like a novelty than a practical vehicle.
Chevrolet aimed to create something unique, but it ended up being an oddball. It wasn’t a terrible car, but it wasn’t a looker, either.
Smart Fortwo (First Generation)
Tiny cars have their charm, but the first-generation Smart Fortwo pushed the limits of what a car could look like without just being weird. The upright, boxy shape and short wheelbase made it appear almost toy-like. It didn’t just look small, it looked unfinished.
Later versions improved the styling, but the original was a tough pill to swallow for anyone who cared about aesthetics.
Subaru B9 Tribeca
Subaru has made some fantastic cars, but this wasn’t one of them. The biggest issue? That bizarre grille looked like an attempt to mimic an aircraft design but ended up resembling a sad fish face. The rest of the body wasn’t much better, with awkward curves and proportions that made it one of the most forgettable SUVs of its time. Subaru eventually fixed the design, but the original left a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons.
Pontiac Trans Sport
Minivans aren’t typically known for their good looks, but the Pontiac Trans Sport took ugliness to a whole new level. The front end was incredibly pointy, almost like someone had stretched it out too far. It was meant to look futuristic, but it just looked odd.
The huge windshield made it feel like a spaceship, and most families didn’t find it appealing. It’s no surprise that Pontiac later toned down the design.
Suzuki X-90
Sometimes cars defy explanation, and the Suzuki X-90 is one of them. A two-door SUV with a T-top roof? It sounded interesting on paper, but in reality, it just looked strange. The short, stubby body was just plain ugly. It wasn’t particularly practical, either, so it never really found a loyal audience. Suzuki took a gamble on an unusual design, but this one wasn’t a winner.
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Luxury automakers don’t always get it right, and the Mercedes-Benz R-Class is proof of that. The idea of a posh minivan sounded intriguing, but the final product ended up looking like a stretched-out wagon that didn’t quite know what it was supposed to be. The long, awkward shape meant that it became one of the least attractive Mercs ever made.
Tata Nano
Affordable cars have their place, but the Tata Nano’s design looked like someone had scaled down a regular car and messed up the math. The tiny wheels, boxy shape, and basic features made it appear more like a cartoon car than a real automobile.
It was an ultra-cheap vehicle, and it was plain to see why. It was practical in certain markets, but stylish? Definitely not.
Honda Element
Utility was the Honda Element’s strong suit, but style wasn’t. The boxy design looked like something out of a child’s sketchbook rather than a professional automotive design studio. The plastic panels on the sides didn’t help, giving it a cheap, unfinished look. It had a few fans, but most people saw it as a car only its mother could love.