7 Steering Wheels That Never Made the Cut (And 7 That Revolutionized Automotive Design)
When you think about iconic cars, it’s often the ones with unforgettable designs, powerful engines, and thrilling performances that come to mind. But let’s not forget one of the most important parts of the driving experience—the steering wheel.
Some steering wheels have become legendary, influencing both function and style. Others, well, let’s just say they’re better left in the past.
Let’s take a look.
1. The Subaru Baja (2003)
The Subaru Baja, with its “let’s do everything” concept, offered an interesting take on the crossover, but its helm didn’t exactly inspire much love. Chunky, overly practical, and lacking the charm of more iconic counterparts, it fell short.
The wheel felt stiff and uninspired, clashing with the Baja’s rugged, adventurous spirit. Instead of offering a sense of driving excitement, it seemed to say, “I’m just here to get you from point A to point B.” And honestly, that’s a shame for a car that tried so hard to stand out.
2. The Dodge Neon (1994)
Ah, the Dodge Neon. A car many love to remember for its budget-friendly appeal, yet its steering wheel hardly merits celebration. Rather uninspired, with a cheap plastic feel, it didn’t elevate the driving experience much.
Sure, it was functional, but when you’re in a car designed to be practical, you don’t expect it to feel like it came from the dollar bin at your local car accessory store. This steering wheel lacked both finesse and flair—an unfortunate oversight in an otherwise functional ride.
3. The Toyota Prius (1997)
While the Prius may be an environmental hero, its wheel didn’t really shine in the coolness department. Clunky and uninspiring, with minimal tactile feedback, the design reflected Toyota’s focus on function and eco-friendliness over driver engagement.
It’s clear this wasn’t meant to make the Prius a “driver’s car” in terms of style. Honestly, it’s hard to think of this steering wheel as anything but a relic of the early hybrid movement.
4. The Ford Fiesta (2008)
The Ford Fiesta’s steering wheel was overly basic, and the design lacked any real character. While the Fiesta itself was a fun car to drive, the wheel didn’t quite match the playful spirit of the rest of the car.
It was as if Ford went for the most generic wheel they could find to get the job done, and it left many Fiesta owners wishing for a little more personality behind the wheel.
5. The Chrysler PT Cruiser (2001)
This steering wheel was awkwardly large and felt more like an afterthought. Though the car was an attempt at retro-cool, the wheel was too bulky and stiff for a fun driving experience.
If you’ve ever gotten into one, you know exactly what I mean. It didn’t help that the interior styling of the PT Cruiser often clashed with the otherwise quirky exterior.
6. The Nissan Cube (2009)
The Nissan Cube’s steering wheel perfectly matched the car’s quirky design, meaning it was, well, rather strange. It was oddly shaped with a very flat rim, making it feel less like a steering wheel and more like something you’d expect to find in a go-kart.
The design was just too far removed from a typical car’s steering experience to be considered iconic, and it definitely didn’t make anyone feel like they were driving a classic.
7. The Ford Focus (2000)
This steering wheel was plain and utilitarian, offering little in the way of driving excitement. The design was flat, the grip was minimal, and it felt as if Ford was focused more on cost-cutting than on delivering a great driving experience.
Sure, it got the job done, but it lacked personality, and in a world full of cars that deliver both function and flair, the Focus wheel just didn’t measure up.
8. The Ferrari 250 GTO (1962)
The steering wheel in the Ferrari 250 GTO is iconic not only because of the car’s legendary status but also because of its simplicity and functionality. It’s a beautiful example of how form and function can work together.
With its thin rim and perfectly designed layout, this steering wheel is a true piece of art. Plus, any car that could take you from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds deserves a spot in automotive history.
9. The Porsche 917 (1969)
If there’s ever been a steering wheel that screams motorsport, it’s the one in the Porsche 917. This was the wheel that helped drivers conquer the world’s most famous racetracks in one of the most innovative cars of its time.
The 917’s wheel is a masterpiece of functionality, boasting a minimalist design with easy-to-reach controls. It was all about getting the job done at blistering speeds—nothing more, nothing less. The memories of it zipping around Le Mans? Priceless.
10. The Volkswagen Beetle (1938)
Few cars are as beloved as the Volkswagen Beetle, and part of its charm is that iconic steering wheel. With its large, slightly curved rim and simple design, the Beetle’s wheel was a symbol of accessible, everyday driving.
Not flashy, not complicated, but just reliable and easy to handle. In a way, it encapsulated everything the Beetle stood for: no-nonsense and loved by millions. It’s a steering wheel that’s stayed in people’s hearts for decades.
11. The BMW M1 (1978)
The BMW M1’s steering wheel is the kind of design that makes you want to drive fast, even if you’re not on a racetrack. It’s small, functional, and screams performance, matching the M1’s stunning reputation as a world-class sports car.
With its thick, grippy leather and sleek design, it’s the kind of wheel that makes you feel like you’re part of something special.
12. The Ford GT40 (1964)
The Ford GT40’s steering wheel embodies the spirit of the ’60s racing scene. It is sleek, functional, and built for performance. Its simple yet rugged design, with a single spoke in the middle, helps drivers maintain total control at high speeds.
After all, when you’re chasing victory at Le Mans, you don’t need a lot of distractions. This steering wheel is as iconic as the GT40’s victories, becoming a symbol of raw speed and engineering excellence.
13. The Lamborghini Miura (1966)
Ah, the Lamborghini Miura, the car that redefined the supercar. The Miura’s steering wheel, designed with an elegance befitting its Italian craftsmanship, is just as unforgettable as its stunning curves.
With its fine leather grip and simple design, it’s the perfect complement to one of the most iconic cars of all time. Driving a Miura is like holding a piece of automotive art, and the steering wheel is right there in the spotlight.
14. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (2009)
Final on the list, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG’s steering wheel is sleek, modern, and packed with features. From the central hub controls to the way it feels in your hands, it exudes a sense of precision that fits perfectly with the car’s performance.
It’s the kind of wheel that makes you feel connected to every corner of the road and every shift of the gear. The SLS AMG’s wheel is a reflection of a car that’s been engineered to perfection.