10 of the Ugliest Cars Ever Designed (And 10 That Restored Our Faith in Automotive Beauty)
Let’s be honest—car designers aren’t always firing on all cylinders. For every sleek beauty that turns heads for the right reasons, there’s a mutant on wheels that makes us question if the design team was just trying to meet a dare.
But don’t lose faith because right after those missteps came machines so gorgeous, they made us believe in automotive art again.
Here are 10 of the ugliest cars ever, and 10 that brought sexy back to the streets.
1. Pontiac Aztek (2001–2005)
The Aztek marked GM’s bold leap into “adventure vehicle” territory, but it resembled a mishmash of leftover plastic bins. Its awkward proportions and clunky detailing cemented it as a styling fiasco.
Somehow, it’s gained cult status, but let’s not pretend it was ever a looker.
2. Fiat Multipla (1998–2010)
This compact MPV boasted a practical layout, but its exterior screamed cartoonish chaos. The bizarre double-decker headlights and bloated midsection turned heads for all the wrong reasons.
It’s still a punchline in styling schools worldwide.
3. Nissan Juke (2010–2019)
The Juke was Nissan’s attempt to push boundaries, but it pushed right into the uncanny valley. Its bug-eyed upper lights and narrow windows gave it a bug-like face that was hard to love.
While it had sporty potential, the styling was a constant debate.
4. PT Cruiser (2000–2010)
It aimed for retro-chic but landed on retro-awkward. The towering roofline and boxy silhouette aged it instantly upon release.
Enthusiasts tried to jazz it up with flame decals, but even fire couldn’t salvage this aesthetic.
5. Chrysler Sebring Convertible (1996–2010)
Meant for carefree cruising, the Sebring convertible sagged with a droopy face and uninspired lines. It oozed blandness more than beachy vibes.
And the cheap interior didn’t help its reputation either.
6. Subaru B9 Tribeca (2005–2007)
This SUV sported a grille that smirked like a jet engine, jarring against its tame body. Only a bold stylist could adore that nose (maybe).
Subaru quietly revamped it a couple of years later, and no one missed the original look.
7. SsangYong Rodius (2004–2013)
The Rodius is legendary in the worst way. It looked like a minivan that tried to impersonate a yacht, with lines that made no visual sense.
It’s the kind of vehicle that could make a designer reconsider their career choices.
8. Chevrolet SSR (2003–2006)
This retro pickup tried to blend hot rod flair with truck practicality, but ended up being neither. The proportions were too round, the bed too stubby, and the whole thing felt like a Hot Wheels concept that escaped the toy aisle.
At least it had a V8.
9. Honda Crosstour (2010–2015)
The Crosstour’s back end looked like it was sagging under its own weight. It was a mishmash of sedan, hatchback, and SUV—all wrapped in one very confused design.
Functionally it made sense, aesthetically it made eyebrows raise.
10. AMC Pacer (1975–1980)
If a fishbowl had wheels, it’d be the Pacer. Its rounded glass-heavy body was futuristic for its time, but awkward even then.
Still, it carved out a place in pop culture, if not in anyone’s dream garage.
11. Jaguar E-Type (1961–1975)
With its impossibly long hood and curvaceous fenders, the E-Type was, and still is, art on wheels. It defined British sports car elegance and performance.
Even Enzo Ferrari called it the most beautiful car ever made.
12. Aston Martin DB9 (2004–2016)
The DB9 mixed subtle aggression with refined grace like few cars could. Its proportions were flawless, with a low stance, swooping roofline, and sculpted sides.
It made even casual parking look like a red carpet event.
13. Porsche 911 (1964–present)
The 911 has evolved without ever losing its iconic shape. That round, purposeful nose and rear-engine stance have become the stuff of legend.
It’s the kind of beauty that whispers rather than shouts.
14. Ferrari 458 Italia (2009–2015)
Ferrari brought sexy back with the 458’s sweeping lines and angry eyes. Every surface felt honed for speed and admiration.
It looked fast even when parked, and felt like art when in motion.
15. Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (1954–1957)
Those iconic doors weren’t just for show. They were actually engineering marvels. The Gullwing’s sleek, understated elegance still turns heads nearly 70 years later.
It was the ultimate blend of innovation and style.
16. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2007–2010)
A limited-run love letter to curves, the 8C looked like a romantic Italian sculpture on wheels. Its bodywork seemed to flow like liquid metal.
And with that sound? Bellissimo.
17. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C2, 1963–1967)
The Stingray C2 looked like it was carved by the wind. Its split rear window and edgy silhouette set a new design standard for American muscle.
It had attitude, beauty, and unmistakable presence.
18. Lexus LC 500 (2017–present)
The LC 500 is proof that Lexus can do passion projects. Bold, futuristic, and surprisingly elegant, it’s a concept car that somehow made it to production.
Even the taillights are mesmerizing.
19. Audi R8 (2007–2015, 2015-2024)
The R8 balanced subtle luxury with supercar swagger. It had clean lines, a futuristic vibe, and just enough attitude to feel special without being obnoxious.
A perfect daily driver for Bruce Wayne.
20. Mazda RX-7 (FD, 1992–2002)
This Japanese coupe was the definition of ‘90s cool. With its light body, pop-up headlights, and rotary power, the RX-7 looked as good as it drove.
It was sleek without trying too hard—a rare feat.