When it comes to cars, looks matter just as much as performance for many people. Some vehicles, however, miss the mark completely and end up being remembered mostly for their odd or unattractive designs. You might be surprised how many models have earned a reputation for being downright ugly.
This article will walk you through 12 of the ugliest cars ever built, ranked from just bad to absolutely atrocious, so you can see what makes them stand out—though not in a good way. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just curious, this list offers a fun look at some design choices that didn’t quite hit the finish line.
Pontiac Aztek
If you’re into bold designs that divide opinions, the Pontiac Aztek definitely stands out. Its unusual shape and clashing angles make it a frequent pick on lists of the ugliest cars ever made. You might find its oversized body cladding and sloped snout hard to look past.
Despite its controversial looks, the Aztek has some practical features. It was built to attract younger buyers with a mix of SUV and crossover traits. Plus, fans of the show Breaking Bad gave it a second life, turning it into a pop culture icon you’ll recognize anywhere. Learn more about its story here.
Nissan Juke
If you look at the Nissan Juke, you might find its design pretty unusual. Its frog-eyed headlights and short front end give it a quirky appearance that not everyone loves.
You might appreciate that Nissan aimed for a fun, expressive car, but many found the look hard to get used to. It never quite caught on as a mainstream favorite.
Still, if you like cars that stand out from the crowd, the Juke’s bold style might be exactly what you’re looking for. Read more about why it’s considered one of the ugliest cars ever made here.
Fiat Multipla
If you’ve ever seen the Fiat Multipla, you’ll know why it often tops ugly car lists. Its wide stance and two-tier headlights give it a look that’s hard to forget.
Despite its unusual design, the Multipla was incredibly practical. It comfortably seats six people in a compact size, making it perfect for families who need space.
You might not love its face, but the Multipla’s clever use of interior space shows that sometimes function wins over form. It’s a memorable example of bold design choices.
Learn more about its unique design and reputation here.
Toyota Prius (first gen)
When you see the first-generation Toyota Prius, you might find its design a bit awkward. It’s not what most would call pretty, with a shape that feels more functional than stylish.
You have to remember, though, this Prius was all about pioneering hybrid technology. Its look wasn’t meant to turn heads but to maximize efficiency. So, while it may not win beauty contests, it changed the game in green driving.
If you’re into cars that made a big impact despite their looks, the first-gen Prius is a great example. Learn more about why it’s often called one of the ugliest cars ever made at HotCars.
Chevrolet SSR
If you’re looking for a car that tries to blend a pickup with a convertible, the Chevrolet SSR is the result. It has a quirky, bulbous shape that many find odd or awkward.
Its retro styling didn’t win over everyone, and some say it looks like a mix that just didn’t quite come together. You might appreciate its unique concept, but it often ranks among the ugliest cars due to its unusual design choices.
Still, the SSR stands out if you want something completely different on the road. More details about its style can be found at this Chevrolet SSR overview.
Ford Edsel
You might find the Ford Edsel’s front grille hard to forget—it’s often compared to a horse collar. This quirky design choice made the car stand out, but not in a good way.
When you look at the Edsel, its awkward proportions give off a clunky, outdated vibe, even by 1950s standards. Ford invested heavily in it, but the Edsel didn’t connect with buyers. If you like unique car stories, this one is a classic example of style missing its mark. Learn more about why it’s considered one of the ugliest cars Ford ever made.
Reliant Robin
If you’ve ever seen the Reliant Robin, you know it’s hard to forget. That three-wheeled design, with just one wheel in front, gives it a quirky look that stands out — for better or worse.
Driving one means getting used to its tendency to tip over, which happened often enough to give it a bit of a notorious reputation. Still, if you like something truly different on the road, it’s hard to find a car that’s quite as unique as the Reliant Robin. Learn more about the car’s quirks and reputation from this ugliest cars list.
AMC Pacer
When you see the AMC Pacer, it’s hard not to notice its unusual shape. Its bulbous body and oversized windows were meant to look futuristic, but many people found it awkward instead.
You might find it interesting that the Pacer was heavier than typical compact cars, which affected its performance. Despite its quirks, it has a unique charm that some collectors appreciate today. For more details, check out this ranking of the ugliest cars.
SsangYong Rodius
If you’re looking for a vehicle that defies convention, the SsangYong Rodius might catch your eye—for reasons you weren’t expecting. Its stretched body and unusual shape came from a last-minute design change to fit 11 seats.
You may find its bulky, uneven lines a bit jarring, though some owners have praised its surprising practicality. Inside, the versatility lets you fold seats into beds, making it more than just an everyday MPV. It’s a car that sparks strong opinions, whether you love or hate its look.
Explore more on why it’s considered one of the ugliest cars ever.
Renault Avantime
If you’re looking at the Renault Avantime, you might be puzzled by its unusual shape. It tries to blend a coupe with a minivan, but the results are awkward and mismatched.
The Avantime’s front end and rear silhouette often get criticized for being clunky and unattractive. You won’t find many who think it’s an easy car on the eyes, no matter the angle.
Renault aimed to attract empty-nesters but missed the mark with this one. It’s definitely a bold design that didn’t catch on as planned. For more details, you can read about the Renault Avantime’s design issues.
Tesla Cybertruck
If you’ve seen the Tesla Cybertruck, you know it’s unlike anything else on the road. Its sharp, angular design breaks all traditional truck styling rules.
You might find it bold or even jarring because Tesla stuck with the original concept without softening the edges. While it’s praised for innovation, many critics and designers call it one of the ugliest vehicles ever made.
If you enjoy unique cars, the Cybertruck definitely makes a statement— but it’s not for everyone’s taste. Check out opinions on the Cybertruck’s design here.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
If you’re looking at the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, you might be taken aback by its unusual, boxy shape. It was designed as a city car, but its odd styling made it hard to love for many.
Its electric range is quite limited—just about 62 miles—so it often left drivers wanting more. You’ll find it looks a bit outdated compared to newer EVs. Still, it played a role in early electric mobility despite these challenges. For more on its story, visit this detailed review of the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV.