Ugly Cars: Unveiling History’s Most Unattractive Vehicles

The word “ugly” is subjective. What you find appealing might be different from what other people find appealing. While the same applies to vehicles, there are models that many people consider unsightly. Let’s look into some of the “ugliest” cars out there.

Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar

Modern electric cars usually turn heads with their stylish design. The same happens when people see the Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar on the street, except it’s for the wrong reasons.

Introduced during the fuel crisis in 1974, the model featured an odd front slant and bug-eyed headlights, making it an eyesore for many.

Beyond its unusual look, it also has a low-powered engine and unimpressive top speeds. The Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar has a horsepower range of 2.5 to 6 and can only go as fast as 30 to 50 mph.

Reliant Robin

The Reliant Robin is a three-wheeled car manufactured by the Reliant Motor Company in 1973. It was launched as the most practical small car in Britain.

The model’s narrow body and wedge-like profile made it look unconventional. The peculiar structure makes sense because it only has one wheel at the front. While it’s definitely unique, the setup also made the Reliant Robin prone to tripping or rolling in certain conditions.

Although some consider the Reliant Robin’s design visually unappealing, there’s no denying that this model was popular during its time. This is due to the fact that drivers at that time only needed a motorcycle license to drive it.

Also, you’d be charged less taxes if you bought a Reliant Robin than a four-wheeled car.

Chevrolet HHR

Some people find the HHR unattractive because of its awkward and unbalanced proportions. First sold in 2006, this retro-styled wagon was meant to pay tribute to the 1949 Suburban.

Even if this model is considered unattractive to many, it’s not without positive attributes. For example, the Chevrolet HHR offers a spacious interior, making it perfect for families who need ample space for passengers. It also has decent fuel economy, which is great for long trips.

Unfortunately, the production of the Chevrolet HHR was discontinued in 2011 because of poor sales. This highlights the influence visual appeal can have on consumers’ vehicle choices.

Fiat Multipla

Next on our list is the Fiat Multipla. This six-seater car has a quirky exterior. If you look at the Multipla from the front angle, you’ll immediately notice its short hood and a peculiar bulge at the base of its windshield. The Multipla’s windows also look quite weird and out of proportion.

Despite its quirky appearance, what’s interesting about his model is its three front seats. It also has three seats in the rear, thanks to its wide stance.

The Fiat Multipla was never sold in the US, so spotting one on the road is a stroke of luck.

Nissan Cube

For many, the Nissan Cube literally looks like a cube with wheels. Some say it’s as if the designer used the square tool in Microsoft Paint to conceptualize its design. Clearly, Nissan was trying to design something unique. However, the design didn’t come out appealing to many.

While the Nissan Cube isn’t attractive to many, some people still love it. Its spacious interior and good fuel economy make it a good car regardless of how it looks.

Nissan S-Cargo

The name S-Cargo is a play on the French word “escargot,” which means snail. Indeed, this model has a snail-like design. It was manufactured by the Nissan Pike Factory, a division specializing in unique designs.

The S-Cargo’s weird shape is primarily due to its high, sloping roof. It’s perfect for those who are looking for a small delivery vehicle with ample storage.

There were about 8,000 units of S-Cargo produced. It was launched in 1989 and was around for only two model years.

PT Cruiser

The PT Cruiser’s quirky shape and design is a turn-off for many. Chrysler’s attempt to mix the elements of a classic hot rod with a modern car wasn’t really a success. It got even worse when Chrysler decided to come out with a two-door convertible variant.

But even if this model is unappealing to many, it’s surprisingly a popular car. Chrysler sold more than 132,000 units of PT Cruiser when it launched in 2005. This number continued to increase in 2006.

Unfortunately, its popularity eventually died down. The model was discontinued in 2010.

AMC Gremlin

The AMC Gremlin is a subcompact car that was introduced in 1970. Interestingly, the original concept design of the Gremlin was sketched on an air-sickness bag.

Its short and boxy appearance and distinct rear make it look odd to many people.

The AMC Gremlin was so widely criticized for its unattractiveness that Business Week named it one of the “Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years.” Time Magazine also listed it as one of the “50 Worst Cars Of All Time.”

Aston Martin Lagonda

When it comes to sleek and stylish sports cars, Aston Martins are among the best of the best. However, there is one that defies expectations: the Aston Martin Lagonda. This full-size luxury four-door saloon was produced from 1974 to 1990, with only 645 produced. The futuristic interior appealed to some, but others found the boxy exterior odd-looking from every angle. 

There’s even a Shooting Break version that basically just looks like the original model but with a longer, stretched-out body. 

Lincoln MKT

At first glance, the Lincoln MKT can be hard to take in. Its weird proportions and big nose make it look strange, especially with the huge split-waterfall grille. This three-row luxury crossover was originally based on the boxy Ford Flex, but most Flex fans found the MKT’s softer lines and boat-tail butt too unorthodox.

Despite its odd appearance, however, the Lincoln MKT offered amazing ride comfort. Thick laminated windows, sound-deadening technology, and aerodynamic tuning helped make the interior nice and quiet, even at high speeds.

Pontiac Aztek

When the Pontiac Aztek first hit showrooms, reviews weren’t all that promising. Most critics focused on the polarizing design of the Aztek, which had a two-tier front fascia and a tiny short hood. Its odd proportions stood out too much, but later models featured tents, air mattresses, and other camping features that won some people over. 

Today, the Aztek has an impressive cult following, thanks to its appearance in the popular TV series “Breaking Bad.” The main character, Walter White, drives a rundown Pontiac Aztek, which symbolizes his underachiever status.