37 Cars So Hideous They Should Have Stayed Hidden!

1. **Pontiac Aztek (2001-2005)**: Ah, the infamous Aztek, often referred to as a ‘minivan-in-drag monstrosity.’ Despite its appearance being so unappealing that a blobfish might shy away, this vehicle developed a cult following. It undeniably had its moment of fame through its role in ‘Breaking Bad,’ but let’s face it, this car was a design disaster that left many scratching their heads.

2. **AMC Pacer (1975-1979)**: The Pacer was marketed as ‘the world’s first wide-body compact,’ but one has to wonder who exactly was pining for that. Referred to as an ‘obese compact for obese compact-haters,’ it makes you appreciate how subjective beauty truly is in the world of automobiles.

3. **Ford Edsel (1958-1960)**: Not every ugly car has to be the worst, but the Edsel is a legend of automotive flops. With a grille that resembled ‘an Oldsmobile sucking a lemon,’ it was a classic failure that cost Ford a whopping $250 million. Buyers never quite warmed to its unique design, sealing its fate as one of the biggest automotive blunders.

4. **Toyota Prius (2015-Present)**: The Prius is the poster child for hybrid vehicles, but it took a beating for its look. The 2015 redesign was described as resembling ‘a double-chinned angry guppy that wants to eat your face.’ Despite its quirky looks, its fuel efficiency keeps it in the game.

5. **Citroen Ami 6 (1961-1970)**: This French attempt at a midrange car turned into a cost-cutting measure gone wrong. With an ‘ungainly design,’ it was a perfect example of how not to attract buyers. The raked back window was a bold move—just not a successful one.

6. **Chrysler PT Cruiser (2001-2010)**: Love it or hate it, the PT Cruiser remains a polarizing figure in automotive history. It was often described as a ‘shrunken minivan’ that leaned heavily into nostalgia but left many wondering how it ever made it to the market.

7. **Ford Taurus (1996-1999)**: Ford’s redesign of its popular Taurus in ’96 is a case study in what happens when you overthink success. The new third-generation model, with its overemphasis on ovals, was likened to ‘the saddest car ever made.’ Sales dipped, showcasing how crucial maintaining a brand’s identity is.

8. **Plymouth Fury (1961)**: The Plymouth Fury’s front-end was so menacing that it might just give you nightmares. With a face that screamed aggression, it’s often remembered as one of the most intimidating cars of its time, ensuring that this classic was not easily forgotten.

9. **Nissan Cube (2009-2014)**: Designed to stand out, the Nissan Cube did just that—but for all the wrong reasons. Dubbed an ‘air-hating box of ugly,’ it sported the peculiar design idea of a ‘bulldog in sunglasses.’ The question remains: which end is wearing the shades?

10. **Suzuki X-90 (1996-1998)**: A bubble of a car with an identity crisis, the Suzuki X-90 was described as ‘so ugly, it’s funny.’ With its quirky design featuring bug-eyed headlights, it couldn’t decide if it wanted to be a car or an SUV, which certainly didn’t help its sales.

11. **Pontiac Trans Sport (1990-1996)**: If there was ever an example of a minivan trying too hard to be cool, it’s the Pontiac Trans Sport. It was marketed as the ‘space vehicle of the 90s,’ but really, it resembled a Dust Buster on wheels. Not exactly a hot seller.

“2014 Rolling Sculpture Car Show 85 (1975 Sebring Vanguard Citicar)” by Michael Barera is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

12. **Vanguard CitiCar (1974-1977)**: This electric car looked more like an oversized toy than a vehicle meant for the road. With a top speed of 25 mph and a design that resembled a slice of cheese, it was a product of its time that failed to impress.

13. **Subaru Brat (1978-1994)**: The Subaru Brat was a unique concept—a car-truck hybrid with rear-facing jump seats. It’s weird and wonderful in its own right but undoubtedly adds to the list of oddball automotive designs.

14. **Fiat Multipla (1998-2004)**: An Italian family hauler that never made it to U.S. shores, the Fiat Multipla is often dubbed ‘the ugliest car ever made.’ With its bulging, cartoonish design, it was practical but not pretty, a design misstep that lingered in the minds of onlookers.

15. **Lexus SC 430 (2001-2005)**: Luxury is not immune to design blunders, as seen in the Lexus SC 430. Its strangely proportioned design led some to describe it as a ‘bathtub on wheels.’ A disappointing entry for those seeking elegance with a splash of flair.

16. **Yugo GV (1985-1992)**: The Yugo is often at the bottom of the automotive barrel. With a stripped-down, boxy exterior, it exuded an air of sadness. Many felt it was destined for a life of disappointment before they even stepped inside.

17. **Marcos Mantis M70 (1970-1972)**: This obscure British sports car is known for its bizarrely long ‘snout.’ Few were sold before the company went bankrupt, cementing its place in history as one of the ugliest cars ever created.

18. **Nissan Juke (2011-2017)**: The Juke’s unconventional aesthetics sparked a flurry of opinions; some heralded it as ‘frog-eyed and magnificently ugly,’ while others found its unique charm oddly endearing. Regardless of your perspective, it’s a vehicle that guarantees to leave a lasting impression, for better or worse.

19. **Lincoln MKT (2010-2020)**: This oversized crossover is often critiqued for its disproportionate rear. With a look compared to a wheelbarrow rolling backward, it didn’t earn high marks in the aesthetics department.

20. **Mitsuoka Orochi (2007-2014)**: With its bizarre design inspired by an animal, the Orochi is a limited-edition sports car that many consider more of a punchline than a serious competitor on the roads. Its eccentric look makes it a topic of conversation rather than a genuine performance vehicle.

21. **Hyundai Tiburon (2000-2001)**: In an attempt to take risks, Hyundai’s redesign of the Tiburon landed it on many lists of ugly cars. Dubbed an ‘insect-eyed monstrosity,’ it’s a case where looks clearly didn’t translate into desirability.

22. **Chevrolet Caprice (1991-1992)**: The 1991 Caprice was often compared to an ‘upside-down bathtub,’ an apt description for a car that failed to make an impact on the market. Its uninspired design quickly led it to fade into obscurity, proving that not every car can withstand the test of time.

23. **Nissan S-Cargo (1989-1991)**: Another Nissan gem, the S-Cargo resembled a snail. Its abrupt rear end and quirky design made it a head-scratcher for many car enthusiasts.

24. **Isuzu VehiCross (1999-2001)**: This SUV aimed for uniqueness but ended up as a vehicle that looked more like a science fiction prop. It garnered mixed reviews, often being described as a ‘Battlestar Galactica escapee.’

25. **Bricklin SV1 (1975)**: The Bricklin was meant to be a futuristic car with gullwing doors, but its heavy body made it a flop. With fewer than 3,000 ever made, it remains a curiosity in the world of ugly cars.

26. **The Trabant (1957-1990)**: Often regarded as an automotive relic, the Trabant is notorious for its remarkable lack of charm or style. Produced in East Germany from a peculiar mix of recycled materials, this car looked like it was designed in a state of desperation, showcasing a boxy shape and minimal amenities. With a meager two-stroke engine boasting just 18 horsepower, it redefined the concept of a ‘people’s car’ by prioritizing basic transport over comfort or elegance, making every journey feel rather uninspired.

27. **Chevy Chevette (1976-1987)**: The Chevette debuted with all the charm of a wet napkin, marketed as a compact car but quickly becoming the punchline of automotive jokes. Its uninspired design—a blend of blandness and a boxy exterior—earned it a reputation as a lackluster performer and a nightmare for maintenance, leading it to be largely forgotten in the annals of automotive history.

28. **Plymouth Prowler (1997-2002)**: The Prowler was Chrysler’s attempt at a retro roadster, but it turned out to be more of a styling disaster than a classic revival. Featuring an open front wheel design that looked like it was plucked from the set of a 90s movie, it promised speed but delivered mediocrity. With its underwhelming engine and awkward proportions, it’s hard to believe anyone thought it could turn heads. Instead, it mostly turned stomachs.

29. **King Midget Model III (1956-1970)**: This car was so small it could be mistaken for a toy. The King Midget was marketed as an affordable utility vehicle, but it resembled more of a child’s drawing than a proper automobile. Its quirky design and impractical size made it a novelty item rather than a serious vehicle, and it quickly faded from the public eye. It’s amusing to think that this car was ever taken seriously.

30. **Zundapp Janus (1957-1964)**: With a name like Janus, you might expect something sophisticated, but what you get is anything but. This tiny car featured rear-facing seats, allowing passengers to enjoy the view of the drivers behind them, which might sound fun, but it was a recipe for disaster in traffic. With a top speed of around 50 mph, it was more about the journey than the destination, and it’s best remembered as an oddity from automotive history.

31. **The Corvair (1960-1969)**: Chevrolet’s Corvair was a bold endeavor that ultimately went awry. It was among the first mass-produced cars with a rear-engine layout but was plagued by severe safety issues that drew sharp criticism from Ralph Nader. Its rounded, flying saucer-like design had an appeal, but the driving experience was far from enjoyable, leaving the Corvair as a cautionary tale in automotive design and engineering.

32. **Chrysler Imperial LeBaron (1971-1975)**: If you thought the Imperial LeBaron was a car, think again. It was a land yacht on wheels, boasting an abundance of chrome and an oversized frame that could rival a battleship. While it was luxurious in theory, its excessive size and impracticality made it a laughingstock among drivers. Despite attempts to make it a symbol of status, it ended up symbolizing the excesses of its time.

33. **Pontiac Aztek (2001-2005)**: The Aztek remains a poster child for bad automotive design, infamous not just for its looks but also for the truth that it was intended to be a crossover. The unfortunate styling choices left it looking more like a confused minivan trying to masquerade as an SUV. Despite its marketing efforts, the Aztek scored low on aesthetics, though it paradoxically gained a cult following, perhaps as a testament to how terrible can become trendy.

34. **Fiat Multipla (1998-2004)**: This Italian family hauler is often crowned as the ugliest car ever made. With its bulging body and distinctively awkward proportions, the Multipla looked more cartoonish than practical. While it excelled in space and functionality, its design did not resonate with the masses, leaving it as a quirky footnote in automotive storytelling.

35. **Mitsuoka Orochi (2007-2014)**: If you thought you’d seen it all, brace yourself for the Mitsuoka Orochi. This limited-edition sports car has a design that can only be described as bizarre, featuring a front end that appears to be grinning wildly. It feels as though a designer took playful to the extreme, resulting in a car that many view as more of a humorous oddity than a serious contender in the automotive sphere.

“Hyundai Tiburon (US)” by InSapphoWeTrust is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

36. **Hyundai Tiburon (2000-2001)**: The Tiburon was Hyundai’s attempt to make a sporty left turn, but the results were less than thrilling. Its redesign resulted in a bug-eyed appearance that disappointed many. While it may have gained fame for its looks, it was mostly for all the wrong reasons, proving that not all risks in design pay off.

37. **Lincoln MKT (2010-2020)**: This crossover often faced scrutiny for its awkward proportions and unique styling that left much to be desired. Frequently compared to a wheelbarrow on wheels, it failed to capture the hearts of many consumers, serving as a stark reminder that sometimes, the pursuit of size can lead to unappealing designs.

“Dream cars designed by children” by Admiral Car Insurance is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

With these shocking designs and their amusing stories, it’s a vivid reminder that beauty is indeed subjective. While some of these cars may have flopped in style, they undeniably enriched the automotive world with their quirky charm, continuing to spark conversations and laughter among car enthusiasts everywhere!