These Car Redesigns in the Past 3 Decades Lefts Driver Disappointed
Looking at them, you'd never guess that many current cars are actually redesigned. Some look great, but others have fallen victim to some very unfortunate makeovers. With that in mind, here are 35 of the most disappointing car redesigns of the last 30 years.
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra has been a trusty, stylish sedan since the 1980s, but it fell victim to a terrible redesign in 2007. Drivers criticized the bland new driving system, particularly the unresponsive transmission, as well as the boring, cheap-looking interior styling.
Ford Taurus
This one only just made it onto our list because drivers were disappointed by the updated Ford Taurus all the way back in 1996. It was very poorly made, with many people reporting peeling paint, scuffed bumpers, and a very problematic new V8 engine.
Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber only lasted five years, but it's worth mentioning. In 2009, the brand made the mistake of overhauling several mechanical components, which frequently broke or failed. People also found it sluggish and very uninspired.
Chrysler Sebring
Unfortunately, the Chrysler Sebring has long had a pretty bad reputation, but its worst redesign was definitely in 2007. What could have been a roaring V6 engine was actually faulty, so the redesigned Sebring failed to meet expectations and redeem itself.
Jaguar XJ (X351)
Jaguar intended the 2010 redesign of its iconic XJ model to herald a new era for the brand, but the public felt very differently! They disliked its dull aluminium bodywork and sharp edges, and weren’t impressed with the notably average interior tech options.
Fiat 500L
The Fiat 500L is a great little commuter car that has long been considered ugly. In 2017, Fiat redesigned it, though this mostly consisted of making it bigger. With the new proportions, the 500L appeared awkward and dated, leaving many drivers disappointed that there was no significant upgrade.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Most people would agree that the classics shouldn’t be messed with, and that’s probably why the Mustang Mach-E, which only debuted in 2019, has been poorly received. It barely recalls the muscular beauty of the original Mustang, and many Ford fans find it very ugly.
Chevrolet HHR
Aside from its unique shape, the Chevrolet HHR isn’t a bad car. However, when the brand attempted to design a newer model in 2011, the result was incredibly frustrating. The new engine was rough and underpowered, so the redesigned HHR didn’t engage drivers at all.
Mercedes-Benz SL (R231)
Any Mercedes-Benz fan will know that the SL has had many ups and downs, but the 2012 R231 model is definitely the most lacklustre. Many drivers found the design lacking in style compared to previous generations, and they disliked its “boulevard cruiser” build.
Acura TL
The Acura TL has always been an attractive car, but it didn't always drive so well. In 2003, it was given a new design, but this came with a very weak transmission system that often failed during transit. Luckily, it was redesigned again in 2006.
Mitsubishi Mirage
It's attractive and cost-efficient, but the Mitsubishi Mirage hasn't always been at the top of its game. In fact, in 2014, Mitsubishi attempted to redesign the Mirage, but it ended up ruining its handling and acceleration instead. The cheap interior was an additional blow.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus serves its purpose as a reliable commuter car, but it won't win any prizes for looks. In 2005, the brand redesigned it, and people instantly disliked its “quirky” look and how quickly it rusted. The engine was also quite underpowered.
Subaru Forester
We’d highly recommend the Subaru Forester for off-road driving, but perhaps skip the 2014 model. The brand made some questionable choices with the redesign that year, including cheaping out on a “plasticky” interior and a below-average transmission system that couldn’t sustain itself.
Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke will never lose its popularity, but even avid fans have to admit that its modern redesign is all style, no substance. It’s an SUV, yet interior space is limited, and the cargo trunk is tiny. It’s also quite impractical and uncomfortable for long journeys.
BMW XM
The BMW XM redesign is a classic case of why less is more. In 2023, many BMW drivers were put off by the XM’s new bold grille, oversized silhouette, and awkward rear styling, deeming the car “ugly”. It lacked all discretion and put looks before everything else.
Toyota Celica
When a car looks as incredible as the Toyota Celica, it’s hard to ruin it. However, many sports car enthusiasts hated the 1999 redesign, which completely separated the new Celica design from the old, but actually worsened the quality and failed to excite drivers.
Maserati 4200 GT
In 2002, Maserati made the bold decision to redesign the 3200 GT, and not everybody appreciated it. The 3200 GT was famed for its iconic “boomerang” taillights and turbocharged revs, and the 4200 GT favored a less distinctive look that people found pretty underwhelming.
Fiat Multipla
It’s been branded the “world’s ugliest car” by some people, so you know there are strong feelings involved with the Fiat Multipla! Unfortunately, Fiat couldn’t win; the original 1998 design was too quirky, but the 2004 redesign toned things down too much and made the Multipla bland and forgettable.
Citroen Xsara
After enjoying success with the original 1997 Xsara, Citroen decided to give it a facelift in 2001. In reality, they made a few tweaks to the original design and failed to give drivers something new, which led to the Xsara becoming a practical but boring option.
Suzuki Swift
We all know and love the Suzuki Swift, but its most recent redesign has put off some people who feel loyalty towards the classic design. The latest facelift has been called “cartoonish” and likened to a beluga whale, so it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t mess with perfection.
Pontiac Sunfire
The Sunfire could have been one of Pontiac’s greats, but it made the mistake of redesigning too early. Drivers instantly disliked the rushed appearance of the redesigned version, and the car was considered to have gone backwards. Soon after that, it was discontinued.
Scion XB
Boxy cars aren’t for everyone, but the Scion xB’s original shape was a huge part of its appeal. In 2008, Scion released the massively disappointing second-gen version, which rounded off all the edges and robbed the xB of its distinctive original design and character.
Fiat Grande Punto
Twenty years ago, Fiat made its first attempt at redesigning the Punto model, and reactions were mixed. The new Grande Punto wasn’t as bold as it could have been, and the bodywork materials used were frail and unimpressive. Its mechanics were similarly liable to break.
Toyota MR2
We can’t claim that the Toyota MR2 is disappointing to look at, but it didn’t impress fans as much as the original. The second-generation model was heavier and less engaging to drive, and Toyota enthusiasts disliked how much the redesign resembled a Ferrari.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Sometimes, it’s better to quit while you’re ahead, which is what Chevrolet should have done with the classic Camaro SS. This high-performance model was redesigned in 2019, without any thought for comfort, visibility, or practicality. Naturally, drivers preferred the older version.
Acura Integra
The original Acura Integra is almost 40 years old, but that doesn’t mean it needs a facelift! The 2023 redesign is nothing like the old Integra, with many disappointed fans bemoaning its new lack of identity. While stylish to look at, the modern Integra lacks character.
Mitsubishi Galant
The ‘90s were an interesting decade for cars, with many redesigns putting practicality above all else. That was the issue with the Mitsubishi Galant, which went from a sleek sedan to a family-focused, basic vehicle that was utterly boring to look at.
Ferrari 512M Testarossa
In 1994, the Ferrari Testarossa reached its final form: the 512M. It’s still referred to as the “ugly duckling” model today, thanks to its harsh ‘90s styling that lacked the flair of the previous Testarossa design. Perhaps luckily, only 75 units were made.
Nissan Z
In 2021, Nissan divided its fanbase forever by redesigning the iconic Z model. The front grille is now referred to in the community as a “monstrous rectangle”, but aside from that, people find nothing exciting or inspiring about the new, modernized design.
Citroen C4 Cactus
Like its name, the original Citroen C4 Cactus was playful and quirky, but the 2018 redesign put paid to that. Many drivers found it overly technical and uncomfortable to ride in, which is the consequence of Citroen overmodernizing it. The handling is also a point of contention.
Skoda Yeti
The Skoda Yeti has been described as a “workhorse” vehicle, and that moniker seems to suit it. However, the 2013 redesign made the Yeti all work and no play, with city-specific styling that failed to upgrade it into anything exciting.
BMW 7 Series
Everything about the BMW 7 Series is bigger than the 6 Series, so why do many BMW fans prefer the old design? Size actually has everything to do with it, with most people finding the redesign too overwhelming, with its domineering kidney grilles and overly-modern headlights.
Aston Martin Cygnet
The Aston Martin Cygnet wasn’t technically a redesign of the same car, but rather, an overpriced redo of another. It strongly resembled the Toyota iQ, which was more affordable and didn’t promise the same standard of luxury as an Aston Martin. The Cygnet was bizarre and disappointing.
Toyota Prius
Sometimes, redesigns don’t greatly alter a car’s looks, but its capabilities. The 2010 Toyota Prius redesign installed a totally unreliable engine, and early models were even recalled for dangerous braking issues. Nowadays, the Prius is a practical but forgettable car.
Hyundai Tiburon
The last major redesign of the Hyundai Tiburon happened in 2003, and the brand is yet to live it down. The V6 engine had potential, yet constantly underperformed, and its design wasn’t quite interesting enough to appeal to wider audiences.
