1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe
In 1998, BMW - ever the innovators - dared to ask the question: “What if we put wheels on a clown shoe?” The result was the Z3 M Coupe, a “stylistically distinct” car in BMW’s catalog. But beneath the surface was one of the most engaging driving experiences you could get your hands on, thanks to an M-Tech engine and excellent dynamics.
2001 Pontiac Aztek
The original Pontiac Aztek from 2001 is kind of like the Citizen Kane of ugly cars. There have been many other cars that are technically worse, but none are quite as beloved as the Aztek, which garnered a genuinely dedicated fanbase in spite of its odd proportions and plastic-y body.
1998 Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla is a truly odd-looking duck. It’s got a “caved-in” front end and wide proportions while still being a mostly compact vehicle. It strikes a delicate balance between cuteness and ugliness, but people came to love it anyway for its surprisingly spacious interior and unconventional charm.
2011 Nissan Juke
SUVs are fairly difficult to mess up in terms of appearance, but that didn’t stop Nissan from trying! The Juke features oddly rounded edges, at least six headlights that give it a bug-like visage, and even some random fenders for good measure. But that’s kind of what people love about it.
2003 Honda Element
The Element takes all the typical stylistic conventions of most SUVs and dials them up to 11. It’s overly boxy, overly tall, and overly utilitarian to the point of looking more like a LEGO brick on wheels. But just like a LEGO set, the Element was also super versatile and durable, and seemed to really own its strange looks.
1974 Volvo 240
These days, Volvo is known for embracing a minimalist approach to vehicle design, with an emphasis on clean lines and no wasted space. The 1974 240 actually matches that philosophy to a tee, but folks weren’t used to seeing what was essentially a clay-red brick on wheels. Some eventually came around, however, to its stark simplicity and sense of honesty.
Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon
From the front, the Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon looks like a large van, but as soon as you look at it from a different angle, you realize how tiny it really is. It’s obviously not exactly a stunner, but its “ugliness” was eventually embraced as part of its rugged charm.
1978 Saab 900
Similar to Volvo, Saab has always espoused a more minimalistic approach to design, and the 900 was a testament to that tried-and-tested philosophy. It had an upright windscreen, a sloping rear, and a high beltline, but people came to love it for its quirky Swedish appeal and strong rally heritage.
2008 Nissan Cube
To Nissan’s credit, they never tried to fool anyone with the Cube. According to some critics, it “resembles a cube on wheels”. And our response to that is: well, yes. The Cube is shaped like a cube, and likely won’t appeal to the squares among you, but it’s both fun and practical, and offers a truly unique driving experience.
2006 Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Toyota FJ Cruiser seems to be caught between different schools of thought in terms of design. It’s got retro styling, yes, but also a really ugly front end, and odd proportions overall. But it’s this conflict between ideas that also gives it its ruggedness, which is kind of what you want in an off-roader.
1971 Ford Pinto
Unlike many of the others on this list, the Ford Pinto was definitely not beloved when it was first released. Not only was it one of the ugliest (or rather, blandest) cars Ford had ever produced, it also had a tendency to suddenly catch fire when you least expected it. These days, however, many enthusiasts love the Pinto for its unique place in Ford’s history.
1976 Aston Martin Lagonda
When you think of Aston Martin as a brand, you likely picture all of their cars being sleek and elegant, but the Lagonda broke that mold with its wedge-shaped design and overly "futuristic” stylistic cues. It was an incredibly weird turn for Aston Martin back then, but it was also unapologetic, and people came to embrace its out-there style.
1982 Cadillac Cimarron
Cadillac was once firmly associated with luxury, which made the Cimarron even more baffling upon its release in 1982. It wasn’t ugly so much as it was overly bland for a luxury vehicle, but many people look fondly on it today for its entry-level appeal and rarity.
2001 Renault Avantime
The Renault Avantime was a strange combination of coupe, van, and MPV stylings. It probably sounded good on paper, but it was incredibly awkward in execution. Still, as this list has repeatedly demonstrated, sometimes “different” is exactly what the people want.
2004 Toyota Prius
Considering that the Prius is one of Toyota’s most popular models, it’s safe to say that the second generation’s odd design did not kill the nameplate. In fact, due to the car’s excellent hybrid mechanics, most people looked past its appearance entirely, allowing the Prius to become a style all on its own.
2008 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul probably isn’t the ugliest vehicle on this list, but many critics found it to be awkwardly put together. Still, bright colors, great practicality, and boatloads of charm made it a hit with adventure seekers looking for something that would stand out.
1997 Isuzu VehiCROSS
Speaking of unconventional SUVs, the Isuzu VehiCROSS definitely deserves a mention here. Its wild wheel arches and unconventional look stood in stark contrast to its dependability and rugged capabilities, yet many drivers appreciated its unique appearance.
2006 Mitsubishi Orochi
The Mitsubishi Orochi has often been called the ugliest car ever made. But while it may be unconventional, the Orochi has another thing going for it: it’s exotic. The vehicle’s rarity is enough to make people want it, and most enthusiasts and collectors will defend it as one of the most unique trophy pieces you’ll ever come across.
1975 Rolls‑Royce Camargue
When the Rolls‑Royce Camargue debuted, many people saw it as a misstep for Rolls, overly awkward for what should be a luxury vehicle. Time has favored it well, however, and the Camargue’s once “ugly” appearance now reads as charm.
2011 Mini Cooper Coupe
The Mini Cooper’s design is so simple and effective that you’d have to really go out of your way to try to mess it up. Enter the 2011 Coupe model, whose roofline looks as though it were ripped straight off another car, then slapped onto a Mini. It was odd, to be sure, but again, sometimes that’s exactly what people love about a car.
2022 Tesla Cybertruck
The Cybertruck is probably the most controversial entry on this list. It looks like a concept vehicle from the 70s and 80s, designed for use in a sci-fi film. Some people hate it with a passion; others love it with all their heart. Only time will tell how it will be remembered.
1979 Oldsmobile Toronado
Massive proportions and odd detailing instantly place the Toronado alongside other “ugly” 80s cars. However, it also has tons of old-school charm which, when combined with its big-block V8, makes it an undeniable American classic.
1984 Jeep Cherokee XJ
The Jeep Cherokee XJ from 1984 isn’t so much ugly as it is overly plain, boring, and utilitarian. It’s an honest vehicle for honest folk, and its durability and ruggedness are legendary at this point.
1970 AMC Gremlin
The Gremlin’s status as an oddball ugly duckling is legendary at this point, but great affordability and undeniable uniqueness made it a sleeper hit back in its day, while nostalgia makes it a beloved classic today.
1996 SsangYong Korando
The 1996 Korando was unfortunately stacked up against many more well-established nameplates, which made its bland, somewhat awkward styling even more prevalent. However, it was affordable and entirely capable, which was just enough to win many people over.
1999 Toyota Yaris
Also known as the Echo, the first-generation Yaris was by no means an outright “ugly” vehicle. However, it certainly wasn’t sleek either. It was basic and “cutesy”, but its affordability and reliability made it a hit with many.
2009 Mitsubishi I‑MiEV
The Mitsubishi i‑MiEV was actually something of a pioneer for its time, being one of the first successful EVs. People love it for that, but that doesn’t negate its odd mixture of tiny proportions and a tall body.
1990 Chevrolet Lumina
If you grew up in the 80s and 90s, your parents likely had a Dustbuster in the house. The Lumina was basically that, but with wheels, and was subsequently lambasted for its design. However, aside from critics, drivers loved it for its spaciousness and practicality.
2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser
The Chrysler PT Cruiser was something of a retro throwback vehicle, but it went overboard in many areas. Despite this, when it was modified, it was genuinely kind of cool, and the fact that it was also relatively affordable didn’t hurt.
1992 Cadillac Seville STS
The Cadillac Seville STS is the ultimate 90s vehicle, a semi-luxurious sedan with decidedly unglamorous styling. People who grew up with it, however, still look fondly on it to this day.
1968 Volkswagen Thing (Type 181)
Well, you can’t get more on the nose than that - this vehicle certainly was a thing. An exposed design and awkward proportions made it somewhat ugly, but it also provided open-air fun and a carefree sense of adventure.
1956 Fiat 600 Multipla
Originally seen as the ugly love child between a van and a moped, the Fiat 600 Multipla’s age has made it a nostalgic piece of automotive history. As well, despite its tiny size, it could comfortably seat up to 6 people.
2009 Ford Flex
The 2009 Flex was certainly not the flex Ford may have wanted it to be, with its overly boxy design and long body. However, in a market crowded by samey SUVs, the Flex was an undeniable standout.
2003 Subaru Baja
The Baja was an ambitious attempt at mixing coupe, pickup, and crossover stylings - ambitious, but not successful. Many thought it was ugly, but it was undeniably unique, and so it developed a dedicated cult following.
1990 Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class
Mercedes-Benz isn’t exactly known for its SUVs, so the G-Class of 1990 was always going to stand out. It wasn’t totally hideous, just kind of bland and boxy when compared to others of its class. However, its design remained relatively unchanged for over two decades, and it eventually came to be seen as a rugged luxury icon.
