The Ugliest Cars of All Time: A Countdown of Design Disasters

When it comes to car design, not every manufacturer hits the mark. Some cars are remembered for their cutting-edge innovation, while others are etched into automotive history for being downright hideous. Here’s a look at some of the ugliest cars of all time, featuring a mix of retro inspired failures, misjudged MPVs, and futuristic nightmares.

1. Fiat Multipla: One of the Ugliest Cars of All Time

Italy is known for its stylish cars, but the Fiat Multipla remains an unfortunate exception. Debuting in 1998, this MPV looks like two cars stacked on top of each other. Its awkward, bulbous front end and peculiar roofline turn it into an eyesore. Despite its aesthetic failings, the Multipla offered a highly practical vehicle with a spacious interior and versatile seating arrangements. Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear fame gave it plenty of airtime, praising its functionality. but even he couldn’t ignore its unfortunate looks. Without a doubt, the Multipla belongs on any list of the ugliest cars of all time.

2. Nissan S-Cargo: Quirky Yet One of the Ugliest Cars of All Time

As part of Nissan’s Pike Factory series, the Nissan S-Cargo aimed to create unique, retro-inspired designs. Unfortunately, this snail-shaped van ended up more laughable than stylish. The name played on the French word “escargot,” while the van itself looked like a comical interpretation of a classic delivery vehicle. It sold relatively well in Japan but failed to gain traction elsewhere, leaving it as a symbol of quirky but ultimately failed automotive design.

3. SsangYong Rodius: How It Earned a Spot Among the Ugliest Cars of All Time

If any car screams “design by committee,” it’s the SsangYong Rodius. This MPV from South Korea aimed to capture the essence of a luxury yacht but failed spectacularly. Critics compared the Rodius to a “collapsing bus shelter” and a “surprised hippopotamus,” and with good reason. Its slab-sided exterior, peculiar rear window, and disjointed front end made it a disaster from nearly every angle. Despite these issues, the Rodius enjoyed a surprisingly long production run before being replaced by the slightly better looking SsangYong Turismo.

4. Chrysler PT Cruiser: A Retro-Inspired Disaster

In the early 2000s, Chrysler tried to revive the retro car trend with the PT Cruiser. This hot rod-inspired compact car blended MPV and sedan elements, but its oversized front grilles and strange curves never quite worked together. Chrysler made things worse by releasing a convertible version that, if anything, looked even more awkward. Despite its unattractive design, the PT Cruiser sold well, with over a million units leaving the lot. It was unmistakable. Just not for the right reasons.

5. Nissan Cube: Boxy Design at Its Worst

The Nissan Cube embraced boxy design to an extreme. While the first generation was relatively mild, later models pushed the design to bizarre levels. Its asymmetrical rear window and oddly small lights gave the Cube the appearance of a concept car that accidentally made it into production. The Cube was practical and spacious, especially for families, but its commitment to the ‘cube’ aesthetic earned it a spot on the list of the ugliest cars of all time.

6. Pontiac Aztek: Another of the Ugliest Cars of All Time

The Pontiac Aztek stands out as a prime contender for the ugliest car of all time. Introduced in 2000, this midsize crossover featured a design that confused and polarized many. With its odd proportions, chunky cladding, and strange, asymmetrical lines, the Aztek quickly became a poster child for bad design. Its boxy frame and awkward stance didn’t help its case, though it gained a resurgence of attention thanks to its role in the hit TV show Breaking Bad. Despite this, many owners appreciated the Aztek’s spacious interior and practicality. Still, most people would agree—it’s one of the ugliest cars ever made.

7. Plymouth Prowler: Hot Rod Styling Gone Wrong

The Plymouth Prowler attempted to bring hot rod styling into the modern era, but it ended up as one of the ugliest cars ever. Introduced in the late 1990s, this car featured open front wheels, swooping fenders, and a retro-futuristic design that didn’t quite fit the times. The front bumper, added to meet safety regulations, only worsened the car’s lines. To top it off, the Prowler came with a lackluster V6 engine, falling far short of the V8 muscle typically associated with hot rods.

8. Chevrolet SSR: A Pickup Truck Disaster

The Chevrolet SSR tried to blend a pickup truck with a convertible roadster, resulting in a design disaster. Its overly bubbly form, odd proportions, and mix of shapes made it one of the ugliest pickups ever created. While Chevy attempted to salvage the SSR by adding a powerful LS2 V8 engine in 2005, the car’s looks were too far gone. The SSR lasted only three years on the market, cementing its legacy as one of Chevrolet’s biggest design failures.

9. Ford Scorpio MkII: The Frog-Like Car

The Ford Scorpio MkII’s styling misfired from the moment it was released in 1994. Its wide, frog-like front grille and plump rear made the car a laughingstock among critics and customers alike. Even after a mid-life refresh, it remained one of Ford’s most unattractive vehicles. Despite its solid mechanical foundation, the Scorpio’s grotesque appearance earned it a spot as one of the ugliest cars of all time.

10. Tesla Cybertruck: Futuristic, But One of the Ugliest Cars of All Time

Finally, the Tesla Cybertruck sparked heated debates across car forums and social media. Its futuristic design, featuring sharp angles and flat surfaces, divided opinions. While some appreciated its minimalism, others saw it as a design failure. Manufacturing issues related to the Cybertruck’s angular design only compounded its problems. Love it or hate it, the Cybertruck’s unconventional look secures its place among the ugliest cars of all time.

These cars, ranging from retro-inspired to futuristic, share one unfortunate trait: they rank as some of the ugliest cars ever produced. While a few managed to build loyal fan bases, most received universal criticism for their bizarre designs. Whether it’s the Pontiac Aztek’s boxy catastrophe or the SsangYong Rodius’ failed yacht inspiration, these cars prove that beauty isn’t always in the eye of the beholder when it comes to car design.