Beauty is a subjective concept, but when it comes to cars, even the most loyal connoisseurs of unusual shapes sometimes grab their heads. Some cars literally challenge aesthetics, making you wonder: "Who approved this?!". The reasons for the appearance of such “masterpieces” vary: from bold experiments by designers to attempts to reduce the cost of production or surprise the public at any cost.
In this article we will look at 10 ugliest cars in history, which became a meme, an object of ridicule and... paradoxically, a cult among collectors. You'll learn why they were created, who bought them, and how they influenced the auto industry. Spoiler: some of them are still driving on the roads!
But before we get into the rankings, let's be honest: ugliness is not always failure. Some of these cars turned out to be surprisingly practical, others became a symbol of the era, and others... well, at least they were remembered. As they say, "bad PR is also PR".
1. FIAT Multipla (1998–2010) - king of strange proportions
If there was a competition "The ugliest car in the world", FIAT Multipla would easily take the prize. This compact van looks like it was flattened with a press and then stretched wide. Two rows of seats in the front, huge “eye” headlights and a general lack of harmony in proportions make it look like an alien vehicle.
But the paradox: Multipla was incredibly practical. It could accommodate 6 passengers, and the trunk turned into a cargo compartment when the seats were folded. The designer was Roberto Giolittiwhichlater admitted that he wanted to create "a car for the family, not for beauty". The mission is accomplished - there is no beauty, but there is more than enough functionality.
- 🔹 Main design point: the front end looks like two separate cars glued together.
- 🔹 Unexpected plus: in 2004 Multipla received an award "The safest family car" from Euro NCAP.
- 🔹 Price today: from €1,500 to €5,000 - collectors buy it as a curiosity.
Fun fact: in 2014 FIAT released a concept Multipla second generation, which already looked normal. But it was too late - the reputation of a “freak” was cemented forever.
Why does Multipla look so strange?
Italian designers wanted to maximize interior space without increasing the size of the car. Therefore, they “moved” the front axle forward and made the cabin almost flat. The result is a two-car-in-one effect - as if the front was glued to the back.
2. Pontiac Aztek (2001–2005) - when marketing defeats common sense
Pontiac Aztek - this is a rare case when the car became so uglythat she will be remembered forever. Designers General Motors tried to create "a sports crossover for an active lifestyle", but it turned out to be a hybrid of an SUV, a minivan and... something else. Plastic trim, aggressive lines, van rear end - did all this Aztek looks like a post-apocalypse vehicle.
The irony of fate: despite its appearance, the car was technically advanced. First appeared in it OnStar systems (predecessor of modern telematics), as well as the option heated seats and steering wheel. But even that didn't save Aztek from failure - in 4 years they sold everything 115,000 copies.
⚠️ Attention: If you see Pontiac Aztek on the road today, there's a good chance it's a collector's item. Owners of such cars often become local celebrities - the car attracts so much attention.
- 🚗 Engine: 3.4L V6 (185 hp) - not weak, but not sporty either.
- 💰 Cost of a new one (2001): ~$22,000 is expensive for such a design.
- 🎬 Cult fact: Aztek became a machine Walter White in the series "Breaking Bad" - this saved the model from complete oblivion.
3. Nissan Cube (1998–2014) - box on wheels
Nissan Cube looks like someone took a regular hatchback and squeezed it in a cube press. Asymmetrical rear windows, a flat front end and a complete lack of dynamics make it look like mobile refrigerator. But, as is the case with Multipla, behind a strange appearance was hiding thoughtful ergonomics.
Inside Cube was more spacious than many competitors, and asymmetrical rear door (opening 180°) made loading convenient. In Japan, the car was even a success - they value practicality over beauty. But in the USA and Europe Cube sold poorly, despite the 2008 restyling.
| Model | Years of production | The strangest detail | Price today (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIAT Multipla | 1998–2010 | Two rows of seats in front | $1 500–$5 000 |
| Pontiac Aztek | 2001–2005 | The rear is like a van. | $3 000–$8 000 |
| Nissan Cube | 1998–2014 | Asymmetrical rear windows | $4 000–$10 000 |
| SsangYong Rodius | 2004–2013 | Whale-like front | $2 000–$6 000 |
4. SsangYong Rodius (2004–2013) — “a whale on wheels”
Korean SsangYong Rodius - this is the automotive equivalent of a narwhal whale. Its huge front end with a massive bumper and tiny head optics looks as if the car is floating on the road rather than driving. The designers clearly overdid it "muscular" style, the result is a car that can hardly be called beautiful.
But, like many in this rating, Rodius was incredibly spacious. It fit 7–9 passengers, and the trunk could rival minibuses. In some countries (for example, in the UK) it was even used as taxi for large companies.
⚠️ Attention: If you are planning to buy Rodius used, check the suspension - due to its heavy weight it often fails.
Interestingly, in 2013 SsangYong released a successor - Rodius second generation, which already looked normal. But the first one remained in history as one of the most ridiculous minivans.
5. AMC Pacer (1975–1980) - "bubble on wheels"
AMC Pacer - this is American response to the 1970s oil crisis. The designers wanted to create compact, economical car, but ended up with a car that looks like aquarium on wheels. Huge glass (glazing area - 37% of the total body surface!) made the interior light, but also turned the driver into "fish in a jar".
In addition, Pacer was wider than many full-size sedans of the era, which made it difficult to park. And the engines (from 2.0L to 4.2L) were weak and voracious. Despite this, the car became iconic — she was adored by hippies and lovers of unusual cars.
- 🔋 Fuel: consumed up to 15 l/100 km - not very economical for a “compact”.
- 🎨 Designer: Richard Teague, later worked on Ford Mustang.
- 📺 In pop culture: Pacer appeared in films "Wayne and Garth" and TV series "Twin Peaks".
If you are looking for a vintage car with character, AMC Pacer can be found for between $5,000 and $15,000. But be prepared for high fuel and parts costs—many parts are no longer in production.
6. Citroën Ami 6 (1961–1969) - "upside down bathtub"
The French have always been famous avant-garde design, but Citroën Ami 6 crossed all boundaries. His Reverse sloped rear (as if the car is going backwards) and flat side panels made him look like mobile laundry. At the same time Ami 6 was the first production car with a hatchback body - revolutionary for its time.
Despite the strange appearance, the car was reliable and economical. The two-cylinder air-cooled engine (602 cm³) accelerated it to 105 km/h at a flow rate of 5 l/100 km. In France Ami 6 sold well - it was bought as first family car.
Today is original Citroën Ami 6 in good condition it can cost up to €20,000 - collectors value it for its historical significance rather than its beauty.
7. Trabant 601 (1964–1990) - symbol of ugliness and nostalgia
Trabant 601 — it’s not just an ugly car, it’s symbol of the era. Made in the GDR from plastic and cardboard (literally - the body was made of duroplast, reinforced with cotton fibers), it looked like toy car, enlarged to real size. Two-stroke engine (26 hp) sounded like chainsaw, and the smoke from the exhaust pipe could rival that of a steam locomotive.
But despite all the shortcomings, the Trabant was the dream of millions of residents of socialist countries. They were waiting for him 10–15 years in line, and when they finally received it, they were proud, as if it were Mercedes. Today Trabant became iconic retro carand his ugliness turned into nostalgic charm.
- ⚡ Engine: 0.6L, 26 hp - less than some motorcycles.
- 🚬 Ecology: the exhaust was so toxic that the EU would have banned it outright.
- 💶 Price today: from €3,000 to €15,000 – depending on condition and nostalgic value.
Why do ugly cars become iconic?
Paradox: many of the listed cars, despite disgusting design, steel collectibles. Why?
1. Nostalgia effect - people buy them as symbol of time (for example, Trabant or AMC Pacer).
2. Uniqueness — there are almost no of them left on the roads, so they attract attention.
3. Practicality - some (like FIAT Multipla) were incredibly comfortable inside.
4. Meme culture - in the age of the Internet, ugly cars become viral characters.
In addition, many of these cars cheaper to maintainthan modern cars - there are no complex electronics, and spare parts (albeit rare) often cost pennies.
Ugly cars are often better investments than beautiful but ordinary cars. Their price increases due to rarity and cultural value, not due to technical characteristics.
FAQ: Questions about the ugliest cars
🔹 Why did manufacturers produce such ugly cars?
The reasons are different:
- 💡 Experimenting with design (for example, Citroën Ami 6).
- 💰 Cheaper production (for example, Trabant).
- 🚗 Trying to stand out in the market (for example, Pontiac Aztek).
- 👨👩👧👦 Maximum practicality (for example, FIAT Multipla).
Often designers took risks, knowing that the car would not be beautiful, but it would be memorable.
🔹Which of these cars is the rarest today?
AMC Pacer and Pontiac Aztek are the least common - most were written off or sent to a landfill. Trabant, on the contrary, can still be found in Eastern Europe, especially in Germany.
🔹 Is it possible to drive such a car today?
Yes, but there are nuances:
- ✅ FIAT Multipla, Nissan Cube - There are no problems if the car is in good condition.
- ⚠️ Trabant, AMC Pacer — there may be problems with environmental regulations (they cannot be registered in the EU).
- 💸 Pontiac Aztek — spare parts are expensive, since the model was discontinued a long time ago.
It is best to buy cars such as second car for collection, not for daily travel.
🔹 How much does the ugliest car in the world cost?
Prices vary greatly:
- 💰 Trabant 601 – from €3,000 to €15,000.
- 💰 FIAT Multipla – from €1,500 to €5,000.
- 💰 Pontiac Aztek — from $3,000 to $8,000.
- 💰 Citroën Ami 6 - up to €20,000 (rare specimens).
The most expensive ones are those that have become iconic in pop culture (for example, Aztek from "Breaking Bad")
🔹Where can you buy such a car?
Main sites:
- 🌍 eBay (international sales).
- 🇺🇸 Craigslist (USA).
- 🇩🇪 Mobile.de (Germany, many Trabant).
- 🇷🇺 Avto.ru and Drome (sometimes you come across Multipla or Cube).
Tip: Check before purchasing car history - many copies are in poor condition.