When it comes to talking about the most beautiful cars in history, names immediately pop up Ferrari 250 GTO, Jaguar E-Type or Bugatti Veyron. But what if we asked the opposite question: which cars are considered the most ugly? It turns out that the automotive industry has its own anti-heroes - models that shocked the public with their design, became objects of ridicule and at the same time... went down in history as unique artifacts of the automotive industry.
In this article we will not just list 10 most unaesthetic cars of all time, but we’ll also figure out why their appearance caused such a resonance. You'll learn about the technical features of these cars, their fate on the market, and how some of them suddenly became iconic among collectors. Are you ready to look at automotive design from an unexpected perspective?
1. Fiat Multipla (1998–2010): when practicality kills aesthetics
If there was a competition for the most conceptually weird family car, Fiat Multipla would unconditionally take first place. This car has become a symbol of how the pursuit of maximum practicality can completely destroy visual appeal. Designers Fiat set themselves the task of creating a compact six-seater car - and achieved their goal, but at what cost!
The model received two-row seat layout (2+2+2), which made it possible to accommodate six passengers in the area of a standard hatchback. However, to do this it was necessary to radically increase the height of the body and move the windshield almost vertically. As a result Multipla it looks as if it was flattened at the top and then stretched out wide. Magazine Top Gear called this car "the ugliest production car in history".
- 🔧 Engine: from 1.2 l (60 hp) to 1.9 l (115 hp)
- 📏 Dimensions: 3970×1820×1650 mm (height like a minibus!)
- 💰 Resale price (2026): from 150,000 to 400,000 rubles.
- 🎯 Unique feature: The front passenger seat could be rotated 180° to communicate with rear passengers
⚠️ Attention: Despite appearances, Fiat Multipla had excellent handling due to the low center of gravity (the engine was located under the floor). This is one of the few "ugly" cars that drives really well.
2. Pontiac Aztek (2001–2005): the failure that predicted the future of crossovers
Pontiac Aztek often called biggest failure General Motors early 2000s. This car became so unpopular that its sales collapsed within a year of its debut. But the paradox is that Aztek ahead of his time: today he is considered the progenitor of modern crossovers.
The designers tried to combine features in one car SUV, minivan and sports car. Result? Aggressive angular shapes, plastic cladding all over the body (including the hood!), and a rear end reminiscent of alien ship. Even the name "Aztek"(in honor of the ancient civilization) did not save the model from the nickname"Aztec Nightmare".
| Characteristics | Pontiac Aztek | Modern analogue (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Body type | Crossover (before the term "crossover") | Toyota RAV4 |
| Engine | 3.4 L V6 (185 hp) | 2.5 l hybrid (219 hp) |
| Fuel consumption | 14 l/100 km | 5.5 l/100 km |
| Release price | $22 000 | $30 000 |
Interesting fact: Pontiac Aztek became a cult thanks to the series "Breaking Bad", where the main character drove this particular car. Today, collectors are willing to pay for well-preserved specimens up to $10,000 - 2-3 times more than when selling new ones!
If you are looking for an inexpensive tuning project, Pontiac Aztek could be a unique find. Its angular body suits the style perfectly"cyberpunk" or "madonna".
3. Nissan Juke (2010–2019): when a “design experiment” goes into production
If Pontiac Aztek was a failure then Nissan Juke is an example of how ugly design can become commercially successful. This compact crossover sold more than 100,000 units a year, despite its appearance being compared to frog, bulldog and even alien.
The main "highlights" of the design Juke:
- 👀 Headlights-"eyes": round headlight units built into the hood create the effect of a “surprised look”
- 🗡️ Sharp body lines: side “folds” make the car visually narrower than it is
- 🚗 Rear: the short overhang and huge rear lights are reminiscent of Toyota Prius, but in a more aggressive performance
Paradoxically, it was this design that made Juke recognizable. Many owners say: "Not everyone likes it - that means it's stylish". Released in 2020 Nissan Juke second generation, which became a little less eccentric, but still retained its signature “zest”.
Why is Nissan Juke so popular in Russia?
In Russia Nissan Juke became a hit thanks to the combination of compact size (convenient in the city), high ground clearance (200 mm) and inexpensive maintenance. In addition, its unusual design attracted young buyers who wanted to stand out from the monotonous sedans and hatchbacks.
4. BMW i3 (2013–2022): environmental friendliness vs. aesthetics
BMW i3 is an example of how the desire to innovate can lead to radical rejection of traditional beauty. This electric car became the first production car with a body made of carbon fiber, but its design divided society into two camps: some see it futuristic art, others - mobile refrigerator.
What is so shocking about appearance? i3?
- 🚪 Lack of B-pillar: the rear doors open "against the direction" (as in Mazda RX-8), but it looks awkward
- 🔲 Angular shapes: the body seems to be assembled from geometric shapes without smooth transitions
- 🔋 Black "step": the lower part of the body is painted black, which visually “cuts” the car in half
⚠️ Attention: Despite the controversial design, BMW i3 remains one of the most reliable electric vehicles on the secondary market. Its batteries only lose ~2% capacity per year, which is better than many competitors.
I wonder what BMW never tried to hide the unusual design i3. On the contrary, the company positioned it as "a car for those who are not afraid to stand out". And it worked: over 9 years of production, more than 250,000 copies.
5. SsangYong Rodius (2004–2013): when “big” does not equal “beautiful”
Korean brand SsangYong has never been known for its exquisite design, but Rodius became the pinnacle of their “creativity.” This huge minivan looks like it was assembled from parts from three different cars: the front from Mercedes, mid from minibus, and the back - from ship.
The main "complaints" about the design:
- 👹 Front: the massive radiator grille with chrome inserts looks like a “shark smile”
- 📐 Proportions: Too long a hood and a short stern create an imbalance
- 🪟 Side windows: small and narrow, like an armored car
Despite appearances Rodius was incredibly spacious inside: it could comfortably accommodate 7–9 passengers. In some countries (for example, in the UK) it was even used as taxi for large companies. Today Rodius has become a rarity, but in Russia you can still find copies at a price from 600,000 rub.
☑️ What to check when buying a SsangYong Rodius?
6. Suzuki X-90 (1996–1997): when an attempt to surprise turns into failure
Suzuki X-90 - this is a rare case when a car was so unsuccessful that it was discontinued already in a year. This compact SUV tried to combine features convertible and jeep, but as a result received the nickname "ugly mutant".
What went wrong?
- ✂️ No rear doors: to sit in the back seat, you had to recline the front seat - extremely inconvenient
- 🏗️ Body: the short wheelbase and high ground clearance made the car visually “clumsy”
- 💨 Aerodynamics: at speeds above 100 km/h the cabin became very noisy
Today Suzuki X-90 - this is collector's rarity. There are fewer than 2,000 copies left in the world, and some are sold at auction for $15 000–$20 000 - 5-6 times more expensive than the original price!
7. Renault Avantime (2001–2003): luxury monster or ingenious solution?
Renault Avantime is an example of how an attempt to create a premium car could turn out to be a complete fiasco. This “coupe-minivan” (yes, such a class existed!) tried to combine luxury Mercedes and practicality Volkswagen Multivan, but as a result received the nickname "duck nose".
What does Avantime so unusual?
- 🦆 Front: long hood with a rounded “beak” resembles a duck
- 🚪 Doors: huge doors without a center pillar (as in Mazda RX-8), but in the back of a minivan it looks strange
- 💎 Interior: leather seats, wood, chrome - but all this in a minivan!
Avantime equipped 3.0 liter V6 (210 hp) and all-wheel drive, but even this did not save the model from failure. Only sold in 2 years 8,500 copies - with a planned 20,000 per year. Today this car is a desirable item for collectors, especially in the original configuration.
Renault Avantime was ahead of its time: today many premium brands (for example, Mercedes with the model CLS Shooting Brake) are trying to combine different classes of cars. But in 2001, the world was simply not ready for such an experiment.
Why do "ugly" cars become iconic?
The paradox of the automobile industry: many cars that were considered the ugliest, over time become collectibles. Why is this happening?
Here are some reasons:
- 🕰️ Nostalgia: after 10–20 years, even strange designs begin to be associated with a certain era
- 🎨 Uniqueness: if a car is produced in a small quantity, it automatically becomes a rarity
- 💡 Innovation: many "ugly" cars were ahead of their time (eg. Pontiac Aztek and crossovers)
- 🤑 Speculation: collectors are willing to pay top dollar for what was once considered a failure
Example: Fiat Multipla is currently being sold at auction for $15 000–$25 000, although new copies cost only $20,000. A Pontiac Aztek in perfect condition can reach a price of $30 000!
So, if you come across one of these cars, don't be so quick to laugh - perhaps in a couple of decades it will become rarity.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about "ugly" cars
🔍 Why do car companies produce such ugly cars?
This usually happens for three reasons:
- Experiment with design — companies are trying to stand out from their competitors (example: Nissan Juke).
- Pursuit of practicality - when functionality is more important than appearance (Fiat Multipla).
- Marketing Mistakes - sometimes companies simply misjudge customer tastes (Pontiac Aztek).
Interestingly, many of these cars become iconic over time precisely because of their unusual nature.
💰 Is it possible to make money by buying and selling “ugly” cars?
Yes, but to do this you need to understand the market. Here are some tips:
- 📈 Look for models with limited edition (for example, Suzuki X-90).
- 🔧 Check the technical condition - many “ugly” cars were unsuccessful due to reliability.
- 🌍 Keep an eye on foreign auctions: in Europe and the USA, such cars are valued higher.
- 📊 Analyze price dynamics: if a car starts to increase in price, it may be time to invest.
Example: Renault Avantime in 2010 it cost ~$5,000, and today its price starts at $15,000.
🚗Which of these cars is the rarest to date?
The rarest of the listed models is Suzuki X-90. In total, about 6,000 copies were produced, and today no more than 1,000–1,500 cars remain in good condition. Most of them are located in the USA and Japan.
If you manage to find X-90 in the original configuration (especially with automatic transmission), this could be a great find for a collector.
🎨 Are there any “ugly” cars that are considered beautiful today?
Yes, the perception of design changes over time. For example:
- Citroën DS (1955) - upon release, many considered it strange, today it is masterpiece of auto design.
- BMW Z1 (1989) - unusual doors and angular body were first criticized, now it is rarity.
- Nissan Juke (2010) - many have become accustomed to his appearance, and today he looks less shocking.
Perhaps in 20 years Fiat Multipla or Pontiac Aztek will also be perceived differently!
🔧 Is it possible to improve the appearance of these cars with tuning?
Yes, but the approach must be careful. Here are some ideas:
- For Pontiac Aztek: removing the plastic trim and painting it a solid color makes it less aggressive.
- For Nissan Juke: installation of body kit in style
Nismogives a sporty look. - For Fiat Multipla: darkening the windows and tinting the headlights helps smooth out the strange proportions.
⚠️ Attention: some machines (for example, SsangYong Rodius) have such a unique design that tuning can only worsen the situation. In such cases, it is better to remain original.