When it comes to cars, there are a few that stand out as classics, beloved by just about everyone, “car person” or not. When we think of these popular favorites, Mustangs, Camaros, Jeeps, and vintage Chevys come to mind, but personal favorites, of course, vary widely. On the other hand, there are plenty of vehicles that are universally accepted as something a little less glamorous: the ugly cars.
By the way: we can help you ship anything big, bulky, heavy, or awkward anywhere in the country!
The angular, the bubble-shaped, the failed vintage throwback, the lack of identity (is it a truck or a car?) – all common elements of these tragically ill-received vehicles. It’s remarkable that while we might not all agree on the best cars ever, there are certain rides we all know to be – ugly. Without further ado, here is our list of the ugliest cars of all time:
1. The Tesla Cybertruck
Since its release in late 2023, the Cybertruck has only solidified its position as one of the most polarizing vehicles ever made. While early critics hoped the production version might soften its angular design, Tesla stayed true to the original concept. Despite its impressive capabilities and unique features like the ultra-hard stainless steel body, its dystopian aesthetic remains divisive. The $80k starting price hasn’t helped its case either.
2. PT Cruiser
Time hasn’t been kind to Chrysler’s attempt at retro styling. Though production ended in 2010, the PT Cruiser remains notorious for its confused identity. What started as a novel idea – bringing 1930s styling to modern cars – resulted in what many consider an automotive design disaster. Today, they’ve become somewhat of an ironic collector’s item, especially the rare wood-paneled editions. For the curious, “PT” still stands for “Personal Transportation,” though many owners have their own colorful interpretations.
3. Chevy SSR
This short-lived experiment (2003-2006) tried to combine a pickup truck, sports car, and convertible into one vehicle. With prices of used SSRs now climbing due to their rarity, it’s worth remembering why they’re so scarce: nobody wanted them new. The retro-styled truck remains a testament to why some automotive segments should stay separate.
4. Pontiac Aztek
The Aztek’s legacy has evolved slightly thanks to its starring role in Breaking Bad, but it’s still considered one of history’s biggest automotive design failures. While some modern crossovers have similar proportions, none quite match the Aztek’s unique blend of confused styling elements. Ironically, its practical features (like the built-in tent option) were ahead of their time – if only they’d been wrapped in a more appealing package.
5. Subaru Brat
The BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) represents a fascinating chapter in automotive history. While modern car-based pickups like the Hyundai Santa Cruz have found success, the BRAT’s awkward proportions and peculiar design choices keep it firmly in the “what were they thinking?” category. Those rear-facing jump seats would never pass safety standards today.
6. Kia Soul
The Soul continues to sell well despite (or perhaps because of) its polarizing design. While newer models have received styling updates, the basic boxy shape remains. Those hamster commercials might be gone, but the Soul’s reputation for quirky styling lives on. It’s found its niche as a practical, affordable vehicle for those who embrace its unconventional looks.
7. Nissan Cube
The Cube took the “box on wheels” concept to its logical extreme. While it’s no longer sold in most markets, surviving examples continue to turn heads – though not always for the right reasons. Its asymmetrical rear window design and rippled headliner remain unique features in automotive design, for better or worse.
8. Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet
This convertible crossover experiment has aged into something of a collector’s item, with clean examples now commanding surprising prices. While the regular Murano continues as a successful crossover, the CrossCabriolet stands as a reminder that not every automotive segment needs a convertible variant.
9. Suzuki X90
The X-90’s rarity has made it a cult classic, with prices for well-preserved examples reaching surprising levels. This tiny two-seat SUV with removable T-tops represents a segment that thankfully never caught on. Its brief production run (1995-1997) means finding one today is a challenge, though some might consider that a blessing.
10. Ford Mustang 2
The Mustang II remains a black sheep in Mustang history. Born during the oil crisis, it represented a dramatic departure from the muscle car era. While modern Mustangs have reclaimed their performance heritage, the Mustang II serves as a reminder of how even iconic nameplates can lose their way.
Ugly Cars — Less is More
These vehicles prove that automotive design is subjective and often controversial. While they might not win beauty contests, each has contributed something unique to automotive history – even if that contribution is showing us what not to do. In an era of increasingly bold automotive designs, these cars remind us that sometimes, less is more.
Got an ugly car to sell?
Ship it wherever with affordable, instant car shipping rates with uShip.
