ADVERTISEMENT

Automotive design is a long and tedious process with many steps such as creating a life-size clay model of the prototype. And though the cars are getting sleeker and their design is almost as important as reliability and functionality, there were and still are many flukes that shouldn't have hit the road or seen the light of day.

Any new car starts its life as a sketch and later as a prototype - if it gets confirmed, it goes to the production line. But some of these thoroughly ugly cars somehow skipped the approval of executives and made their way onto the streets, much to our dismay now. Some of these designs could be considered a bold step ahead in the automotive industry, while others look as though the designer just didn't give a hoot about the outcome. Cars that remind us of a boxy drawing by a six-year-old, cars that seem to have no lines or too many of them, and even curiosities such as three-wheelers have made it into our list of vehicles that are so ugly, they've reached sort of a cult status by now.

From Fiat Multipla to Rolls Royce Phantom, we didn't spare any of these monstrosities and put them into our glorious list of objects d'art. Scroll down below to check them out, don't forget to vote for the ugliest, and tell us what you think in the comments!

#1

Dodge A100 Pickup

Dodge A100 Pickup

The flat-nosed, ever-surprised Dodge A100 was a range of compact vans and trucks that arguably was just too weird to gain enough popularity in its six years of production 

CZmarlin Report

RELATED:
    #2

    Fiat Multipla

    Fiat Multipla

    Named a Psychotic Cartoon Duck, this masterpiece has been produced by an Italian company called Fiat. And though buyers enjoyed the roomy interior, the sneers and laughs from beholders of the Multipla's exterior didn't help with the sales. This absolutely unique car was even displayed at the Modern Art Museum (MOMA) in New York as a design exhibit 

    www.motor1.com Report

    #3

    Nissan S-Cargo

    Nissan S-Cargo

    The name of this overly cute retro car is actually a double entendre, standing for 'Small Cargo' but sounding similar to 'escargot' which means a snail in French. We think it looks more like a Pope-mobile on steroids 

    Koyata Iwasaki Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    캉 홍빈
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel a bit embarrassed, some of the cars on the list look like cars I'd buy😅

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    Bond Bug

    Bond Bug

    Though the Bond Bug looks like a three-wheeled carrot, it was known as a relatively fun car to drive that managed to reach the speed of 122 km/h. Yet, we are not sure if it's a good idea to zoom around at such speeds in a car that has a missing wheel. The Bug was quite a popular car at its time, but being sold for the same prices as more practical cars, it soon fell into demise 

    Mick Report

    #5

    Reliant Robin

    Reliant Robin

    Lovingly nicknamed as the "Plastic Pig" by the British for its distinctive shape and fiberglass body, this ugly three-wheeler is an absolute comedy gag classic 

    Barracuda Report

    #6

    Sebring Vanguard CitiCar

    Sebring Vanguard CitiCar

    Though the idea of electricity powered CitiCar seemed like a good one, its coal cart design didn't make the right impression to buyers

    www.motor1.com Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Alexandru Bucur
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Heh. Inventor, Youtuber and self-styled "queen of s****y robots" Simone Giertz has a yellow one which she nicknamed "Cheese Louise" because it's resemblance to a piece of cheese. She once turned it into a car-sized computer mouse.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #7

    Nissan Cube

    Nissan Cube

    Though the Cube has won several nominations for its design and has been named a top vehicle pick for dog owners, we aren't convinced that it wasn't made from a sketch by a six-year-old 

    wheelsage.org Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Marcellus the Third
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Especially popular with minecraft-obsessed owners; their cube-shaped dogs and kids and luggage fits perfectly.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #8

    AMC Pacer

    AMC Pacer

    Compared to a vehicle from The Jetsons cartoon and dubbed 'The Flying Fishbowl' the Pacer is truly a 70s design icon 

    Charles01 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ƒιѕн
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The AMC Pacer is a two-door compact car produced in the United States by the American Motors Corporation from 1975 to 1979, sold out in 1980.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Citroën Ami 6

    Citroën Ami 6

    Incredibly enough, this mish-mash of a car was once the best-selling new car model in France. We, on the other hand, aren't sure how you were supposed to change the rear tires or open the melted hood 

    wheels.ae Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Dirk Zooks
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As the Citroën Ami 6 / 8 and the Citroën Dynam (Ami 6 in Spain) are based on the 2CV, changing wheels and opening the hood is very easy ... when opened, there is much more space to work then in todays cars. Opened hood looks like this: 57-29-1599...1066-1.jpg 57-29-1599x1066-1.jpg and a 2CV prepared for changing the wheel looks like this: 2cv_wartun...005g-1.jpg 2cv_wartung005g-1.jpg no fuss

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #10

    Corbin Sparrow

    Corbin Sparrow

    The Sparrow, also known as the Jelly Bean and Pizza Butt is one passenger, electric battery-powered city car. We truly think its sole purpose is to make your teenage kid feel even more ashamed of you 

    Alfvanbeem Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Foxxy
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw a guy drive one of these and whilst they are ugly, it was also adorable because it is so small.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #11

    Suzuki X-90

    Suzuki X-90

    Suzuki X-90 is probably the only car that looks better with a huge can of Red Bull fixed on its trunk

    MNXA Report

    #12

    Lightburn Zeta

    Lightburn Zeta

    Lightburn was an Australian company that produced cement mixers and washing machines. In popular opinion, they should've stayed away from the automotive industry. But they didn't, and now we have this charming little nonsense in our list 

    carmrades-blog.com Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    캉 홍빈
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really? I think this car is good for when you have a lot of groceries or go on a trip. Personally I'd buy it but not for a leisure stroll around the city y'know. Maybe I'm just not "fashion savvy" with cars?🤔

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #13

    Talbot-Matra Rancho

    Talbot-Matra Rancho

    The Rancho was a French effort to jump into the off-road trend. This boxy vehicle was made almost entirely out of fiberglass and polyester which gave it the 'off-road' look for a lesser price. Interestingly enough, after some facelifting, it became the legendary van called Renault Espace 

    Александр К. Report

    #14

    Lightburn Zeta Sports

    Lightburn Zeta Sports

    Another masterpiece by an Australian washing machine and cement mixer company Lightburn

    carmrades-blog.com Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #15

    Aston Martin Lagonda Shooting-Brake

    Aston Martin Lagonda Shooting-Brake

    The Shooting-brake car body style originated in the 1890s as a wagon used to transport shooting parties. We can't imagine anyone sitting with a double-barrel in this Lagonda's boot, but we can see it being used as a doorstop or for splitting logs

    exc911ence Report

    #16

    Marcos Mantis

    Marcos Mantis

    Though luxurious, powerful, and relatively cheap, this British Mantis had no success in the market with only 32 cars of the first generation sold. Maybe it was just too beautiful for the classy British people

    RETROCK Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mindy Megas-Loucks
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it were a person, it would have buck teeth that no amount of orthodontics could correct.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #17

    Bufori Geneva

    Bufori Geneva

    Even though this car can accommodate a cigar humidor, a Chinese tea set, and its back seats have a pneumatic massage device, the Geneva still looks like a very well fattened-up pig 

    El Monty Report

    #18

    Mitsuoka Orochi

    Mitsuoka Orochi

    Labeled as a "fashion supercar" the Orochi and its many Anime-inspired editions deserves a proud place in this list of ugly cars 

    TTTNIS Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Hard 2 Guess
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope looks pretty, if I had means and don't require practical car I'd buy it.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #19

    Chrysler PT Cruiser

    Chrysler PT Cruiser

    Though the PT Cruiser is known to be a very satisfying drive, we think that the designers should steer clear away from the 30s inspirations as it never really works 

    Juliano Scotini Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sara MacFarland
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bought a PT Cruiser in 2003...I think that was the first year they were out. I'm still driving it today...'Henrietta' (when you've driven the same car for 16 years, it has earned a name) has been reliable and runs economically. She has just about 77,000 miles on her--the frame around my license says 'Go Granny, Go Granny, Go Granny, Go'. I didn't know when I bought the car that it would be my last car, but at 72, I know I won't be driving much longer. I've promised to donate Henrietta to an animal rescue organization which, I anticipate, will put her to good use.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #20

    Plymouth Prowler

    Plymouth Prowler

    Hot-rod inspired Prowler was supposed to be an everyday use-type of car. Thankfully, this masterpiece wasn't as successful as expected, and we don't have to see it prowling the streets on a daily basis 

    Ildar Sagdejev Report

    #21

    Volkswagen 181

    Volkswagen 181

    Commonly known as 'The Thing' this Volkswagen was mainly used for NATO military purposes. Due to its low safety standards, The Thing was sold in the US only for couple short years  

    Mr.White Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kusotare
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The accompanying caption is wrong. VW sold The Thing/Safari/Type 181 in the US in the early '70s.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #22

    Lamborghini LM002

    Lamborghini LM002

    Amazingly powerful, the LM002 was favorited by the rich of the Arabian Emirates as a desert plaything. We think it looks like someone with repressed anger issues designed it 

    wheelsage.org Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Victor Botha
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awesome piece of machinery, V12 power plant, luxurious comfortable seating for 4 plus a load bed, pity about the eye watering price and high maintenance. Used by Italian forces during Desert Storm very successfully.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #23

    Honda Insight

    Honda Insight

    The first generation Honda Insight is still ranked as one of the most fuel-efficient gasoline engine cars ever produced. The efficiency probably has to do with its uber-aerodynamic body that to this day manages to raise some brows with its weirdness

    Aleksey Report

    #24

    Jensen S-V8

    Jensen S-V8

    Another fluke by the British automotive industry - The Jensen and its cartoon-like design was never meant to be popular

    Hilton & Moss Report

    #25

    Pontiac Fiero

    Pontiac Fiero

    Nothing screams 'The 80s' louder than the design of this Pontiac. Though the model has been met quite badly with the press because of its quirkiness and unreliability, the GMC Pontiac division had a hard time keeping up with the demand through the years it was produced. No matter its weird design, the Fiero has a cult-like following to this day 

    Manhattan Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Gonzalo Terán
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Argentina, and other spanish speaking countries, "fiero" means "Ugly" in slang...

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #26

    Chevrolet El Camino

    Chevrolet El Camino

    'Business in the front, party in the back,' goes a long way describing the El Camino. It was supposed to be the ultimate car for ranchers that also deal business in town, but to us, this marriage between a pickup and a coupe looks like a total no-go 

    Cadillac Report

    #27

    Pontiac Aztek

    Pontiac Aztek

    Though marketed as an 'Xtreme' design crossover for the Generation X buyer demographics, the Aztek was only appreciated by the pre-Heisenberg Walter White type of folks 

    Bonneville Report

    #28

    Tatra 603

    Tatra 603

    Well, the Tatra isn't as bland as the usual Eastern European Communist car, but maybe it should've been. The weird placement of its headlights make it look closely related to a Cyclops 

    naddir Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Victor Botha
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great cars, rear engined, air cooled V8 motors. Were pretty tail happy because of the rear engine weight so could get you into serious trouble very quickly if you didn't know how to drive one.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #29

    Saturn SC

    Saturn SC

    Surprisingly enough, the Saturn SC (or Sports Coupe) is still sought after not only by collectors but also by people who admire the longevity, ease of repair and its good mileage. This cross-eyed beast even has quite a few Facebook fan groups and owner support networks 

    IFCAR Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Podunkus
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Demand for the Saturn was overwhelming and GM couldn’t keep up. The underlying forces behind Saturn's demise was GM's tight-fisted insistence on managing all its divisions centrally, and leadership at both GM and the UAW demanding that Saturn get in line with traditional ways of doing things. They never really wanted a “different kind of company” or a “different kind of car” and killed it through mismanagement.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    AMC Gremlin

    AMC Gremlin

    The AMC's Gremlin had more than enough personality even for the 70s - the sawed-off back, the quirky proportions, and unusual trimmings made it stand out from the crowd. It is still debatable whether the unique looks made it awesome or ugly

    I, Bob DuHamel Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Stacy Hayes
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a 77 Gremlin in college in 98. My license plate was GIZMOE. I loved it. Got plenty of thumbs up on highway. Although I had nightmares about driving it sometimes. The stick shift on the floor was like 3 ft long and very hard to find gears.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    Isuzu VehiCROSS

    Isuzu VehiCROSS

    Winner of rallies of its time, and praised for its unique design the VehiCROSS still looks to us like at least three cars were mashed together in an afterschool project 

    Александр К. Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #32

    Chevrolet SSR

    Chevrolet SSR

    The SSR perfectly illustrates a failed attempt at creating a retro-inspired, yet modern-looking car. The sales of it were very disappointing, and we definitely can see why 

    Cadillac Report

    #33

    Subaru Impreza Casa Blanca

    Subaru Impreza Casa Blanca

    Though the Impreza is beloved by many, the Casa Blanca 'luxury' edition truly looks like a cartoon beaver. In a bad way  

    Tennen-Gas Report

    #34

    FSO Polonez

    FSO Polonez

    Another gem from the Easter European Communist block. No matter how many trimmings were added or how many horses were put in the commercials it still looked like a slab of concrete 

    Владимир Беляев Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Victor Botha
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Polish version of the VW Passat, which again was a good modern car in it's day

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #35

    Rolls Royce Phantom VIII

    Rolls Royce Phantom VIII

    Rolls Royce's Phantoms have always been known as the ultimate luxury cars - the incredibly smooth driving experience and unlimited interior personalization gained it a lot of praise. You probably have to have a couple of millions in your bank account, though, to fully comprehend its majestical appearance, because to us, regular humans, it looks ugly as hell 

    Porlamfer Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Podunkus
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ‘’Ah yes, the Rolls Royce of automobiles.” - Johnny English

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #36

    Ford Taurus

    Ford Taurus

    The third generation Taurus steered away from its predecessors' straight lines, thus creating this oval-shaped, cross-eyed, squishy looking thing. And though buyers thought badly about the design, the Taurus still kept its best-seller status 

    IFCAR Report

    #37

    Ford Pinto Wagon

    Ford Pinto Wagon

    The Pinto had two significant oversights - the overly 70s design which looks quite cringy now and a technical issue of easily rupturing fuel tank. That meant that getting rear-ended even at low speeds could easily set the Pinto on fire

    Cadillac Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Beverly
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Two" oversights. And they actually did cause several horrible, fatal crashes.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #38

    Pontiac Trans Sport

    Pontiac Trans Sport

    The original concept of Trans Sport had gullwing doors, a glass roof, a built-in Nintendo Entertainment System, and an overall futuristic look. After those details got stripped down, it started to look like a handheld vacuum, which gave it the nickname of 'dustbuster' 

    AG84 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Marcellus the Third
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The cross-eyed lights and "wha?"-mouth below the plate don't help to make it look like you know where you're going either.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #39

    Lancia Thesis

    Lancia Thesis

    Well, the Thesis isn't unpleasant to look at, but this higher end Italian design is one of those that you either love or hate 

    autocar.co.uk Report

    #40

    Renault Fuego

    Renault Fuego

    The first car to feature a remote keyless system with central locking and the fastest diesel engine car of its time it really lacked in the design department 

    Рустам Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Victor Botha
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was actually a rather good looking car in it's day. Comfortable, safe, modern and pretty fuel efficient.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #41

    Wartburg 353

    Wartburg 353

    The Wartburg was probably the blandest of the bland Eastern European cars ever conceived. No wonder its name starts with a 'wart' 

    Pudelek Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Zelda Blue
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The name and that paint color, it looks like split pea soup with jaundice.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #42

    Subaru Brat

    Subaru Brat

    The BRAT or "Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter" is a total hit or miss. Some adore its absolute quirkiness and great performance, while others hate its overly 'youthful' looks 

    Sbocha Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #43

    Citroën C4 Cactus

    Citroën C4 Cactus

    The Cactus, in addition to its squinty headlights, also had the 'Airbump' side panels that were supposed to guard the car against accidents in parking lots. We didn't know whether it worked in those instances, but it definitely did guard many from buying it 

    M 93 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Marcellus the Third
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents not too long ago bought one in overstock. Indeed unsellable, so really great car for its price. 1L engine on car with little glass (hence, lighter for same safety) = good mileage. And in black, it's really easy to get to like it; this however looks like a zebra in minecraft.

    View more commentsArrow down menu