Not every car design can be a home run; even the greatest brands can make some downright duds. Though many of the vehicles on this list may be solid and reliable cars we can't help but shake our heads at what the designers were thinking. Check out these ugly cars that are still on the road today.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Something about the early 2000s made automakers want to create pseudo-nostalgic but boxy cars. The Chrysler PT Cruiser was the peak example of that weird trend. This Cruiser looks especially bad with its plum purple paint, wood panels, and cheap plastic bumper.
Chevrolet HHR
A close second to the PT Cruiser for the ugliest hatchback of the 2000s has to be the Chevy HHR. As it turns out the same guy who designed the PT Cruiser also designed the HHR. Other than that the HHR was known for being an underpowered vehicle with below average performance.
Pontiac Aztek
The Aztek had a short run of five years before Pontiac called it quits. Many critics pointed to the car’s boxy shape, awkward rear body, and cheap grey plastic fascia for its inability to grab customers. The Aztek is largely considered the ugliest SUV of the 2000s.
Pontiac Trans Sport
Nothing screams 90s soccer mom like another ugly Pontiac classic, the Trans Sport minivan. Slap some white paint on this ride and it’s as stylish as a fridge on wheels.
AMC Pacer
The AMC Pacer was derided for its cramped seating, boring colors, and ability to look like a kitchen appliance.
KIA Soul
For some reason, you can find plenty of Kia Souls on the road today. Internally, they are very basic and ample machines; they just look as aerodynamic and sporty as a shoe though.
Nissan Juke
Ah yes, the bulbous Nissan Juke. Not only is its headlight and air intake configuration visually confusing but this stubby car resembles a milk jug on its side.
Toyota Prius
I know hybrids and EVs are all the rage but there is no denying that the Toyota Prius is a pretty ugly ride. Though Toyota has gone back and forth on improving the looks of the Prius its newest body styles are quite hideous. This specific one looks like its crying its makeup off.
Volkswagen Beetle
The 2000s era Volkswagen Beetle was not only an underperforming car but also an eyesore. Its dorky little headlights resembled a buggy while its overall shape made it look like a bumper car.
Chevrolet SSR
The Chevy SSR was a failed attempt at the sport truck concept. What we got instead was a truck that couldn’t really haul anything and had a face only a mother could love.
Edsel Corsair
Though a classic design by today’s standards the Edsel Corsair was derided for its odd grill shape in its day. Upon further inspection the car kind of looks like a bug with its narrow mouth intake.
Packard Hawk
The Packard Hawk had some stylish trimmings going for it; its sporty scoop and fins are certainly a nice touch. It’s just that darned wide intake and bulbs that make it look like a frog with lip piercings.
Mercury Sable
There’s nothing more uninspiring and boring than the Mercury Sable. Though a decently driving family vehicle there is nothing cool about this ride. It has four wheels and will get you from Point A to Point B, but not in style, however. The all-plastic headlight spread is also a very plain look.
Nissan Cube
What the HHR was to the PT Cruiser, the Nissan Cube is to the Kia Soul. Another boxy, hideously modern design, this car had asymmetrical windows that were unique but ugly nonetheless.
Lincoln MKT
For a luxury vehicle, the Lincoln MKT has some awkward styling. Something about those large dual grill intakes resembles the nostrils of a large nose.
Ford Taurus
The 90s era Ford Taurus has to be one of the sorriest-looking cars on the road. Critics pointed out its buggy headlights while others critiqued its blobby, nurse shark-like profile.
Plymouth Prowler
For the money, you’d think the Plymouth Prowler would have some better exterior design. The bathtub-like shape of the Prowler resembles a rowboat or a casket while the grill design suggests a sporterized PT Cruiser. Yuck.
Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar
No, that’s not an airport luggage carrier but an actual street-legal car. The Sebring-Vanguard was all-electric but failed to entice buyers. Today it’s a reminder of how far EVs have developed with sleeker more powerful models on the road today like the Tesla Model S.
Dodge Neon
Last but not least is the 1994 Dodge Neon. Though Dodge would improve the Neon’s exterior over time, the first models were cursed with a cheap-looking matte plastic bumper that made the car look like a toy. The car’s reliability issues didn’t help its appeal much either.
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