Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but if the car companies went blind while making the cars, we cannot say that. Most times, when car companies think of producing a car, the first thing they do is pick a design for the vehicle. Hours of work on the design, and then comes the engine and production. I’m not quite sure what went through the heads of the designers while making these cars, but I’m sure they had a reason for it.

Seeing a car for the first time, the first thought that comes to mind is about how good a car looks; that’s how it is. The first impression is the last. The brands are easily recognizable with their distinct look of the vehicles like you’d know when you see a Porsche. Some of these manufacturers had no idea it mattered, so here’s a list of the top 5 ugliest cars ever made.

A blob-like masterpiece? The fifth contender of Ugliest Cars

Unlike many cars, the Chrysler PT Cruiser was well-received upon its release, earning favorable reviews and accolades, including being named Car of the Year by outlets like Motor Trend in the US. Chrysler saw significant US and UK sales, making it a popular choice.

The biggest failure this car received was to have an impact on the younger generation of buyers. Chrysler had a name to maintain, but to come with a blob-like bodyshell with the elements of the Pronto Cruizer, it wasn’t indeed a masterpiece.

The design of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, with its tall grille and bulbous wheel arches, vaguely echoes customs from the fifties. However, the convertible version appears awkward whether the roof is up or down. It’s better not to talk about the driving experience. It’s the PT cruiser. There’s nothing short of what you already know.

The base PT Cruiser features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 150 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque, with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged version, standard in the Limited and optional for others, delivers 180 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic, with fuel economy estimated at 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the turbo engine and 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the non-turbo version with automatic transmission.

A chaotic mix of lines. The fourth contender of Ugliest Cars

Ssangyong's first-generation Rodius stands out as the Korean firm's ugliest car and possibly one of the most hideous vehicles in history. Designed by Ken Greenley, the former head of the Royal College of Art's Transportation Design School, the Rodius attempted to draw inspiration from luxury yachts. Still, they failed to translate that concept effectively onto a large, reasonably-priced MPV.

Its design is a chaotic mix of lines, featuring a front grille reminiscent of the third-generation Lancia Delta, albeit poorly executed. The back end is even worse, with a fat, sloping C-pillar topped by an oddly boxy glasshouse. Overall, the Rodius received a dismal one-star review from Auto Express, reflecting its lackluster performance and unappealing design.

The SsangYong Rodius, powered by a 165bhp 2.7-liter five-cylinder diesel engine, struggles with its weight, leading to sluggish performance. The engine feels lethargic, especially with the optional five-speed automatic gearbox. Opting for the manual transmission provides slightly quicker acceleration but is hindered by a clunky, long-throw action. Despite a high driving position and decent visibility, the Rodius lacks body control, responsive steering, and grip, offering a less enjoyable driving experience than models like the Ford Galaxy. It also lacks refinement, making it less suitable for cruising.

Boldness or Blunder? The third contender for the ugliest cars

The Pontiac Aztek became infamous primarily for its polarizing design despite its innovative features like a removable drink cooler, a split tailgate, and even an optional camping kit with an attachable tent.

While it aimed for boldness, the resulting gawky appearance was widely criticized. Its unconventional look made it a laughing stock, later immortalized as the vehicle driven by Walter White in the TV series Breaking Bad, symbolizing life's disappointments.

Despite its cult status, the Aztek's aesthetics remained unchanged, serving as a testament to the enduring power of first impressions.

The base SE and upgrade GT models of the Aztek feature GM's reliable 3.4-liter OHV V6 engine, generating 185 horsepower, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Aztek can pull up to 3,500 pounds with the optional trailer-towing package. This package includes heavy-duty engine cooling, a high-output alternator, and an auto-leveling rear suspension.

A Confused Fish on Wheels. The runner-up for ugliest cars.

The Mitsuoka Orochi, with its unconventional design and distinctive features, stands out even in Mitsuoka's unique lineup. Departing from the company's typical British sports car-inspired plans, the Orochi boasts a bespoke platform and a V6 engine borrowed from Toyota.

Its peculiar appearance, resembling a confused fish, combines an array of lines and an overall sense of oddity. Despite its 231bhp power and a five-speed automatic transmission, the Orochi's performance doesn't match its striking looks, taking seven seconds to accelerate from 0-60mph. While it's unlikely to speed away quickly, it won't escape attention on the road.

Innovation Meets Controversy. The gold medalist for ugliest cars.

I wanted to save the best one for the last. By the best, I mean the top in the list of the ugliest cars ever made. It's always better to sit outside the car like this family did.

While innovative for its time, the original Fiat Multipla stood out in the MPV market with its unique three-abreast seating in the front, accommodating six passengers in a compact design. Despite its innovation, its unconventional design, including a bulging structure at the windscreen's base and tall windows, made it polarizing. Auto Express remarked that the car was unsettling for children and parents alike.

Fiat toned down the design to improve sales with a mid-life facelift, creating a less distinctive yet more acceptable version of the Multipla.

The Multipla has two engine options: a 1.6-liter petrol and a 1.9-liter turbodiesel. The diesel engine offers a punchy and smooth performance, though it can be a bit noisy at motorway speeds due to the lack of a sixth gear. The 1.6-liter engine needs to be worked hard, becoming even louder, and this can lead to decreased fuel economy. The diesel option is recommended for a better driving experience if it has any.

Some honorable mentions

Hyundai Coupe (Mk1 facelift)

In 1999, Hyundai's facelift for the Coupe (Tiburon) took a wrong turn, transforming a reasonably attractive two-door into an eyesore. The understated fascia was replaced with an awkward quad-headlamp arrangement, accentuated by unflattering bonnet humps. The design misstep led to its discontinuation in 2001, making room for a more visually appealing successor.

Ford Scorpio MkII

The second-generation Scorpio's design, especially its face, received heavy criticism, often compared to a frog's. Despite its unappealing aesthetics, it offers the opportunity to own a rear-wheel drive fast Ford, possibly with a Cosworth-tuned V6, at a low cost in the 2020s.

MINI Coupe

The MINI Coupe's drastic design changes, including shorter windows, a steeply-raked windscreen, and an unconventional roof resembling a backwards-worn baseball cap, led to a bottom-heavy appearance. Coupled with reduced practicality due to its two-seat configuration, the Coupe struggled to attract buyers. In 2015, after just four years on the market, BMW discontinued the MINI Coupe and the related Roadster due to sluggish sales, opting not to replace either model in the next generation.

Conclusion

Automobile manufacturers come up with something new every year. Either it’s a new model or variant or a whole different category altogether. It was easier for them to make something hideous and not worry about anything people had to say. This generation, however, will never hold back; with automotive blogging and car reviews, companies have to build the best to create their fair share in the market.

If you drive any of these cars above, I empathize with you. It’s always better to buy a new one or trade these in for a better-looking one. That said, try not to go on these cars to a car show.

FAQs

Are these cars worth buying?

I'd rather not say, but these cars are framed as the ugliest for a reason, not just because of the looks, but the passive engines are another reason for being on the list. What should I do if I see one?

Try to cover your eyes if you're on the roadside or driving, and it comes before you; don't say anything to the driver. They're probably mad at their car as well.