Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to cars. What happens when a vehicle is just plain ugly? Throughout history, some cars have left a lot to be desired in the looks department. In this article, we’ll look at some of the ugliest cars in history and explore what made them so unappealing. We’ll focus on six luxury cars widely criticized for their design: the 2000 Fiat Multipla, the 1946 Crosley CC, the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV, the 2000 Renault Congo, the Nissan Juke, and the Susita. While some of these cars may have had their fans, the overwhelming consensus is that they’re not precisely head-turners. Take a trip down memory lane and look at these automotive atrocities, and remember how far we’ve come in the design department for vehicles.
Top Six Ugliest Cars in History
1. 2000 Fiat Multipla
The 2000 Fiat Multipla is a car that stands out for all the right – and sometimes wrong – reasons. With its bold and unconventional exterior design, the Multipla is a vehicle that’s hard to forget. From its striking “bug-eyed” front end to its spacious and practical interior, the Multipla is a car that defies expectations. The Fiat Multipla was powered by a 1.6-liter engine that produces 110 horsepower and reaches a top speed of 109 mph. With a price of $15,000 in the USA, the Multipla is a car that challenges the status quo and offers a unique driving experience. While it may not have been a hit with all buyers, the Multipla is a car that will always be remembered for its daring and distinct design.
2. 1946 Crosley CC
The 1946 Crosley CC is a vehicle that defies conventional design and stands out as truly one-of-a-kind. Produced by the Crosley Corporation, this tiny car was unlike anything else on the road during its time. Its unconventional shape and small size made it a bold statement on the road and was undoubtedly an acquired taste. Powered by a 724cc engine that produced 26 horsepower, the CC had a top speed of 60 mph and was priced at $650, making it an affordable option for those looking for a compact car and didn’t mind having a rather strange vehicle on their hands. However, the Crosley CC was a minimal production car, and it’s not hard to see why. Its unusual design and tiny size made it a tough sell, even for a car of its time. The CC was a vehicle that was ahead of its time, and it’s a shame that it didn’t catch on with car buyers. Now, it’s a collector’s item, a true rarity, and an oddity that will make you stand out from the crowd.
3. 1990 Chevrolet Lumina APV
The Chevrolet Lumina APV, a minivan produced by General Motors in 1990, was a vehicle that aimed to offer practicality but fell short in the design department. Minivans are known for their spacious interiors and versatility, but the Lumina APV’s boxy shape and lack of style made it a less-than-attractive option for car buyers. It was powered by a 3.1-liter V6 engine that produced 140 horsepower and had a top speed of 110 mph. It was priced at $18,000, making it an affordable option for those needing a minivan. Despite its practicality, the Lumina APV’s unappealing design made it a tough sell. The minivan market is competitive, and the Lumina APV failed to stand out among its rivals. Its flat design and lack of style made it a vehicle easily overlooked by car buyers. It’s not hard to see why the Lumina APV was not a hit in the market.
4. 2000 Renault Congo
The Renault Congo, a compact car that Renault produced in the year 2000, was a vehicle that struggled to leave a lasting impression. Despite its small size, the Congo had a bland and generic appearance that could have captured the attention of car buyers. Underneath the hood, it was powered by a 1.4-liter engine that produced a modest 75 horsepower and had a top speed of 105 mph. It was an affordable option with a price tag of $13,000, but it didn’t offer anything unique. Unfortunately for Renault, the Congo’s lack of innovation and lackluster design made it a tough sell. Its poor sales ultimately led to its discontinuation, leaving it as a forgotten chapter in automotive history. The Congo was a car that failed to set itself apart in a crowded market, and ultimately, it needed help finding its place among the competition.
5. Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke is a compact crossover that is one of the SUV deals that burst onto the scene in 2010, making a bold statement with its unique and polarizing design. While some buyers fell in love with its edgy and sporty look, others couldn’t get past the “bug-eyed” appearance, particularly the distinctive headlights. The Juke packs a punch with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces a robust 188 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 125 mph. With a price of $20,000, the Juke offers sporty performance, a spacious interior perfect for city driving or weekend getaways, and some luxury SUV lease deals. However, despite its impressive performance and practicality, Juke’s polarizing design has made it a difficult sell for some buyers. In the case of those who dare to be different, the Juke is the ultimate expression of individuality on the road, but it may not be the right choice for those who prefer a more understated look.
6. Susita
The Susita was a small, unassuming car produced by the Israeli company Autocars Co. in the late 1960s. It has earned a place in history as one of the ugliest cars ever. With its boxy, uninspired design, the Susita was a car many would have preferred to forget. Under the hood, the Susita was powered by a tiny 600cc engine that produced a measly 30 horsepower. Despite its lack of power, the Susita reached a top speed of 65 mph, making it a decent choice for city driving. However, its lack of style and performance made it a hard sell to American consumers, who could only purchase the car for $1,500. Despite being designed for the Israeli market, it never caught on with consumers and was quickly forgotten. Today, this vehicle is remembered as a footnote in the history of automotive design, a car that was uninspired and unappealing but played a small role in shaping the industry.
Final Thoughts
Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder when it comes to cars. The cars we’ve looked at in this article are all examples of luxury cars that were widely criticized for their design. While some of these cars may have had their fans, the overwhelming consensus is that they’re not precisely head-turners. Even though these cars may be ugly, they are also a part of automotive history and have some unique features. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that a car’s appearance is just one aspect of what makes it good or bad. However, as we can see, it can sometimes be the most crucial aspect.
