Looks may not be everything, but that doesn’t justify all the hideous designs some carmakers have introduced to the market over the years. On the other hand, while some vehicles may be as ugly as sin, many of them will make you eat your words once you get behind the wheel. Sometimes, the build quality and performance of a car can make you forget all about what’s on the outside and ignore all the smirks you get from people when they see you drive by. And in the car industry, many ugly ducklings today have a cult following, for more than just their shocking designs.
That said, we believe every carmaker intends to bring forth cars that wow the buyers. However, manufacturers do things in the factory and somehow manage to get it all wrong. Some vehicles are beautifully made. In the same breath, they deserve to succeed, but Americans seem to have their eyes elsewhere, for cars like the Jaguar XJ and the Cadillac ATS are unjustly ignored. Well, it seems foreign manufacturers will never quite get the tastes of Americans right.
When you hear the name “Ferrari,” you probably think of the gorgeous Ferrari 250 GTO or the LaFerrari. However, the Ferrari 400i is nothing close to the images our minds conjure up to. It’s hideous, and its boxy shape with eyelashes- like headlights that pop up from the hood doesn’t help much. But, get behind the wheel, and you’ll understand why it’s lovable.
The fuel-injected 400i featured a 4.8L V12 engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. With 310 hp, the power rocketed the Ferrari 400i from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and achieved a top speed of 149 mph. In addition, the 400i offered disc brakes, electric windows and mirrors, and power steering. Only 1305 units were produced, making the Ferrari 400i a rare gem.
The Nissan Juke has an uninspiring design with odd shapes and misplaced headlights, parking lights, and foglights that seem to have been tacked as an afterthought. Also, the Juke features a strange front and rear that gives the impression the car had an accident in the factory.
Despite the awkward design, the Nissan Juke had a mass following, with sales surpassing Nissan’s monthly target. Well, some people love weird things, but we can’t get over the lights sitting in line with the driver’s view.
The Morgan Aero 8 has a love-hate design, making it hard not to point out some awkwardness happening at the front end. First, it’s too muscular. Then the concave front end and the cross-eyed headlights take the hideousness a notch higher.
Still, Morgan has a combination of character and charm. Powered by a 4.8L V8 with 367 bhp, the aero accelerates from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds and attains a top speed of 170 mph, while the refined suspension improves its handling. The removable mohair roof gives it a sports car look, and there’s no need to worry about storage. The clamshell boot offers ample space.
Debuting at the New York Motor Show in 1959, the Daimler SP250 presented the world with a hideous droopy mouth earning the unofficial title of the ugliest car in the show. With its lightweight composite frame and low curb weight, the V8-powered vehicle would have been a great success. But, the terrifying tendency of doors flying open while navigating corners damaged its reputation further.
The 2.5L iron-block engine generated 140 hp and propelled the SP250 to a top speed of 120 mph. That said, the design is somehow divisive, for the Daimler has a solid fan base that would turn red if you called it ugly. It seems enthusiasts are rediscovering the simple joys the ‘50s had to offer.
It’s pretty hard to explain the hideousness in this one. It hangs in the fence, for it’s neither sexy nor broody. But, its simplicity, reliability, and affordability would make you overlook the umbrella-like design. The Citroen 2CV is the ultimate definition of minimalistic design, though in a weird way.
Manufactured between 1948 and 1990, the French carmaker produced over 3.8 million units, thus making the front-wheel-drive car a million-seller. And just like its unique design, the 2CV is one of the cars to run a single generation for more than four decades.
Despite being an appealing minivan and receiving praises from renowned critics, the Mazda 5 barely gets any love from the car-buying public. Yet, the minivan has excellent handling, offers plenty of passenger and cargo room while returning a decent fuel economy. With its tidy dimensions and lively suspension, and sharp steering, the Mazda is easier to park and drives well in city streets.
Sadly, despite these great attributes, the importation of the Mazda 5 ended in 2015 due to low sales volume. Compared to other minivans like the Dodge Grand Caravan, Mazda sold about 10,000 each year in the US hence the discontinuation.
Initially, General Motors produced and marketed the executive car as a 4-door sedan, while the second generation offered three body styles: a 2-door coupe, a 5-door sport wagon, and a 4-door sedan. When it comes to the CTS, the beautiful car offers you all you need in a sporty sedan.
It’s lightweight with an electrically assisted steering and sips from a V6 twin-turbocharged engine generating 420 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. But why do buyers ignore the beautiful Caddy? We have no idea.
For some unknown reason, the BMW Sports Wagon is greatly ignored by the buying public. Yet, the beautiful car has excellent handling manners and an expanded cargo area. Still, shoppers seem to steer away from the Sports Wagon in favor of the BMW X1.
Offered in two versions, turbocharged 4-cylinder gas and diesel engines, the beautifully sculpted wagon in return presented the power, smoothness, and impeccable fuel efficiency. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the 2.0L gas-powered turbo-4 generates 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque while the diesel returns an excellent fuel economy of 31/43 mpg city/highway.
The Cayman got the looks to drool over and refined driving manners. Sadly, it’s a shame that since 2008, its sale hasn’t exceeded 3,500 units. You wonder, what do shoppers look for in a car? Inside the mid-engined Cayman is a sleek cabin with a driver’s focused dashboard and easily accessible controls. And, unlike other Porches, the Cayman offers ample headroom and legroom.
With its 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, and water-repellent front windows, the Porsche Cayman is always ready for any adversity. In addition, the Cayman features eight airbags and electronic stability aids but still, no one cares about it.
The athletic car has a distinct and elegant long flowing silhouette, sleeker headlights, and swooping tail lights, while the full-length sunroof extends to the rear end. In addition, the XJ’s interior features an all-LCD dashboard, good leather seats, and genuine wood trim, among other cool features.
With its lightweight aluminium frame and excellent weight distribution, the XJ can easily maneuver through the corners and is stable on the highway. However, despite being cheaper than the German vehicles, buyers shy away from the Jaguar probably because of the outdated perception regarding the brand’s quality.
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