The 50 Ugliest Cars in the World

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Everyone has his or her own standards of beauty, and the evaluation of car design depends largely on personal taste. While there are cars that are a perfect fusion of technology, function, and style and could be considered an art form, it is also true that there are cars that many people consider to be somewhat ugly. In this issue, we introduce the top 50 “Ugliest Cars In The World” from Ranker, an American ranking website.

◆No.50 – Buick Electra

An American luxury full-size sedan produced from the 1950s to the 1990s. It is characterized by its line-oriented bodywork and wide front grille, which may seem old-fashioned today. On the other hand, its classic design definitely symbolizes the American cars of the 1950s.

◆No.49 – Lincoln Mark LT

An American luxury pickup truck. It incorporated a sophisticated design, but this sacrificed the convenience of a pickup truck. The extensive use of chrome parts also divides tastes. However, the interior is luxurious and very attractive.

◆No.48 – Edsel Ranger

This mid-range sedan was produced in the U.S. for a short time in the 1950s. Its overly distinctive front grille, also known as a “horseshoe,” has been the subject of much controversy. However, its solid construction and reliability are still highly regarded by many classic car enthusiasts.

◆No.47 – 1985 Buick Skylark

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An American-made compact sedan. The design was outdated, and the interior, with its extensive use of plastic, was inferior in terms of quality. However, its affordable price made it a very attractive option for beginners and students. It was also compact in size and easy to maneuver.

◆No.46 – Oldsmobile Bravada

An American midsize SUV with a luxurious interior and options, it was produced from the 1990s to the early 2000s. In an attempt to combine an urban design with ground clearance for off-road driving, it ended up with an uninspiring appearance. On the other hand, it has a luxurious interior and excellent ride quality.

◆No.45 – Dodge Mirada

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This unique coupe was produced in the United States in the early 1980s. The exterior is rather stuffy, especially the unnatural combination of large headlights and small taillights. On the other hand, the engine is highly responsive and excels in performance.

◆No.44 – Ford Fiesta

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The compact hatchback has been in production since the 1970s, and it has been announced that production will end in 2023. It is particularly popular in Europe because of its high fuel efficiency. However, its short, narrow design with a short nose is not to everyone’s liking.

◆No.43 – Oldsmobile Dynamic

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This American-made full-size sedan was produced from the 1950s to the 1960s. Its old-fashioned design and excessive chrome decoration are noticeable, and from today’s perspective it may seem a bit outdated. However, its robust construction and powerful V8 engine are appealing.

◆No.42 – Geo Storm

A small sports coupe sold in the United States in the 1990s. It was designed to combine economy and performance. The plastic-like texture of the exterior and interior give it a cheap impression. However, it is known for its fuel efficiency and compact size.

◆No.41 – Cadillac Cimarron

The American compact sedan was produced for a short time in the 1980’s. It had a plastic-heavy interior and exterior. The interior and exterior, with their heavy use of plastic, give the car a cheap feel that is far removed from Cadillac’s brand image. Its affordability and fuel economy are notable advantages.

◆No.40 – 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier

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An American-made compact sedan from the 1980s. It is characterized by fuel efficiency and affordability. Because of its low-priced design and materials, it does not look very luxurious from the outside. On the other hand, it was a very popular model in the U.S. because of its sturdy and reliable construction.

◆No.39 – Ford Escort ZX2

An American-made compact coupe produced in the 1990s and early 2000s. It had good fuel economy and was considered an entry-level model for young people. The exterior is mediocre for a sports car, and the lack of a tight rear design is particularly regrettable.

◆No.38 – Dodge A100

An American-made compact van from the 1960s. It adopted a front-mounted engine design that was innovative for the time. The square body and stubby shape may seem a bit old-fashioned. Despite its compact size, however, it has plenty of space for loading. It was a favorite for business and leisure use.

◆No.37 – Chevrolet Celebrity

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An American-made midsize sedan produced from the 1980s to the 1990s. It is characterized by its spacious interior and affordable price. In terms of design, it is very plain and has no outstanding features. It had a comfortable interior and sold well as a family car.

◆No.36 – 1991 Pontiac Sunbird

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An American compact car made in the early 1990s. Many body styles and engine options were available. The car’s extensive use of plastic and cheap interior design are conspicuous, and it has almost no sense of luxury. However, its compact size made it highly maneuverable and easy to drive in urban areas.

◆No.35 – 1948 Studebaker Convertible

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An American-made convertible produced in 1948. The front end protruding forward does not seem to be very advantageous in terms of aerodynamics. Nevertheless, the silhouette is impressive and still attracts many enthusiasts.

◆No.34 – Dodge Aries

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An American-made compact sedan from the 1980s. Also known as the “K-Car,” it was characterized by its fuel efficiency and affordability. The overall design is square and very old-fashioned. Its high fuel efficiency and easy maintenance made it a favored family vehicle.

◆No.33 – 1999 Chevrolet Malibu

American midsize sedan. The angular design is not particularly impressive, and the rear end is mediocre. However, it was very reliable and comfortable to drive, making it popular among families.

◆No.32 – Ford Flex

An American-made midsize crossover produced from the 2000s to the 2010s. Its boxy appearance has been described by some as coffin-like. Far from being streamlined, it lost its sporty look, but instead had a spacious interior.

◆No.31 – AMC Gremlin

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An American-made compact car from the 1970s. The roof line is unique in design, and the overall proportions seem unstable. On the other hand, it was compact and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for urban areas with limited parking space.

◆No.30 – Chevrolet Chevette

An American-made subcompact car produced from the 1970s to the 1980s. The design has been described as too simple, and the exterior in particular lacks individuality. However, it had excellent fuel economy and was popular among first-time car buyers.

◆No.29 – Wartburg 353

This small East German sedan was produced from the 1960s to the 1980s. It is equipped with a unique two-stroke engine. The exterior is very simple, with few design elements. However, because it was made in Germany, it was extremely sturdy and reliable.

◆No.28 – Volkswagen Thing

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A German multi-purpose vehicle produced in the 1970s. It is a very simple structure with its roots in military vehicles. Many people may be puzzled by its bare industrial design. However, its rugged construction is very appealing to a certain segment of the population, such as outdoor enthusiasts.

◆No.27 – Subaru BRAT

A small pickup truck manufactured in Japan from the 1970s to the 1980s. Characterized by its robust construction, it was basically positioned as an export-only model. The 4WD and ample ground clearance enhance off-road performance, making it an ideal vehicle for outdoor activities.

◆No.26 – Matra Rancho

A French-made leisure car produced from the 1970s to the 1980s, the Mazda3 resembled an SUV in appearance and was highly acclaimed for its versatility. The design is rather sketchy, with some boldly designed spare tires mounted on the roof. The interior is very spacious, and comfort for long-distance travel is outstanding.

◆No.25 – Plymouth Prowler

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This retro-design roadster was produced in the U.S. in the late 1990s. Its hot-rod style appearance is extremely impactful, but it is often avoided because of its uniqueness. On the other hand, it is highly regarded for its advanced engineering and practicality.

◆No.24 – 1987 Oldsmobile Ciera Wagon

Oldsmobile’s Cutlass Ciera was initially manufactured as a 2-door coupe, and 4-door sedan starting in 1982, and a 5-door station wagon joined its lineup in 1984. Sure, it’s not quite fair to ask a wagon to be stylish, but the reason the 1987 Ciera Wagon was considered ugly is the simulated woodgrain trim. Some vehicles pulled off the wooden look, but not this one.

◆No.23 – Yugo

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An economical compact car produced in the former Yugoslavia (now Serbia and Montenegro) during the 1980s and 1990s. It was inexpensive and fuel efficient, but its extremely simplified design stirred anxiety. However, the low price certainly made it a people’s friend.

◆No.22 – Saturn Ion

A lineup of midsize sedans and coupes produced in the United States in the early 2000s. While there is nothing particularly wrong with them, their gentle curves and mediocre design leave a conventional impression. However, its low fuel consumption and robust construction have earned it a certain reputation.

◆No.21 – Ford Contour

The Ford Contour is a 4-door sedan which was manufactured by Ford Motor Company from 1994 to 2000. The reason this vehicle is often considered unattractive is its oval design theme. Back when it first came out, Ford was pushing their oval design concept, using it for the headlights, grill, and tale ramp. People were not excited by the new look, evidenced by the weak total sales of less than 11,500 units. However, some car lovers say that the Contour was fun to drive and consider it one of the best sport sedans in history.

◆No.20 – Tata Indica

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This economical compact hatchback was produced in India from the late 1990s. It was well received in India and exported. Although it may not be adequate by Western standards, its very affordable price and good fuel economy made it a strong ally of people in developing countries.

◆No.19 – Citroën BX

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A midsize sedan produced in France from the 1980s to the 1990s. It is characterized by its linear design and high comfort level. The edges are too sharp, giving it an unfinished look, depending on one’s point of view. On the other hand, its functionality is highly appreciated by many car enthusiasts, as it is equipped with a suspension system that is even described as magical.

◆No.18 – Renault Twingo

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French automaker Renault’s Twingo, is currently in its third generation, but it is to be discontinued, and succeeded by a new model based on the Renault 5 prototype. The first generation débuted in 1993. Despite the ugly little body, many say this car is very reliable, and satisfying to drive. So maybe it’s a case of, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts?”

◆No.17 – Geo Metro

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The Geo Metro was a subcompact car by CAMI Automotive, a joint venture between Suzuki and GM. Debuting in 1989, this vehicle had Japanese technology with non-Japanese car pricing, but what made this vehicle particularly worthwhile is its excellent fuel economy. Sure, the Geo Metro isn’t a fancy car, but every time gas prices spike, you will be thankful for this car.

◆No.16 – AMC Pacer

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The Pacer was created by AMC, the American Motors Corporation. It was a big project for them, and their goal was, “to make the first wide small car”. The design work started in 1971, and the Pacer debuted in 1975. Its width is equal to full-sized American vehicles, but this was a 2-seater. It was a very experimental car. Unfortunately gambling on its success didn’t save AMC.

◆No.15 – Toyota MasterAce

The Toyota MasterAce is a minivan that was produced from 1982 to 1989 by a Japanese automaker Toyota. Don’t let its unflattering appearance fool you. Toyoya has been manufacturing very reliable cars a long time, and this one was a great van. We guess Toyota just wasn’t really focusing on the looks of their products.

◆No.14 – Citroën Ami

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The 2021Citroën Ami electric car is a cute 2 seater, but we are talking about 4-door family car version here. This vehicle was manufactured and marketed by Citroën from 1961 to 1978. Over 17 years of production, they released the Ami 6, the Ami 8 (Ami M 35), and the Ami Super models, all of which have a slightly sad face. Maybe that is why people say the Citroën Ami is ugly.

◆No.13 – Saturn SC (3 door)

The Saturn SC was manufactured by Saturn Corporation, a subsidiary of General Motors from 1990 to 2002. The company was dissolved in 2010. SC stands for Sports Coupe, and all Saturn models were equipped with polymer panels that were dent-resistant, and the 2002 model has a 400 mpg highway fuel economy rating. But these sales points can’t overshadow the ugliness of this vehicle’s squished looking front-end design.

◆No.12 – Toyota Prius

Toyota’s Prius first was launched in 1997 in Japan, then, the Prius hybrid made it to the U.S. in 2001. As one of the first hybrid cars, many celebrities who are concerned about environmental issues picked this vehicle for themselves. Yes, the appearance isn’t popular, and the rear is bit too big, but if Leonardo DiCaprio, or Ryan Gosling come out from it, people will forget all about how it looks.

◆No.11 – Lightburn Zeta

The Zeta was produced in Australia from 1963 to 1965 by Lightburn & Co. There was a increasing demand for a smaller cars for woman to comfortably go about their business, and as an affordable second family car. The Zeta was Lightburn’s attempt to fill that need. Unfortunately fewer than 400 cars were sold. Zeta was produced in 4 models: Sedan, Sedan Deluxe, Utility and Sports. All of them have distinctive frog-like looks, and the ability to reverse at high speed.

◆No.10 – 1999 Ford Taurus

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The world’s ugliest car aren’t just classic cars, there is one entry from 1999. If you have this car in your garage, sorry, but many people think your car is ugly. The 1999 Ford Taurus is very oval themed, including its back window. This model is the fourth-generation Ford Taurus. The oval theme of the third-generation Taurus was already unpopular, however, Ford released an even less popular more oval themed Taurus in 1999.

◆No.9 – Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

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People just do not seem to like the design of the PT cruiser as a stylized convertible. This model was added to Chrysler’s lineup from 2005 to 2008. This 2-door convertible has the same features as the 5-door hatchback models, and despite its strange look, the comfortable interior design was appreciated by the owners.

◆No.8 – Chrysler PT Cruiser

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The PT cruiser was supposed to be the right mix of modern and retro, but people say they are slowly losing the retro feel, and just getting uglier. Manufactured by Chrysler, the PT Cruiser was in production from 2000 to 2010. The PT Cruiser had poor fuel economy, and lacked power, which is a whole other reason some people avoid this vehicle.

◆No.7 – Daewoo Tico

A South Korean car is famous enough for being ugly to make it to this list. Daewoo’s Tico was a 5 door hatchback manufactured by Daewoo Motors, currently called GM Korea, from 1991 to 2001. This was the first car made under Korean Kei-car (light automobile) regulations. It was designed based on the Suzuki Alto. Although this vehicle is widely considered one of the ugliest cars, Daewoo’s Tico was popular in Europe, and in Latin-American countries. It is especially loved in Peru.

◆No.6 – Nissan JUKE

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The Nissan Juke has been in production since 2010, and received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick in 2011. Since its global debut at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show, the vehicle has been sold in Japan, Europe and North America. Despite it being widely considered an ugly vehicle the Juke has been a sales success.

◆No.5 – Pontiac Aztek

The Aztek débuted in 2001 as the first SUV from Pontiac, and was discontinued after the 2005 model year. Although this car has often been voted as the ugliest car of all time, the user satisfaction rates are relatively high. The Aztek featured a four-speed automatic transmission with a V-6 engine, and featured a very roomy 94 cubic feet of cargo room.

◆No.4 – Bond Bug

There were many interesting looking vehicles introduced in the 70s. Like the Bong Bug which was manufactured from 1970 to 1974. The manufacturer was UK based Reliant Motor Company. A 2 seater with a weight of less than 400kg, this sport vehicle was designed as a 3-wheeler in hopes to appeal to the young generation.

◆No.3 – Nissan S-Cargo

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The Nissan S-Cargo is a snail-like style retro van. Introduced by Nissan in January 1989. The name is inspired by a French word “escargot”(meaning snail), and its “Small Cargo” appearance. S-Cargo’s very unique style resembles the French Citroën 2CV Fourgonnette delivery van which unfortunately is also considered ugly by some people. Despite some people calling it an ugly car, the S-Cargo is very popular as a delivery van.

◆No.2 – Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar

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Manufactured from 1974 to 1982, this unique looking car is a battery powered 1970 era electric car. The manufacturer was Florida-based Sebring-Vanguard, Inc. The CitiCar was inspired by a golf cart and just like a golf cart, there is no space for a backseat. The small wedge-shaped 2 seater stirs the imagination, and was the springboard of electric vehicles.

◆No.1 – Fiat Multipla

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The Italian automaker, Fiat announced this unique vehicle in 1988, and this model was produced till 2010. This strange looking car won the title of “Car of the Year” in 2000 (by BBC’s Top Gear), however at the same time, it was named as the “Ugliest Car.” It’s a very practical car for families, if you can get over its slightly Beluga-like front appearance with 8 different lights.

Text by NewSphere