Design Fails That Got Redemption
In the world of cars, public scorn doesn't always mean permanent exile. Some of the most ridiculed designs on wheels have flipped the script and earned cult followings and collector respect years after they initially made waves for all the wrong reasons. The cars on this list aged better than expected, so let's explore 20 ugly cars that deserve a second chance.
1. Pontiac Aztek
When it was launched in 2001, this crossover stirred controversy faster than it rolled off the line. Designed by the committee and stuffed with camping gear features, the Aztek was initially met with rejection. However, its unexpected cult status, especially by way of its appearance in Breaking Bad, has earned it a second look.
2. AMC Pacer
Oversized windows wrapped this 1975 compact in a fishbowl aesthetic, but that didn't stop Wayne and Garth from rocking out in it. Though mocked for its bulbous look, the Pacer now stands as a charming relic of daring '70s design. Embrace the weird.
3. Chevrolet Corvair
Forget the lawsuits and focus on how this rear-engine rebel challenged Detroit norms with unusual rear proportions and a lack of a front grille. Ralph Nader labeled it unsafe, which led to investigations, but fans loved its European flair and affordability. Corvair's comeback shows that classic courage never really goes out.
4. Ford Edsel
Mistiming damaged Edsel’s image in 1958, not just its horse-collar grille. Marketed as revolutionary but delivered during a recession, it failed spectacularly. Collectors today admire its innovation and tragic flair. Got a soft spot for underdogs? The Edsel's got an entire chapter in that book.
GPS 56 from New Zealand on Wikimedia
5. Fiat Multipla
Boxy? Check. Bug-eyed? Double check. But underneath its jarring appearance, this 1998 family hauler offered six adult seats in a stubby frame. Italians valued function over flair, and the result was genius wrapped in a punchline. The unrivaled interior space still impresses fans today.
6. Plymouth Prowler
Styled like a '30s hot rod but built with late-'90s tech, it was easy to see the Prowler as a "concept car." It used aluminum parts and offered no manual transmission, which baffled enthusiasts. Still, its gutsy design paved the way for retro rides, and its rarity won collectors.
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand on Wikimedia
7. Chevrolet SSR
A pickup, convertible, and retro truck combined? That’s what the SSR was when it hit the roads in 2003. The retractable hardtop and cartoon-like look surprised everyone. Underneath the nostalgia was a Corvette-powered soul that collectors didn't see coming. You've got to look twice—once in confusion, then in admiration.
FaceMePLS from The Hague, The Netherlands on Wikimedia
8. Yugo GV
The Yugo GV, imported from Yugoslavia in 1985, entered the U.S. market as the cheapest car available. Looking cheap and boxy, it broke down often, but its story became legendary. Surviving one felt like a rite of passage, and pop culture adopted it for being hilariously tough to manage.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
9. Stout Scarab (1936)
Innovation defined the Scarab long before minivans were a thing. This aerodynamic bubble, with rear seating like a living room and a rear-mounted engine, predated every trend. Americans weren't ready for it, but design lovers now revere its boldness. That alone earns it redemption.
10. AMC Gremlin
The Gremlin’s debut on April Fool's Day, 1970, was no accident. With bold colors, Levi's interiors, and quirky design, it turned heads, often for the wrong reasons. Despite its unusual looks, it offered practicality and charm. The combination makes the Gremlin a nostalgic gem that deserves a second chance.
11. Chrysler PT Cruiser (2000–2010)
The PT Cruiser was styled like a gangster's getaway car crossed with a breadbox, and this intrigued and confused many. Fans embraced its throwback flair, and tuners customized it like crazy. Today, it's a relic of early-2000s rebellion. Bet you've judged it unfairly before.
12. BMW Z3 M Coupe ("Clown Shoe")
Nicknames stick for a reason—just ask the "Clown Shoe." BMW's performance hatch was launched in 1998 with track-worthy handling and a distinctive long roof and short body look. Collectors once laughed; now, they pay premiums. You may also giggle at first glance, but you'll respect it on the road.
13. Mitsuoka Orochi
Dubbed "the world's ugliest supercar," this Japanese rarity combined anime styling with dramatic curves. Built from 2006 to 2014, the Orochi had more attitude than performance, yet it caught niche buyers' attention. Here's your ride if you want to feel like a video game villain.
Kim H Yusuke~commonswiki on Wikimedia
14. Scion xB (First Generation)
Boxy brilliance rolled onto U.S. roads in 2003 via this Japan-imported cube. Teenagers loved it, but parents scratched their heads. Despite its toaster looks, the xB delivered reliability and style in spades. Laugh all you want, but this square-on-wheels aged cooler than many expected, thanks to its practicality.
15. Citroën 2CV (1948–1990)
Farmers once called it a tin snail, and for good reason, as it was designed to carry eggs over rough fields without breaking a yolk. The 2CV looked laughable but served millions. It was French ingenuity wrapped in minimalism, and many still respect that to this day.
16. Reliant Robin (1973–2002)
This car had three wheels, a triangle-shaped body, and one unforgettable reputation. Tipping over on turns made it a comedy icon, but behind the slapstick was a lightweight solution for British licensing laws. Del Boy drove one. You should, too, just to appreciate how daring budget motoring once was.
17. Chevrolet Lumina APV (1990–1996)
Look closely, and you'll see how ahead of its time it was. This space-age minivan, nicknamed the "Dustbuster," featured a sloped nose and miles of dashboard. GM gambled on futuristic family design, and critics didn't get it. Today, it's a symbol of fearless engineering.
18. Volkswagen Beetle (1938–2003)
Born in the shadow of war, the Beetle evolved into a cultural ambassador. Its bug-like profile was weird for early drivers but charmed generations from surfers to students. With over 21 million built, this oddball outlasted trends. Its funny profile remains respected to date.
19. Zimmer Quicksilver (1984–1988)
Heads and eyebrows turned at this long, front-heavy luxury coupe built on a Pontiac Fiero base. Zimmer added chrome and eccentricity to create a $50,000 personal luxury car. Most scoffed, but a few applauded. Today, collectors crave it. That's the kind of legacy only the bold leave.
20. Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country Wagon (1978–1981)
Woodgrain vinyl never looked more committed. Chrysler's LeBaron wagon leaned into old-money style while riding on a humble platform. The design gave a "country club in polyester" vibe. Once mocked and now admired for this same faux wood paneling, this curio delivers a nostalgic punch you don't see coming.
