9 Car Designs That Flopped Hard And 9 That Show Automakers Still Got It
Back in high school, a friend showed up in what he proudly called his “futuristic beast.”
It looked like a doorstop on wheels, had more plastic than a dollar store toy, and somehow managed to offend both the eyes and the laws of aerodynamics.
We tried to be supportive, but the design was a head-scratcher. Car history is full of bold swings, and not every pitch connects.
Some designs land like a brick in a puddle, while others remind everyone that automakers can still surprise with something sleek, smart, or flat-out cool.
It’s a fine line between daring and disastrous, and the results speak for themselves.
1. Pontiac Aztek
Remember driving a tent on wheels? The Pontiac Aztek, infamous for its clunky looks, did just that. Back in the 2000s, it was the punchline of every automotive joke.
Offering more laughs than a comedian, its bizarre design and strange proportions left even non-car enthusiasts scratching their heads.
However, the Aztek did feature innovative camping accessories, making it a peculiar choice for adventure lovers.
Despite its good intentions, this vehicular oddball became a perfect example of design gone wrong.
2. Fiat Multipla
Unconventional beauty or design disaster? The Fiat Multipla dared to be different with its quirky smiley face front and three-abreast seating.
Back in 1999, it was the minivan that looked like it had a van on its head. Loved by families, laughed at by design critics, it challenged aesthetics with its function-over-form philosophy. But, hey, it was practical!
This bold attempt at creativity made it one of those cars that dared to care less about beauty and more about practicality.
3. Nissan Juke (first gen)
When the Juke hit the scene, it looked like a frog that crash-landed on a Hot Wheels track.
Nissan took a big swing with this subcompact crossover, and while the performance and price were solid, that split-headlight design and bulbous body left many scratching their heads.
It’s since earned a cult following, but in terms of first impressions, the Juke didn’t exactly win the beauty contest. It’s a case of daring design that missed the mark—at least at first glance.
4. Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
Welcome to retro gone wrong. The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible looked like something borrowed from a 1940s gangster movie.
Launched in the early 2000s, it combined retro charm with modern inconvenience. While the nostalgic design had a niche following, the convertible version seemed less practical than its hatchback cousin.
Add in a cramped interior and limited trunk space, and you’ve got a recipe for ‘what were they thinking?’ Yet, in its own odd way, it became a cult classic among retro enthusiasts.
5. BMW 7 Series (E65 “Bangle Butt”)
The E65 was BMW’s attempt to reinvent the luxury sedan, but the infamous “Bangle Butt” rear end proved polarizing.
Critics weren’t kind to its awkward proportions and trunk design that looked tacked-on rather than integrated. Designer Chris Bangle sparked a revolution, but not everyone was ready.
Still, this generation was a tech leap forward and its boldness influenced the industry—just not always in a good way. A classic case where form chased function, but stumbled in public opinion.
6. Jeep Compass (first gen)
Adventure awaited, but style stayed home with the first-generation Jeep Compass. Introduced in 2007, it was Jeep’s attempt to enter the compact SUV market.
Unfortunately, its underwhelming design and lackluster capabilities left fans longing for more. Boxy and unexciting, it failed to capture the rugged charm Jeeps are known for.
Despite its best efforts, it never quite reached the brand’s adventurous spirit. A reminder that not every Jeep needs to climb mountains, some just need to look good doing it.
7. Honda Crosstour
The Crosstour tried to fuse sedan comfort with SUV utility, but ended up looking like a bloated Accord that melted in the sun.
Its sloping rear compromised cargo space and didn’t appeal to either sedan or crossover fans. Honda’s risk-taking wasn’t rewarded here, and sales quickly reflected that.
Despite its solid performance and reliability, the Crosstour’s looks doomed it to short-lived status. It’s a prime example of good intentions wrapped in design that simply didn’t connect with buyers.
8. Toyota Mirai (first gen)
Future-driven, past-inspired—the first-gen Toyota Mirai. Released in 2014, this hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle looked like it came from another planet.
Its design, with sharp angles and an unusual front, aimed to scream innovation. While the technology behind it was groundbreaking, the design was a different story.
It’s as if Toyota wanted to say, ‘Look, we’re doing something new!’ And they were, just not in the style department. A brave step into the future of fuel, wrapped in polarizing aesthetics.
9. Chevrolet SSR
The SSR had the soul of a hot rod and the body of a retro pickup—but its form couldn’t match its ambition. The proportions were confusing, and its bulky front made it look like a cartoon truck.
A retractable hardtop roadster-pickup hybrid was a bold idea, but the design felt more gimmick than genius.
It didn’t help that performance lagged at first. Today, the SSR is a quirky collectible, but at launch, its oddball looks couldn’t justify the hype.
10. Ferrari Roma
When elegance meets speed, you get the Ferrari Roma. Unveiled in 2019, this grand tourer is a nod to the timeless design of the 1960s.
With a body as smooth as a Tuscan landscape and a V8 engine that roars like a lion, the Roma is pure Italian flair. Its minimalist interior, devoid of excessive controls, emphasizes driver connection.
This beauty is more than just a car; it’s a statement of sophistication and power, capturing the essence of Ferrari in every curve and rev.
11. Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Ioniq 6 is proof that Hyundai is no longer just catching up—they’re setting trends. With its refined, aerodynamic silhouette and pixelated lighting details, it looks like it came from the future.
This is an EV with design confidence, merging retro-futurism and function into something fresh. It’s the kind of car that turns heads without trying too hard.
Inside, it’s clean and tech-savvy, matching the exterior’s bold vibe. Hyundai’s design team clearly understood the assignment—and absolutely delivered.
12. Lucid Air
Luxury takes flight with the Lucid Air. Launched in 2021, this electric sedan is elegance on wheels. Its amazing design, coupled with a luxurious interior, sets a new standard for EVs.
The panoramic glass roof offers a sky-high view, making every drive a visual treat. With impressive range and performance, the Lucid Air is more than just a pretty face.
It’s a testament to what modern technology and design can achieve, creating not just a car, but an experience of futuristic luxury.
13. Kia EV6
Kia nailed the EV6. From its muscular haunches to its sharp lighting and coupe-like roofline, this all-electric crossover looks fast standing still. It’s modern without being overdesigned, sporty without being loud.
The design balances efficiency and emotion, showing Kia’s mastery of what a contemporary performance EV should look like.
It also boasts an interior that feels upscale and intuitive. The EV6 doesn’t just drive the future—it looks like it belongs there. A huge leap forward for the brand’s image.
14. Aston Martin DB12
James Bond would approve of the Aston Martin DB12. This iconic sports car, with its refined elegance and powerful performance, is what dreams are made of.
The DB12’s design is a seamless combination of tradition and modernity, offering a driving experience that’s thrilling yet sophisticated.
Under the hood, it’s all about power, with each ride promising an adrenaline rush.
The DB12 is not just a car; it’s an embodiment of British luxury and automotive excellence, perfect for those who crave the extraordinary.
15. Genesis X Concept
The Genesis X Concept didn’t just make headlines—it dropped jaws. With its long hood, ultra-sleek coupe profile, and distinctive dual-line lighting theme, it brought elegance back to grand touring style.
This car doesn’t scream for attention—it commands it. Every curve feels intentional, and the proportions are perfectly balanced.
It’s a rolling statement that Genesis knows luxury design inside and out. While still a concept, it serves as an aspirational benchmark for what’s to come. It’s modern class, defined.
16. Peugeot 508
Sophistication on wheels—the Peugeot 508 is an elegant blend of French style and cutting-edge technology. Introduced in 2018, its refined lines and aggressive front make it a standout sedan.
Inside, the i-Cockpit design promises an intuitive driving experience. It’s a car that exudes class without being ostentatious.
The Peugeot 508 is everything you’d expect from a vehicle that combines comfort, performance, and style, making every journey a harmonious blend of beauty and innovation.
17. Maserati MC20
The MC20 proves Maserati can still stir the soul. With sculpted curves, butterfly doors, and a carbon fiber core, it’s exotic without being ostentatious.
The proportions are near perfection, and it’s clear that function didn’t come at the expense of form. From every angle, it looks fast, purposeful, and unmistakably Italian.
It’s a design revival that puts Maserati back in the conversation of top-tier supercars. Finally, the trident has a flagship that dazzles on both road and poster.
18. Polestar 1
Minimalism has never looked so commanding. The Polestar 1 pairs Swedish restraint with muscle coupe confidence.
With clean lines, bold lighting, and perfect stance, it redefined what a plug-in hybrid could be. While its production run was short, its design impact was lasting.
It’s refined, sophisticated, and subtly aggressive—all without unnecessary styling fluff. The Polestar 1 proved you don’t need to shout to be noticed.
This is modern luxury with edge, and it still turns heads wherever it rolls.