Top 10 Ugliest Cars Ever Made: Which One Looks The Worst?

The recent Ferrari Luce design debate got us thinking, which are the cars in the past which have pushed the envelope for design -- but in a controversial way. Here is our list of the ten most controversial automotive designs to come out of some of the most reputed brands.

1. Fiat Multipla (1998)

Ew, Brother, Ew! What's That? That is the first thought that you have when you see this car. No honestly, if ugly cars had a Hall of Fame, the Fiat Multipla would have its own wing. This double-decker front end made the car look permanently confused, just like the people looking at it. Fiat's designers clearly prioritised interior space over aesthetics, producing one of the roomiest family vehicles of its time. Unfortunately, it also looked like a mysterious deep-sea creature that had wandered into a dealership.

2. Pontiac Aztek (2001)

The Pontiac Aztek became the reference point for automotive ugliness, before it became a cult-classic thanks to the TV series Breaking Bad. Trying to become an SUV, family car, and a 'futuristic' crossover in one package, it ended up becoming none. Post Breaking Bad, the Aztek transformed from an automotive failure into a cultural icon, perfectly reflecting the awkward suburban life of its on-screen owner. The car became famous not for what it was, but for what it represented.

3. Ferrari Luce (2025)

The backlash against the Ferrari Luce was not about it being objectively hideous, but about it betraying brand identity. For decades, Ferraris have been defined by long bonnets, low-slung stances, and elegant Italian art. The Luce, with its higher stance and chunkier crossover proportions, seemed to abandon that tradition. Critics argued it was a Ferrari designed by market researchers for the school run, prioritising practicality over the emotional drama expected from the Prancing Horse. No other car on this list has generated more debate about what the identity of a legendary performance brand should be in the modern era — put it next to any classic Ferrari silhouette and the distance the Luce has travelled becomes very clear.

4. BMW XM (2022)

The BMW XM feels like the result of a design team given unlimited creative freedom and no adult supervision. It became the poster child for BMW's increasingly polarising design direction, where subtlety was completely abandoned. The kidney grilles are enormous, the surfacing is aggressive, and details are layered upon details. Every angle reveals another crease, vent, or decorative element. The XM's extremely busy design language led many enthusiasts to question if BMW had finally crossed into design overkill.

5. Nissan Juke (2010)

The Nissan Juke arrived looking like absolutely nothing else. Its bug-eyed lighting arrangement including main headlamps in the bumper and indicators on the bonnet gave it a frog-like face. Many people hated its swollen fenders and cartoonish proportions, while some loved the standout design. The fact is that nobody ignored it. The joke was on the critics, as the Juke's controversial look made it one of the most influential crossover designs of the century.

6. Mahindra Quanto (2012)

The Mahindra Quanto is a famous example of a design born from compromise. To fit a specific sub-four-metre tax bracket, Mahindra essentially shortened the existing Xylo MPV. Like the Big Show going through a height reduction surgery. The proportions never recovered from the surgery. The result was a vehicle with an abrupt rear, a tall body on a short footprint, and an awkward side profile that looked as if a section had been removed in photoshop.

7. Chrysler PT Cruiser (2000)

Why? Just.. why? Launched in 2000, this 'retro-gangster' wagon was a hit, leading to premiums and long waiting periods. People even loved its unique look. Then, very quickly, tastes changed. The very features that made it a trendsetter became its biggest liability. The PT Cruiser remains a cautionary tale about how quickly a bold, fashion-forward design can fall out of favour with the public. Outlandish designs don't age well.

8. Lamborghini Veneno (2013)

Lamborghini is known for their aggressive and striking design. But here, they went way too far. They covered this hypercar in an outrageous number of vents, fins, wings, and aerodynamic surfaces. It looks like a stealth fighter assembled from a Lego Technic set. While drama is expected from Lamborghini, the Veneno was so extreme that even some of the brand's most loyal fans felt it crossed the line from dramatic to ridiculous.

9. Toyota Will Vi (2000)

Another entry in the ‘brother ew’ category, the Toyota Will Vi looked like Sanju drew it with his magic pencil. Part of a youth-focused design experiment in Japan, it takes inspiration from vintage carriages and retro appliances -- for a car. Why? While it was never a sales success, the Will Vi remains one of the weirdest and most daring design experiments ever produced by the world's largest and often most conservative automaker.

10. BMW Isetta (1955)

This list ends with a car that is not ugly but bizarre. The BMW Isetta looked nothing like any BMW before or since. With its tiny wheels, bubble-shaped body, and a front end that opened as a single door with the steering wheel attached, it looked like a cartoon. The crucial irony is that despite its comical appearance, this little car sold in large numbers and played a major role in helping BMW survive a period of serious financial trouble.

Want to add more to this list? Let us know in the comments below!