In the world of automobile design, most creators strive to invent beautiful machines that would captivate the hearts and minds of people. However, there are times when car manufacturers stumble upon the creation of truly confusing vehicles that gain notoriety for all the wrong reasons. These automobiles become infamous for their awkward designs, bizarre proportions, and generally unattractive features. These cars live on in the hearts and minds of people who know that sometimes the appearance of a vehicle can inspire thoughts that are far from the intended ones.

Whether due to poor design choices, an attempt to appeal to a specific group of consumers, or an effort to differentiate itself from the competition, each of these vehicles serves as a reminder that even the most substantial budgets and prestigious labels can fail to deliver on expectations. Even if a car is well-equipped, powerful, and spacious, its overall appearance can remain unpleasing to the eye.

1. Aston Martin Lagonda

This luxury vehicle was released by Aston Martin in 1976 and was produced until 1990. The Lagonda was meant to directly compete with other Aston Martin vehicles, but it appears that the Lagonda failed to gain the same level of appeal with the consumers. Rather than attracting customers with its elegance and sophistication, this car became infamous for its boxy shape and angular design. The Lagonda ‘s large windows and generally squared shape gave this vehicle an appearance of a two-toned road warrior. Designers attempted to utilize modern styling to give this vehicle a unique appearance, but its proportions made it rather difficult to ignore.

Design & Ownership Concerns:

• Wedge-shaped luxury-sedan design
• Angularity made it polarizing
• Expensive ownership during the 80s
• Digital dash was faulty

The Lagonda ‘s most notable feature was its wedge-shaped design, which was rather uncommon for luxury sedans at the time. The angular design of the Lagonda was not appealing to most consumers, as the proportions of the vehicle were difficult to ignore. In an effort to appear more modern, designers utilized extreme proportions to give the Lagonda a unique appearance, but it appears that this approach backfired. As one of the most expensive cars during the 80s, few could afford to ignore the Lagonda , but few were as equally convinced of its appeal. Additionally, the digital dash of this vehicle became infamous for being faulty.

2. Fiat Multipla

This large vehicle was manufactured by Fiat between 1998 and 2010. It was one of the most recognizable and peculiar cars of its time, as its squat and short design appeared to be oddly proportioned. Compared to other vehicles, the Multipla almost seemed to have an uneven and lopsided design. Its tall and boxy appearance made it a real showstopper, both on the road and on the racetrack. However, the most notable feature of the Multipla was its front end, which made it appear as if the car was stretched horizontally with an oversized “bug eyes” design.

Distinctive Design Elements:

• Unconventional compact body proportions 
• Distinctive bug-eyed front end
• Practical design prioritized interior space
• Affordable automobile with an unforgettable design

The first feature that draws the attention to the Multipla is its front end, which designers dedicated a significant amount of effort to. On the front end of the Multipla , designers placed two sets of lights vertically, which created an effect of “bug eyes.” The main headlights were placed high on the front bumper, while the auxiliary ones were lower. This design choice was unique, as it enhanced the practical nature of this vehicle while also providing it with exceptional visibility for both the driver and the surrounding traffic. 

While the style-focused motorists would find this feature difficult to ignore, the practical motorists would appreciate the Multipla for its interior space. The interior space of this vehicle was surprisingly large for its overall size, making the Multipla an unforgettable experience for its drivers. Additionally, anyone could afford to purchase a Multipla , as a used example of this vehicle would have cost approximately $7,000 to $8,000.

3. Chrysler PT Cruiser

This automobile was produced between 2000 and 2010 and became one of the most recognizable cars in the world. Unlike many other modern vehicles, the PT Cruiser utilized retro design language to evoke the spirit of the early twentieth century. However, the final product appeared to have almost nothing in common with the vehicles of the past and instead, resembled a bizarre combination of a station wagon and a vintage automobile. The tall and boxy design of the PT Cruiser made it rather hard to miss on the road, while its proportions created an unforgettable and lasting impression that continues to polarize motorists to this day.

Retro Styling Highlights:

• Retro Design Inspired By Vintage Automobiles
• Bulbous dimensions create lasting impression
• Nostalgic touches influence the exterior design
• Affordable price range fueled demand

The exterior design of the PT Cruiser was meant to evoke feelings of nostalgia and remind the motorists of the early days of automobile travel. This goal was partially achieved, as the rounded front end of the vehicle, along with the prominent grille and tail lights, gave this automobile a distinct appearance that was hard to forget. In fact, the appearance of this vehicle was so distinct that it began to be associated with other objects, such as toasters and hearses. 

While the motorists who purchased the PT Cruiser were not disappointed by its practicality, the appearance of this vehicle became one of its most controversial aspects. Designers attempted to utilize retro-inspired details to enhance the appeal of this vehicle, but they appeared to have little success, as the final product had little in common with the vintage automobiles of the past. This is not to say that the PT Cruiser was a failure, as it was a relatively affordable vehicle that became rather popular throughout its production period. The unusual design of this automobile enhanced its appeal, while its low starting price of approximately $16,000 to $19,000 allowed most motorists to purchase it.

4. Ford Scorpio

The Ford Scorpio was a large executive-car that was released in 1985 as a budget option. It became infamous for its boxy and generally unattractive design that made most buyers do a double-take. Ford’s initial plan was to create a car that would provide the luxury of the Scorpio at a more affordable price, and it appears that the company was rather successful at its endeavor, as the starting price of the Scorpio was only around $23,000. However, the company was not as successful at its efforts to make this car appealing to the average buyer, as the boxy design and unattractive front end made it rather difficult to ignore.

Exterior & Interior Issues:

• Bulky Executive-Car Proportions
• Unattractive front end steals the show
• Squared-off rear has no elegance
• Spacious cabin offers comfort

The Scorpio ‘s most notable characteristic was its unattractive front end, which featured an oversized convex grille, rounded headlights, and an overall sense of height and width. The Scorpio ‘s awkward front end was only a small part of its controversial appearance, as the squared-off rear of the car was equally unpleasing to the eye. The tail lights of the Scorpio were relatively small, and they did little to enhance the visual appeal of this vehicle. The overall appearance of the Scorpio was that of a large, squat automobile that attempted to appear elegant but failed at its efforts. In terms of practicality, the Scorpio was a rather successful vehicle, as its cabin was spacious, and its seats were comfortable. This practicality, combined with the Scorpio ‘s generally unattractive appearance, appears to have been the reason why this vehicle failed to gain the same level of popularity as its competitors.

5. Spada Codatronca

This sports car was unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show by the Italian design house Spada Vetture Sport. It was meant to be a high-end supercar, but its unusual proportions and aggressive angles made it rather unattractive and unappealing. The Codatronca was so confusing that its appearance seemed to change depending on the reference point of the observer. Some details of the car appeared to detract from the overall appearance, making the vehicle look even more disjointed and unpleasing to the eye.

Styling & Performance Identity:

• Aggressive Design Language
• Oversized Front Grille Drowns Out Everything Else
• Exclusive Super Car Has An Unapproachable Price
• Unusual Proportions Fail To Deliver Desired Impression

The design of the Codatronca began with its front end, which featured an oversized front grille that appeared to consume most of the face of the car. Rather than enhancing the appearance of the vehicle, this detail overshadowed all of the other characteristics of the Codatronca . The aggressive angles of the car created an equally strange impression, as they failed to evoke the sense of elegance and beauty that is commonly associated with exotic supercars. It appears that the designers of the Codatronca wanted to ensure that their creation was unlike any other vehicle on the road, and they were rather successful at their endeavor. 

When unveiled to the public, the Codatronca came with an equally impressive price tag, as the starting price of the car was already around €250,000 ($355,200). This made the Codatronca one of the most expensive supercars in the world and placed it in an exclusive category of its own. The extreme approach utilized by the designers of the Codatronca failed to deliver on expectations, as this vehicle became one of the most confusing automobiles of all time.

6. SsangYong Rodius

This minivan was first introduced to the public in 2004 by the South Korean automaker SsangYong. It was an unusual vehicle that failed to utilize the typical aerodynamic shapes that were common for minivans at the time. Rather, this automobile had a generally clumsy and uninteresting design that few would have purchased if not for its practicality.

Exterior Design Characteristics:

• Bulky Exterior Has Limited Appeal For Minivan Buyers
• Unsightly Front End Poses Extra Challenge
• Unusual Headlights Add To Confusion
• Low Prices Encourage Practical Purchases

The front end of the Rodius was dominated by an oversized grille that stretched across most of the front bumper. On either side of it, designers placed large vertical headlights, which created yet another odd characteristic for this minivan to have. It appears that the designers of the Rodius struggled to create an appealing front end for their minivan, as none of their ideas seemed to work. 

Most buyers who purchase a Rodius do not do so with its appearance in mind, as this minivan was designed to deliver exceptional value for its low price. A used example of the Rodius can be purchased for only around $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the options and equipment. This makes the Rodius an easy purchase for anyone who is willing to ignore its unusual design in favor of its practicality and affordability.

7. Pontiac Aztek

The Pontiac Aztek concept first appeared in the automotive world in 2001. The car was a compact SUV with strange shapes and lines that failed to create something greater than itself. Its bulky look, combined with the overall shape, made the auto feel like a character from a bad sci-fi movie. The lines were all over the place, and seldom did the Aztek manage to create a harmonious look out of its multitude of forms.

Styling Problems & Features:

• Disjointed shapes created controversial styling
• Unconventional grille stole attention with negative feedback
• Top-heavy design lacked lower weight
• Pleasing price failed to counter its odd looks

The front end of the auto featured an unconventional look because of the large grille and a wide open space at the front. The headlights were uneven, and the rear windshield created an unusual angle. In truth, not a single line or shape on the Aztek suggested any particular design language each panel looked like it came from an entirely different car than the one it was attached to.

The high placement of the chassis on large wheels created a top-heavy look that didn’t help the Aztek. The body panels were also made of heavy plastic, and their placement made it easy for the auto to look even more coarse. Although it had a pleasant starting price of about $21000 when new, the price failed to counter the negative perception of the car, giving the Aztek a lasting legacy of controversy.

8. Subaru Tribeca

The Subaru Tribeca subcompact SUV was produced from 2005 until 2014 and was known as the B9 Tribeca. It was a competitor in the mid-size vehicle class, but its unusual look managed to fail to impress potential customers. The car offered good value for the consumer, but its exterior shape was one of the most notable characteristics that Subaru failed to change.

Distinctive Exterior Elements:

• Distinctive grille created front end character
• Dramatic proportions failed to attract buyers
• Unusal rear design dictated poor vision
• Competitive price failed to counter unattractive styling

The foremost characteristic of the Subaru Tribeca was the front end, where the large triangular grille nearly engulfed the front bumper. When looking at the auto, the most notable feature was the Tribeca’s dramatic and disproportionate snout. The design was supposed to give the vehicle a unique front end, and the shape of the large grille in the middle of the front bumper has become the most recognizable part of the model.

Looking at the back of the auto provided the consumer with equally strange proportions. The sloping roof came to a sudden and severe vertical section at the back of the car, framing the unusal rear windshield. The vision was obstructed by the strange design, and the same design made the Tribeca nearly impossible to park. With a starting price of about $30000 when new, the price failed to compete within the segment, as the consumer would get fewer benefits for the extra money.

9. Dodge Nitro

When Dodge unveiled the Nitro in 2007, it was one of the few compact SUVs on the market that managed to turn heads. However, most people failed to notice the positive characteristics of the vehicle. The overall appearance of the auto was quite bulky, and the few lines and shapes suggested something other than a balanced and athletic design.

Bold Styling Characteristics:

• Bulky silhouette created unappealing look
• Disjointed lines suggested poor design language
• Unusual front end created angry expression
• Pleasant price range attracted drivers seeking SUVs

Overall, the car had some strange lines, and its appearance was difficult to miss something that, in this case, was not a good quality. The large front grille and oversized headlights created an angry face for the auto. It appears that Dodge wanted to make the Nitro look intimidating on the road, and the front end of the car suggests just that. However, with the help of larger wheels and a lower stance, the auto managed to create a good visual presence on the road without crossing into the realm of ridiculous proportions.

With the starting price of about $20000 when new, the Dodge Nitro was a great value for the consumer. It appears to have been a competitor to other automakers, but its unique appearance failed to gain it any particular fame or following. The Nitro’s sturdy look attracted many buyers that were looking for something rugged and masculine, but the boxy design prevented it from reaching the upper echelons of the compact SUV class.

10. Plymouth Prowler

When the Plymouth Prowler rolled out for the first time in 1997, it tried to recreate the feeling of a hot-rod from the golden era of muscle cars. Its elongated front end, low sides and short rear created an unusual but interesting shape. The car failed to be stealthy in its intentions to recreate the look of an old hot-rod, and the Prowler became one of the most controversial sports cars of all time with its strange shapes and sizes.

Retro Design Characteristics:

• Long front end created larger overall length
• Unusal wheel placement created strange proportions
• Classic hot-rod design suggested retro inspiration
• Expensive price tag limited its buyer pool

At the front of the Prowler, the consumer was greeted with an unusual look, as the large circular grille openings housed standard headlights. The design language of the car suggested a retro design, and the designers placed oversized exposed wheels at the front of the auto. The same wheels were smaller at the back, creating an unbalanced and unusual look. Rather than a standard sports car, the Prowler appeared as some sort of an oversized toy that was more fit for the showroom than the road.

When new, the Prowler had a starting price tag around $39000, making it seem like quite an expensive purchase. However, the auto was a true example of its name a unique concept that suggested extreme lengths to recreate the feel of the hot-rods of yesteryear. Its strange proportions made the Prowler a novelty that few could afford to buy and even fewer could drive but, those that did were able to enjoy an unusual driving experience.