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Ugliest Cars of All Time

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  • lokkilokki Member Posts: 1,200
    Perhaps I was unfair in showing only one picture.. Here is view of the Oleg Cassini model Matador. There can be no doubt that this is the Matador dressed in its best!

    http://earth.vol.com/~augie/carsairio275matador.html
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    The Matador is a bit hoonish and ugly, but still can't touch the Pontiac Plastic with a 10-foot pole
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,355
    Not sure why the first Matador was on a British based web site, but at least it was a stick. The picture was kind of fuzzy, but might have been a Hurst shifter. Try to find that on a full-sized American car today.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • elyons1elyons1 Member Posts: 7
    The Volkswagon Thing is hard to beat when it comes to ugly. Then again Pontic is giving it a go with its new Aztec.
  • lokkilokki Member Posts: 1,200
    Was going to wait a minute and see if I could get a look at the type of person who buys an Aztek and then I noticed it had Michigan Manufacturer's plates on it.... in Dallas Texas...

    I can't imagine why.... So far I've only seen a couple of Azteks other than this one. One showed up in our company parking lot for a couple days but turned out to be a loaner someone got. Didn't get to talk to them, but got a close look.

    If the Erector Set company built cars... this would be it
  • crosley4crosley4 Member Posts: 295
    image


    1948 Simca

    more pics are here
  • dweezildweezil Member Posts: 271
    I examined one of these creatures while driving down Fulton in L.A. It's a dead ringer for a Korean built Pontiac Lemans 2 door. Remember that egg? Now look at it from a rear 3/4ths perspective and you can tell what Pontiac used as it's inspiration...even the tail lights are similar.Just take it to that designs illogical and tasteless extreme and you have an Aztek!An especially loud "lifestyle" accessory that announces you've "arrived"...with a FOG HORN!Just imagine one in that tasty avacado green metallic!It's ONE thing to take chances and go against the grain;it's something else again to try to be pretentiously hip to the point you are so far out in left field no one will come to visit!And in THAT category I place the new Celica:hideous; a perfect example of straining too hard to be "cutting edge".What a travesty. Totally tortured metal;lines going in every direction,tail lights stuck on as an after thought ugh. At least the Echo is strange in a 1960 Rambler American sort of way.Looks like a mid- 90's Tercel upper welded to the bottom of the new Prius.
    I wonder what the Aztek would look like as a low rider with a faux convertible top...or white walls,opera lamps wire wheels and a vinyl top?If we're going to be gauche let's go ALL the way!. Dave
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    Dweezil, please! It's bad enough already! Don't give them ideas!
  • carnut4carnut4 Member Posts: 574
    Remember the 1970 Subaru 360? Talk about ugly. It was kind of like a mutated, premature, 2dr version of a Citroen 2CV. The Echo makes me think back to what happened to those old Sube 360s. Turned out they fell way short of their MPG claims, were uncomfortable and unsafe, and didn't sell. I remember reading a story about some guy who owned a 1/4 mile racetrack, and he bought up a bunch of surplus Subes, and rented them out for thrills around the track. Seeing them all buzzing around the track was comical, to say the least. Maybe the Echo just needs its own racetrack-for a destruction derby.[he-he]
  • guitarzanguitarzan Member Posts: 873
    So you probably detest the Ford Ranchero also, eh? Gotta love the name at least :)
  • sjerdnasjerdna Member Posts: 2
    Remember SUV also stands for S!@#$%^! Ugly Vehicle (! go figure). Until the new Pontiac Aster, I thought the ugliest was the Licoln Navigator, especially in the Yuppie Black with the Black windows. It has a particularly ugly face that kind of makes me want to go up to it an just give it a kick! Just the sight of these dinosaurs gives me a mild case of road rage... these abominations are one of the biggest reasons our gas prices are up (more demand) and the reason we really don't have innovative really sporty looking and handling cars now.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,287
    ... the Aztek. Not just ugly, but hideous. Sadly, the Anime-cartoon styling theme seems to be spreading to other GM cars based on their latest concepts. I don't think GM could design a good-looking car these days if they tried.

    Unfortunately I have seen 2 in as many days. I bright-red one yesterday with out-of-town plates -- I swear passers-by were shouting at the thing -- and a white one today, on display as a prize in a contest. Only question I had was, is second prize *2* Azteks? ;-) I expect we'll see a lot of them as giveaways. The white didn't look quite as bad as the red.

    The one mentioned earlier with Michigan manufacturer plates was probably one of the 2800 or so that GM is forcing managers to drive instead of their regular company cars. Faced with thousands in inventory with no chance of selling them, GM has taken this drastic step. I have heard of getting a turkey as a Christmas bonus, but this is ridiculous. :) Good news is you can probably get a good deal on the Park Avenues, Bonnevilles and Caddys they had to turn in. That's the only good thing I can think about relating to the Aztek.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • cruizin67cruizin67 Member Posts: 2
    Chevrolet has entered its own Edsel with their 2001 Monte Carlo.....ugly to the max! Looks like a pick-up from behind.
  • dweezildweezil Member Posts: 271
    Early 80's`Datsun/Nissan 810/Maxima:gave new meaning to the word "square".Just hideous...and your choice of ugly in rear wheel drive and FWD!!!!!! It's not even grisly with some sort of style, it's just plain bad design. YECHHHHHHH. 61-63 Rambler American;That scowling mouth front end....WHAT? 61 Rambler Ambassador,after the 58 thru 60 were such nicely integrated versions of the standard Rambler....why they do that? Their head stylist, Edmund Andersen [son?]should have been brought up on charges of sheetmetal abuse.
    72 Ford Torino, Ford back in the days when every car they built had a family resemblence to the Pinto.2 dr. fastback is the worst;but add those goober bumpers and you've got a candidate for worst of the 70's.
    Thing about it is,ugly is ugly 4-ever,the latest "in" thing BECOMES ugly or worse;COMMON! At least starting from ugly you NEVER have to be out of fashion......you're never IN fashion....in a few years you'll be glamorously "eccentric", even cool while your up to the minute neighbor is still paying off his 8 year contract on the latest thing, missing house payments to buy the 100 count bottle of Viagra and waiting for his order of spray on hair to be delivered in a plain brown wrapped package. Bingo, you've won again!!!!There IS a place in the world for ugly cars after all! Great posts everyone,Dweezil
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Hah! It's true, you know...when the car is ugly to begin with, it can only get better with time, starting as it does from the bottom of the pile. Some ugly cars are fairly collectible, although they won't bring big money....Nash Metros, Citroen 2CVs, '58 "Packard" Hawk, old Simcas, Ford Anglias, Mercury Comets....all that weird and less than lovely iron.
  • lbthedoglbthedog Member Posts: 198
    Park a Pacer next to a New Beetle. See the resemblance? I learned a long time ago that while I may not see the beauty in some vehicles, somebody else does. To me the the ugliest vehicle is the one about two feet off my rear bumper in rush hour traffic, trying to pass me to get two feet off the bumper of the car ten cars lengths ahead of me. Why do those people seem to drive so many Dodge Ram trucks?
  • greforgrefor Member Posts: 34
    was amused at the memories of some of the cars mentioned. Post 506 says they saw one and wondered why it had manufacturers plates on it. I read an article in Automotive Weekly (?) that said the Aztek was not selling well and GM gave them to managers and told them to get them out on the street and give them some exposure.

    Post 508 talks about the Korean made Pontiac LeMans. My sister bought one of those because she wanted something cheap and she wanted to buy American-LOL. Not only was the car ugly, but it had to be the worst designed piece of crap ever. On the inside, if you put on a turn signal, it showed both the left and right arrows illuminated-similar to putting emergency hazards on. You could not tell if you had your left or right blinker on.

    Once when I had an accident and had my car in the shop, I rented the cheapest car they had. It was a puke green Ford Festiva or Fiesta. Looked and drove like a little waterbug. People would give me nasty looks, like I was some type of jerk to drive it. I had to tell everyone that saw me in it that it was just a rental, but it was no use, my reputation was shot forever.

    Perhaps the ugliest thing that i ever saw on wheels was just that-The volkswagen Thing. It looked like it was part German half track from world war II and half tin can. I don't know if anybody mentioned that.
  • greforgrefor Member Posts: 34
    pick for ugliest car. i just read in the Automotive News today that Pontiac is pulling the Aztek to do a redesign. They said it was very unusual for a car to be redesigned so early in its product cycle, but they could not sell them. So far, they have only sold 11,000 and they had targeted to sell 75,000!! Sounds like you can get a pretty good deal on one if you want to put a bag over its head:)
  • netranger4netranger4 Member Posts: 149
    East German Wartburg (fits the name-hamburger with warts)Lloyd (small German car from the early sixties) - looked like a small animal with constipation.'58 Buick/Olds (depleted the worlds chromium ore stocks in one year). Pontiac Aztek (looks like it was designed by a group of unhappy stylists as a practice excercise which got approved by management 5 minutes before the weekly golf game. )Goggomobil (circa 1955 two passenger car w/Messerschmidt engine)Sold at least one to Circus World for clown car. '41 Graham - for those who remember (looked like front bumper was hooked to tall building while the car was backing up.)'53 Nash Ambassador 4-dr (Bulbous styling resembling a Metropolitan which had been overfilled with air.)
  • contour2contour2 Member Posts: 8
    I would have to agree in part about the Aztec, it's not beautiful but it is functional. I would have no problem driving one at all. What about the
    Mid seventy's Datsun 210's with those bee hive wheel covers. Or the BMW 2.0cs coupes before the redesign, which brougt us the 2800csi and
    3.0 csi's which must be the most beautiful Coupes in the world.
  • nick29nick29 Member Posts: 19
    What were the designers thinking (or using) when they designed this atrocity? Then they threw in a tent for $2grand.LOL I suppose they feel people with gawd awful taste have money too.One word "heinous".
  • lokkilokki Member Posts: 1,200
    I don't care much for the new Celica,and I think that the Echo looks like somebody just kicked it in the differential (OK betwee the real wheels where the diffrential should be)....
    But: Toyota has some even uglier cars that they don't sell here: The Will Vi.

    I've actually seen a couple on the road in Japan
    and I think we'd be having a debate about this or the Aztek if they sold these things here

    Here's a link:
    http://www.carmarket.ru/show/style/willvi.html

    Don't be deceived by the artsy stuff - it's a real car -well a full sized car - well people drive them...
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Perfect material for artificial reefs!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    Sorry Fezo, But the Aztek would scare all the coral away, and the EPA would fine you for pollution.
    Heck, the EPA fines you for pollution if you park one in your front yard! They'd rather you drive a 59 Caddie that needs a tuneup!
  • skidmarksskidmarks Member Posts: 47
    I think anything made in 1959 was, in retrospect,down right obnoxious.Especially the GM line-up. The Buick and Chevys get the prize. Also, I would agree with most AMC's. The big exception was the AMX. That must have been designed by someone outside the company. It was really a neat car. But Pacer,Marlin,Hornet,etc.
    UGGGGGLY!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Yeah, 1958 and 1959 were the years of Wretched Excess in American styling. People collect them FOR their ugliness I think, or at least for their outrageousness. They certainly were a statement about the times in which they were built.

    Things got a lot better in the 60s.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    Hey gang,

    I just got back from a vacation to Houston, and saw not one, but three of the danged things on the road! This was the first time that I've seen them, other than sitting on the lot collecting dust at a dealership.

    Does anybody remember the LeMans? I'm talking that nasty Korean insult to the name they sold in the late 80's, not the REAL LeMans from the '64 or so to '81. Well, it looks like they took the whole hatchback and taillight assembly off of that insult-to-the-name and grafted it onto the back of the Aztek.

    I'd take any GM monstrosity from 1959 over the Aztek. Heck, the Pontiac and Olds from that year are actually pretty attractive...

    -Andre
  • billbennettbillbennett Member Posts: 2
    Chrysler has had their share of UGLY vehicles, to compete with the "stylish" AMC Gremlins, Matador, and the Ford Maverick. Ford even had a few years of "Maverick" looking Mustangs, but are much improved now.

    I would have to put the 1961 Plymouth Valiant, in the classic white, 4-door sedan, (6-cylinder column shift of course)in the top ten of all time Ugly. One note...they are sort of cult classics now. It's nice to see a collector spend thousands to restore one of thes babies.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I think they were trying to be "european" in a kind of distorted American view of what a European was in 1961. It's an odd car to want to restore, but at least you'll have something different! I wouldn't take it to Pebble Beach, though. Actually, the car does have a small distinction...one of, if not the first, US car to sport an alternator instead of a generator.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    Whereas GM's ugly era was 1958-59, and I'd say Ford's was '57-59, I always thought Chrysler's was from around '60-'63. Plymouths looked pretty nasty from '59-61, and those downsized ones in '62 weren't much better. For the most part, I think Dodge escaped being hit by the ugly stick, although the '61's did have a nasty looking rear end. As for the senior models, DeSoto's 1961, Chrysler's 1961-64 models, and the '61-63 Imperials were pretty garish, although not nearly in the league with the '58-59 Edsel, '58-59 Buick, '58 Olds, etc.

    As for the Valiant, I thought the only really ugly thing about it was the fake spare tire indentation in the trunk. Funny that they called the car European-inspired, but then in the 1970's, the Granada, the Seville, the 1975 Nova clones, and the 1977 GM big cars were all called "European inspired"!

    As for alternators, I think all the Chrysler models switched to them for 1961. Wasn't Chrysler also the first to switch to electronic ignition in 1971?

    -Andre
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    Someone electrically minded enlighten me as to the difference. (as well as to why they didn't make one device that could double as starter/generator).
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    are better at recharging the battery than a generator. It's also been my experience that alternators last about 7-8 years, while my '57 DeSoto is still on its original generator.

    I'm sure there are other advantages to alternators...they're smaller and lighter, so maybe they rob less power from the engine than a generator would.

    -Andre
  • eeeleeel Member Posts: 57
    pontiac aztek
    2000 monte carlo
    1998 taurus
  • billbennettbillbennett Member Posts: 2
    re: Message 513


    I have one of the new 2001 Mote Carol AS models with the High Sport package. Its black with the silver ground effects and racing-style spoiler. It has received more compliments and looks than any car I have ever owned (about 60 now), Including Corvettes.


    I know, I know... it has to grow on you. But this new style starting in 2000 was a radical change from the previous models. Mine looks like Dale Earnhardt's NASCAR racer, less the decals. Actually, its close to the Pace car version.


    This is one of the "sleekest" cars I've ever owned. Check the http://www.chevrolet.com web site and look at the "High Sport" black and silver model...and tell me if its that ugly.

    I don't think so.

  • ramronramron Member Posts: 8
    Alternators as used in automobiles are actually generating AC voltage that is rectified to DC. They offer higher current output at low RPM. The old generators are straight DC using brushes to connect to the output terminals. At idle or low RPM, they barely put out any current and brush and commutator wear was a problem.

    Old style DC generators and starter motors are similar, but the location on the flywheel and RPM they turn to crank the engine would cause them to wear out in a short period of time if left connected. How could you belt drive the front end pulley and connect to the flywheel to start at the same time?

    This is my first post and don't know if you mix subjects, but regarding the new Ford 49, it looks more like the original 49 Mercury to me than a Ford. We had a 49 Ford, bought in late 48. I always thought it was designed to look like a jet plane, with the front scoop with a ball in the center. It had 16" wheels and the Flathead V-8 didn't even have an oil filter. The body leaked air and would have been a cold riding car if we did not live in Florida; however, the ugly part was the mechanics, not the look of the body.
  • lbthedoglbthedog Member Posts: 198
    If ramrod only knew whats coming next.

    For a vehicle that "so many people hate" why do you people keep whining about the Aztek? I've seen some people fabricate false safety data, miss-spell the name into "funny stuff", but nobody is complaining about steering wheels falling off or any issues of quality. It's odd that no matter what vehicle you search on the home page here leads to a discussion of Azteks. And it's only "liability" is the styling. Kind of like kids when they start crying about something, they just can't stop. I guess if any of the whiners actually drove one, I would find them to be worth listening to. But I'll bet less then one out a dozen have done more than look at a picture or let someone else decide for them. It's too bad because the Edmunds' board deserves a better fate than this. It's starting to look like some wrestling or sports team board.

    But since this board needs some more trash on it, here's mine. If retro styling is so "hot" why didn't Ford copy some of it's own? I was looking at the "new" T-Bird and it does look familiar. Ford is going to build a copy of the 53 Corvette. It sure doesn't look like a 55 T-Bird. But that front is a dead on replica of the first gen Corvette. Too bad they didn't slope the a pillars. And it could use some chrome.

    There's an old saying "what goes around, comes around" Since DCX parroted the 37 Ford, and Ford the 53 Vette, Pontiac copied the Airflow and called it the Aztek. And of those three, which was called "ahead of it's time"?
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    Hey lbthedog...

    I agree totally about the new T-bird...the first time I saw a pic, it made me think more of a first-generation 'vette than a T-bird. For it to really resemble the original T-bird, the front really needs more of a forward thrust to it. I think the real dog of that platform is the new Jaguar S-type. It looks too much like a Contour with a little bit of Neon and 1958 Edsel thrown in. Although I have to admit, the taillights are kind of cool when they light up. I happened to see one of the old Jaguars that was the inspiration for this new S-type, sitting in someone's driveway, quietly gathering leaves and rusting away along with a 1973 Chevy Monte Carlo. I have to say, the Monte Carlo was the better looking of the two!

    As for the Aztek, I've never driven one, but I'm just so turned off by the styling that I wouldn't want to! I've seen them up close at the dealership, and looked inside. The interior is as much of a styling disaster as the rest of the car, although interior design has been a Pontiac weak point for the last 15-20 years. As for their reliability, give them time. Not enough people have bought them and they haven't been on the market long enough to really give a good sample. I'm sure they should be as good as the minivans upon which they're based. Buick is coming out with a version called the Rendevous which, in my opinion, doesn't look much better. It looks like they took an Aztek and added some Lexus SUV styling cues.

    -Andre
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    I can see a strong influence from the 55 Bird in the new one. But now that you mention it, I can also see some C1 Corvette. Of course, you have to remember that Ford got the idea for the 55 T-Bird from the 53 Vette, so that might explain some of the why. I don't care where they got the styling from, though, I WANT ONE! (drool!).
    As far as the S-Type, that's another gorgeous car. I'd have to give "Worst looking DEW98-Car" honors to the Lincoln LS. It's not ugly, but it looks a bit too chunky to be as graceful as the Jag or T-Bird

    As far as the Aztek, There's an old saying "You only get one chance to make a good first impression." For cars, that one chance is how cool it looks on the showroom floor. If it looks like an alien snot-ball, then it doesn't matter how good the vehicle is, the potential buyer will pass it over without so much as a second thought, and go test drive the new Jeep Liberty across the street. The Aztek blew it's one chance. Then again, it's not the first car to do so, and, unfortunately, probably won't be the last.
  • tprjimmytprjimmy Member Posts: 6
    Some of the spelling contained in the posts to your site are a sad commentary on the state of education (or intelligence) but do do you need to SHOUT it with your mis-spelled title? uglIIIIest!!!!!!!!!!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Hi tprjimmy---I think a lot of those typos are not from ignorance but from poor typing skills. Anyway, I'll correct the header, how's that?

    Mr Shiftright
    Host
  • tprjimmytprjimmy Member Posts: 6
    Much better! Sorry, I'm a little grumpy today--thanks.
  • rabbitrun3rabbitrun3 Member Posts: 23
    "Some of the spelling contained in the posts to your site are..."

    I believe you mean "is" not "are"

    "spelling...is" (or spellings[plural]...are)

    Tell you what: I won't bash your grammar if you don't bash the innocent errors of posters eager to chime into the discussion. For that matter, I'd also prefer you not imply there ought to be some minimum IQ or educational threshold required for posting. The smartest man I know insists on writing "were" when he means "we're" and "that's" when he means "thats", and he doesn't just post - he VOTES, too.

    OMIGOSH!

    Regards,
    Scott
  • rabbitrun3rabbitrun3 Member Posts: 23
    The VehiCross?

    In the contemporary category this must give the Azteks and 2nd Gen Tauri a run for their money.

    (I may have missed earlier votes for this; If so, please add another check in its column.)

    Also, does anyone else feel that the Mazda MX-3 was as ugly as the MX-6, Miata, and Last RX-7 were gorgeous?
  • netranger4netranger4 Member Posts: 149
    1.1950 Nash Ambassador (King Size Bathtub)
    2.1958 Buick Anything
  • lokkilokki Member Posts: 1,200
    I think that visual memory is somewhat akin to our memory of smells; that is to say,if whatever you are smelling right now smells bad, it's the worst smell ever.

    After we get a little distance away (in time) it may be possible that some cars in the past have been even uglier than the Aztek.

    (Hey I said possible!)
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    But only because you said possible.....

    58 Buick anything - good choice!

    I always liked those 59 Chevy Batmobiles.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • tombayertombayer Member Posts: 23
    #1 Pontiac Aztek
    #2 Pontiac Aztek
    #3 Pontiac Aztek
    #4 Pontiac Aztek
    #5 Pontiac Aztek
    #6 Pontiac Aztek
    #7 Pontiac Aztek
    #8 Pontiac Aztek
    #9 Pontiac Aztek
    #10 Pontiac Aztek
  • rea98drea98d Member Posts: 982
    11 Ford Taurus
    12 Ford Taurus
    13 Ford Taurus
    14 Ford Taurus
    15 Ford Taurus
    16 Ford Taurus
    17 Ford Taurus
    18 Ford Taurus
    19 Ford Taurus
    20 Ford Taurus

    BTW, someone with a dictionary might want to check the spelling on # 14.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Good choices, guys.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • rfruthrfruth Member Posts: 630
    Believe me I'm no Pontiac fan (whoever said GTO stood for Get Tools Out was right) but the Aztek looks quite functional to me and for 25 grand makes a lot more sense than a station wagon on a truck chassis (SUV for suddenly upsidedown vehicle ?) for even more money.


                        Rob Fruth - Houston, Tx

                     http://freeweb.pdq.net/rfruth


    1981 Raleigh for commuting, errands & fun

    1997 Trek 2300 for real fun !

    2000 5 speed Civic hatchback

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