2012's Ugliest Cars

RNOcommctr · Wed Mar 14, 2012 4:34 pm

I commute 35 miles to work, so I get the chance to see a lot of cars. I have become somewhat of an armchair critic of automotive design. I'm no expert, but I know what I like and what I don't like. What do you think are the ugliest cars currently in production? I am talking about new models, not oldies like the Edsel and AMC Pacer. Two examples come to mind. The first, the Honda Fit.

To my eye, the Fit is a jangle of weird and incongruous lines and angles. Visual dissonance. The design is so busy my eyes get tired just looking at it.

Second, I propose the new Hyundai Elantra.

Just freaky. The swell over the rear wheels clashes with the horizontal line running along the main part of the body. I understand this is part of the new Hyundai design language (and I hate that term, but all the auto magazines have glommed on to it), but it is carried off much more smoothly in the Sonata. The Elantra's tail lights are garish and look like part of a Halloween costume.

If you are offended by my suggestions because you own one of these cars, bear in mind that I drive a 2010 Toyota Corolla, which certainly is not going to win any beauty contests.

FingerLakerAv8r · Wed Mar 14, 2012 5:36 pm

Seriously, I've caught fish in the lake prettier than this.

BMI727 · Wed Mar 14, 2012 5:50 pm

Quoting FingerLakerAv8r (Reply 1):

The 500 isn't too bad since it's a retro styled car, but it's not half as good as the Mini. I admit I'd like it a lot less if it weren't based on the old 500, which could be a serious problem for Fiat since many Americans know nothing of the old 500, certainly not like the Beetle or Mini Cooper. A big part of the problem is that the wheels are too small and make it look like a golf cart.

The stretched version looks worse with every picture I see of it.

Superfly · Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:04 pm

Quoting RNOcommctr (Thread starter):
I am talking about new models, not oldies like the Edsel and AMC Pacer.

Those are glamorous by today's standards.

Here is my ugly list;

BMW X3

Audi Q5

Mercedes M-class

B6JFKH81 · Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:07 pm

I still can't get used to this one, especially seeing it head-on:

FingerLakerAv8r · Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:16 pm

Quoting Superfly (Reply 3):
BMW X3

Gahh! Kill it with fire!!!

srqmuc · Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:59 pm

Here is my list of butt ugly cars (to be continued):

Cadillac CTS Coupe

Cadillac EXT (+Chevrloet Avalanche)

BMW 1 Series:

Infiniti QX56:

+ quite a few Fiat models

Superfly · Wed Mar 14, 2012 7:07 pm

Quoting srqmuc (Reply 6):
Cadillac EXT (+Chevrloet Avalanche)

Is that turd still in production?
Thought it was discontinued after the federal government takeover.

I forgot to include this thing.

ER757 · Wed Mar 14, 2012 7:34 pm

Nissan Cube, hands down the ugliest vehicle ever built. Makes even the Pontiac Aztek look good.

That Fiat that's in the commercials these days with the Italian lady and the geek. Nice babe, hideous car.

MAH4546 · Wed Mar 14, 2012 7:41 pm

Quoting Superfly (Reply 3):

Here is my ugly list;

BMW X3

Audi Q5

Mercedes M-class

More like your "I hate import crossovers from Germany" list. Oh, and by the way, the M-Class is a fully capable, real SUV. Mercedes has a long history of making off-road vehicles that dates back over 50 years, and the M follows that tradition.

Superfly · Wed Mar 14, 2012 7:55 pm

Quoting MAH4546 (Reply 9):
More like your "I hate import crossovers from Germany" list.

I can't stand the ones from Japan and the US either.
I don't like crossovers period.

lewis · Wed Mar 14, 2012 8:15 pm

Bmw X6: Looks like a 4-door coupe on steroids

Nissan Cube: Very ugly, could be designed by a 5 year old who is "connecting dots" on a paper. Same thing for the boxy Scion cars.

Quoting srqmuc (Reply 6):
BMW 1 Series:

I agree, it just looks bad. I do like the convertible though.

aloges · Wed Mar 14, 2012 8:34 pm

I take it that none of you has seen a SsangYong Actyon. I am afraid I have done so today and will refrain from torturing you with a photo.

IMissPiedmont · Wed Mar 14, 2012 8:36 pm

Quoting B6JFKH81 (Reply 4):
I still can't get used to this one, especially seeing it head-on:

I agree, that thing is a tie with the Camaro as the ugliest car on the showroom floor today.

UPS707 · Wed Mar 14, 2012 8:46 pm

Just when I thought I had seen it all as far as C/SUV car combos (Honda Accord Aerodeck,BMW X6, Acura ZDX), Nissan had to go and beat theirs with a couple extra wacks of the ugly stick and create this.....

Introducing the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet:-

[Edited 2012-03-14 13:59:31]

canoecarrier · Wed Mar 14, 2012 8:49 pm

Quoting lewis (Reply 11):
Nissan Cube: Very ugly, could be designed by a 5 year old who is "connecting dots" on a paper. Same thing for the boxy Scion cars.

Horribly ugly car. Everytime I see one I wonder just how expensive it is to replace the rear window on a Cube.

srqmuc · Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:32 pm

Quoting IMissPiedmont (Reply 13):
Quoting B6JFKH81 (Reply 4):
I still can't get used to this one, especially seeing it head-on:

I agree, that thing is a tie with the Camaro as the ugliest car on the showroom floor today.

How could I forget the Camaro?! Ugly!

Quoting lewis (Reply 11):
I agree, it just looks bad. I do like the convertible though.

The old 1 Series/BMW E87 (which you probably refer to because there is no BMW F20 convertible so far) was IMHO quite right, but the new 1 Series/BMW F20 is just horrible! The front looks just plain wrong.

Quoting lewis (Reply 11):
Nissan Cube: Very ugly, could be designed by a 5 year old who is "connecting dots" on a paper. Same thing for the boxy Scion cars.

GuitrThree · Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:56 pm

The 2012 Boeing 787:

zckls04 · Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:39 pm

The Cube and the Prius are excellent choices. But I'm going to go for this, the spectacularly awful Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. Now I know this is a controversial choice, but you expect cheap cars to look terrible. You can't blame Ssangyong for not being able to afford the world's greatest designer. But a Ferrari should be staggeringly beautiful, and this just isn't.

ER757 · Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:51 pm

Quoting UPS707 (Reply 14):
Introducing the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet:-

Excuse me while I got vomit

Mir · Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:53 pm

Quoting aloges (Reply 12):
I take it that none of you has seen a SsangYong Actyon. I am afraid I have done so today and will refrain from torturing you with a photo.

I, on the other hand, have no such reservations:

-Mir

af773atmsp · Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:13 pm

Toyota iQ. Ugly and way too small, I'd rather use my bike then drive that.

Braniff747SP · Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:14 pm

Nissan NV.

B6JFKH81 · Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:22 pm

Quoting GuitrThree (Reply 17):
The 2012 Boeing 787:

Don't even get me started on the 2012 Civic. I was pissed when they came out with this "re-design" which looked almost like the same car they came out with 6 years ago (I currently drive a 2007 HCH). The dealer was pushing me to get a 2012 and I looked at them and said "I'm not buying a car that looks nearly exactly like the one I have now...give me one that looks different and actually gets good write-ups and maybe we'll talk" LOL. Supposedly they are going to release an entirely new one for 2013 (we shall see).

flyboyseven · Thu Mar 15, 2012 12:21 am

Quoting ER757 (Reply 8):
That Fiat that's in the commercials these days with the Italian lady and the geek. Nice babe, hideous car.

Just personal opinion here, but I think the new 500 is awesome, especially the Abarth version in the commercial you mentioned.

As for my least favorite, the Linconln MKT takes the cake for me

stasisLAX · Thu Mar 15, 2012 12:24 am

Quoting B6JFKH81 (Reply 4):
I still can't get used to this one, especially seeing it head-on

OMG, the Juke is hideous. The turn lamps on the hood look like giant sized toe nail clippings, and the overall look is much too close to the late, vomit-inducing Pontiac Aztec.

Quoting UPS707 (Reply 14):
Introducing the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet

Just fugly. No other word for it.

And I am forced to add the over-wrought beak and (first generation Oldsmobile Aurora-ish) ass-end of the brand new Lincoln MKZ to the ugly list.

2013 Lincoln MKZ (Concept) - Official Lincoln Photo

2013 Lincoln MKZ - Concept

KaiGywer · Thu Mar 15, 2012 12:26 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 7):
I forgot to include this thing.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a TV ad for this, it actually makes quite a bit better looking...still wouldn't buy one, but it's a step in the right direction:

Quoting lewis (Reply 11):
Nissan Cube: Very ugly, could be designed by a 5 year old who is "connecting dots" on a paper. Same thing for the boxy Scion cars.

Quoting IMissPiedmont (Reply 13):
I agree, that thing is a tie with the Camaro as the ugliest car on the showroom floor today.

I actually quite like the Camaro and I'd be happy to drive one.

Quoting GuitrThree (Reply 17):
The 2012 Boeing 787:

ANITIX87 · Thu Mar 15, 2012 12:41 am

Quoting RNOcommctr (Thread starter):
The first, the Honda Fit.

At least it's much better than the first generation Ft.

Quoting RNOcommctr (Thread starter):

The sedan is one of my absolutely favorite cars looks wise. If the turbo came in a stick shift it would be at the top of my list of prospective cars.

Quoting Superfly (Reply 3):

I love the M Class. It might be my favorite SUV.

Quoting srqmuc (Reply 6):

I agree with every car in here. Congratulations on having good taste.

Quoting UPS707 (Reply 14):
Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet

Hideous. My best friend loves it and I want to smack him every time he says so.

Quoting zckls04 (Reply 18):
ut a Ferrari should be staggeringly beautiful, and this just isn't

Yes it is. It's so pretty it makes the 599 look like an ogre who fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. This new Ferrari is gorgeous. Especially compared to the monstrosity they released last year, the FF.

As for my list of the ugliest cars of 2012, I am going to go with the following:
All Scion models
Toyota iQ / Aston Martin Cygnet
Fiat 500
Honda Crosstour
BMW X6 and 5-series GT (though the regular 5-series is the most beautiful sedan out there except maybe for the Jaguar XF and the upcoming BMW 6-series GranCoupe).

There are plenty of boring and ugly sedans out there that I am too tired to think of.

TIS

zckls04 · Thu Mar 15, 2012 1:10 am

Quoting ANITIX87 (Reply 27):
Yes it is. It's so pretty it makes the 599 look like an ogre who fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. This new Ferrari is gorgeous. Especially compared to the monstrosity they released last year, the FF.

No, this is worse- it looks like a cheap muscle car. Amazed you can thing that rear end is "gorgeous"!

lewis · Thu Mar 15, 2012 1:35 am

Quoting flyboyseven (Reply 24):
Just personal opinion here, but I think the new 500 is awesome, especially the Abarth version in the commercial you mentioned.

I kind of like the 500, but then again, I'm European. I have driven the Abarth version in Greece, a very fast small car that handles really well for its size.

stasisLAX · Thu Mar 15, 2012 1:57 am

Quoting flyboyseven (Reply 24):
Just personal opinion here, but I think the new 500 is awesome, especially the Abarth version in the commercial you mentioned.

I have to agree - the Abarth model in the television commercials looks amazing. But what do I know??? Styling preferences is a very personal thing! And I drive THIS very polarizing car everyday!

2011 Kia Soul

[Edited 2012-03-14 18:59:13]

[Edited 2012-03-14 18:59:49]

KaiGywer · Thu Mar 15, 2012 3:46 am

Quoting stasisLAX (Reply 30):
2011 Kia Soul

I hated that car when it first came out. I think the minor styling updates and the hamster commercials did good though. Now I don't mind it anymore

stasisLAX · Thu Mar 15, 2012 4:20 am

Quoting KaiGywer (Reply 31):
I hated that car when it first came out. I think the minor styling updates and the hamster commercials did good though. Now I don't mind it anymore

I went from a nice, big Chevy Malibu to the Soul several months ago - the Soul now has 4,500 miles on it and has been perfect - except for 2 flat tires. And 28 mpg overall (mostly city driving). The car gets looks - some good, some not so good - and I've had a few people ask me "where are the hamsters" that go with the car.

Superfly · Thu Mar 15, 2012 4:32 am

Quoting stasisLAX (Reply 32):
I went from a nice, big Chevy Malibu

The last "big" Malibu was 1977.
Was yours a 1977 or older?

KaiGywer · Thu Mar 15, 2012 7:02 am

Quoting stasisLAX (Reply 32):
and I've had a few people ask me "where are the hamsters" that go with the car.

Are you rocking out to Party Rock Anthem as you're cruising along?

BMI727 · Thu Mar 15, 2012 7:25 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 3):
Mercedes M-class

I liked the old one better, but like the C Class and some recent Audis, you can hardly tell the difference between the old and the new with a quick glance.

Quoting aloges (Reply 12):

I take it that none of you has seen a SsangYong Actyon.

That isn't their first offensively styled vehicle.

Quoting UPS707 (Reply 14):
Introducing the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet:-

The price is even uglier.

Quoting Braniff747SP (Reply 22):
Nissan NV.

It's not pretty, but then it isn't supposed to be. That said, the Sprinter is far more stylish.

Quoting stasisLAX (Reply 30):
And I drive THIS very polarizing car everyday!

That thing is awful.

Quoting KaiGywer (Reply 31):
I think the minor styling updates and the hamster commercials did good though.

"Gee, I was on the fence about the Soul, but when I saw dancing, obese hamsters I just couldn't live without it"

Superfly · Thu Mar 15, 2012 7:51 am

Quoting BMI727 (Reply 35):
I liked the old one better, but like the C Class and some recent Audis, you can hardly tell the difference between the old and the new with a quick glance.

Can't stand ANY of them!
I don't like vehicles that look like a tennis shoe.
That's pretty much every CUV.

JJJ · Thu Mar 15, 2012 8:59 am

Quoting Mir (Reply 20):
I, on the other hand, have no such reservations:

Well, at least it predates the X6 by a few years.

So you can say the X6 is not only ugly, but an ugly copy of a butt-ugly cheapo Korean car.

Quoting UPS707 (Reply 14):
Introducing the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet:-

Oh.My.God.

This is really going too far.

KaiGywer · Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:17 am

Quoting BMI727 (Reply 35):
"Gee, I was on the fence about the Soul, but when I saw dancing, obese hamsters I just couldn't live without it"

Don't judge! lol

Kiwirob · Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:37 am

Quoting zckls04 (Reply 18):
But a Ferrari should be staggeringly beautiful, and this just isn't.

Ferrari haven't built staggeringly beautiful since the 288GTO, everything and I do mean everything without exception since this masterpiece has been pretty average.

Which is a shame because we know the Italians can build beautiful cars, like the Alfa 8C Competizione, this is what the California should have looked like.

zkojq · Thu Mar 15, 2012 11:14 am

Gembella Tornado (based on the Porsche Cayenne).

Lancia Ypsilon (2012 version).

GMC Terrain.

Renault Fluence.

Someone already mentioned the Nissan Juke, but I thought that the Juke R is worth a separate mention.

The front on the Mercedes SL series now looks terrible. The previous version of the SL was rather pretty though.

Dacia Lodgy.

Lincoln Navigator. Whats with all the chrome?

Quoting Superfly (Reply 3):
Mercedes M-class

Yuck, that is truly hideous. The previous one wasn't marvelous either.

Quoting ER757 (Reply 8):
Nissan Cube, hands down the ugliest vehicle ever built. Makes even the Pontiac Aztek look good.

Quoting Superfly (Reply 10):
I don't like crossovers period.

Glad i'm not the only one.

Quoting UPS707 (Reply 14):
Introducing the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet

Thankfully Nissan will never make a production version of that.

Quoting aloges (Reply 12):
I take it that none of you has seen a SsangYong Actyon.

Someone down the road from me has one of those. I wear sunglasses when I walk past to ensure the longevity of my vision.

Quoting flyboyseven (Reply 24):
Just personal opinion here, but I think the new 500 is awesome, especially the Abarth version in the commercial you mentioned.

Quoting Braniff747SP (Reply 22):
Nissan NV

I hope that the person who designed that gets a big paycut this year.

[Edited 2012-03-15 04:17:34]

aerdingus · Thu Mar 15, 2012 11:29 am

Quoting FingerLakerAv8r (Reply 1):

Whats wrong with you?

Quoting BMI727 (Reply 2):
many Americans know nothing of the old 500,

Oh. I see

Quoting B6JFKH81 (Reply 4):

I love it! I really want the Juke-R! Me fella calls it the Puke

Quoting Mir (Reply 20):

Add the Rodius to this list. In the very back seat in one of them things...no one can hear you scream..

Quoting flyboyseven (Reply 24):

Quoting zkojq (Reply 40):
Renault Fluence.

Such a pointless & boring pos.

GSPFlyer · Thu Mar 15, 2012 2:42 pm

Honda CR-Z
Honda Fit
Hyundai Elantra (Seriously, I know a lot of people who think this car is beautiful, good to know I'm not alone in thinking it's ugly)
Hyundai Veloster
Kia Soul
Infiniti QX
Lexus CT
Mini Coupe
Mitsubishi i (It needs a real name too)
Nissan Cube
Nissan Juke
Nissan Leaf
Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet (Thank God no one else has followed suit with a convertible crossover)
(Seems like all Nissans that have been introduced lately are ugly, other than the 370z or GT-R)
Scion iQ (Roller Skate)
Scion xB
Smart Fortwo (Other Roller Skate)
Toyota Prius
Volvo C30 (What the hell is up with the back?)

flymia · Thu Mar 15, 2012 3:57 pm

Quoting Superfly (Reply 10):

I like the older M Class more. But I wouldn't call a ML an cross over. It is a real SUV with real SUV capabilities. It's not in the same class as an x3 or q5.

Quoting GSPflyer (Reply 42):

That's a great list. I agree with just about all of those.

UPS707 · Thu Mar 15, 2012 4:05 pm

Quoting zkojq (Reply 40):
Quoting UPS707 (Reply 14):
Introducing the Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet

Thankfully Nissan will never make a production version of that.

Ummmm... check the Nissan USA website. Unfortunately they have.

GSPFlyer · Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:08 pm

How could I forget the Mercedes-Benz R-Class on my list. I was flipping through the Motor Trend 2012 buyers guides when I was making the list, guess I just overlooked it.

Kiwirob · Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:12 pm

Quoting zkojq (Reply 40):

Someone already mentioned the Nissan Juke, but I thought that the Juke R is worth a separate mention.

I'd walk over hot coals to get one of these, what a beast, 500 plus HP is a small light AWD chassis, I doubt there is much that could live with one of these in the real world.

Ken777 · Thu Mar 15, 2012 6:08 pm

Quoting zckls04 (Reply 18):
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

The front isn't that bad - especially for those who like the Ninja School of Design.

The rear did surprise me a bit - it loops like the car has an anus. An anus with lights.

Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 39):
Which is a shame because we know the Italians can build beautiful cars, like the Alfa 8C Competizione, this is what the California should have looked like.

And this is going to be the challenge for FIAT in the US. The 500 has been delivered, now there is a need to deliver a larger sedan PLUS a car with some passion.

I actually like the 500, but that's because I first saw them on the streets of Rome - and well parked there in tight spaces.

It does look out of place in the US with all the big pick-em-up trucks and SUVs.

As for the KIA Soul, I sort of look at as a early 80's Corolla station wagon that has been raised up in height to provide reasonable vision around all those big pick-em-up trucks and SUVs in the US. I would consider one if I was younger, but then I actually like station wagons. Learned to drive on one and the wife & I have owned a couple. Including a Kingswood Station Wagon.

Quoting zkojq (Reply 40):
Renault Fluence.

Might be time for new glasses - when I first glanced at the car I thought it was a Renault Flatulence.

Superfly · Thu Mar 15, 2012 6:09 pm

Quoting flymia (Reply 43):
I like the older M Class more. But I wouldn't call a ML an cross over. It is a real SUV with real SUV capabilities. It's not in the same class as an x3 or q5.

That may be true but it looks like a CUV.
It's frikkin' ugly!

Quoting GSPflyer (Reply 45):
How could I forget the Mercedes-Benz R-Class on my list.

That's pretty hideous too!
Throw in the A-class as well.

Other ugly vehicles is the Toyota Fortunner and Lexus RX-series.
Also the entire Scion brand and the Nissan Murano/Infiniti FX35/45

Kiwirob · Thu Mar 15, 2012 6:32 pm

Quoting Ken777 (Reply 47):
now there is a need to deliver a larger sedan PLUS a car with some passion.

They have a great looking car in the Dart

and the 4c promises a lot of passion

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