The Most Controversial Car Designs in History
The Most Controversial Car Designs in History
Throughout automotive history, designers have pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and sometimes created vehicles that polarized opinions. While some cars are universally admired, others have sparked intense debates—whether due to radical styling, unconventional features, or sheer audacity. These controversial designs often reflect the boldness of their creators, even if public reception was mixed.
From ungainly proportions to avant-garde aesthetics, here are some of the most hotly debated car designs in history—vehicles that either became icons of bad taste or eventually gained cult followings.
1. Pontiac Aztek (2001–2005)
Often cited as one of the ugliest cars ever made, the Pontiac Aztek was a bold experiment that failed spectacularly in the eyes of critics. Its asymmetrical front grille, clunky plastic body cladding, and awkward proportions made it an instant target for ridicule.
Yet, the Aztek was ahead of its time in functionality. It featured a removable center console that doubled as a cooler, a rear hatch that could be used as a seat, and even an optional tent attachment for camping. Despite its practicality, the design was so reviled that it became a symbol of GM’s struggles in the early 2000s. Ironically, the Aztek has since gained a cult following, with some appreciating its quirky charm.
2. Fiat Multipla (1998–2010)
The Fiat Multipla was a minivan that defied all conventional design rules. Its bizarre two-tiered front fascia, bulging headlights, and unusually tall greenhouse made it look like something from a cartoon. Many critics called it “the ugliest car on the road,” yet it was surprisingly practical, with a spacious interior and clever seating arrangements.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its divisive looks, the Multipla became an icon of unconventional design. Some now see it as a bold statement against boring automotive conformity.
3. AMC Pacer (1975–1980)
Dubbed “the flying fishbowl” for its enormous curved windows, the AMC Pacer was designed to be the car of the future. Its wide, rounded body and tiny rear end made it look like a bubble on wheels. While it was initially marketed as a revolutionary compact car, its heavy weight and underwhelming performance disappointed buyers.
Over time, the Pacer became a symbol of 1970s kitsch, appearing in movies like Wayne’s World as a lovable oddity. Today, it’s remembered more for its eccentricity than its engineering.
4. Citroën DS (1955–1975)
Unlike the other entries on this list, the Citroën DS wasn’t controversial because it was ugly—rather, it was too futuristic for its time. Its aerodynamic shape, hydropneumatic suspension, and single-spoke steering wheel made it look like a spaceship compared to its boxy contemporaries.
Some traditionalists dismissed it as over-engineered, but the DS went on to become one of the most influential cars in history, praised for its innovation and avant-garde styling.
5. Nissan Juke (2010–Present)
When the Nissan Juke debuted, its bug-eyed headlights, exaggerated fenders, and squat stance divided opinions. Some saw it as a fun, youthful crossover, while others thought it looked like a frog on wheels.
Yet, the Juke’s boldness paid off—it became a sales success, proving that polarizing design could attract a dedicated fanbase. Its successor toned down the styling, but the original remains a love-it-or-hate-it icon.
6. BMW 7 Series (E65, 2001–2008) – The “Bangle Butt”
Chris Bangle, BMW’s controversial design chief, introduced the E65 7 Series with a radical new look that included a high trunk lid critics dubbed the “Bangle Butt.” Purists hated its departure from BMW’s traditional elegance, but the design language eventually influenced the entire industry.
Though initially mocked, the E65’s styling cues—such as flame-surfacing and sharp creases—became mainstream, proving that controversy can sometimes lead to lasting change.
7. Tesla Cybertruck (2023–Present)
Few modern cars have sparked as much debate as the Tesla Cybertruck. Its angular, stainless-steel exoskeleton looks like a vehicle from a dystopian sci-fi movie, and its unconventional design has drawn both admiration and ridicule.
While some praise its futuristic aesthetic, others question its practicality and safety. Regardless, the Cybertruck has already become a cultural phenomenon, proving that Elon Musk’s gamble on radical design has paid off in terms of publicity.
Conclusion: Beauty or Beast?
Controversial car designs often age in unexpected ways. What was once derided as ugly or bizarre can later be celebrated as groundbreaking or charmingly eccentric. Whether these cars are seen as failures or misunderstood masterpieces, they remind us that automotive design is as much about provoking emotion as it is about functionality.
Which of these controversial cars do you love—or love to hate? Let us know in the comments!
