Not every car is celebrated for its blend of aesthetics and utility. Some vehicles are mocked for their strange appearance, poor performance, and overly high price tag, but others have become cherished collector items. Here are 17 of the most pointless vehicles ever made.
Amphicar Model 770
This amphibious automobile was produced by the West German Quandt Group from 1960–1965, with a total of 3,878 units built. President Lyndon B. Johnson famously owned an Amphicar he would use to prank visitors at his Texas ranch. But, as Hagerty notes, the car wasn’t great on land or water, being incredibly slow: “0–60 mph took a faintly ridiculous 43 seconds.”
Ford Edsel
The Ford Edsel was produced from 1958 to 1960 and named after the son of the company founder, Henry Ford. But the car wasn’t destined for success, with TIME noting it “was a classic case of the wrong car for the wrong market at the wrong time.” Introduced during a recession that saw sales of medium-priced cars tank, the Edsel was blasted as low quality, unattractive, and overhyped and became synonymous with commercial failure.
Hummer H2
This Hummer pickup truck was produced from 2002 to 2009 and has been widely panned as a symbol of excess. Popular Mechanics argues the car is “a reminder of America’s onetime obsession with bloated SUVs and an exemplar of cars that can’t back up their tough looks.” This gas-guzzler had issues with rear visibility, a bug magnet windshield, and maneuverability in urban areas.
Yugo GV
Brutally described by author Jason Vuic as “the worst car in history,” the Yugo GV, a Yugoslavian vehicle, is notorious. Its lackluster performance, cheap construction, and electrical system made it a punchline in American automobile culture, symbolizing the pitfalls of cost-cutting.
DMC DeLorean
Popularized by Back to the Future, the gull-winged DMC DeLorean was produced from 1981 to 1983. The model is infamous for its unsatisfactory driving experience and poor build quality, with issues with the brake rotors, speedometer, front suspension, and power door locks.
Bricklin SV-1
The Bricklin SV-1 is an earlier gull-winged car that failed spectacularly. Its focus on safety features compromised its aesthetic appeal and performance, and mechanical issues plagued it. Despite being the car’s main selling point, the gull-wing doors were ineffective. Hagerty notes that they weighed “90 lb (41kg) each” and were “electrically assisted, but if the car’s battery died the occupants had to climb out of the rear hatch.”
Sinclair C5
The Sinclair C5, a one-person, three-wheeled electric vehicle, had a retro-futuristic charm but was hampered by reality. Created by the celebrated inventor Sir Clive Sinclair, Emerald Insight argues that “Sinclair ignored the basic principles of marketing and new product development, and thereby made a number of fundamental errors.” The vehicle was a death trap on the road, with low visibility and range, but it has since become a favorite among collectors.
Chevrolet SSR
The SSR struggled with its identity, styled as a retro hatchback and functioning as a pickup truck. Its attempt to blend style with utility resulted in both areas being compromised, which was reflected in poor sales figures.
Pontiac Aztek
This midsize crossover SUV’s design made it infamous. Notably driven by Walter White in Breaking Bad, the Aztek was slammed by automotive journalist Dan Neil, who mocked the car, saying that with “its multiple eyes and supernumerary nostrils, the Aztek looks deformed and scary, something that dogs bark at and cathedrals employ to ring bells.”
Nissan Cube
The Nissan Cube is true to its namesake. Its boxy design resembled a loaf of bread and alienated many of the younger drivers it was designed to appeal to. But it has been praised for its kit list and has become a cult favorite among enthusiasts.
Fiat Multipla
Another notoriously ugly car, the Fiat Multipla is a six-seater produced from 1998 to 2010. Its attempt to maximize interior space impacted its exterior aesthetics and led to changes in later models, which were praised for their flexibility.
Smart ForTwo
This two-seater city car was produced from 1998 to 2024. Great for driving in busy urban environments, the vehicle was initially criticized for its performance and for being uncomfortable. Later models improved ride quality but were overpriced.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
The Chrysler PT Cruiser invoked 1930s aesthetics and was produced from 2001 to 2010. Early models were noted for their safety issues, with poor results in front-impact tests. Later models received a facelift and improved the car’s interior.
BMW Isetta
Collectors covet this 1950s microcar, but it has little practical use. Unsafe on modern roads, the Isetta is beset with impracticalities and comfort issues. But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a beloved classic BMW, praised by car historians.
AMC Pacer
Almost as wide as it was long, the Pacer is an iconic car with innovative design elements that are impractical for the average consumer. The vehicle struggled with performance issues and fuel inefficiency during the 1970s oil crisis but has a unique place in automotive history.
Peel P50
Reportedly the smallest production car, the Peel P50 is known for its novelty factor and was famously driven by Jeremy Clarkson in a 2007 episode of Top Gear. With a top speed of only 38 mph, the P50 was designed as a city car on the Isle of Man in the 1960s and has gone on to be a collector’s classic.
Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6
This monstrous vehicle was slammed by Hot Cars, who argued that “Unless you’re some sort of millionaire off-roading enthusiast, there’s no reason to own this car. You’re not going to find parking anywhere unless you decide to pay for multiple spots. It’s just not worth the trouble.”
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