Some cars get mocked for their looks, their odd proportions, or simply because they don’t fit neatly into any category. They become punchlines at car meets or forgotten curiosities in used car lots. But sometimes, beneath that awkward styling or strange design philosophy lies something truly special a car that drives beautifully, performs surprisingly well, or hides real engineering brilliance. Here are ten awkward cars that are much better than people give them credit for.
Pontiac Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek has long been a symbol of weird automotive design, often cited as one of the ugliest vehicles ever made. But here’s the thing it wasn’t nearly as bad as people remember. Underneath its odd exterior, the Aztek shared its platform with the solid Pontiac Montana minivan, making it roomy and comfortable. It offered available all-wheel drive, a surprisingly smooth ride, and clever features like a built-in camping package with a tent attachment. Years later, the Aztek found redemption as Walter White’s ride in Breaking Bad, proving that sometimes, practicality trumps beauty.
Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla is a car only its designer could love or at least that’s what everyone thought. With its bulbous headlights and strange proportions, it looked more like a science experiment than a family car. Yet inside, the Multipla was a stroke of genius. It seated six people in two rows of three while remaining shorter than most compact cars. It handled nimbly, was easy to park, and had excellent visibility. In Europe, owners adored it for its practicality and personality. Its looks may have scared buyers away, but it was one of the most clever family cars of its time.
Toyota Previa
The Toyota Previa looks like a jellybean on wheels, but it was one of the most advanced vans ever built. With a mid-mounted engine placed under the floor and rear-wheel drive, it handled far better than any minivan had a right to. It was also incredibly durable, with many examples running hundreds of thousands of miles. The Previa even offered a supercharged version that made it surprisingly quick for its size. Its quirky layout gave it a unique charm that modern vans have lost.
BMW i3
At first glance, the BMW i3 looks like something out of a futuristic cartoon. Its tall, narrow body and short overhangs made it look more like a robot than a premium EV. But drive one, and you’ll understand why it’s special. The i3’s carbon-fiber structure kept weight low, and its instant electric torque made city driving addictive. It had one of the best steering feels of any electric car, and its interior was crafted from sustainable materials that felt far more upscale than its critics admitted. It was weird, yes but it was brilliant too.
AMC Pacer
Dubbed the “fishbowl,” the AMC Pacer was mocked for its huge windows and squat shape. But in the 1970s, it was ahead of its time. Designed to maximize interior space in a compact footprint, it offered incredible visibility, comfort, and quirky style. It was one of the first American cars to embrace aerodynamics and small-car efficiency. While it never became a sales hit, it was genuinely innovative. Decades later, it found a new audience after starring in Wayne’s World, cementing its status as an American oddball classic.
Honda Element
The Honda Element looked like it was designed with a ruler instead of a pen, but its boxy styling hid a brilliantly practical interior. The seats could fold flat or be removed entirely, and the floor was made of washable materials perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, pet owners, and anyone who treated life like an adventure. The Element’s 2.4-liter engine was reliable and punchy, and its all-wheel-drive version could handle snow and dirt with ease. It was one of Honda’s most functional designs, even if it never won any beauty contests.
Saab 900
With its wraparound windshield, quirky dashboard, and forward-hinged hood, the Saab 900 was an eccentric machine that confused many first-time buyers. But it was also one of the most characterful and intelligently engineered cars of its time. Its turbocharged engines delivered impressive performance, and its cockpit-style controls made driving feel like flying a jet. Saab’s obsession with safety and individuality gave the 900 a loyal following that still exists today. It may look awkward now, but it was decades ahead in design and innovation.
Subaru Baja
When Subaru released the Baja, people didn’t know what to make of it. Was it a pickup? A car? An adventure toy? The answer was all of the above. Based on the Outback, the Baja combined all-wheel drive with a small open bed, creating a fun, versatile vehicle that was surprisingly useful. It could haul bikes, gear, and camping supplies while still being comfortable enough for daily use. Its looks were odd, but its utility and reliability have earned it a cult following in recent years.
Nissan Cube
The Nissan Cube looked like something that rolled straight out of a Japanese comic book, complete with asymmetrical rear glass and an interior inspired by lounge furniture. Many dismissed it as too weird, but it offered a surprisingly premium feel for such an affordable car. The Cube’s ride was smooth, visibility was excellent, and its cabin felt airy and cheerful. It wasn’t fast or sporty, but it was honest—a car built to make city driving fun and stress-free. Its charm grows on you the more time you spend with it.
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
The Mercedes R-Class never quite found its audience. It wasn’t quite a minivan, not quite an SUV, and not quite a wagon. But underneath that awkward identity crisis was a seriously competent machine. Built on the same platform as the E-Class, it offered a luxurious interior, strong engines, and an incredibly smooth ride. With all-wheel drive and seating for six, it was comfortable, safe, and capable. The R-Class might have been too ahead of its time a luxury crossover before the world was ready for one.
When Awkward Turns Awesome
These ten cars prove that beauty isn’t everything. Each of them was written off as strange, ugly, or unnecessary when new, yet all delivered something genuinely worthwhile beneath the surface. They were bold experiments, clever designs, or simply misunderstood. In a world where cars are starting to look and feel the same, these awkward misfits remind us that individuality can still be a virtue and that sometimes, the oddballs are the ones that age the best.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
