Remember when certain cars made you feel like the coolest person on the road? Those days are long gone for many vehicles that once ruled the streets. We’re talking about the rides that, with a fresh set of eyes and the wisdom of hindsight, now make us quietly ask, “What were we thinking?”
What seemed awesome back then now makes people cringe when they see it rolling by. It’s a curious phenomenon, how the pendulum of automotive cool swings so dramatically. From flashy sports cars that tried too hard to trendy SUVs that aged like milk, these once-cherished vehicles have, sadly, lost their magic and become symbols of questionable taste.
So, buckle up, because we’re about to take a nostalgic, yet slightly embarrassing, trip down memory lane. We’re diving deep into 15 cars that went from being the talk of the town to the punchline of the parking lot, showing just how fickle our automotive affections can be.
1. **Pontiac Aztek**Ah, the Pontiac Aztek. This car practically defined an entire era of automotive awkwardness, making its debut and immediately becoming a lightning rod for design criticism. General Motors, in a bold move, thought they were being super modern with all those weird plastic panels and strange angles, aiming for something revolutionary.
Instead, they created something that looked like a spaceship designed by someone who had never seen a spaceship. The visual confusion was palpable, as if someone took a regular SUV and hit it with a hammer from every angle, resulting in a shape that defied conventional aesthetic appeal. It was a gamble on unconventional design that, for many, spectacularly failed to pay off.
Despite its polarizing looks, the Aztek actually packed some genuinely cool features. Imagine a built-in tent and integrated camping gear, ready for your next outdoor adventure – that was the Aztek’s hidden charm. But even these practical innovations couldn’t overcome the overwhelming public perception of its exterior.
Nobody cared about the clever functionality because the looks were just too much to handle for most people. Its distinctive, some might say disastrous, styling quickly overshadowed any of its unique selling points, cementing its place in automotive history as a vehicle remembered more for its visual challenges than its practical innovations.
Car Model Information: 2005 Pontiac Aztek Base
Name: Pontiac Aztek
Manufacturer: General Motors
Production: July 2000 – December 2004
Assembly: Ramos Arizpe
Designer: Tom Peters (chief designer: 1997)
Class: Mid-size crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Platform: GM U platform
Related: Buick Rendezvous
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Engine: General Motors 60° V6 engine#LA1,V6
Transmission: GM 4T65-E transmission,Automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 108.3 in (2,751 mm)
Length: 182.1 in (4,625 mm)
Width: 73.7 in (1,872 mm)
Height: 66.7 in (1,694 mm)
Weight: 3,779–4,043 lb (1,714–1,834 kg)
Predecessor: Pontiac Sunrunner
Successor: Pontiac Torrent
ModelYears: 2001–2005
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles needing additional references, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles needing additional references from October 2013, Articles with short description
Summary: The Pontiac Aztek is a mid-size crossover SUV marketed by General Motors introduced in 2000 for the model years 2001 through 2005. As a four-door crossover with front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, the Aztek featured a four-speed automatic transmission with a V6 engine. Marketed by Pontiac as a “sport recreational vehicle,” the Aztek used a shortened platform shared with GM’s minivans (e.g., the Pontiac Montana) featuring 94 cubic feet of cargo room with its rear seats removed. The design employed conventional rear outswing doors rather than sliding doors, and a split rear tailgate, the lower section formed with seat indentations and cupholders. Other features included a front center console that doubled as a removable cooler, optional rear stereo controls in the cargo area, optional sliding cargo floor with grocery compartments, and optional camping package with an attachable tent and air mattress.
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Brand: Pontiac Model: Aztek
Price: Not Priced Mileage: 129,777 mi.
Read more about: From Punchlines to Legends: These Weird Classic Cars Should Never Have Been Cool, But Totally Are!
2. **Hummer H2**The early 2000s were a wild time, and the Hummer H2 perfectly encapsulated the era’s “bigger is better” mentality. Back then, everyone wanted to drive like they were in the military, and the H2 was marketed as the ultimate symbol of rugged individualism and off-road prowess. It was supposed to make you look tough and ready for adventure, projecting an image of undeniable power.
Gas prices were lower then, which meant people didn’t mind getting eight miles per gallon, a fuel efficiency number that would make most modern drivers weep. The sheer, unapologetic mass of the H2 was a statement, asserting dominance on the road and making its owners feel powerful sitting up high above the mere mortal sedans.
However, the tide has turned dramatically for this once-lauded behemoth. Now it just screams wasteful and impractical, a relic of a bygone era of unchecked consumption. The massive size that once inspired awe now makes parking a nightmare, a daily struggle for anyone behind the wheel.
Climate change awareness has made these gas-guzzling monsters look selfish and outdated, reflecting a complete shift in environmental consciousness. Plus, the harsh truth is most owners never took them off-road anyway, making the whole tough-guy image seem fake and try-hard in retrospect, losing all its former cachet.
Car Model Information: 2003 Hummer H2 Base
Name: Hummer H2
Manufacturer: AM General
Production: 2002–2009
ModelYears: 2003–2009
Assembly: Mishawaka, Indiana,Kaliningrad,designer = Clay Dean (2000)
Class: Full-size SUV
BodyStyle: Sports utility vehicle,pickup truck
Platform: GMT800
Related: Chevrolet Silverado,Chevrolet Avalanche,Chevrolet Tahoe,Chevrolet Suburban,Cadillac Escalade
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout,four-wheel drive
Engine: General Motors LS-based small-block engine#LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E,4-speed 4L65E automatic (2005–2007),automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 122.8 in
Abbr: on – 6.2 L
Length: 203.5 in
Width: 81.3 in
Height: 2002–03: {{convert,77.8,in,mm,0,abbr=on
Weight: {{convert,6400,lb,kg,0,abbr=on
Categories: 2000s cars, AM General vehicles, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles needing additional references, Articles needing additional references from January 2024
Summary: The Hummer H2 is a full-size off-road sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was marketed by Hummer and built in the AM General facility under contract from General Motors from 2002 until 2009. It is based on a modified GMT820 GM three-quarter-ton pickup truck in the front and a half-ton 1500 frame in the rear. A four-door pickup truck version with a midgate that opens the vehicle’s interior to the external cargo bed was introduced for the 2005 model year as the H2 SUT (sport utility truck).
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Brand: Hummer Model: H2
Price: $13,980 Mileage: 152,679 mi.
Read more about: Beyond 250,000 Miles: 14 Indestructible SUVs That Define Automotive Longevity
3. **Chrysler PT Cruiser**When the Chrysler PT Cruiser rolled onto the scene, it was like a blast from the past, designed to evoke the charming, distinctive lines of the 1930s. Chrysler tried to bring back that retro-styled wagon vibe, and for a fleeting moment, it worked. At first, people thought it was cute and delightfully different from all the boring, homogenous cars on the road, a refreshing break from the norm.
The PT Cruiser wasn’t just about looks; it had some genuinely practical features up its sleeve, too. With lots of cargo space and highly versatile, removable seats, it promised a blend of style and utility that was quite appealing. Marketing made it seem like the perfect car for creative, fun-loving people, a vehicle that matched a spirited lifestyle.
But, as is often the case with novelty, the charm was fleeting. The novelty wore off quickly when people realized it was just a regular economy car dressed up in a weird costume. The initial allure faded as drivers became more familiar with its underlying mechanics, which weren’t as exciting as its exterior promised.
Compounding its woes, the build quality was poor, leading to a host of issues that chipped away at its appeal. The styling that once seemed charming quickly became annoying, transforming it from an interesting choice into a visual burden. Now it looks like a failed attempt at being quirky, an automotive costume party that ended too soon.
Car Model Information: 2018 Honda Civic EX
Name: Chrysler PT Cruiser
Manufacturer: Chrysler
ModelCode: PT,PG
Production: 2000–2010
ModelYears: 2001–2010
Assembly: Toluca
Designer: Bryan Nesbitt
Class: Compact car
BodyStyle: convertible
Platform: Chrysler PT platform
Related: Dodge Neon
Predecessor: Dodge Neon
Successor: Lancia Delta#Third generation
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Engine: ubl
Transmission: Ultradrive#40TE
Wheelbase: 103 in
Abbr: on
Length: 168.8 in
Width: 67.1 in
Height: 63 in
Weight: 3123 lb
Categories: 2010s cars, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2018, Cars discontinued in 2010
Summary: The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car that was built by the American company Chrysler from 2001 until 2010. Introduced as a five-door hatchback wagon, a two-door convertible variant was also made from 2005 until 2008.
Originally planned as a Plymouth model, the PT Cruiser was ultimately marketed as a Chrysler when Plymouth was discontinued. Intended to invoke 1930s aesthetics, the exterior of the PT Cruiser was designed by Bryan Nesbitt. The model received an intermediate facelift for the 2006 model year. Interior packaging was noted for its high roof, high h-point seating, and flexible cargo and passenger configurations enabled by a multi-level rear cargo shelf and rear seats a user could fold, tumble, or remove.
The PT Cruiser was produced in Mexico and Austria at the Toluca Car Assembly and Eurostar Automobilwerk factories respectively. By the end of production in July 2010, worldwide production had reached 1.35 million.
In its nameplate, PT stands for “Personal Transport” or “Personal Transportation”. PT was the PT Cruiser’s product code for the Mexican-made units.
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Brand: Chrysler Model: PT Cruiser
Price: $19,974 Mileage: 64,299 mi.
Read more about: Consumer Alert: 14 Cars That Can Become Costly Money Pits After 100,000 Miles – What Savvy Buyers Need to Know
4. **Mitsubishi Eclipse (4th Generation)**Ah, the Mitsubishi Eclipse. For a while, that name conjured images of sleek, turbocharged performance and undeniable street cred. The original Eclipse was a legitimate sports car that could actually go fast, capturing the hearts of young enthusiasts. They loved its sharp design and the thrill of its powerful engines, making them feel like true street racers.
Then, something changed. Mitsubishi decided to take the Eclipse in a completely different direction, transforming it into a heavy, slow convertible that looked more like a luxury cruiser than a sports car. They kept the iconic Eclipse name, but in doing so, they threw away everything that made the earlier generations special and revered.
The shadow of its former glory, particularly how Fast and Furious movies made the early Eclipse seem cool, only highlighted the later versions’ failings. The 4th generation became an embarrassment, a pale imitation of what the Eclipse once stood for. Its fake sporty styling fooled nobody who truly understood cars, and its performance was, frankly, terrible, lacking any of the original’s thrill.
Today, driving one now makes people think you don’t know anything about cars, a stark contrast to the respect its predecessors commanded. It’s a sad testament to how a brand can dilute a beloved nameplate, turning a symbol of performance into a source of automotive pity.
Car Model Information: 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS
Name: Mitsubishi Eclipse
Caption: Fourth-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse GS coupe
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors
Production: 1989–August 2011 (906,876 units)
ModelYears: 1990–2012
Assembly: Normal, Illinois
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: liftback,coupé
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Mitsubishi Cordia,Mitsubishi Starion
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a sport compact car manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi over four generations in the 1990–2012 model years. A convertible body style was added during the 1996 model year.
The first two generations were marketed simultaneously as rebadged variants, including the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser — and were a byproduct of Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler Corporation’s close alliance. Their partnership in turn gave rise to Diamond-Star Motors (DSM). In Japan, the first two generations were sold at a specific Japanese retail chain called Mitsubishi Car Plaza. The third, 2000–2005 generation shared an extended wheelbase variant of their platform with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus. In May 2005, the fourth, and final generation Eclipse was introduced, replacing the Chrysler platform used for the third generation with the PS platform.
According to Mitsubishi, the Eclipse was named after an unbeaten 18th-century English racehorse that won 18 races in a row and then retired.
At the end of August 2011, the final Eclipse was manufactured and auctioned for charity.
In 2017, Mitsubishi resurrected the Eclipse name on a compact crossover vehicle, called the Eclipse Cross.
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Brand: Mitsubishi Model: Eclipse
Price: $5,500 Mileage: 115,000 mi.
5. **Chevrolet SSR**The Chevrolet SSR was an idea born from ambition: a bold attempt by General Motors to fuse disparate automotive concepts into one unique package. Envisioned as a pickup truck that could transform into a convertible, the concept seemed nothing short of amazing on paper. It promised the utility of a truck combined with the sheer fun of a sports car, a truly unprecedented combination.
The retro styling was a key component, designed to remind people of classic hot rods from the 1950s, injecting a dose of nostalgic charm into a modern vehicle. Marketing promised it would be the perfect companion for weekend adventures and a guaranteed showstopper at car shows, appealing to those who wanted both practicality and flair.
However, reality, as it often does, hit hard. The SSR proved to be terrible at being both a truck and a sports car, falling short on both counts. Its truck bed was surprisingly tiny, severely limiting its utility, while its performance was disappointingly lukewarm, failing to deliver the sports car thrill it hinted at.
Adding to its woes, the styling, which aimed for retro cool, instead looked cartoonish to many, missing the mark entirely. Now, it seems like an expensive toy that nobody actually needed or wanted, a testament to a grand vision that failed to translate effectively into a practical, desirable vehicle for the masses.
Car Model Information: 2005 Chevrolet SSR Base
Name: Chevrolet SSR
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Production: 2003–2006
ModelYears: 2003–2006
Assembly: Lansing, Michigan
Class: Pickup truck
BodyStyle: ubl
Platform: GMT360
Related: ubl
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout
Engine: ubl
Transmission: ubl
Wheelbase: 116.0 in
Abbr: on
Length: ubl
Width: 78.6 in
Height: ubl
Designer: ubl
Categories: All articles needing additional references, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles needing additional references from July 2008, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2023
Summary: The Chevrolet SSR (Super Sport Roadster) is a retro-styled and retractable hardtop convertible pickup truck manufactured by Chevrolet between 2003 and 2006.
During the 2003 and 2004 model years, the SSR used General Motors’ 5.3 L 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) Vortec 5300 V8. Performance was 7.7 seconds for 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) with a 15.9 second 1⁄4 mile (402.3 m) time at 86.4 mph (139.0 km/h).
For the 2005 model year, the SSR used the 390 hp (291 kW; 395 PS) LS2 V8 engine also used in the C6 Corvette, Trailblazer SS, and Pontiac GTO, now offering a manual transmission option, the six-speed Tremec, for the first time. Performance improved dramatically with the LS2; the 6-speed manual version had an advertised 0–60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 5.29 seconds. In addition, GM badges were added to the vehicle.
For 2006, output of the LS2 increased to 395 hp (295 kW; 400 PS).
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: SSR
Price: $44,895 Mileage: 22,005 mi.
Read more about: Beyond 250,000 Miles: 14 Indestructible SUVs That Define Automotive Longevity
6. **Scion xB**Scion was Toyota’s bold experiment to capture the elusive young buyer, specifically those who craved something different, something outside the conventional automotive box. The Scion xB, with its unapologetically weird, boxy design, was supposed to be the ultimate expression of being different and not caring about traditional car beauty standards.
Hip-hop artists and creative types initially embraced its unusual, refrigerator-on-wheels shape, seeing it as a canvas for customization and a symbol of counter-culture cool. Its spacious interior, surprising for its compact footprint, and cheap price tag made it incredibly popular with college students and urban dwellers who prioritized practicality and affordability with a dose of quirk.
The problem, however, was that being intentionally ugly gets old fast. The novelty of its unique, angular aesthetic quickly wore thin, revealing a fundamental flaw in its long-term appeal. Once the initial buzz and the desire to stand out subsided, people realized they were driving something that, for many, simply looked like a utilitarian box, devoid of enduring beauty.
Ultimately, the Scion brand eventually died because normal people, it turns out, want cars that look good, not just different and attention-seeking. The xB’s journey highlights the fine line between unique charm and outright peculiarity, a line it eventually crossed into the realm of the aesthetically unappealing.
Car Model Information: 2012 Scion xB
Name: Scion xB
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: June 2003 – December 2015
ModelYears: 2004–2015
Class: unbulleted list
BodyStyle: hatchback
Aka: unbulleted list
Layout: FF layout
Successor: Scion iM
Categories: 2010s cars, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2024, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2016
Summary: The Scion xB is a five-door compact hatchback that was produced by Scion, a former marque of Toyota. Produced from the 2004 to 2015 model years, it was one of the two launch models of the Scion marque, alongside the Scion xA.
The first-generation xB was a rebadged version of the subcompact Toyota bB designed for the American market, with marketing and options appealing to a young adult demographic as part of Scion’s overall positioning. In 2007, Scion launched a second-generation xB, which was retooled as a compact car based on the E150 series Corolla; this model would also be sold internationally as the Toyota Corolla Rumion in Japan and the Toyota Rukus in Australia.
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Brand: Scion Model: xB
Price: $9,950 Mileage: 100,741 mi.
Read more about: Owner-Proven Champions: 11 SUVs That Defy Mileage Limits and the Maintenance Secrets to Their 250,000-Mile Journeys
7. **Cadillac Escalade EXT**In the early 2000s, Cadillac, ever the purveyor of luxury, decided to venture into a new frontier: the luxury pickup truck. They thought luxury truck buyers wanted something fancier than a regular pickup, something that married opulence with utility. The result was the Escalade EXT, which combined the full-size Escalade SUV with a truck bed, positioning itself as the ultimate status symbol for the affluent.
Rich people, with their taste for the extravagant, loved the idea of having a truck that was as expensive and flashy as their SUV counterparts. The bling factor was off the charts, with chrome everywhere, gleaming in the sunlight and broadcasting wealth and excess. It was a vehicle designed to turn heads and emphatically declare its owner’s financial standing.
Looking back, the Escalade EXT now stands as a glaring symbol of wasteful excess from its era. The truck bed, despite its luxurious carpet and tonneau cover, was almost useless for practical hauling, designed more for show than for actual work. Its fuel economy was, predictably, horrible, an environmental nightmare even for its time.
The whole thing screamed nouveau riche, lacking the understated elegance typically associated with true luxury. Now, it represents everything wrong with early 2000s car culture, its over-the-top luxury seeming tacky and desperate rather than genuinely impressive or sophisticated. It’s a reminder of a period when extravagance often trumped practicality and good taste.
Car Model Information: 2018 Honda Civic EX
Name: Cadillac Escalade
Caption: Fifth generation Cadillac Escalade
Manufacturer: Cadillac
Production: 1998–present,2002–present (ESV),2001–2013 (EXT),2008–2013 (Hybrid)
ModelYears: 1999–2000,2002–present
Class: Full-size,luxury car,sport utility vehicle
Related: ubl
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel drive layout
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating
Summary: The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed by Cadillac as its first major entry into the SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to an influx of new luxury SUVs in the late 1990s including the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Range Rover, Lexus LX, and Ford’s 1998 debut of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only ten months after it was approved. The Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas.
The term “escalade” refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers. More generally, it is a French word which is the noun-equivalent form of the French verb escalader, which means “to climb or scale”.
The Escalade is currently sold in North America and select international markets (Europe and Asia) where Cadillac has official sales channels. The Escalade ESV (Escalade Stretch Vehicle) is sold in North America, Russia, and the Middle East, but is only available by special order in some international markets. The right-hand-drive Escalade and Escalade ESV are available through third-party conversion specialists without official agreement with Cadillac in Australian, Oceanic, and Japanese markets.
On August 8, 2023, GM presented the Escalade IQ, an all-electric version of the Escalade, and the third model in Cadillac’s EV line, after the Celestiq, and Lyriq. It is expected to go on sale in late 2024 for the 2025 model year, with a starting price of $130,000.
The Escalade has gone through five generations, the most recent (the fifth) prsented in 2021, noted for its technology and self-driving capability. The fifth generation Escalade is nearly two metres high, and was criticized by The Verge for its excessive size and hazard to pedestrians.
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Brand: Cadillac Model: Escalade EXT
Price: $19,974 Mileage: 64,299 mi.
Read more about: Beware These Cars: 10 Models with the Highest Depreciation Rates You Need to Know About
8. **BMW X6**Remember when BMW decided to invent a whole new category that absolutely no one asked for? Enter the BMW X6, the original coupe SUV mashup. They essentially took their perfectly capable X5 SUV, chopped its roofline like it owed them money, and then declared it sporty and elegant. The marketing wizards tried to convince us we were getting the best of both worlds: robust SUV capability with the sleek style of a sports car. And, for a hot minute, wealthy buyers, always looking for the next exclusive and expensive status symbol, totally bought into the image it projected.
But let’s be real, the reality was way less glamorous. That dramatically sloped roof, which was supposed to scream “sporty,” actually just made the back seat practically unusable unless you were a contortionist or a very small child. And if you thought you were getting SUV-level cargo space, think again! It was tiny, making the whole “utility” aspect a bit of a joke. Driving it didn’t feel like a nimble sports car either; it was still a heavy SUV, just one with less headroom.
It’s almost like BMW was trying to create incredibly expensive solutions to problems that literally didn’t exist in the first place. You know, like needing a car that looks like an SUV but offers none of an SUV’s practical benefits, all while costing a premium. It was a head-scratcher then, and it’s a bigger one now.
Today, the whole concept of the X6 just seems utterly pointless and, dare we say, a little pretentious. It’s a testament to how trying too hard to be innovative can sometimes result in something that just feels out of touch. It’s a car that makes you wonder, “Why?” rather than “Wow!”
Car Model Information: 2016 BMW X6 xDrive35i
Name: BMW X6
Caption: BMW X6 (F16)
Manufacturer: BMW
Production: December 2007 – present
ModelYears: 2008–present
Class: Executive car,crossover SUV
BodyStyle: coupé SUV
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Related: BMW X5
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with dead external links
Summary: The BMW X6 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV by German automaker BMW. The BMW X6 is the originator of the sports activity coupé (SAC), referencing its sloping rear roof design. It combines the attributes of an SUV (high ground clearance, all-wheel drive and all-weather ability, large wheels and tires) with the stance of a coupé (styling featuring a sloping roof). It is built in BMW’s North American plant in Greer, South Carolina alongside the BMW X5, whose platform it shares. Prior to the release of the X7, the X6 was considered a flagship SUV for BMW.
The first generation (E71) was released for sale in April 2008 for the 2008 model year, while the second-generation X6 (F16) was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2014. The third-generation X6 was revealed in July 2019.
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Brand: BMW Model: X6
Price: $20,500 Mileage: 78,740 mi.
Read more about: Beware These Cars: 10 Models with the Highest Depreciation Rates You Need to Know About
9. **Plymouth Prowler**Back in the late ’90s, Plymouth had a wild idea to prove they could build something genuinely exciting and futuristic. And boy, did they swing for the fences with the Prowler! This thing looked like it rolled straight out of a sci-fi movie about hot rods, with its open wheels and absolutely radical styling. Car enthusiasts were buzzing, excited to see an American company finally taking some serious risks with such a bold, unconventional design. Its aluminum construction and utterly unique appearance made it feel less like a production car and more like a concept car that accidentally escaped the design studio and ended up on the dealership lot.
However, the initial excitement quickly fizzled out faster than a flat tire once people actually got behind the wheel. The Prowler was, unfortunately, all show and absolutely no go. Underneath that sensational skin was a meek V6 engine that felt totally out of place in a car designed to look so aggressive. To make matters worse, it was shackled to a boring automatic transmission, completely sucking any potential fun out of the driving experience. And the ride? Let’s just say it was less “smooth cruiser” and more “bumpy roller coaster.”
It felt like an expensive toy, designed purely for its bizarre visual impact rather than for any genuine driving pleasure or performance. The disconnect between its outrageous looks and its lackluster performance was just too glaring to ignore, leaving many feeling thoroughly underwhelmed. It was a car that screamed for attention but couldn’t back it up.
Now, looking back, that radical styling hasn’t exactly aged like fine wine. It often comes across as a bit try-hard and dated, rather than timelessly cool. The Prowler remains a peculiar footnote in automotive history, remembered more for its audacious, but ultimately unfulfilling, attempt to be a hot rod of the future. It’s definitely a head-turner, but perhaps not for the reasons Plymouth initially hoped.
Car Model Information: 1997 Plymouth Prowler
Name: Plymouth Prowler
Manufacturer: Chrysler Corporation
Production: 1997–2002,11,702 produced
Assembly: Detroit, Michigan
Class: Sports car
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout#Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Platform: Chrysler PR platform
BodyStyle: Roadster (automobile)
Engine: Chrysler SOHC V6 engine#3.5,V6 engine
Transmission: Ultradrive#A606/42LE,automatic transmission
Aka: Chrysler Prowler (2000–2002)
Wheelbase: 113.3 in
Abbr: on
Length: 165.3 in
Width: 76.5 in
Height: 50.9 in
Weight: 2800 lb
Successor: Chrysler Crossfire
Designer: Tom Gale (designer)
Caption: 2000 Plymouth Prowler
Categories: 2000s cars, All articles needing additional references, Articles needing additional references from November 2015, Articles with short description, Cars introduced in 1997
Summary: The Plymouth Prowler, later the Chrysler Prowler, is a two-door, two passenger sports car, manufactured and marketed by DaimlerChrysler for model years 1997-2002 — widely known for its hand-crafted aluminum bodywork and its retro-hot rod styling with open, Indy racer-style front wheels.
Based on the 1993 concept car of the same name, Chrysler offered the Prowler over a single generation, with a V6 front-engine, and a rear-transaxle, rear-drive configuration — reaching a total production of 11,702 units.
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Brand: Plymouth Model: Prowler
Price: $34,993 Mileage: 9,424 mi.
Read more about: Beyond the Encore: 14 One-Hit Wonder Cars That Burned Brightly, Then Vanished Without a Successor
10. **Volkswagen New Beetle**Oh, the Volkswagen New Beetle! It burst onto the scene with a mission to bring back the fun, carefree spirit of the original “hippie mobile” but with all the modern safety and reliability. It was a huge wave of retro nostalgia, promising a blast from the past for a new generation. Young women, especially, seemed to adore its cute, friendly design, and who could forget the iconic flower vase on the dashboard? It felt like the perfect car for anyone wanting to stand out from the endless parade of boring sedans and SUVs, offering a dose of personality on wheels.
But as we all know, trends are a fickle beast, and the retro craze didn’t last forever. Before long, the New Beetle started looking less “cute and friendly” and more “dated and, well, a little too girly.” This unfortunately meant that most men wouldn’t be caught dead in one, and even the women who initially loved it eventually moved on to other, more contemporary rides. The whole vibe of forced nostalgia started to feel, well, forced, and people began to remember that underneath all that bubble-shaped charm, it was essentially just a regular Golf, but with less practicality.
The novelty wore off quickly, leaving behind a car that was once a symbol of quirky individuality now looking a bit like an automotive costume party that everyone else left early. It’s hard to stay unique when everyone else moves on to the next big thing, and its specific aesthetic proved to be a double-edged sword.
These days, the New Beetle often feels like a car that tried a little too hard to be cute and quirky, rather than focusing on just being genuinely good. It’s a vivid reminder that sometimes, chasing nostalgia can lead to a car that quickly becomes a relic of a fleeting trend, rather than an enduring classic. It’s an interesting cultural touchstone, but not exactly a modern automotive triumph.
Car Model Information: 2018 Honda Civic EX
Name: Volkswagen New Beetle
Caption: 1998–2005 New Beetle (pre-facelift)
Manufacturer: Volkswagen
Aka: Volkswagen Beetle (Mexico),Volkswagen Bjalla (Iceland)
Production: October 1997 – July 2011
ModelYears: 1998–2010
Assembly: Wolfsburg,Puebla, Puebla,Hai Phong
Designer: J Mays
Class: Compact car
BodyStyle: hatchback
Platform: Volkswagen Group A platform#A4 (PQ34)
Related: Volkswagen Golf Mk4,Volkswagen CityJetta
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,front-wheel drive,4motion,all-wheel drive
Engine: Straight-4,Multi-valve
Transmission: automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 2515 mm
Abbr: on
Length: 4129 mm
Width: 1721 mm
Height: 59.5 in
Order: flip (convertible)
Predecessor: Volkswagen Beetle
Successor: Volkswagen Beetle (A5)
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description
Summary: The Volkswagen New Beetle is a compact car introduced by Volkswagen in 1997, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front, driving the front wheels, with luggage storage in the rear. It received a facelift in 2005 and was in production until 2011, nearly fourteen years since its introduction.
In the 2012 model year, a new Beetle model, the Beetle (A5), replaced the New Beetle. Various versions of this model continued to be produced in Puebla, Mexico, until the final car left the assembly line on 10 July 2019.
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Brand: Volkswagen Model: New Beetle
Price: $19,974 Mileage: 64,299 mi.
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11. **Nissan Cube**Nissan took a bold gamble by importing this decidedly oddball Japanese market car, the Cube, to America. Their hope was that American buyers, supposedly yearning for individuality, would totally embrace its weird design. The Cube was specifically aimed at creative, individualistic buyers who were looking for something completely, unapologetically different. Its asymmetrical rear window and distinctly boxy shape weren’t accidental; they were intentionally strange, designed to make a statement. Nissan’s marketing even leaned into this, promoting it as transportation for people who literally thought “outside the box.”
However, as it turns out, American buyers mostly said, “No, thank you” to the Cube’s bizarre styling. It wasn’t just the outside; the cramped interior also proved to be a major turn-off. Adding insult to injury, the car often felt cheap and was notoriously underpowered, especially when compared to the more conventional alternatives available on the market. It was a whole lot of weirdness without a lot of payoff in terms of driving experience or comfort.
The Cube’s attempt to be ultra-unique backfired. What was meant to be innovative instead came across as gimmicky and uncomfortable, making it clear that novelty isn’t always a substitute for solid engineering and thoughtful design. It showed that there’s a fine line between quirky charm and just being plain peculiar.
Now, the Nissan Cube often looks like a failed experiment in the art of making cars as weird as humanly possible. That intentionally ugly design, which was supposed to be its selling point, now seems more desperate for attention than genuinely innovative or even truly useful. It stands as a testament to the idea that sometimes, thinking too far outside the box leaves you with a car that just doesn’t fit in anywhere.
Car Model Information: 2012 Nissan Cube 1.8 SL
Name: Nissan Cube
Manufacturer: Nissan
Production: 1998–2019
Assembly: Yokosuka, Kanagawa
Class: Mini MPV
BodyStyle: hatchback
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Platform: Nissan B platform
Successor: Nissan Note#E12,Nissan Lafesta,Nissan Juke
ModelYears: 2009–2014 (North America)
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles needing clarification, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases
Summary: The Nissan Cube is a mini MPV produced by carmaker Nissan between 1998 and 2019. Initially sold only in Japan, the Cube was sold in North American markets from 2009 to 2014, and in European markets from 2009 to 2011. In Japan, it was exclusive to Nissan Red Stage dealerships. It is a slightly larger load-carrying alternative to the Nissan Micra hatchback. While production for the North American market ended in 2014, the Japanese-market Cube lasted until December 2019.
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Brand: Nissan Model: Cube
Price: $4,495 Mileage: 119,476 mi.
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12. **Lincoln Blackwood**Lincoln, ever the luxury brand, decided it needed to carve out a niche in the pickup truck market. Their grand vision was to create the ultimate luxury pickup for wealthy buyers who, apparently, needed to haul stuff but absolutely *had* to do it in style. The answer? The Lincoln Blackwood, a Frankensteinian mashup that tried to blend the elegance of a Town Car with the rugged utility of an F-150. It even sported a carpeted truck bed and a tonneau cover, all designed to protect expensive cargo, because, you know, rich people don’t haul dirt. Marketing efforts targeted successful business owners who wanted truck capability without having to sacrifice their precious luxury.
But let’s be honest, the whole concept was fundamentally flawed right from the get-go. Real truck buyers, the ones who actually use their trucks for work, wanted durability and a bed they could actually get dirty, not delicate carpet. And luxury buyers? Well, they typically didn’t need trucks at all; they had chauffeurs or simply preferred SUVs. The Blackwood ended up satisfying nobody, a confused vehicle caught between two worlds. It looked utterly ridiculous trying to be both fancy and practical at the same time, failing spectacularly at both.
It was an awkward attempt to merge two completely different automotive segments, resulting in a vehicle that was neither truly luxurious nor genuinely practical. The compromises made in trying to appeal to everyone meant it appealed to almost no one, highlighting a deep misunderstanding of its target market’s needs and desires.
Today, the Lincoln Blackwood stands as a glaring symbol of Lincoln’s desperate attempt to stay relevant by creating products that, frankly, made absolutely no sense. It’s a reminder of a time when brands threw ideas at the wall hoping something would stick, even if that something was a lavish, impractical truck. It’s certainly a conversation starter, but probably not the kind of conversation Lincoln was hoping for.
Car Model Information: 2002 Lincoln Blackwood Base 4dr Crew Cab SB 2WD
Name: Lincoln Blackwood
Manufacturer: Lincoln Motor Company
Production: September 25th 2000 – August 8th, 2002
ModelYears: 2002 (United States),2002–2003 (Mexico)
Assembly: Claycomo, Missouri
Successor: Lincoln Mark LT
Class: luxury car,pickup truck
BodyStyle: pickup truck
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout
Related: Ford F-Series (tenth generation),Lincoln Navigator
Engine: Ford Modular engine#5.4 L
Transmission: Automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 138.5 in
Abbr: on
Length: 220.2 in
Width: 78.0 in
Height: 73.6 in
Designer: Patrick Schiavone
Caption: 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
Categories: All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2024, Cars discontinued in 2002, Cars introduced in 2001
Summary: The Lincoln Blackwood is a luxury pickup truck that was marketed by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company for the 2002 model year. The first pickup truck marketed by Lincoln, the Blackwood was derived from the Ford F-150 SuperCrew and the Lincoln Navigator. Drawing its name from its simulated black woodgrain cargo box, the Blackwood was offered solely with a black-painted exterior.
Although the concept vehicle had a positive public reception, the production Blackwood fell far under sales projections in the United States and Mexico. After the 2002 model year, the Blackwood was discontinued in the United States, with a short run of 2003 models produced for Mexico. In total, only 3,383 units (NOT the commonly quoted 3,356 number) were produced, making it both the rarest and shortest-produced Lincoln model line.
For 2006, Lincoln entered the pickup truck segment for a second time with the Lincoln Mark LT — again based on the Ford F-150 —which, even though it also sold poorly, was more popular than the Blackwood.
The first Lincoln vehicle manufactured exclusively outside of the state of Michigan since 1958, the Blackwood was assembled by Ford at its Kansas City Assembly facility in Claycomo, Missouri, alongside the F-150 from September 2000 to August 2002.
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Brand: Lincoln Model: Blackwood
Price: $11,900 Mileage: 115,113 mi.
Read more about: Automotive Echoes: The Coolest Cars That Burned Bright For Just One Year
13. **Subaru Baja**Subaru, known for its quirky all-wheel-drive wagons, decided to get even *quirkier* by taking their popular Outback and, well, chopping off its back to create this car-truck hybrid, the Baja. The idea was to appeal to outdoorsy folks and adventure seekers who needed a little more cargo flexibility than a traditional wagon could offer. With its signature all-wheel drive and decent ground clearance, it promised some off-road capability. Many existing Subaru fans appreciated the idea of a truck-like vehicle that was much easier and more comfortable to drive than a full-size pickup truck.
However, the execution of this intriguing concept was, to put it mildly, awkward and incredibly compromised. That tiny truck bed, which was supposed to offer utility, was barely more useful than the trunk of a regular wagon; you couldn’t haul much of anything substantial without it spilling out. And the styling? It honestly looked like someone took a saw to a perfectly good Outback and just hoped for the best, resulting in ungainly proportions and a rather disjointed appearance.
It felt like a solution desperately looking for a problem, a niche so narrow it barely existed. The visual compromises made to marry a wagon body with a tiny open bed just didn’t quite work, leaving it in a strange automotive limbo that confused more than it charmed. It was an ambitious idea that just couldn’t quite stick the landing.
Now, the Subaru Baja often comes across as an automotive mistake, a weird misstep in Subaru’s otherwise beloved lineup. Its strange proportions and limited practicality make it a head-scratcher today, reminding us that sometimes, a good idea on paper doesn’t always translate into a good car on the road. It’s certainly unique, but perhaps not in a way that truly endures.
Car Model Information: 2005 Subaru Baja 2.5i AWD 4dr Turbo Auto w/Leather Pkg
Name: Subaru Baja
Caption: 2006 Subaru Baja Sport
Manufacturer: Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc.
Production: July 2002 – April 2006
ModelYears: 2003–2006
Assembly: United States
Class: Compact SUV
BodyStyle: coupé utility
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Engine: Subaru EJ engine#EJ251,Subaru EJ engine#EJ253,Subaru EJ engine#EJ255
Transmission: Automatic transmission,Manual transmission
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Abbr: on
Disp: flip
Length: 193.1 in
Width: 70.1 in
Height: 2003–04: {{convert,64.2,in,mm,0,abbr=on,disp=flip
Related: Subaru Legacy (third generation)
Predecessor: Subaru BRAT
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, Articles with short description, Cars discontinued in 2006, Cars introduced in 2002, Commons category link from Wikidata
Summary: The Subaru Baja is an all-wheel-drive, four passenger coupé utility manufactured from 2002 to 2006 by Subaru and marketed for model years 2003 to 2006. The Baja combines the handling and passenger carrying characteristics of a traditional passenger car with the open-bed versatility and load capacity of a small pickup truck.
The unibody design borrowed heavily from the existing mechanicals, platform and sheet metal of the Subaru Legacy/Outback wagon. Production began on July 18, 2002 as a 2003 model at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. factory in Lafayette, Indiana.
The name Baja derives from the Mexican peninsula of Baja California; home to the Baja 1000 off-road race.
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Brand: Subaru Model: Baja
Price: $8,995 Mileage: 214,004 mi.
Read more about: 14 Family-Friendly Vehicles That Actually Fit Three Car Seats Across: Your Ultimate Guide
14. **Chevrolet HHR**Seeing the surprising, if fleeting, success of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, General Motors decided they wanted a piece of that retro pie. So, they whipped up their own version of a retro wagon: the Chevrolet HHR. This car was meant to evoke the charming, classic delivery trucks from the 1940s, offering a dose of nostalgia in a modern package. With a practical interior and a lower price point than its PT Cruiser rival, it seemed like a smart, sensible alternative for buyers looking for something a bit different. Chevrolet marketed it as both nostalgic and perfectly sensible, aiming for a sweet spot of old-school cool and modern practicality.
But here’s the thing: the retro styling trend, which the PT Cruiser had ridden, was already sputtering out by the time the HHR arrived on the scene. Its fake vintage look felt even more forced and less authentic than the PT Cruiser’s, struggling to find an audience that was already moving on. Add to that some questionable build quality, which often led to various issues, and the HHR quickly lost any initial glimmer of appeal it might have had. It felt like a latecomer to a party that was already winding down.
It suffered from being a follower rather than a leader, arriving after the initial excitement for retro designs had peaked and begun its inevitable decline. The attempt to tap into a past aesthetic felt less like homage and more like a desperate rehash, lacking genuine inspiration.
Now, the HHR often looks like a cheap copy of an already questionable idea. Its awkward proportions and surprisingly plastic-heavy interior make it seem like an automotive afterthought, a car that nobody really wanted or needed. It serves as a classic example of a brand trying to cash in on a trend just a little too late, resulting in a vehicle that, unfortunately, just screams “cringe” today.
Car Model Information: 2006 Chevrolet HHR LT
Name: Chevrolet HHR
Manufacturer: General Motors
Production: 2005–2011
ModelYears: 2006–2011
Assembly: Ramos Arizpe,Coahuila
Designer: Bryan Nesbitt
Class: Compact car
BodyStyle: station wagon
Platform: GM Delta platform
Successor: Opel Antara
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Engine: ubl
Abbr: on
Transmission: F35 (MU3) transmission,manual transmission
Wheelbase: 2630 mm
Length: 4475 mm
Width: 1755 mm
Height: 1605 mm
Categories: 2010s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2007
Summary: The Chevrolet HHR (an initialism for Heritage High Roof) is a retro-styled, high-roofed, five-door, five-passenger, front-wheel drive wagon designed by Bryan Nesbitt and launched by the American automaker Chevrolet at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2006 model.
The HHR shares the GM Delta platform with the Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn Ion. Chevrolet also marketed a panel van variant of the HHR beginning in 2007. Assembled in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico and marketed throughout North America, production of the HHR ended in May 2011. The HHR was replaced in the U.S. by the Chevrolet Captiva Sport, a rebadged version of the Opel Antara. However, the Captiva Sport was only available as a fleet vehicle and was not available new to the general public.
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: HHR
Price: $4,000 Mileage: 150,000 mi.
Read more about: 15 Cars That Become Costly Money Pits After 100,000 Miles: Essential Insights for Savvy Buyers
15. **Saturn Ion**Remember Saturn? They tried to reinvent their brand with the Ion, a compact car that was supposed to be all sporty and modern. This car featured some truly unusual styling and even offered a performance-oriented Red Line version, hoping to attract enthusiasts. The designers went for a futuristic vibe, evidenced by its center-mounted instrument cluster, which was pitched as driver-focused and utterly innovative. Saturn’s marketing positioned the Ion as the perfect car for young professionals eager to drive something different, something that stood out from the crowd of bland economy cars.
However, that “futuristic” weird dashboard layout ended up confusing pretty much everyone who sat inside. People struggled to get used to it, making the driving experience more frustrating than forward-thinking. And let’s not even start on the build quality – it was, frankly, terrible, leading to a host of complaints. The unusual styling, instead of looking modern, seemed cheap and dated almost immediately, making it a visual disappointment that didn’t age well at all.
It felt like Saturn was throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what would stick, trying to pivot from their “different kind of car company” mantra to a mainstream brand. This attempt diluted their original identity without successfully establishing a new, compelling one, leading to a product that satisfied neither old fans nor new potential buyers.
Car Model Information: 2006 Saturn Ion 3
Name: Saturn Ion
Caption: 2005–07 Ion (facelift)
Manufacturer: Saturn Corporation
Production: 2002–March 29, 2007
ModelYears: 2003–2007
Assembly: Spring Hill, Tennessee
Class: Compact car
BodyStyle: sedan (automobile)
Platform: GM Delta platform
Related: Chevrolet Cobalt,Chevrolet HHR,Pontiac G5,Opel Astra
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Engine: Liter,GM Ecotec engine#L61,Straight-four engine
Transmission: Getrag,Getrag F23 transmission
Wheelbase: 103.2 in
Abbr: on (Red Line)
Length: 184.5 in
Width: 67.2 in
Height: 57.4 in
Weight: convert
Predecessor: Saturn S-Series
Successor: Saturn Astra
Categories: Articles with short description, Cars discontinued in 2007, Cars introduced in 2002, Commons category link is on Wikidata, Compact cars
Summary: The Saturn Ion is a compact car sold by Saturn between the 2003 and 2007 model years. Based on the GM Delta platform, the Ion replaced the Saturn S-Series in 2002,
and was replaced by the new Saturn Astra in 2008. Production of the Ion ended on March 29, 2007. The Ion was the last Saturn passenger car built at the Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant which was originally linked to the company’s branding, with Saturn owners attending “homecoming” events at the plant.
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Brand: Saturn Model: Ion
Price: $2,888 Mileage: 337,000 mi.
Read more about: 15 Cars That Become Costly Money Pits After 100,000 Miles: Essential Insights for Savvy Buyers
Ultimately, the Saturn Ion now represents Saturn’s failed attempt to become a mainstream brand, losing sight of their original mission in the process. It looked like a car designed by people who truly didn’t understand what buyers actually wanted from a small, affordable car. It’s a sad reminder of a brand trying to find its way and, in doing so, creating something that became a symbol of its own struggles. So there you have it! A whirlwind tour through the automotive hall of shame, where good intentions sometimes pave the road to utter cringe. It’s truly wild how quickly the tides of taste can turn, transforming what was once a statement piece or a trendsetter into something that makes us all collectively scratch our heads. These rides, from ambitious hybrids to over-the-top luxury trucks, show just how fickle our automotive affections can be, proving that sometimes, even the boldest designs just don’t stand the test of time. Here’s to hoping our current favorites avoid a similar fate!
