Remember when certain cars made you feel like the coolest person on the road, turning heads for all the right reasons? Well, hold onto your hubcaps, because for many vehicles that once ruled the streets, those days are long gone. What seemed awesome back then now makes people cringe when they see it rolling by, eliciting groans and perhaps a rolled eye or two.
From flashy sports cars to trendy SUVs, these rides have inexplicably lost their magic and become symbols of questionable taste, sometimes even outright design missteps. We’re taking a deep dive into the automotive archive to revisit the cars that once commanded attention, only to later leave us scratching our heads and wondering, “What were they thinking?”
Join us on this nostalgic, sometimes-cringey journey as we unpack 15 infamous vehicles. We’ll explore their awkward proportions, bizarre features, or outright design missteps, understanding what went so wrong. It’s a fun, albeit revealing, look at the auto world’s bold risks and occasional disasters, from the outlandish to the comical.
1. **Pontiac Aztek**The Pontiac Aztek is truly a legend in the automotive world, but not for the reasons Pontiac probably hoped. When it first debuted, General Motors envisioned something super modern, a versatile adventure vehicle that would turn heads. Its marketing even suggested a built-in tent and camping gear, aiming to capture the spirit of outdoor enthusiasts.
Instead, it became a symbol of confused identity, looking like someone took a regular SUV and hit it with a hammer from every conceivable angle. Critics and consumers alike lambasted its chunky gray plastic cladding, lumpy proportions, and bizarre rear end, quickly making it the punchline to every automotive joke for a solid decade. It was meant to be a head-turner, and it certainly was, but not in a flattering way.
The Aztek looked like a spaceship designed by someone who had never seen a spaceship, complete with weird plastic panels and strange angles. Despite some genuinely cool features hidden beneath its polarizing exterior, nobody seemed to care. The sheer audacity of its looks was simply too much to handle for most people, cementing its place as a quintessential example of design gone awry.
Car Model Information: 2003 Pontiac Aztek Base Fwd 4dr SUV
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: $1,999 Mileage: 157,677 mi.
Read more about: 12 Cars That Went From “Wow” to “Yikes”—Cool to Cringe in No Time
2. **Hummer H2**In the early 2000s, there was a definite trend: everyone wanted to drive like they were straight out of a military convoy. The Hummer H2 was designed to capitalize on this, making owners feel tough and ready for adventure. With gas prices being much lower then, people didn’t seem to mind its abysmal eight miles per gallon fuel economy.
The massive size of the H2 certainly made a statement, and owners felt powerful sitting up high above the road. It was all about projecting an image of rugged capability and unapologetic excess. The bling factor was often off the charts, with chrome everywhere, solidifying its status as a status symbol of the era.
However, times change, and so do perceptions. Now, the H2 just screams wasteful and impractical, an embodiment of everything wrong with early 2000s car culture. Climate change awareness has transformed these gas-guzzling monsters into symbols of selfishness and outdated thinking. Plus, the ironic truth is most owners never took them off-road anyway, making the whole tough-guy image seem utterly fake and try-hard.
Car Model Information: 2003 Hummer H2
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: 12 Cars That Went From “Wow” to “Yikes”—Cool to Cringe in No Time
3. **Chrysler PT Cruiser**Chrysler made a bold move by attempting to bring back the glamorous 1930s with the retro-styled PT Cruiser wagon. Initially, this car was seen as cute and refreshingly different from the sea of boring, conventional cars on the road. It captured attention with its distinctive gangster-era styling, even winning MotorTrend Car of the Year in 2000.
Beyond its unique looks, the PT Cruiser offered some practical features, including lots of cargo space and highly versatile removable seats. Its marketing positioned it as the perfect car for creative, fun-loving individuals, appealing to a demographic looking for something with personality and character.
Unfortunately, the novelty of its retro charm wore off quickly for many. People soon realized that beneath the quirky costume, it was essentially just a regular economy car with questionable build quality. The styling that once seemed charming and distinctive became annoying or just plain dated. Now, it often looks like a failed, if well-intentioned, attempt at being quirky and stands as a car that plummeted into becoming the punchline of countless jokes.
Car Model Information: 2015 Lexus RX 350 Base
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: $17,716 Mileage: 105,076 mi.
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4. **Mitsubishi Eclipse (4th Generation)**The original Mitsubishi Eclipse held a legitimate place in the sports car world, known for its ability to go fast and its sleek design. Young enthusiasts loved its turbocharged engines, which gave them the thrilling sensation of being street racers, especially after the Fast and Furious movies made early Eclipses seem undeniably cool.
However, Mitsubishi made a puzzling decision with the 4th generation Eclipse. They transformed it into a heavy, slow convertible that leaned more towards a luxury cruiser than a performance machine. While they retained the beloved Eclipse name, they seemingly discarded everything that had made its predecessors special and desirable to the tuner crowd.
The result was embarrassing for many car enthusiasts. The fake sporty styling of the later versions fooled nobody, and their performance was widely considered terrible. Driving one now, particularly the 4th generation, often leads people to believe you don’t know anything about cars, making it a stark example of a nameplate losing its way and its appeal.
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: Sport compact
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.
Read more about: 12 Cars That Went From “Wow” to “Yikes”—Cool to Cringe in No Time
5. **Chevrolet SSR**General Motors truly went for a unique blend with the Chevrolet SSR, creating a pickup truck that could transform into a convertible. On paper, the concept seemed amazing: combining the fun and open-air experience of a sports car with the practical utility of a truck. The retro styling was intended to evoke classic hot rods from the 1950s, a design choice meant to be nostalgic and appealing.
Marketing pitched the SSR as the perfect vehicle for weekend adventures and showing off at car shows, promising a versatile and fun experience. Former GM Design VP Wayne Cherry himself articulated a vision to create “a modern interpretation of the early 1950s classic pickup that has become the quintessential choice for street-rod custom trucks.”
Reality, however, hit hard. People quickly discovered that the SSR was terrible at being both a truck and a sports car. The truck bed was tiny, rendering its utility questionable, and its performance was often disappointing. Its styling looked cartoonish to many, earning it considerable mockery upon its 2003 debut. It now seems like an expensive toy that nobody actually needed or wanted, a bold attempt that was ultimately too confused to succeed broadly.
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: 12 Cars That Went From “Wow” to “Yikes”—Cool to Cringe in No Time
6. **Scion xB**Toyota launched Scion with the specific goal of attracting young, urban buyers with designs that were, to put it mildly, unconventional. The Scion xB was intended to be the ultimate expression of being different, a vehicle for those who didn’t care about traditional automotive beauty. Its boxy, almost appliance-like shape found a niche among hip-hop artists and creative types who embraced its unusual form.
The spacious interior and relatively cheap price point made it popular with college students and city dwellers looking for practical, affordable transportation that stood out. It was marketed as being intentionally unique, a car that literally thought outside the box, catering to an individualistic crowd looking for something quirky and functional.
However, being intentionally ugly, or at least unconventionally styled, gets old fast. Once the initial novelty wore off, many people realized they were driving something that looked suspiciously like a refrigerator on wheels. The Scion brand eventually died out because, fundamentally, most normal people want cars that look good, not just different and attention-seeking, leading the xB from quirky darling to cringe-worthy.
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.
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7. **Cadillac Escalade EXT**Cadillac, always aiming for the luxury market, believed that affluent truck buyers wanted something even fancier than a regular pickup. The Escalade EXT was their answer, combining the opulence of the Escalade SUV with the perceived utility of a truck bed, creating what was meant to be the ultimate status symbol for a specific demographic.
Rich people initially loved the concept of a truck that was as expensive and flashy as their high-end SUVs. The “bling factor” was undeniable, with chrome lavishly applied everywhere, making a clear statement of wealth and ostentation. Marketing targeted successful business owners who desired truck capability without having to compromise on luxury.
Looking back, the Escalade EXT stands as a peak example of wasteful excess. The truck bed, despite its luxurious carpet and tonneau cover, was almost useless for actual hauling, rendering its utility largely symbolic. The fuel economy was horrendous, and the entire aesthetic screamed “nouveau riche.” Now, it represents everything that many found problematic with early 2000s car culture, with its over-the-top luxury often perceived as tacky and desperate rather than genuinely impressive.” , “_words_section1”: “1940
Car Model Information: 2015 Lexus RX 350 Base
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: $17,716 Mileage: 105,076 mi.
Read more about: Steer Clear: 10 Car Brands Plagued by Reliability Issues and High Upkeep That Fail to Deliver for Consumers
8. **BMW X6**BMW’s audacious move to create the X6 essentially invented the ‘coupe SUV’ category, merging the X5 SUV’s capabilities with a sleek, sloping roofline. This design aimed for a vehicle that offered the best of both worlds: SUV utility paired with sports car aesthetics. Marketing emphasized its unique blend, pitching the X6 as an exclusive statement for wealthy buyers, projecting an image of cutting-edge design and unparalleled luxury that would surely make heads turn.
However, the practical costs of this automotive mashup quickly became apparent. That distinctive, sloped roofline significantly compromised rear seat headroom, making it tight for adult passengers. Cargo space also dramatically dwindled compared to a conventional SUV, sacrificing fundamental utility for a stylistic flourish. It became evident that design had overridden common sense.
Adding to its identity crisis, despite sporty aspirations, the X6 ultimately drove like a heavy, high-riding SUV, not with the dynamic feel of a sports car. This left many questioning if BMW had simply created an expensive solution to a problem that didn’t exist. Today, the initial allure has faded, leaving the X6 concept often viewed as a somewhat pointless and pretentious exercise in design, prioritizing form over genuine function in a most peculiar way.
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: Beyond the Badge: Unmasking 12 Car Brands Plagued by Reliability Nightmares and Wallet-Draining Maintenance for Discerning Buyers
9. **Plymouth Prowler**The Plymouth Prowler burst onto the scene in 1997 looking like a futuristic hot rod straight from a concept car exhibition. Its radical open-wheel styling and audacious design truly excited enthusiasts, proving an American company could take bold risks. With lightweight aluminum construction, it felt like buying a piece of tomorrow, a true street machine from a designer’s wildest dreams.
Yet, that initial excitement quickly evaporated once drivers got behind the wheel. For all its visual bravado, the Prowler was largely “all show and no go.” An underwhelming 3.5L SOHC V6, producing a modest 214 horsepower, felt weak for its aggressive looks. Compounding the disappointment, it was exclusively paired with an uninspiring 4-speed automatic, completely negating any sporty driving sensation.
The ride quality was harsh, making long journeys unpleasant. Performance enthusiasts demanded a V8 and manual gearbox, which were absent. This stark disconnect between its thrilling exterior and tame dynamics quickly cemented its reputation. Today, the Prowler often comes across as an expensive toy prioritizing bizarre aesthetics over genuine driving enjoyment, with its radical styling aging into something more “try-hard” than timeless.
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: 12 Cars That Went From “Wow” to “Yikes”—Cool to Cringe in No Time
10. **Volkswagen New Beetle**Volkswagen’s revival of the iconic Beetle for the modern era aimed to capture the original ‘hippie mobile’s’ fun, carefree spirit. The New Beetle’s undeniably cute, friendly design, complete with a quirky built-in flower vase, strongly appealed to young women. It stood out as a distinct personality, offering an antidote to conventional sedans and anonymous SUVs.
However, the retro trend proved fleeting. What once seemed fresh quickly looked dated, and its overtly cute aesthetic started to feel overly ‘girly’. Men largely avoided it, and even many women eventually moved on to newer, more contemporary designs. The manufactured nostalgia couldn’t sustain its appeal indefinitely.
Beneath its distinctive skin, the New Beetle was essentially just a Volkswagen Golf, a solid but unremarkable economy car. This realization, combined with its diminishing visual appeal, led to its perception as a vehicle that tried too hard to be cute and quirky. It ultimately failed to deliver a truly great or widely appealing driving experience, shifting from charming revival to a somewhat embarrassing reminder of past fads.
Car Model Information: 2015 Lexus RX 350 Base
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: $17,716 Mileage: 105,076 mi.
Read more about: 10 Cars to Skip: They Become Costly Money Pits After 100,000 Miles
11. **Nissan Cube**Nissan took a significant gamble, importing the unconventional Japanese market Cube to America, hoping buyers would embrace its deliberate weirdness. The Cube targeted creative, individualistic buyers who craved something truly different. Its signature asymmetrical rear window and unapologetically boxy shape were intentional statements, promoted as transportation for those literally thinking outside the box.
Yet, most American buyers couldn’t look past its bizarre styling. What was meant as quirky often came across as strange or ugly to mainstream tastes. The interior, while practical, felt cramped compared to conventional compacts. Its performance also disappointed, feeling cheap and underpowered against competitors.
Ultimately, the Nissan Cube became a failed experiment in automotive eccentricity. Its intentionally oddball design, once aiming for innovation, now often appears desperate for attention rather than genuinely useful. It proved that pushing boundaries too far can isolate an audience. The Cube quickly transitioned from niche curiosity to a ride that makes many drivers wonder what Nissan was thinking, solidifying its place as a vehicle simply too weird for its own good.
Car Model Information: 2013 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: $6,985 Mileage: 163,159 mi.
Read more about: 12 Cars That Went From “Wow” to “Yikes”—Cool to Cringe in No Time
12. **Lincoln Blackwood**Lincoln aimed to fill an untapped market: affluent buyers needing a pickup without compromising luxury. The Blackwood was their answer, a blend of Town Car elegance and F-150 utility. It featured a carpeted truck bed and tonneau cover, designed for expensive cargo, not rough hauling. Marketing targeted successful business owners desiring truck capability without sacrificing luxury, hoping to create an exclusive status symbol.
However, the Blackwood’s core concept was fundamentally flawed. Real truck buyers sought durability and practicality from their beds, not plush carpeting and limited functionality. Conversely, traditional luxury buyers often had no genuine need for a truck bed at all. The Blackwood satisfied neither demographic, failing to serve either purpose convincingly, looking ridiculous as it tried to be both sophisticated and practical.
This misjudgment swiftly relegated the Blackwood to an expensive, largely pointless endeavor. Today, it represents Lincoln’s desperate attempt to remain relevant by creating products that, in hindsight, made no rational sense. It became a symbol of misguided, over-the-top luxury, demonstrating a brand losing its way by attempting to force together fundamentally different automotive ideals without truly understanding either market’s core desires.
Car Model Information: 2002 Lincoln Blackwood Base
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: $11,851 Mileage: 94,011 mi.
Read more about: 12 Cars That Went From “Wow” to “Yikes”—Cool to Cringe in No Time
13. **Subaru Baja**Subaru, known for its adventurous spirit and AWD, ventured into a peculiar car-truck hybrid by chopping the back off its Outback wagon to create the Baja. The aim was to appeal to outdoorsy enthusiasts seeking more cargo flexibility than an SUV, but an easier drive than a full-size pickup. With standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance, it offered capable off-road credentials, and some Subaru fans appreciated the brand’s experimentation.
Unfortunately, the execution of this concept was awkwardly compromised. The most glaring issue was the laughably tiny truck bed, offering barely more useful cargo space than the Outback wagon it was based on. This limitation undermined its utility premise. Furthermore, the Baja’s styling looked less integrated and more like a normal car crudely cut with a saw, resulting in an ungainly, disjointed appearance.
In retrospect, the Subaru Baja feels like a solution in search of a problem, attempting to fill a niche that barely existed. Its weird proportions and limited practicality quickly stamped it as an automotive mistake. Today, it remains a quirky footnote in Subaru’s history, a bold but flawed experiment proving that combining two good things doesn’t always result in something better; sometimes, it just creates something odd and largely unloved.
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: Seriously, What Were We Thinking? 15 Cars That Went From Peak Cool To Total Cringe
14. **Chevrolet HHR**Inspired by the Chrysler PT Cruiser’s initial success, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet HHR (Heritage High Roof), their own retro-wagon. It aimed to evoke 1940s delivery trucks with its distinctive tall-roofed profile and prominent fenders. Chevrolet marketed it as a smart, sensible PT Cruiser alternative, offering a practical interior and lower price point, blending nostalgic appeal with everyday usability.
However, GM arrived late. By the HHR’s debut, the retro styling trend was already fading. This made the HHR’s fake vintage look feel even more forced and less authentic than its predecessor, appearing dated almost immediately. Compounding its issues, the build quality was often questionable, detracting from its promised practicality and reliability. It became clear this was a rushed attempt to capitalize on a waning fad.
Today, the Chevrolet HHR is largely seen as a cheap copy of an already problematic idea. Its awkward proportions—a stunted stance combined with a tall roof—and plastic-heavy interior make it seem like a rushed automotive afterthought. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, forging a new path is better than chasing a dying trend, especially when it results in a vehicle nobody truly wanted.
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: $2,369 Mileage: 136,087 mi.
Read more about: Seriously, What Were We Thinking? 15 Cars That Went From Peak Cool To Total Cringe
15. **Saturn Ion**Saturn ambitiously introduced the Ion, a compact car, to reinvent its brand and shed its quirky image, aiming for sporty, modern, and distinctively different. It featured unusual styling, including a performance-oriented Red Line version. Its unique center-mounted instrument cluster was intended as innovative and driver-focused, signaling a departure from traditional layouts. Saturn positioned it as perfect for young professionals wanting to stand out.
Yet, despite these intentions, the Ion quickly faltered. The avant-garde, center-mounted dashboard often confused drivers and proved an ergonomic nightmare. The car was plagued with terrible build quality, undermining Saturn’s reputation for dependability. Its styling, instead of modern, looked cheap and dated almost immediately upon release.
Ultimately, the Saturn Ion became a symbol of the brand’s failed attempt to become a mainstream automaker, losing sight of its original mission. It seems like a car designed by a committee that fundamentally misunderstood buyer desires for a small, affordable vehicle. The Ion is a cautionary tale, showing that trying too hard to be different and modern, without solid quality and user-friendly design, can lead to spectacular failure.
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: Unmasking History’s Hidden Horrors: 14 Figures Whose True Evil Emerged Posthumously
As we cruise through the annals of automotive history, it becomes abundantly clear that not every bold design or ambitious concept stands the test of time. While some vehicles spark admiration that only grows with age, others, like the ones we’ve explored, journey from being head-turners to becoming absolute cringe-inducers. These rides serve as fascinating, sometimes painful, reminders that the line between innovation and outright blunder is often a thin one. They stand as monuments to audacious risks and occasional design missteps, offering a revealing look into what happens when an automaker swings for the fences and, well, strikes out spectacularly. Ultimately, they teach us that even in the world of cars, true lasting appeal isn’t just about turning heads for a moment, but about enduring relevance and genuine appeal, without making us secretly wish we were driving something else entirely.
