20 Concept Cars That Missed the Mark on Design

Concept cars often push the boundaries of design and innovation, showcasing what the future might hold. However, not all concept cars are visually appealing. In fact, some are downright unattractive. Here, we take a look at 20 of the most unattractive concept cars ever created, exploring the designs that missed the mark and why they never made it to production.

Pontiac Aztek Concept

Pontiac Aztek
Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Pontiac Aztek Concept was an attempt at creating a versatile crossover SUV, but its design was widely criticized for its awkward, boxy shape and unattractive front fascia. The vehicle’s bulky body and unconventional lines made it one of the most unattractive concepts, leading to its failure in the market despite its innovative features.

Fiat Multipla Concept

Fiat Multipla
Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Fiat Multipla Concept is remembered for its unusual and unattractive design, featuring a wide body and a peculiar second row of headlights beneath the windshield. Its odd proportions and awkward styling choices made it stand out for all the wrong reasons, overshadowing its practical interior and functionality.

Nissan Juke Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Nissan Juke Concept aimed to combine sporty styling with SUV functionality but ended up with a design that was polarizing, to say the least. Its bulbous curves, unconventional front-end with large round headlights, and compact shape resulted in an overall unattractive appearance that failed to win universal appeal.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Concept was designed to evoke classic American cars of the 1930s and 1940s, but its retro styling was met with mixed reviews. The high roofline, bulbous fenders, and boxy shape were seen as unattractive by many, making it a controversial design that did not age well.

Cadillac Cimarron Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Cadillac Cimarron Concept was an attempt to create a compact luxury car, but its bland and uninspired design left much to be desired. The boxy shape, lack of distinctive Cadillac styling cues, and overall plainness made it one of the most unattractive concepts from the brand.

Suzuki X-90 Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Suzuki X-90 Concept was a compact SUV with a design that was widely regarded as unattractive. Its two-door coupe body style combined with an SUV chassis resulted in a vehicle that looked awkward and impractical. The X-90’s bulbous shape and odd proportions contributed to its failure in the market.

Subaru Baja Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Subaru Baja Concept aimed to blend the utility of a truck with the comfort of a car, but its design was criticized for being unattractive and impractical. The vehicle’s awkward proportions, clunky styling, and unusual combination of features made it one of the most unattractive concepts from Subaru.

AMC Pacer Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The AMC Pacer Concept featured a distinctive, wide-body design with large glass windows that gave it a fishbowl-like appearance. Its unusual proportions, awkward lines, and overall unconventional styling made it a memorable but unattractive concept car that struggled to find acceptance.

Chevrolet SSR Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Chevrolet SSR Concept was a retro-styled pickup truck with a retractable hardtop, but its design was polarizing. The bulbous fenders, exaggerated curves, and awkward proportions made it an unattractive concept that failed to resonate with a broad audience.

Ford Edsel Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Ford Edsel Concept was meant to be a revolutionary vehicle, but its design was met with widespread criticism. The car’s awkward front grille, odd proportions, and unattractive styling choices made it one of the most infamous automotive failures, earning it a place among the most unattractive concept cars ever.

Ford Nucleon Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Ford Nucleon Concept was an ambitious design for a nuclear-powered car, but its aesthetics were far from appealing. The vehicle’s boxy shape, awkward proportions, and unattractive design elements made it an odd and unappealing concept that never saw production.

Citroën Karin Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Aliaksei Putau/ Shutterstock.com

The Citroën Karin Concept was an avant-garde design with a pyramidal shape and unconventional features, but its aesthetics were widely criticized. The sharp angles, unusual proportions, and overall futuristic look made it an unattractive and impractical concept.

Renault Fuego Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Renault Fuego Concept aimed to create a sporty and stylish vehicle, but its design was not well-received. The awkward proportions, dated styling, and unattractive lines made it a concept that failed to impress, leading to its lack of production.

BMW Gina Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The BMW Gina Concept featured a unique fabric skin that could change shape, but its design was polarizing. The unconventional materials, unusual proportions, and overall futuristic look made it an unattractive concept that did not appeal to a broad audience.

Toyota WiLL Vi Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Aliaksei Putau/ Shutterstock.com

The Toyota WiLL Vi Concept aimed to create a retro-styled compact car, but its design was not well-received. The awkward proportions, unattractive lines, and overall clunky appearance made it a concept that failed to gain popularity.

Dodge Super 8 Hemi Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Kevdiecast / Wikimedia Commons

The Dodge Super 8 Hemi Concept featured a retro-inspired design with exaggerated curves and bold styling, but its aesthetics were polarizing. The vehicle’s awkward proportions, unattractive front fascia, and overall clunky look made it an unsuccessful concept.

Peugeot 20Cup Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Arnaud 25 / Wikimedia Commons

The Peugeot 20Cup Concept was a three-wheeled vehicle with a unique design, but its aesthetics were widely criticized. The vehicle’s awkward proportions, unconventional shape, and unattractive lines made it a concept that failed to impress.

Mitsubishi HSR Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Andrea Volpato / Wikimedia Commons

The Mitsubishi HSR Concept featured a futuristic design with advanced aerodynamics, but its aesthetics were not well-received. The vehicle’s sharp angles, unusual proportions, and overall unattractive appearance made it a concept that did not gain traction.

Ford Indigo Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Ford Indigo Concept was a high-performance sports car with a futuristic design, but its aesthetics were polarizing. The vehicle’s exaggerated curves, unusual proportions, and overall unattractive look made it an unsuccessful concept.

Mercedes-Benz C111 Concept

Image Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Mercedes-Benz C111 Concept featured a wedge-shaped design and gullwing doors, but its aesthetics were widely criticized. The vehicle’s sharp angles, awkward proportions, and overall unattractive appearance made it a concept that did not appeal to a broad audience.

This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.

More from MyCarMakesNoise

10 Vintage RVs That Collectors Tend to Pass Over

Image Editorial Credit: Stoqliq / Shutterstock.com

Collecting vintage RVs can be a rewarding hobby, but not every model gets the same attention. Some are often overlooked by collectors, whether due to their design, maintenance challenges, or lack of modern appeal. Read More.

18 Myths About Premium Gasoline You Need to Stop Believing

Image Editorial Credit: Unconventional / Shutterstock.com

Many drivers assume premium gasoline is always the better choice, but that’s not always true. From claims of better performance to improved fuel economy, plenty of myths surround this high-octane option. Read More.

8 Famous Limousines from Hollywood Blockbusters

Image Editorial Credit: carsguru / Shutterstock.com

Limousines have long been a symbol of luxury and power, making them the perfect vehicles for memorable moments in Hollywood blockbusters. From sleek, high-tech rides to extravagant, custom designs, these limos add flair and character to the films they appear in. Read More.

Avatar photo

Author: Dave Johnston

Dave is a hands-on automotive technician with experience in performing service, diagnostics, and repairs on domestic and imported vehicles. He enjoys writing and sharing his knowledge far and wide.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *