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20 Beautiful Cars That Were Terrible to Drive

Cameron Eittreim June 20, 2025

Some cars instantly capture our imaginations with their striking designs and sleek silhouettes. On the surface, they promise an exhilarating experience, turning heads wherever they go. Yet, not all that glitters is gold—sometimes, the most beautiful vehicles can be the biggest disappointments once you slip behind the wheel. Whether due to clumsy handling, unreliable engines, or uncomfortable interiors, these cars proved that style can sometimes overshadow substance. Join us as we explore 20 automotive stunners that, despite their looks, were simply terrible to drive.

1. DeLorean DMC-12

1. DeLorean DMC-12
A gleaming stainless steel DeLorean stands with its iconic gullwing doors open, ready for a stylish adventure. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The DeLorean DMC-12 dazzled with its iconic stainless-steel finish and dramatic gullwing doors, making it a symbol of 1980s futurism. Yet, beneath that unforgettable exterior, drivers found themselves battling an underwhelming V6 engine and awkward, sluggish handling. The DMC-12’s driving experience rarely matched its cinematic reputation, leaving many enthusiasts disappointed. Read more at Car and Driver

2. Jaguar E-Type Series III

1200px Saxony Classic Rallye 2010 Jaguar E Type Serie 1 1964 28aka29
A gleaming classic Jaguar E-Type sits proudly on display, showcasing the timeless allure of British sports car design. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Jaguar E-Type Series III is regularly celebrated for its breathtaking curves and classic British styling. However, the introduction of a hefty V12 engine and revised suspension compromised the nimble handling that made earlier E-Types so beloved. The result was a car that looked like a dream but felt noticeably less responsive on twisty roads. Many purists gravitate toward the earlier, lighter models for a true sports car experience. Learn more at Hagerty

3. Maserati Biturbo

3. Maserati Biturbo
A sleek Maserati Biturbo coupe gleams under the sun, embodying Italian luxury and classic sports car elegance. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

With its sharp Italian styling and plush interior, the Maserati Biturbo looked every bit the luxury sports coupe. Unfortunately, drivers soon discovered its notorious reliability issues and unpredictable handling. The turbocharged engine was both temperamental and expensive to maintain, making ownership more stressful than thrilling. Read about its reputation at Road & Track

4. Pontiac Fiero

Hppp 0311 04 1987 Pontiac Fiero
A striking red Pontiac Fiero, the iconic 80s mid-engine sports coupe, gleams under the afternoon sun. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Pontiac Fiero turned heads with its sleek, wedge-shaped body and daring mid-engine design—features rarely seen in its price range. Sadly, early Fieros were hampered by underpowered engines and persistent build quality problems, leading to frequent recalls. Although later models saw significant improvements, their arrival was too late to save the Fiero’s reputation. See more at MotorTrend

5. Alfa Romeo Brera

Alfa romeo brera 4 scaled
A striking red Alfa Romeo Brera coupe gleams under the sunlight, showcasing sleek Italian sports car elegance. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Alfa Romeo Brera is a feast for the eyes, with its bold Italian curves and aggressive stance. Yet, its lackluster engine lineup and uninspiring handling left much to be desired. Critics lamented the car’s excessive weight and shortage of agility, which dulled the driving experience. More info at Top Gear

6. Plymouth Prowler

6. Plymouth Prowler
A striking Plymouth Prowler channels classic hot rod vibes with its retro curves and bold, modern design. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Plymouth Prowler made a bold statement with its retro-futuristic styling and open-wheel hot rod flair. However, its modest V6 engine and mandatory automatic transmission left driving enthusiasts underwhelmed. Many lamented the absence of a V8, feeling the Prowler’s performance never matched its standout looks. Read more at Autoweek

7. Aston Martin Lagonda

Aston martin lagonda vignale 1
Photo Credit: Motor Trend

The Aston Martin Lagonda impressed with its angular, futuristic design and a dashboard packed with digital displays well ahead of their time. However, these advanced electronics were infamously unreliable, causing headaches for owners. Combined with a stiff, uncomfortable suspension, the Lagonda’s technical complexity often overshadowed its visual brilliance. Further reading at Classic Driver

8. Bricklin SV-1

7668980 1975 Bricklin Sv 1 Std
A striking Bricklin SV-1 gullwing sports car stands out with its bold design, built for both speed and safety. | Image from nl.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

With its dramatic gullwing doors and focus on safety, the Bricklin SV-1 certainly stood out. Unfortunately, the car’s excessive weight and lackluster engine options made for a lackluster, sluggish drive. Chronic mechanical problems further tarnished its reputation, leaving the SV-1 more admired for its looks than its driving dynamics. Learn more at Jalopnik

9. Citroën SM

Citroen sm gendarmerie
A stunning Citroën SM classic coupe gleams under the sunlight, embodying the elegance of French luxury motoring. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Citroën SM dazzled with its sleek, aerodynamic profile and luxurious, Maserati-sourced powerplant. It promised an enticing blend of style and sophistication. However, its complex hydraulic systems and high-maintenance engine proved daunting for mechanics—especially outside its native France. As a result, many owners found more frustration than pleasure in keeping these beautiful cars running smoothly. Read at Hemmings

10. Ferrari Mondial

10. Ferrari Mondial
A classic Ferrari Mondial designed by Pininfarina gleams under the sun, showcasing timeless Italian sports car elegance. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Ferrari Mondial arrived with the promise of Italian flair thanks to its Pininfarina styling and prancing horse badge. However, its underwhelming performance and awkward proportions left much to be desired. Compared to other Ferraris, the Mondial felt heavy and less responsive, disappointing those expecting a true sports car thrill. Review at Evo

11. Lotus Elite (Type 75/83)

Lotus elite s2 01

The Lotus Elite (Type 75/83) made an impression with its bold, wedge-shaped design, attracting attention wherever it went. Beneath the surface, however, owners faced serious reliability concerns and subpar build quality. Its intricate fiberglass body and finicky mechanicals created more headaches than joy, diminishing the Elite’s appeal as a true sports car. More at Classic & Sports Car

12. Cadillac Allanté

Cadillac Allante 1040 19

Styled by Pininfarina and positioned as a luxury flagship, the Cadillac Allanté had undeniable visual appeal. Unfortunately, its uninspired handling and persistent quality issues left it lagging behind European competitors. The complicated process of shipping bodies from Italy to Detroit only added to its woes. See the story at Car and Driver

13. BMW Z3 Coupe

1999 bmw z3 coupe v2
Photo Credit: BMW

The BMW Z3 Coupe, affectionately nicknamed the ‘Clown Shoe,’ stood out with its unconventional, athletic styling. However, base models disappointed driving enthusiasts with a lackluster engine and a gearshift that felt notchy rather than precise. While its looks promised excitement, the actual driving experience rarely lived up to the bold exterior. Read at Auto Express

14. Chevrolet SSR

1200px Chevrolet Ssr
A bold red Chevrolet SSR retro pickup stands parked with its convertible top down, blending classic style and modern flair. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Chevrolet SSR caught eyes with its striking retro flair and convertible pickup body—a unique blend that promised fun. Unfortunately, its heavy weight and truck-based chassis delivered a clumsy and uninspired driving experience. Despite its bold looks, the SSR’s awkward marriage of styles left many drivers wishing for more substance behind the style. See review at Edmunds

15. Ford Thunderbird (2002-2005)

548553a675fed Hd 2003 Ford Thunderbird
A gleaming Ford Thunderbird retro convertible shines under the sun, capturing the spirit of a modern classic. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The reborn Ford Thunderbird charmed with its throwback design and sleek convertible silhouette, stirring nostalgia among fans. However, its uninspiring handling, muted V8 performance, and hefty chassis left driving enthusiasts disappointed. Despite its visual appeal, the modern Thunderbird lacked the excitement its bold design promised. Review at MotorTrend

16. Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

Mercedes benz cls 63 amg shooting brake, (x218), 2012
Photo Credit: Edmunds

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake earned admiration for its elegant, wagon-inspired profile and luxe presence. Yet, a firm ride and poor rear visibility made driving less enjoyable than its looks suggested. The sophisticated design couldn’t compensate for an experience that left many wishing for more comfort and practicality. Read more at Autocar

17. Jensen Interceptor

1200px 1967 Jensen Interceptor Ff
A gleaming Jensen Interceptor classic GT stands parked, showcasing the timeless elegance of British sports car design. | Image from www.geograph.ie (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Jensen Interceptor blended striking Italian design with British luxury, resulting in a grand tourer that looked truly special. Unfortunately, its hefty weight, imprecise steering, and notorious reliability problems turned long journeys into endurance tests rather than pleasurable drives. The Interceptor’s visual allure was undeniable, but the experience behind the wheel left much to be desired for those seeking true GT comfort. More on Classic Motorsports

18. Fisker Karma

1280px 2012 Fisker Karma Ec Ever
A sleek Fisker Karma hybrid sedan stands out with its futuristic design and bold curves under city lights. | Image from en.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Fisker Karma wowed with its sleek, futuristic styling and ambitious hybrid technology, setting it apart from the crowd. However, the reality of ownership included a cramped cabin, limited outward visibility, and less-than-impressive acceleration. Early production issues with reliability only compounded frustrations, making the Karma a car admired for its looks but seldom for its driving experience. Review at Car and Driver

19. Peugeot RCZ

19. Peugeot RCZ
The sleek Peugeot RCZ French coupe stands out with its sporty design and sculpted curves against an urban backdrop. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Peugeot RCZ impressed with its curvaceous, athletic styling, often being compared to the Audi TT for its visual appeal. Sadly, the driving experience was marred by numb steering and an overly firm ride, robbing it of the engaging, sporty feel drivers expected. Its looks promised excitement, but the reality behind the wheel fell short. See Autocar review

20. Subaru SVX

960px subaru svx in parkland in the british west midlands first registered february 1997 3317cc
A sleek 90s Subaru SVX shows off its unique window-in-window design, blending futuristic style with classic sports car curves. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Subaru SVX stood out with its futuristic “window-in-window” glass design and smooth, aerodynamic silhouette. Despite its innovation, the SVX’s excessive weight, troublesome automatic transmission, and steep maintenance costs took a toll on its driving enjoyment. While visually captivating, it ultimately left enthusiasts wishing for a more rewarding and reliable ride. Read more at Hagerty

Conclusion

1200px Mitsubishi 3000gt Red
A stunning lineup of beautiful classic cars gleams under the sun at a lively outdoor car show. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

These 20 beautiful cars demonstrate that stunning design alone isn’t enough to guarantee a memorable driving experience. Each model dazzled in showrooms and on the street, but fell short where it truly matters—behind the wheel. As car enthusiasts and buyers, it’s important to look beyond the surface and seek out vehicles that deliver both style and substance.
Next time you’re tempted by a gorgeous silhouette, remember that true automotive greatness goes far deeper than looks alone.

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