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20 Cars That Are Ugly, Reliable, and Weirdly Lovable

Cameron Eittreim June 29, 2025

Not every vehicle earns admiration for its looks. In fact, some of the world’s most beloved cars are those that stand out for their odd, sometimes awkward designs. Yet, these unique machines have built a loyal following—not through beauty, but through unwavering dependability and a quirky personality that sets them apart from the crowd.

These are the cars that spark stories at gas stations, that friends remember fondly, and that owners refuse to part with, even as trends shift. In this article, we celebrate twenty such models—vehicles that remind us true automotive affection is born from character, reliability, and the joy of being a little different.

1. Pontiac Aztek

Image Credit: Wiki Media

The Pontiac Aztek is often the punchline of automotive design jokes, but its boxy, unconventional look hides a surprisingly practical and reliable SUV. Built for adventure, it offered features like a removable cooler and optional tent, making it a favorite for quirky road trippers.

Pop culture gave the Aztek new life—most notably as Walter White’s vehicle in Breaking Bad. Its oddball appeal, combined with solid performance, has turned the Aztek into a cult classic for the right kind of driver.

2. Fiat Multipla

2. Fiat Multipla
A quirky Fiat Multipla stands out on a city street, showcasing the unique charm of European MPVs. | Photo by Efrem Efre on Pexels

Few cars have a silhouette as unmistakable as the Fiat Multipla. Its famous double-bubble roofline and frog-eyed headlights turned heads for all the wrong reasons, but inside, it’s a masterclass in space and practicality.

The Multipla’s interior boasts six seats in two rows, making it a family favorite across Europe. Despite the odd looks, its reliability and versatile design have earned it praise from owners who value comfort and durability over traditional good looks.

3. Subaru Baja

Subaru Baja
A quirky Subaru Baja truck stands out with its unique design, blending rugged utility with renowned Subaru reliability. | Photo by Rachel Claire on Pexels

The Subaru Baja is a true automotive oddity, blending the comfort of a wagon with the functionality of a pickup truck. Its quirky design drew comparisons to the classic Chevy El Camino, but with a distinctly Subaru twist.

Despite polarizing looks, the Baja has developed a loyal cult following. Subaru’s reputation for rugged, long-lasting engineering means many Bajas are still on the road today, proving that a little weirdness can go a long way in building lasting love.

4. Toyota Previa

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A classic Toyota Previa, affectionately known as the “egg van,” showcases its timeless, reliable minivan design. | Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels

With its distinctive egg-shaped profile and space-age styling, the Toyota Previa stood out in a sea of boxy minivans. Underneath that quirky exterior, the Previa featured a unique mid-engine layout, contributing to its balanced handling and spacious interior.

While some scoffed at its looks, minivan enthusiasts know the Previa for its legendary Toyota reliability and impressive practicality. It remains a cult favorite for families and collectors who appreciate its mix of oddball design and unwavering dependability.

5. Nissan Cube

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A distinctive Nissan Cube, with its signature boxy design, stands out as a stylish compact urban car. | Photo by Deane Bayas on Pexels

The Nissan Cube wears its quirkiness proudly, with a boxy silhouette and the famously asymmetrical rear window that sets it apart from anything else on the road. Inside, drivers are treated to a funky, lounge-like cabin designed for comfort and creativity.

Despite its unconventional appearance, the Cube is beloved for its practicality in city driving—offering easy maneuverability and excellent visibility. Low maintenance costs and Nissan’s reputation for reliability seal the deal, making it a weirdly lovable urban companion.

6. Honda Element

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A boldly boxy Honda Element stands ready for adventure, showcasing the versatile spirit of Honda’s unique SUV design. | Photo by Cemrecan Yurtman on Pexels

The Honda Element is unmistakable, sporting a boxy frame and rugged plastic-clad panels that beg for adventure. Its utilitarian interior, with washable floors and configurable seating, was made for those who think outside the traditional SUV box.

This oddball Honda is cherished for its extreme reliability and practical design, winning over outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners alike. The Element’s quirky styling and legendary dependability continue to inspire a fiercely loyal fanbase, even years after production ended.

7. AMC Gremlin

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A vibrant AMC Gremlin, the iconic classic compact, stands out with its retro styling and bold color scheme. | Photo by Sebastian Pichard on Pexels

The AMC Gremlin debuted with a look that could only be described as chopped and charmingly awkward. Its abrupt rear hatch and stubby proportions set it apart from other compact cars of the 1970s.

While its styling raised eyebrows, the Gremlin earned a reputation for being simple, rugged, and dependable—qualities that endeared it to budget-conscious drivers. Today, it stands as a memorable and weirdly lovable alternative to more conventional compacts of its era.

8. Saab 900

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A vintage Saab 900, the quintessential quirky Swedish classic, shines proudly on a sunlit city street. | Photo by Efrem Efre on Pexels

The Saab 900 is instantly recognizable thanks to its unusual, sloping profile and wraparound windshield—a bold statement of Swedish automotive individuality. Under the hood, robust turbocharged engines delivered both performance and longevity, adding to its appeal.

The 900’s unique engineering and eccentric design choices have inspired a devoted, almost cult-like fan base. For those who appreciate quirky cars that are built to last, the Saab 900 remains a symbol of reliable, unconventional charm.

9. Citroën 2CV

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A quirky, charmingly odd Citroën 2CV sits parked on a cobblestone street, embodying vintage French flair. | Photo by SweeMing YOUNG on Pexels

The Citroën 2CV is the epitome of utilitarian charm, with its unmistakable corrugated body and minimalist design. Originally engineered for rural French farmers, its agricultural roots shaped every practical detail.

Produced for over four decades, the 2CV became famous for its ability to survive rough roads, harsh weather, and daily abuse. Its lovable simplicity and remarkable durability have made it a timeless favorite, adored by generations for being both weird and wonderfully reliable.

10. Scion xB (First Generation)

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A vibrant Scion xB box car sits parked, showcasing Toyota’s signature reliability in a bold, unique design. | Photo by Jonathan Cooper on Pexels

The first-generation Scion xB turned heads with its unmistakable toaster-shaped silhouette and unapologetically boxy lines. Marketed to younger drivers, it quickly became a favorite among those seeking something entirely different in urban mobility.

Underneath its funky exterior, the xB boasted Toyota’s signature reliability and low running costs. Its spacious cabin and quirky appeal made it an icon of city life, proving that practical transport can also be genuinely lovable and fun.

11. Renault Twingo (First Generation)

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Renault Twingo ZE Vibes

The original Renault Twingo charmed Europe with its bug-eyed headlights and playful, rounded shape. Its cheerful styling made it an instant standout in the crowded city car market.

Beyond its looks, the Twingo proved to be mechanically tough and surprisingly versatile, handling daily commutes and tight European streets with ease. Owners love its mix of plucky personality and practicality, cementing the first-gen Twingo as a weirdly lovable urban hero.

12. Volkswagen Thing (Type 181)

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A classic Volkswagen Thing Type 181, originally designed as a military vehicle, stands rugged and ready for adventure. | Photo by Aliaksei Lepik on Pexels

The Volkswagen Thing (Type 181) is as odd as its name suggests, boasting a military-inspired, utilitarian design that looks more at home on the battlefield than the boulevard. Its flat body panels and removable top add to its unmistakable appeal.

Powered by VW’s legendary air-cooled engine, the Thing is simple, rugged, and fun to drive. Today, it’s a beloved collectible—proof that a bizarre exterior and timeless mechanical simplicity can create lasting affection among enthusiasts.

13. Suzuki X-90

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The quirky Suzuki X-90, a compact two-seat SUV, stands out with its bold design and playful personality. | Photo by Uriel Mont on Pexels

The Suzuki X-90 is a true oddball—a two-seat SUV with a compact body and an eye-catching T-top roof. Its blend of coupe styling and off-road capability puzzled many when it first hit the market, but it’s precisely this uniqueness that has inspired a devoted following.

Backed by robust Suzuki engineering, the X-90 is surprisingly tough and reliable. What was once an automotive curiosity has now become a cult classic, prized for its playful weirdness and durability.

14. Buick Rendezvous

2006 Buick Rendezvous 1
A sleek Buick Rendezvous crossover parked in a suburban driveway, ready for a family adventure in comfort and style. | Photo by Xuân Thống Trần on Pexels

The Buick Rendezvous is recognized for its awkward proportions—somewhere between a minivan and an SUV—but it more than makes up for it with family-friendly features and a reputation for reliability.

Owners praise the Rendezvous for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and dependable mechanics that easily handle daily duties. While it may not win beauty contests, this Buick’s practical nature and solid performance have made it a steadfast companion for countless families.

15. Dacia Logan MCV

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A practical Dacia Logan MCV wagon stands ready on a city street, embodying European utility and budget-friendly versatility. | Photo by Oskar Hoke on Pexels

The Dacia Logan MCV is the definition of no-frills utility, with a boxy silhouette that prioritizes practicality over elegance. Designed as a budget-friendly family wagon, it quickly won fans across Europe and other markets for its rugged simplicity.

Renowned for lasting through tough conditions and minimal maintenance, the Logan MCV is beloved by those who value durability and cost-effectiveness. Despite its plain looks, this Dacia’s unpretentious charm and reliability have secured its place on roads worldwide.

16. Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

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A rugged Jeep Cherokee XJ, known for its boxy design, stands ready for adventure on a rocky off-road trail. | Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) stands out with its blocky, utilitarian lines—a far cry from today’s sleeker SUVs. What it lacks in curves, it more than makes up for in legendary off-road reliability and rugged engineering.

The XJ’s straightforward design is part of its appeal, earning a massive following among outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Despite its no-nonsense appearance, this Cherokee has become an icon for those who demand both durability and genuine capability from their vehicles.

17. Mercedes-Benz W123 Wagon

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A beautifully maintained Mercedes W123 wagon gleams in the sunlight, showcasing the timeless style of this classic diesel estate. | Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

The Mercedes-Benz W123 Wagon may not turn heads with its utilitarian estate car silhouette, but it’s a legend where it counts. Famed for its “bulletproof” diesel engines, the W123 became the go-to choice for those who valued endurance and reliability above flash.

Owners have racked up hundreds of thousands of miles with ease, cementing this Mercedes as a favorite among taxi drivers, families, and collectors alike. Its understated charm is matched only by its longevity on the road.

18. Ford Transit Connect

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A sleek Ford Transit Connect compact van navigates a bustling city street, perfect for efficient urban deliveries. | Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

The Ford Transit Connect is the workhorse of the urban jungle, sporting unglamorous commercial van looks that prioritize function over form. Designed for small businesses, delivery drivers, and city dwellers, its boxy design hides a world of versatility.

Where the Transit Connect truly shines is in its exceptional reliability. Owners trust these vans to keep running day after day, making them an indispensable—if not the prettiest—part of city life and commerce worldwide.

19. Mitsubishi i-MiEV

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A sleek Mitsubishi i-MiEV compact electric car glides down a city street, showcasing its modern and eco-friendly design. | Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Pexels

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV makes a statement with its egg-shaped, futuristic design and tiny footprint. As one of the first mass-market electric vehicles, it arrived ahead of its time with a focus on efficiency and simplicity.

While its looks remain divisive, the i-MiEV is celebrated for low running costs and almost nonexistent maintenance needs. Urban drivers who value innovation and reliability have found this electric oddity to be a surprisingly lovable and practical pioneer.

20. Volvo 240

20. Volvo 240
A classic Volvo 240, known for its iconic brick-like shape, stands parked in the sunlight, exuding retro charm. | Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels

The Volvo 240 is the quintessential “box on wheels,” with brick-like styling that’s as memorable as it is polarizing. Beneath its squared-off exterior lies tank-like durability—a reason these Swedish classics remain on the road decades after their debut.

The global community of Volvo 240 fans is passionate, swapping stories and tips to keep these cars alive. For those who cherish reliability and quirky charm, the Volvo 240 is the gold standard of weirdly lovable longevity.

Celebrating the Oddballs

Celebrating the Oddballs
A colorful lineup of quirky classic cars and unusual vehicles turns an ordinary street into a retro automotive parade. | Photo by Mike van Schoonderwalt on Pexels

These twenty cars prove that lovability isn’t just about looks. Their quirky shapes, daring designs, and unmistakable personalities make them stand out, but it’s their unwavering reliability that truly earns lifelong devotion from drivers around the world.

Whether you admire them from afar or cherish one in your own garage, these oddball vehicles remind us that character counts. The next time you spot a “weird” car on the road, take a moment to appreciate its story and the joy it brings to those who value substance over style.

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