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20 Times a Car Was Ruined by a Facelift

Cameron Eittreim June 24, 2025

Facelifts are meant to breathe new life into aging car models, offering a fresh look and renewed excitement for drivers. Automakers invest heavily in design updates, hoping to boost sales and capture attention. Yet, sometimes these changes backfire spectacularly, alienating loyal fans and sparking heated debates. Whether it’s an awkward grille, mismatched headlights, or a baffling change in proportions, a misguided facelift can overshadow even the best engineering. Design isn’t just about looks—it’s a major factor in a car’s success or failure. In this article, we’ll revisit 20 unforgettable times when a facelift famously ruined a beloved car, leaving enthusiasts scratching their heads.

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1. 2011 Honda Civic

2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan Japanese Car Wallpapers 4 — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The 2011 Honda Civic’s facelift was a letdown for fans and critics alike. In an attempt to save costs, Honda delivered a more bland and uninspired exterior alongside a noticeably cheaper interior. Compared to its stylish predecessor, the new Civic felt generic and less refined, drawing sharp criticism from the automotive press. Car and Driver even noted the downgrade, highlighting just how much the facelift missed the mark for a car once known for its youthful appeal.

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2. 2002 Ford Thunderbird

2002 Ford Thunderbird22 — A gleaming 2002 Ford Thunderbird showcases its stylish facelift, blending retro car design with modern flair. | Image from pt.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 2002 Ford Thunderbird’s facelift aimed for retro charm but ended up with awkward proportions and a lack of the original’s spirit. Design critiques piled up, noting how the new look felt forced rather than nostalgic. Sales plummeted after the update, with many enthusiasts longing for the elegant lines of earlier models. The refresh ultimately failed to capture the magic that once made the Thunderbird an icon.

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3. 2016 Toyota Prius

640px 2018 toyota prius %28xw50%29 plug in hybrid — The 2016 Toyota Prius showcases its striking angular design and refreshed hybrid look, parked confidently under city lights. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 2016 Toyota Prius arrived with radical, angular styling that instantly divided opinion. While efficiency improvements impressed, the sharp lines and unusual light clusters left longtime fans bewildered. Major publications like Motor Trend called the look “polarizing,” noting that many buyers felt alienated by the departure from previous, milder designs. Despite technical progress, the facelift’s controversial aesthetics made the Prius a hot topic for all the wrong reasons.

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4. 1996 Ford Taurus

1998 Ford Taurus 4 Dr Sho Sedan Pic 198908667940756244 1600x1200 1 — A 1996 Ford Taurus showcases its bold oval design, a distinctive look that sparked debate among car enthusiasts. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The 1996 Ford Taurus underwent a dramatic facelift, featuring oval-shaped everything—from grilles to windows and even the dashboard. This bold design leap polarized buyers, with many finding the look awkward and unattractive. Sales dropped sharply after the update, turning the once-dominant Taurus into a cautionary tale for automakers. Critics and consumers alike pointed to the redesign as a misstep that cost Ford its midsize sedan crown.

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5. 2012 BMW 7 Series (F01 LCI)

2019 bmw 7 series .1. — Photo Credit: BMW

The 2012 BMW 7 Series facelift, known as the F01 LCI, introduced awkwardly shaped headlights and a noticeably bulkier front end. BMW fans and auto journalists alike criticized the changes, feeling the update lacked the understated elegance of previous 7 Series generations. The once-sleek flagship sedan now appeared heavy-handed and less refined, leaving many enthusiasts longing for the cleaner, more classic lines of its predecessors.

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6. 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX

The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX’s facelift softened its once-bold styling, trading aggressive lines for a tamer, more generic look. Performance enthusiasts were quick to voice disappointment, feeling the WRX had lost its visual edge and rally-inspired character. Negative feedback echoed across forums and reviews, with many lamenting the shift away from the car’s spirited, distinctive appearance that once set it apart in the compact performance segment.

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7. 2015 Nissan Juke

The 2015 Nissan Juke facelift took an already polarizing design and doubled down with even more exaggerated front lights and odd shapes. Rather than broadening its appeal, the update intensified existing criticisms. Reviewers and buyers alike pointed out that the quirky, bug-eyed styling went from unconventional to outright awkward. For many, the facelift proved that sometimes, less really is more—especially when it comes to bold design statements.

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8. 2014 Jeep Cherokee

Used 1996 jeep cherokee 4dr spoert — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s facelift introduced a split-headlight design that replaced Jeep’s traditional front fascia, instantly dividing opinion. Enthusiasts and critics debated the bold departure from heritage, with some praising the risk while others called it unrecognizable. Initial public and media reactions were mixed at best, with many longing for the brand’s classic, rugged look. The controversial update made the Cherokee a frequent topic in design discussions.

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9. 2008 Honda Accord

The 2008 Honda Accord’s facelift led to a bulkier, more generic appearance that left many longtime fans unimpressed. Gone were the crisp lines and distinctive styling cues of earlier models, replaced by a larger, less agile-looking sedan. Critics noted that the update made the Accord blend in with the crowd rather than stand out. For many, the redesign marked a step back in the model’s visual appeal.

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10. 2017 Fiat 500L

2019 fiat 500l review — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The 2017 Fiat 500L’s facelift introduced awkward front-end updates that did little to address the car’s controversial proportions. Instead of improving its appeal, the changes made the compact MPV look even more ungainly. Critics were quick to point out the failed attempt at refinement, and sales continued to lag. Ultimately, the 500L’s redesign only reinforced its reputation as one of Fiat’s least-loved offerings.

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11. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210)

The 2002 facelift of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210) swapped out the graceful, classic front end for sharper headlights and a bolder grille. These changes missed the mark for many Mercedes enthusiasts, who felt the update lacked the understated elegance of earlier models. Mixed opinions quickly surfaced, with some appreciating the modern touch but many longing for the timeless sophistication that defined the E-Class legacy.

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12. 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Olympus digital camera — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander abandoned its bold “jet fighter” grille in favor of a bland, softened front end. This dramatic shift stripped the SUV of much of its road presence and unique character. Automotive press reports highlighted how the facelift made the Outlander blend in with less distinctive rivals. For fans of the earlier, aggressive look, the redesign felt like a step in the wrong direction.

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13. 2018 Lexus RX

001 2023 Lexus Rx 350h Front Three Quarters In Action — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The 2018 Lexus RX facelift brought the controversial spindle grille to center stage, dominating the SUV’s face and dividing opinions across the board. Critics and luxury SUV buyers were sharply split, with some praising its boldness and others calling it overdone and distracting. The bold new look sparked heated debates about Lexus’s overall design direction, making the RX a poster child for polarizing modern styling.

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14. 2006 Chevrolet Impala

2006 chevrolet impala ss pic 2752388077213225347 — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The 2006 Chevrolet Impala’s facelift led to a bland and uninspired look that left both critics and longtime fans underwhelmed. Gone was the bold character that once defined the Impala nameplate, replaced by generic lines and a forgettable presence. Reviews echoed the sentiment, pointing out the lack of excitement, while sales figures reflected the public’s disappointment. The redesign failed to honor the legacy of its celebrated predecessors.

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15. 2019 BMW 7 Series (G11 LCI)

The 2019 BMW 7 Series facelift, known as the G11 LCI, shocked car enthusiasts with its massive kidney grilles that dominated the front end. These oversized grilles overshadowed the car’s otherwise sophisticated design, leading to widespread mockery online and critical press coverage. Many felt the update was a step too far, with memes and editorials highlighting how the new look detracted from the 7 Series’ traditional elegance.

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16. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix

1989 pontiac grand prix 15844839411b920a492f3b2253e7pontiacgrandprixturbo 12 — Image Credit: Creative Commons

The 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix adopted a plastic-heavy, rounded design that disappointed both critics and brand loyalists. Moving away from the sharper, muscular lines of earlier models, the facelift introduced softer curves and more synthetic materials. Traditional Pontiac buyers found the new look uninspiring and less sporty, causing the Grand Prix to lose much of its distinctive personality and appeal in the process.

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17. 2015 Chrysler 200

2017 chrysler 200s — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The 2015 Chrysler 200 received a major overhaul, but the result was an indistinct and forgettable design that failed to stand out in a crowded segment. Critics and consumers alike noted its generic styling, which lacked the character needed to draw buyers. This lack of visual appeal contributed to poor sales, and the model was ultimately discontinued just a few years after its much-hyped facelift.

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18. 2007 Jeep Compass

2007 jeep compass uk version pictures 05 — Image Credit: Wiki Media

The 2007 Jeep Compass facelift aimed to modernize the compact SUV, but the resulting softer, less rugged front end disappointed Jeep loyalists. Instead of the brand’s trademark toughness, the Compass adopted a more generic, crossover-like appearance that failed to excite fans. Many felt the update stripped the Compass of its adventurous spirit, making it blend in rather than stand out in the Jeep lineup.

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19. 2016 Infiniti QX60

The 2016 Infiniti QX60’s facelift brought a busier front end and awkward grille alterations that clashed with the SUV’s previously clean and elegant design. Automotive reviews highlighted how the changes muddled the QX60’s overall aesthetic, making it appear less cohesive. Many enthusiasts felt that the refreshed look lost the understated appeal that once set the model apart in the luxury SUV segment.

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20. 2020 Toyota Avalon

The 2020 Toyota Avalon’s facelift introduced a dramatic front grille and sharply creased bodywork, instantly dividing opinion among buyers and critics. Reputable car news outlets reported that the bold new look alienated some loyal customers who preferred the Avalon’s traditionally understated elegance. While aiming for a younger audience, the update instead created a polarizing flagship sedan that struggled to please its most devoted fans.

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Final Reflections on Facelift Fiascos

960px Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid 28v3729 E28093 Frontansicht2c 14. Juni 20142c Dc3bcsseldorf — Image Credit: Wiki Media

As these 20 memorable missteps show, a poorly executed facelift can reshape more than just a car’s appearance—it can alter its legacy and even tarnish a brand’s reputation. Automotive design is a delicate dance between innovation and tradition: stray too far, and risk alienating loyal fans; play it too safe, and lose relevance. The best facelifts honor a car’s identity while moving it forward. Next time you see a refreshed model, remember the lessons from these cautionary tales—and don’t be afraid to voice your thoughts to automakers shaping the future of car design.

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20 Times a Car Was Ruined by a Facelift

1. 2011 Honda Civic

2. 2002 Ford Thunderbird

3. 2016 Toyota Prius

4. 1996 Ford Taurus

5. 2012 BMW 7 Series (F01 LCI)

6. 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX

7. 2015 Nissan Juke

8. 2014 Jeep Cherokee

9. 2008 Honda Accord

10. 2017 Fiat 500L

11. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210)

12. 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

13. 2018 Lexus RX

14. 2006 Chevrolet Impala

15. 2019 BMW 7 Series (G11 LCI)

16. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix

17. 2015 Chrysler 200

18. 2007 Jeep Compass

19. 2016 Infiniti QX60

20. 2020 Toyota Avalon

Final Reflections on Facelift Fiascos

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