Back in the ’80s and ’90s, car design took a sharp turn—literally. Automakers ditched curves for clean lines, flat panels, and right angles, giving us some of the boxiest rides ever made. These cars weren’t just square in shape—they were square in attitude, built for function over flash. From family sedans to off-road warriors, these rolling bricks had personality, durability, and a look that still turns heads today. Whether you love them or just remember riding in one, these cars defined an era when boxy was bold. Let’s take a look back at 10 unforgettable square-shaped legends.
Volvo 240
The Volvo 240 is one of the most iconic boxy cars ever made. It had sharp lines, flat panels, and a look that never pretended to be anything other than practical. People bought it for safety and reliability, but the bold square design made it unforgettable.
Volvo 240
It wasn’t flashy, but it became cool over time. Enthusiasts love how solid and timeless it feels. Whether you were hauling kids or just cruising, the 240 did the job well. Today, it’s still easy to spot, and fans call it “the brick” with pride.
Chevrolet Caprice Classic
Big, bold, and unmistakably boxy—the Caprice Classic ruled the streets. From family road trips to police chases, this car did it all. Its long body and squared corners made it feel like a moving wall of metal. Comfort came standard, with bench seats and a soft ride.
Chevrolet Caprice Classic
Even now, it’s a favorite in car shows and lowrider culture. It was built tough, looked strong, and had presence. The Caprice may be gone, but it left behind a big square footprint on American car history.
Jeep Cherokee XJ
The Jeep Cherokee XJ didn’t care about curves. It brought boxy style to the SUV world and made it work. Sharp edges, upright windows, and simple lines gave it a tough, no-nonsense look. You knew it was ready for anything just by looking at it.
Jeep Cherokee XJ
Underneath, it had real off-road power. This wasn’t just a design choice—it was built to perform. Owners loved how easy it was to fix, how solid it felt, and how classic it looked. Even now, it’s one of the most respected boxy 4x4s ever made.
Ford LTD Crown Victoria
The Crown Vic looked like it was drawn with a ruler—and people loved it for that. Its squared design gave it a strong, serious presence. Police departments, taxi services, and large families all trusted it. The car screamed “old-school” with every inch of its boxy frame.
Ford LTD Crown Victoria
Even with newer cars on the road, the Crown Vic still holds a place in people’s hearts. It had rear-wheel drive, a V8 engine, and room for everyone. You didn’t buy this car for looks—you bought it for loyalty, and it always delivered.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The G-Wagon hasn’t changed much because it doesn’t have to. Its boxy body was built for military use, and that shape just stuck. Flat sides, exposed hinges, and round headlights all give it a classic look. It’s one of the few cars that made boxy into luxury.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Over time, it became a status symbol. Celebrities love it, off-roaders respect it, and it still turns heads. It’s a rare case where the older design feels just as fresh as the new one. The G-Wagon proves boxes can be beautiful.
Dodge Caravan (First Gen)
The original Dodge Caravan helped launch the minivan craze. It wasn’t stylish, but it made up for it with space and practicality. Its boxy shape gave families room to spread out, and the sliding door made it easy to load up kids, groceries, or even furniture.
Dodge Caravan (First Gen)
It may not seem exciting, but it changed how families traveled. The Caravan was all about function over fashion, and that’s why it worked so well. Its square design was part of what made it such a hit.
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series
The 70 Series Land Cruiser is the kind of boxy that earns respect. Built for extreme conditions, it didn’t care about trends. Flat fenders, a tall stance, and simple doors made it look ready for battle. It wasn’t just square—it was squared-up and serious.
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series
Even today, it’s used in tough places around the world. From deserts to jungles, this thing keeps going. It’s not flashy or smooth—it’s tough and timeless. People still want one, because when things get hard, boxy beats fancy every time.
Plymouth Reliant K
The Reliant K helped save Chrysler in the ’80s. It was simple, affordable, and everywhere. With flat body panels, a squared roofline, and no nonsense looks, it defined the era. It wasn’t about speed or flash—it was about giving people a solid car that got the job done.
Plymouth Reliant K
Millions of these cars were sold, and they became a symbol of smart, everyday driving. While they may not be collectibles now, the boxy shape brings back memories. They were practical to the core, and that mattered more than style back then.
AMC Eagle Wagon
The AMC Eagle looked like someone lifted a station wagon and gave it hiking boots. Its boxy frame sat higher than other cars, and that unique mix made it special. Flat lines, bold edges, and rugged trim gave it an unmistakable look.
AMC Eagle Wagon
It was one of the first crossovers before crossovers were a thing. You could take it camping or to the grocery store and feel ready for anything. It was ahead of its time—and proudly square. The Cube is still a popular choice for a compact car to this day.
Nissan Cube (Early Models)
The early Nissan Cube was boxy on purpose—and it owned it. With flat surfaces, sharp lines, and funky touches, it looked like a rolling building block. It wasn’t about blending in. It stood out with charm and confidence, especially in its first-generation Japan-only versions.
Nissan Cube (Early Models)
It was small but roomy, and the upright design gave passengers surprising space. Over time, it became a cult favorite. People loved how playful and different it felt. The Cube didn’t just accept being square—it made it fun.