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Top 15 Cars That Were Ruined by a Facelift

Cameron Eittreim June 4, 2025

Automotive facelifts are a common strategy manufacturers use to keep their car models fresh, relevant, and competitive. Typically occurring midway through a model’s lifecycle, these updates often involve subtle design tweaks, improved technology, and performance enhancements aimed at re-energizing consumer interest.
However, not all facelifts achieve the desired result. Occasionally, a misguided redesign or overly ambitious changes negatively impact a vehicle’s aesthetic appeal, practicality, or driving experience, leaving enthusiasts and loyal customers disappointed. In this article, we’ll spotlight fifteen notable examples of cars where facelift updates backfired—transforming beloved models into unfortunate reminders that sometimes, less truly is more.

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1. BMW 7 Series (E65/E66, 2005 facelift)

When BMW introduced the facelifted 7 Series in 2005, enthusiasts were taken aback by the radical design choices spearheaded by chief designer Chris Bangle. The once-elegant flagship sedan received bold styling elements, including exaggerated curves, controversial headlights, and a pronounced rear end derisively nicknamed the “Bangle Butt.” While BMW aimed to modernize the vehicle’s appearance, loyal fans and critics alike felt the changes compromised the car’s distinctively refined character.
Sales reflected the public’s lukewarm reaction, and the facelift significantly impacted BMW’s reputation, prompting intense debate among automotive enthusiasts and industry insiders about the direction of luxury car design.

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2. Subaru Impreza (2008 facelift)

1280px 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium Hatchback 02 04 2012 Front — A close-up view of the 2008 Subaru Impreza facelift, highlighting design elements that sparked automotive critiques. | Image source: Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels

The 2008 Subaru Impreza facelift represented a notable shift away from the car’s aggressive, rally-inspired origins. Renowned for its sharp lines and purposeful stance, the Impreza suddenly adopted softer contours and a more mainstream hatchback design that felt at odds with its performance-driven heritage. Subaru enthusiasts expressed disappointment, criticizing the diluted styling for undermining the model’s distinctive character and performance appeal.
This controversial redesign led to diminished enthusiasm among loyal fans and weakened market perception, as buyers seeking Subaru’s iconic performance image felt alienated by the Impreza’s newfound conservative approach.

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3. Pontiac Aztek (2002 facelift)

The Pontiac Aztek was already infamous for its polarizing appearance when the 2002 facelift attempted—and notably failed—to address consumer criticism. Instead of substantially refining the crossover’s quirky styling, Pontiac merely offered minor tweaks, such as body-colored cladding and slightly less awkward front-end accents. Unfortunately, these superficial updates did little to improve public perception.
Critics and consumers alike regarded the Aztek as an aesthetic misstep, and the half-hearted facelift reinforced its status as one of the automotive world’s biggest design flops. Sales remained dismal, and the Aztek ultimately became a cautionary tale about the risks of unconventional design choices.

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4. Jeep Cherokee (KL, 2019 facelift)

With its 2019 facelift, the Jeep Cherokee underwent a noticeable shift away from its bold, polarizing front-end design toward a softer, more mainstream aesthetic. Gone were the distinctive split headlights and aggressive grille arrangement, in favor of a subtler, more conventional look that left many Jeep loyalists disappointed.
Critics argued the facelift diluted the Cherokee’s rugged identity, making it appear less adventurous and more urban-oriented. While some buyers appreciated the toned-down styling, others felt the facelift undermined Jeep’s iconic heritage, sparking mixed reactions and debates within automotive circles about balancing broad appeal against brand authenticity.

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5. Chevrolet Camaro (2019 facelift)

The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro facelift sparked controversy among muscle-car enthusiasts, primarily due to its polarizing front-end redesign. Chevrolet introduced an oversized grille, repositioned the iconic bowtie emblem, and reshaped headlights, collectively softening the Camaro’s previously aggressive and muscular stance.
Fans criticized these changes, arguing that the facelift compromised the Camaro’s heritage and distinct visual identity. The backlash was so significant that Chevrolet quickly offered a subsequent refresh, repositioning the badge and revising the front fascia once again. This rapid response underscored the brand’s acknowledgment of the design misstep, but the initial facelift remains an example of how even iconic vehicles can stumble stylistically.

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6. Honda Civic (2012 facelift)

06 07 Honda Civic Lx Sedan — The 2012 Honda Civic facelift faced widespread criticism for its uninspired, conservative design choices.

The 2012 Honda Civic facelift marked a low point for the beloved compact car, receiving criticism for its bland and uninspired redesign. Enthusiasts and automotive reviewers alike lamented the conservative styling choices, which seemed to abandon Honda’s past reputation for innovation and dynamic aesthetics.
The backlash was so intense that Honda swiftly acknowledged the misstep, undertaking an unprecedented second facelift just a year later in an effort to restore consumer confidence and market appeal. The rapid revision underscored the severity of the initial design error, demonstrating how easily a facelift intended to refresh a model can instead negatively impact its reputation.

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7. Ford Mustang (1974 Mustang II facelift)

1200px 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby Gt500 Coupe %287708121550%29 — The 1974 introduction of the Mustang II marked a dramatic departure from Ford’s powerful, iconic mus…

The 1974 introduction of the Mustang II marked a dramatic departure from Ford’s powerful, iconic muscle car heritage. Responding to fuel economy pressures and tighter emissions regulations, Ford downsized the Mustang significantly, shifting it onto a compact Pinto-based platform. The result was a smaller, less aggressive vehicle stripped of the legendary performance credentials that defined previous Mustang generations.
Enthusiasts viewed this facelifted Mustang as a disappointing compromise—lacking the bold styling and raw power that had made it a cultural icon. Today, the Mustang II remains a cautionary tale, symbolizing how radically altering a car’s identity can severely damage its legacy.

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8. Toyota Prius (2019 facelift)

2001 Toyota Prius Hybrid Jt2bk12u810036487 7713 — Wikipedia

The 2019 Toyota Prius facelift took an already distinctive design and pushed it into controversial territory, introducing exaggerated styling cues that polarized critics and consumers. Aggressive, angular headlights, overly complex taillight clusters, and bold body contours created a look that many considered visually jarring rather than futuristic.
Automotive reviewers criticized the facelift as excessive and unnecessarily complicated, arguing it detracted from the Prius’ reputation for practical, eco-conscious design. The polarizing aesthetics overshadowed the vehicle’s efficiency and reliability, alienating potential buyers and weakening the Prius’ standing in an increasingly competitive hybrid market.

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9. Mercedes-Benz SL (2016 facelift)

1476421ed138f Hd 1994 Mercedes Benz 600 Sl 1024x684 — 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL facelift draws criticism for bold, aggressive styling that departs from tradition.

In 2016, Mercedes-Benz introduced a facelift for its iconic SL roadster that sparked considerable debate. The alterations included an aggressive front grille, oversized air intakes, and dramatically reshaped headlights, significantly departing from the graceful elegance traditionally associated with the SL lineage.
Longtime Mercedes enthusiasts expressed dissatisfaction, criticizing the refresh as overly bold and disconnected from the car’s sophisticated heritage. Automotive critics echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the heavy-handed design updates compromised the SL’s refined character. Rather than enhancing its appeal, the facelift ultimately diluted the very essence that had made the Mercedes-Benz SL a timeless and revered luxury icon.

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10. Nissan Juke (2015 facelift)

2015 Nissan Juke facelift intensifies polarizing design, further dividing opinions with bold styling updates.

The Nissan Juke was already known for its eccentric, polarizing design when the 2015 facelift attempted to modernize its quirky charm. Unfortunately, the updates—such as revised headlights, reshaped bumpers, and additional color customization options—did little to resolve existing criticisms. Instead, many felt the changes amplified the car’s awkwardness, creating an even more divisive appearance.
Automotive reviewers and potential buyers alike struggled with the Juke’s unconventional styling, resulting in mixed customer perception and sluggish sales performance. The facelift ultimately highlighted the risks involved when manufacturers double down on controversial aesthetics rather than addressing core consumer concerns.

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11. Acura TL (2009 facelift)

When Acura revealed the 2009 TL facelift, the automotive community responded with widespread criticism, largely due to the introduction of the infamous “beak” grille design. This bold, angular grille, intended to convey a futuristic and aggressive stance, instead became a polarizing element widely disliked by both critics and potential buyers.
Consumers found the dramatic styling off-putting, leading to sluggish sales and negatively impacted resale values. The controversial design overshadowed the car’s otherwise commendable performance and technology improvements, damaging Acura’s reputation and serving as a cautionary tale about the risks of radically altering a model’s visual identity.

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12. Volkswagen Jetta (2011 facelift)

1200px Volkswagen Jetta %28a5%29 China %285%29 — The VW Jetta facelift reveals an automotive interior downgrade, sparking criticism over Volkswagen’s simplified design choices. | Image source: Photo by Cameron Yartz on Pexels

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta facelift drew criticism for its notably downgraded interior quality and overly simplistic exterior styling. Previously renowned for refined interiors and sophisticated European aesthetics, the Jetta’s refresh featured cheaper materials, hard plastics, and a design that felt notably less premium and inspired.
Consumers and automotive reviewers quickly voiced disappointment, lamenting the loss of Volkswagen’s once-esteemed attention to detail. The facelift’s cost-cutting measures negatively impacted buyer perception, diminishing the Jetta’s market appeal and leaving many potential customers seeking alternatives. This misstep highlighted how sacrificing quality and character to reduce costs can adversely affect a car’s reputation and competitive edge.

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13. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC, 2009 facelift)

The 2009 facelift of the third-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) aimed to refresh the beloved roadster’s appearance, yet the subtle design changes left many enthusiasts unenthused. Mazda softened the car’s previously sharp and purposeful front fascia, reshaped the headlights, and adjusted the grille, inadvertently diluting the MX-5’s distinctive and iconic character.
Fans felt these alterations compromised the Miata’s original charm, steering it away from its pure, sporty essence towards a more generic look. While the facelift didn’t drastically harm sales, it disappointed loyal enthusiasts who valued the MX-5’s timeless identity, proving that even minor tweaks can have unintended consequences.

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14. Lexus LX 570 (2016 facelift)

The 2016 Lexus LX 570 facelift was defined by its bold—and highly controversial—styling update, prominently featuring the oversized spindle grille. Intended to inject aggressive modernity into the brand’s flagship SUV, this exaggerated design element became a divisive focal point, overshadowing other notable upgrades.
Traditional Lexus customers, accustomed to understated luxury and refined elegance, found the grille polarizing and excessively assertive. Automotive critics echoed this sentiment, labeling the redesign as disproportionate and overly dramatic, ultimately alienating some loyal buyers. The LX 570 facelift highlighted the risks automakers face when dramatic design statements overshadow established brand identity and customer expectations.

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15. Fiat Multipla (2004 facelift)

The Fiat Multipla, already notorious for its unusual, awkwardly proportioned appearance, underwent a facelift in 2004 intended to address widespread criticism. However, instead of correcting the vehicle’s quirky aesthetics, Fiat’s attempt resulted in an even more generic yet still unattractive design, removing any remaining charm or uniqueness. The revised headlights, simplified grille, and toned-down curves made the Multipla appear bland and forgettable, yet still awkwardly proportioned.
Rather than redeeming the original model’s image, the facelift solidified the Multipla’s legacy as a cautionary tale in automotive design—an example of how attempting to fix a polarizing design can sometimes make matters worse.

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Conclusion

While automotive facelifts are intended to refresh and revitalize car models, these fifteen examples illustrate just how easily a redesign can backfire. From polarizing grilles and diluted identities to misguided attempts at modernization, poorly executed facelifts can harm a vehicle’s reputation, alienate loyal customers, and negatively affect sales. Manufacturers must carefully balance innovation with preserving the core essence that initially drew enthusiasts to their models. Ultimately, thoughtful, well-executed design decisions are critical—automakers must listen closely to customer feedback and remain true to their brand heritage to ensure future facelifts enhance, rather than diminish, a car’s appeal.

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Top 15 Cars That Were Ruined by a Facelift

1. BMW 7 Series (E65/E66, 2005 facelift)

2. Subaru Impreza (2008 facelift)

3. Pontiac Aztek (2002 facelift)

4. Jeep Cherokee (KL, 2019 facelift)

5. Chevrolet Camaro (2019 facelift)

6. Honda Civic (2012 facelift)

7. Ford Mustang (1974 Mustang II facelift)

8. Toyota Prius (2019 facelift)

9. Mercedes-Benz SL (2016 facelift)

10. Nissan Juke (2015 facelift)

11. Acura TL (2009 facelift)

12. Volkswagen Jetta (2011 facelift)

13. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC, 2009 facelift)

14. Lexus LX 570 (2016 facelift)

15. Fiat Multipla (2004 facelift)

Conclusion

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