Why do some vehicles on the road get no love? While some are universally praised, others make normally rational people irrational in their disdain. With that said, check out this list of 15 vehicles that motorists from all walks of life love to hate.
Cybertruck
After many delays and rumors that Elon Musk wouldn’t come through, Tesla released its Cybertruck late last year. It’s a capable truck that already has a cult following. But that doesn’t mean the positive sentiment is universal. Some hate the vehicle — like really hate it.
Some of the disdain appears to be irrational — from people who don’t like Tesla or its founder in general. After all, hate for the electric truck started well before the first Cybertruck rolled off the assembly line.
Hummer H1
The Hummer H1 was the civilian version of the HMMWV military vehicle. People who bought the Hummer H1 got humungous vehicles that gulped — rather than sipped — fuel like their lives depended on it.
In addition to being fuel-thirsty, the Hummer H1 was relatively slow and way too big for normal civilian life. And for self-righteous environmentalists looking for scapegoats, Hummer H1 owners were the perfect targets.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
While the Chrysler PT Cruiser was launched in 2000 to much fanfare, it quickly became a polarizing car with as many fans as haters. The retro-inspired styling didn’t go over well with everyone, and the lackluster performance didn’t make things any better.
For instance, the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine packed a lowly 150 horsepower. That meant the PT Cruiser could barely get out of its own way.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV looked like a souped-up mobility scooter — and it didn’t drive much better than one either. Its appearance was polarizing — and so was its performance. With 66 hp, 133 lb-ft of torque, a top speed of 81 miles per hour, and a range of 62 to 99 miles, what was there to love?
Pontiac Aztek
If you check out any Top 10 lists of the most polarizing vehicles in automotive history, the Pontiac Aztek should be on it. Some reviewers have called it the world’s ugliest vehicle…ever. That might be hyperbole. But its styling, or lack thereof, contributed largely to the unpopularity of the Pontiac Aztek.
Nissan Cube
Some boxy exteriors are more appealing than others. Unfortunately, the Nissan Cube missed the mark. Its design was a subject of intense debate. While designed to be distinct, consumers thought it stood out like a sore thumb.
Toyota Prius
The good news is that the Toyota Prius is a cool-looking plug-in hybrid nowadays. But that’s not how it started when it arrived in the U.S. in 2001. Early models didn’t impress aesthetically since people found them boring, unattractive, and unappealing. Sure, they offered great fuel efficiency, but that wasn’t enough to overcome the aesthetic challenges.
Chevrolet HHR
When some carmakers adopt retro themes, they hit the nail on the head. But when others attempt the same, they hit their finger instead of the nail and create a mess. The Chevrolet HHR was more like the latter than the former.
General Motors rolled out the vehicle in 2005. Its retro design immediately polarized consumers. The boxy shape, rounded fenders, and high roof didn’t appeal to consumers.
Ford Flex
Depending on what you’re looking for in a car, the Ford Flex wasn’t necessarily that bad on the eyes. But most consumers weren’t enjoying the big rectangular design or retro styling.
Smart ForTwo
Let’s face it. The Smart ForTwo was a polarizing vehicle. Some people loved the tiny two-seater, while others saw it as no more than an expensive toy. But aside from the size, many people hated the way it looked. It’s one of those things you will either love or hate.
Chevrolet SSR
GM introduced the Chevrolet SSR (Super Stort Roadster) in 2003. It was a convertible pickup with a bold design that failed to catch on. Consumers weren’t digging the retro-inspired styling. It was unique alright but not in the way consumers wanted.
Saturn Ion
Manufactured from 2003 to 2007, the Saturn Ion was the vehicular embodiment of boring, bland, and uninspired. It was aimed at a younger demographic. But it was an insult — as if younger buyers wanted ugly cars with low-quality interiors heavy on the plastic. No one wanted to see a Saturn Ion — let alone drive one.
Nissan Juke
Let’s be honest here. The Nissan Juke had a devoted fan base who loved the compact crossover’s unique styling and sporty driving dynamics. However, there was a vocal group of people who disliked the Nissan Juke. They negatively critiqued the quirky design, bulbous shape, and small cargo area.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage sub-compact vehicle arrived in the U.S. in 2013. And consumers weren’t too kind with their feedback. It was underpowered, featured cheap interior materials, offered lackluster fuel economy, had limited cargo space, and underwhelmed consumers in every way.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
By all accounts, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a good electric vehicle. But it still stirs up controversy among Mustang purists. Why? The Ford Mustang Mach-E, while bearing the Mustang name, is an SUV or crossover. That bothers purists who believe this marketing move is pure sacrilege. So, some Mustang fans refuse to give the Ford Mustang Mach-E its due.
The List Goes On
Unfortunately, this list could be endless since there are tons of vehicles that consumers love to hate. Sometimes, there’s something to justify the dislike. But other times, it seems irrational. For instance, some people dislike Teslas merely because they’re Teslas. That’s it.
What’s Your Verdict? Let Us Know in the Comments
Let us know in the comment section what cars on the road aren’t your cup of tea. And comment on whether you agree or disagree with our selections.
More From Driver’s Drift
12 Things Car Salespeople Don’t Want Customers to Know When Buying a Car, According to Car Salespeople
16 Things You Should Never Say to a Salesperson at a Car Dealership
15 Used Cars To Steer Clear of at All Costs
17 Hybrids to Avoid at All Costs
