Don't let the flash and the cool factor fool you; These are some of the worst cars ever made.

Nobody wants to choose a car only to have it break down on the way home. From faulty brakes to an engine that literally explodes if the car is involved in an accident, the best thing to do when buying a car is to know what to look out for before heading to the dealership.

Some of the cars on our list didn't have major breakdown issues, but instead came out with horribly outdated designs or suffered terrible low performance issues depending on the class of car they represented. Let's take a look at some of the worst cars of all time that have left consumers at risk or underwhelmed.

Ford Pinto literally explode

Considered one of, if not the worst car ever made, the Pinto was an absolute nightmare for Ford. Although it was positioned as an economical compact car, it had one small problem. The car had a tendency to explode.

Like this; Whether it was a wing bend, a severe crash, or a collision with a tree, the Pinto would legitimately explode! Worst of all, Ford refused to solve the problem, choosing instead to pay off the victims of the bombings.

No one really knows that the reason for this next car’s design was.

The cause of the peel trident is unknown

Peel trident is similar to Stonehenge; no one really knows what his real purpose is. Looks like something from JetsonsThe Peel Trident is known as the smallest car, measuring four feet and two inches long.

Despite the fact that the car was positioned as a "two-seater", people quickly realized that there was nothing good about it. After all, who likes to cook under plexiglass because the car is cheap?

Triumph TR7 was anything but a triumph

A one year delay in the United States and a two year delay in the United Kingdom should have been the first sign of trouble when it comes to the Triumph TR7. When the car was finally released in 1975 and '76, people didn't think it was a triumph at all.

Due to maintenance issues, the affordable TR7 soon became one of the most expensive sports cars on the road. By and large, it was a doomed design from the start.

Reliant Robin wasn't that reliable

Three wheels on a car? What could possibly go wrong? Answer: everything. Manufactured by the English company Reliant Motor Company, the Reliant Robin was compact, odd looking, and tended to roll over when the driver made turns.

Surprisingly, this quirky car never took off in the United States, making England its permanent home. Interestingly, the three-wheeler is the second most popular fiberglass car in history, despite its precarious balance and odd design.

The 1975 AMC Pacer Wasn't Safe for the Average Driver

Another product of the 1970s compact car craze was the 1975 AMC Pacer. Unfortunately for the American car company, the tiny car didn't do them any good. While it was top-notch in fuel economy and size, critics weren't overly excited when it came to the car's safety.

They were quick to point out that while a professional driver can easily operate the Pacer on the track, it's not ideal for everyday people who commute to and from work. It's almost like driving a tin can on wheels.

Maserati Biturbo was available for a reason

In 1981, Maserati decided to take the plunge by launching an affordable car for the common man. The result was the Maserati Biturbo, one of the brand's worst cars.

When first purchased, the Biturbo worked perfectly, proving that it was made by a high-end company. But they had to make some compromises to make the car affordable. So, after a few years, everything that could leak, burst or burst, burst. And the interior was not so stellar, made of cheap materials.

One quote was the downfall of the Chevy Citation

When the Chevy Citation first hit the market in the 1980s, people were excited about it. The car was compact, economical and comfortable for the family, meeting all the requirements of the 80s. It was even named Car of the Year by Motor Trend magazine.

Well, all good things come to an end sometime. And the end of Chevy Citations came when Consumer Reports published an article saying that Citation is indeed dangerous. Sales plummeted and a few years later Chevy discontinued the Citation.

More than one problem found in Chevy Vega

Ironically, in 1971 the Chevy Vega was named Car of the Year by Motor Trend. Unfortunately, it didn't take long for people to realize that the title had been prematurely awarded.

From engine issues to exterior rust, the Vega has been riddled with both technical and aesthetic issues. All in all, the car was a disaster. Even after the company upgraded the model, people didn't buy it, and after the upgrade in 1977, production stopped abruptly.

Dodge Omni = Bad Breaks, Steering, And Poor Stability

During the 70s, the world of automobiles was changing. So long were the days of gas guzzlers and big trucks. People were more interested in cars such as the Dodge Omni, a smaller, fuel-efficient car to get them from Point A to Point B.

Consumer Reports didn’t agree with the car’s popularity, though. The publication said the car was unsafe to drive, with horrible brakes, bad steering, and poor stability. Ironically, it didn’t deter people from buying the Omni!

This next car was all flash with no performance.

2004 Chevy SSR Was All Flash

The Chevy SSR, or Chevy "Super Sport Roadster", was a highly anticipated vehicle when it was released back in 2004. Unfortunately, buyers soon realized that the compact car was anything but super or sporty or something that should be on the road.

Instead, they found that the body of the car was too heavy, causing the engine to run sluggishly, unable to support the weight. Sorry guys, but the shiny retro design doesn't make up for the poor performance under the hood.

The Cadillac Fleetwood twitched and rumbled and stalled.

From 1976 to 1996, Cadillac produced the king of clunky cars, the Cadillac Fleetwood. For 20 years, the car had a reputation for jerking, stalling, and most importantly, making really weird noises.

It's amazing how the company managed to keep this particular car on the market for so long. By 1996, Cadillac was producing just 15,109 vehicles, less than half of its original production year.

Six million Chevrolet HHR reviews

In its six years on the market, the very ugly Chevrolet HHR received about six million recall notices. If that doesn't say anything about the value of the car, we're not sure what it does.

If anything, many of the recall notices were related to a faulty electrical system. The failure caused the airbag to not deploy, making accidents more likely as the assisted steering was disabled. Not to mention that the ignition didn't always work!

The Futuristic 1947 Davis D2 Divan Was Never Released

Is it a boat? Is it a plane? Is it a rocket ship? Nope, it’s just the 1947 Davis D2 Divan that just so happens to look like those three modes of transportation combined. Thankfully, for the general public, the D2 never made it to market.

Promoted as “the ultimate car of the future,” the D2 automakers found themselves in over their heads, owing investors money and not being able to make a return. And so, the D2 died before launching.

Chevy Bel Air may have been iconic, but not popular

The 1955-57 Chevy Bel Air might be iconic for the time, but the company probably wished they had done something else in those three years. Not that there was anything wrong with the car, it was just too ordinary and nothing special.

It's like Chevy took every simple detail from a 1950s car design and put it together into one blueprint for a mass-produced car. Needless to say, it's good that the Chevy logo was on the bumper.

Car enthusiasts hated the Pontiac Aztek when it was announced

Even though Walter White makes him look cool in Breaking Bad., the Pontiac Aztek was doomed from the start in the real world. Immediately, car lovers hated its design, thinking it was overdone, ugly, and trying too hard to be a '90s soccer mom's minivan.

It also doesn't help that a minute's work under the hood will now take some time due to the Aztek's bizarre layout. Remove the bar and engine fuse box before getting to the battery? No thanks.

Mercedes CLA was the one when Mercedes dropped in price

When people tend to think of Mercedes-Benz, a cheap car is not the first thing that comes to their mind. Well, the Mercedes CLA was just that – a budget “luxury” car that left people wondering why they bothered to buy it in the first place.

According to information Top gear"The CLA doesn't ride particularly well, is uncomfortable, and isn't refined… The engines growl too much at low revs, and the dual-clutch gearbox makes the policy drastic."

No Supercar Had As Bad A Reputation As The Ferrari Mondial 8

Upon its release in 1980, the Ferrari Mondial 8 was met with less than stellar reviews. People weren’t impressed with its weird proportions resulting from stuffing an engine and four seats into a 104.3-inch wheelbase.

By the time a year had passed, critics and Time magazine called the Ferrari Mondial 8 one of the worst cars of all-time. Its reputation became so bad that it was rumored each of the model’s systems failed.

Amfikar was cool only on paper

Honestly, who wouldn't want a car that can seamlessly transition from driving on land to swimming in the ocean or any other body of water? However, the key word here is "smoothly", and the transition of "Amfikar" from land to water was anything but smooth.

Produced from 1961 to 1968, the Amphicar was quite impressive. But that doesn't make up for hours of maintenance on a car after a swim, or 13 hinges that needed to be re-greased!

Mustang II didn't perform too well

In the 70s, Ford was all about the Pintos, a small car that was fun to drive and saved on gas. Based on the design of the Pinto and the engine of the roadster, Ford developed the Mustang II, also known as the poor man's AMC Gremlin.

Not only was the car skinny, but it also looked cheap. Many people believe that the Mustang II did so badly solely because of its aesthetics; it was not the Mustang that buyers knew and loved.

Morgan Plus 8 was sluggish

While the Morgan Plus 8 was sleek and luxurious, there was one aspect that made it very dubious in the eyes of car buffs. Originally made in Britain, the Morgan Plus 8 ran into a bit of a problem when it made its way across the ocean.

The car failed to pass US emission regulations. As a result, Morgan replaced conventional fuel with propane. The new fuel source made the car very sluggish, making 60 mph feel like 30.

Plymouth Prowler was luxury without perks

The Plymouth Prowler may have looked cool and ready for the race track, but that's where its value begins and ends. While the looks of a hot rod were a huge selling point, the designers forgot about one important aspect that makes or breaks a sports car, and that is horsepower.

250 HP Prowler not impressed motorists. Not destined to become a classic, Chrysler discontinued the Prowler in 2002.

The Lamborghini LM002 SUV Nobody Asked For

Between 1986 and 1993, Lamborghini decided to go further and produce something that no one particularly wanted or asked for - the Lamborghini LM002. This vehicle was not a luxury car but was marketed as an SUV.

The company even sold its Cheetah prototype to the US military! They didn't like it, or the general public, because who would drive a Lambo in the mud, a truck or not! However, Lamborghini stuck to its design by making 382 trucks.

Smart Fortwo will keep its passengers warm on a hot day

Smart Car is very popular among city dwellers as it can fit almost anywhere. Not to mention the fact that these are very economical cars! Unfortunately, Fortwo left Smart Cars with a bad reputation.

Not only are they very small and uncomfortable, but the Fortwo also had a nasty habit of frying the car's occupants. With the engine in the back and the cooling system in the front, the Fortwo turned into a furnace on warm days. Needless to say, customers were unhappy with this and sales plummeted.

A year later and Lincoln Blackwood disappeared

In 2000, Lincoln and Ford teamed up to create one of the strangest crossovers of all time: the Lincoln Blackwood. The idea was to take the luxury of a Lincoln saloon and pair it with a pickup truck.

Well, not very good in the eyes of the buyer. Not that there was anything wrong with the car. But it was a luxury car that no one asked for, and it disappeared from the market in less than a year.

The Yugo GV Was The Cheapest Car In The US For A Reason

The Yugo GV might have been the cheapest car in the United States during its release in the 80s, but it was also the worst. The tiny hatchback was notoriously bare, with only a few buttons in its cheaply-made interior. And to say the car was slow would be an understatement.

But what does one expect when the engine is located right next to the spare tire under the hood? This is a perfect example of the phrase “you get what you pay for.”

Trabant was missing a few key parts

When Germany was divided into East and West, the former refused to buy cars from the latter, causing them to produce cars in response to the Volkswagen Beetle. Well, their reaction wasn't great. Actually, it was pretty bad and very unsafe.

East Germany went one step further with the Trabant, a tiny boxcar more suited to a circus ring than a road. Without seatbelts, turn signals, and a fuel gauge, the Trabant was a complete mess.

Zundapp Janus made people question their sanity

When it comes to looks, Zundapp Janus has made people scratch their heads, blink twice and realize they're not crazy. The car literally looks like it can face any direction!

The Janus was the result of a motorcycle company's attempt to make a splash in the automobile world. As you can see in the photo above, it didn't quite work. Not only were the front and rear doors a problem, but the car only went to 50 mph!

DeLorean DMC-12 looked cooler in the movies

While Doc Brown and Marty McFly made the DeLorean DMC-12 more than cool in Back to the Futurein the real world, this was not the case at all. Don't let flashes and fancy doors fool you; this car is often considered an expensive flop.

It is surprising that with electrical system problems, reliability issues and low quality, these cars are still in high demand. In 2016, the company announced that it was producing 300 replica models.

Ford Edsel failed commercially

Produced from 1958 to 1960, the Ford Edsel is now synonymous with "commercial failure". Unfortunately for Ford, they advertised the car so much that people weren't impressed when it was finally released.

The car was not only overpriced, but also not economical, and buyers found it highly unsatisfactory. Ford soon abandoned this model. This proves that over-exaggerating something is not a good idea.

The Suzuki Samurai Had Little To No Power

Love it or hate it; it doesn’t change the fact that the Suzuki Samurai is one of the worst cars ever made. In fact, a 1988 Customer Reports called the car “dangerously unsafe” because it rolls over too easily.

For an off-roading car, rolling over is probably the last thing people want. Not to mention the power on the trucks was pretty much non-existent. According to FourWheeler, “the drivetrain is so bad the transfer case decided to get divorced from it!”

The Saturn ION Had One Too Many Problems

The Saturn ION was on the market between 2003 and 2007, and never once did it become popular. Instead, it became the pseudo bane of the GM Delta platform’s existence, with problems that kept popping up.

From transmission issues that resulted in the car jerking and drivers freaking out to transmission failures and the key getting stuck in the ignition, it’s no wonder this car only lasted for a few years. There was even a problem where the engine wouldn’t shut off!

AMC’s Downfall Was The 1968 Ambassador

As the first American car to feature air conditioning, the 1968 Ambassador was meant to be a huge success for AMC. But, as it goes sometimes, the classic-looking car was actually the company’s downfall. Upon its release, Customer Reports gave the model a “Not Acceptable” rating due to its poor engineering.

Obviously, the rating didn’t help boost sales, and the company’s reputation as an independent automaker plummeted. Eventually, AMC was bought out by Chrysler.

The Elcar Was Getting Nowhere Fast

The Elcar is a quirky-looking electric car produced by the Italian company Zagato from 1974 to 1976. But don’t let the electric part of the car fool you; this vehicle is anything but efficient.

Not only is the outward appearance not much to look at, but the Elcar’s engine only allowed it to go ten miles if the weather was under 40 degrees. It goes to show that something that looks better suited for a farm has no business being on the road.

The Fiat Multipla Looked Like An Optical Illusion

Fiat planned to have this model be the next in line for the popular Multipla models, instead, it was its epic downfall. Looking like more of an optical illusion than something a person drives, the Fiat Multipla seemed to have taken designs from multiple cars, fused them, and hoped for the best.

The result was anything but the best, though, and left people scratching their heads. During its 1998 release, only 426 models were sold.

Cadillac Cimarron was twice as expensive as a similar car

The 1980s-produced Cadillac Cimarron was a huge disappointment to anyone who had the misfortune to buy one. With only 88 hp engine. Cimmarron did not cause much enthusiasm.

And the fact that it was practically the same car as a Chevy Cavalier infuriated those who bought a Cimarron, given that the latter cost almost twice as much at the time – $30,300 in 2017.

The Citroën Pluriel Was Glitchy And Boring

Top Gear magazine once called the Citroën Pluriel as “useless as a chocolate teapot.” And while a chocolate teapot is technically still edible, it does nothing in the ways of producing actual tea, much as the Citroën Pluriel doesn’t actually do anything for its driver.

Customers have called the car cheap-looking and boring, and when a vehicle is already known to be problematic and glitchy, being cheap and boring is the last thing it wants to be!

Basic is the best way to describe Mitsubishi Mirage

First produced in 1978, the Mitsubishi Mirage took a brief hiatus from the market before re-emerging in 2012. But don't let the fact that he's back fool you; car is still not the best.

In response to the new model, USA today said: “The 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the last places in the subcompact class. While the Mirage is affordable, its blistering acceleration, poor ride quality, cheap interior materials and uncomfortable seats diminish its appeal.”

Dodge Royal was more like a court jester

With a whole host of problems, the Dodge Royal looked more like a court jester when it hit the market in 1957. The classic-looking sedan was marred by terrible water leaks in the trunk and cabin, resulting in too much rust and system failures for anyone's taste.

These issues didn't hurt Chrysler's reputation either, leaving them in a deep role that it took years for the company to extricate itself from.

Smith Flyer: machine or go-kart?

Produced from 1915 to 1925, the Smith Flyer was more than just a unique car. Not only did it look like a badly done kart, but people looked a little silly behind the wheel. Lightweight, with a gasoline engine mounted on a fifth wheel, this car should have been out of the market long before 1925.

But simplicity has several advantages. Although the car could not be compared with anything else on the market, it was very cheap, no more than $125.

The Overland Octoauto Wasn’t Bad, Just…Odd

Unlike other cars on this list, there was nothing wrong with the Overland Octoauto underneath its hood. It’s just that the car itself is so odd that it deserves a place among these other cars.

With eight wheels, the 1911 car was more than difficult to maneuver on the streets, even if designer Milton Reeves did market it as being safer than your typical car. It never took off commercially, but Reeves did of on to invent the muffler. So, there’s that.

There Is Only One Scripps-Booth Bi-Autogo

Produced from 1908 until 1912, the Scripps-Booth Bi-Autogo is more of a motorcycle than a car. Given on two wheels, the Bi-Autogo was able to sit up to three people and never made it to the American market.

The 1912 prototype is the only one in the world. Thankfully, in 2017, it was restored by the Detroit Historical Society, making it available for public viewing but not for taking it on joy rides around the parking lot.

Renault Dauphine was a rumbling slow mess

If there is one thing that French engineers regret, it is the creation of the Renault Dauphine. Not only could you hear the rumble when you stood next to the car, but it was also unimaginably slow.

Employees Road and Track drove a Dauphine and found it took 32 seconds for the car to reach 60 mph. With Renault playing a huge role in Indy racing, these stats are hard to believe!

Chevrolet Chevette came out at the time of the popularity of big trucks

While technically there was nothing wrong under the hood of the Chevrolet Chevette, it just showed up at the wrong time. Chevy and their competitors were aimed at building small cars with low fuel consumption, but by the time Chevette came out, big trucks were making a quick and steady comeback.

Ironically, by the end of the 1970s, this model was named the most popular subcompact in America. However, this was not enough to force Chevy to mass-produce more.

Ford Model T was a fire hazard

Although the Ford Model T revolutionized the automotive industry by being the first affordable car in America, it had its fair share of problems. At a time when the rules of the road were just being written, driving was a little risky.

The location of the gas tanks under the seats was not an ideal solution, since the car could catch fire if hit. Then there was the flat windshield, which has been known to cut anyone who was thrown out of their seat. Fortunately, manufacturing companies lived and learned.

BMW X6 should never have been released

For many in the American working class, owning a BMW is a status symbol that says, "I got my way and I'm not going anywhere." Well, the X6 was more of a "I did it and I want to go back" symbol.

Apart from one of the worst stylings in BMW history, the model was in a trial and error phase when it was released to the general public. It didn't end well.

Aston Martin Lagonda was an ugly disaster

Produced from 1974 to 1990, the Aston Martin Lagonda was a luxury car nightmare. Not only was it unusually long to look at, but the four-door had an impressive price tag, though it had more than one problem.

Buyers might not notice the car's status as "the ugliest car in the last 50 years" if the electronic instrument panel actually worked. Alas, it rarely worked at all, and people weren't inclined to buy it.

Fuller Dymaxion was a car that never saw a future

The Fuller Dymaxion was first presented to the public during the 1933 World's Fair. Buckminster Fuller's futuristic design was to allow the car to not only drive on land, but also act as a submarine and aircraft.

Unfortunately for the public, the car never entered the commercial market, and Fuller developed only one prototype. It is believed by some that the Dymaxion was put on hold because its designer felt that it did not handle well.

DeSoto Airflow had bad marketing

First released in 1934, the DeSoto Airflow was like nothing people had seen before. With a unique body, the manufacturer marketed the car as "futuristic", something that would come back to bite them.

At that time, people were not looking for something unusual. All they wanted was a reliable car. Somewhat of a disappointment for the company, given that the DeSoto Airflow handled slightly better than other cars of the era.

PT Cruiser was released at the wrong time

Chrysler decided to take something old and retool it for a modern audience. So, the restart of PT Cruiser has taken effect. Unfortunately for the company, people weren't ready for the nostalgic journey yet, making the retro-styled cruiser a very underrated vehicle.

Although everything was in order under the hood of the car, the PT Cruiser did not have a modern style that attracted the attention of buyers. People were looking for a smooth and beautiful coloration rather than a boxy wooden exterior.

1967 Renault 10 had a serious problem

While the Renault 10, with its rear air conditioning and engine, was a wild success in the United States, the 1967 model was a huge disappointment. In the past, people were excited to see what a company was going to do next, never expecting a lot of problems to come up.

From inability to drive to breakdown problems, buyers wildly regarded the 1967 Renault as a failure of its predecessor.

Crosley Hotshot Wasn’t A Good Seller

Once upon a time, Crosley was known for being an affordable car manufacturer, releasing vehicles for the common man. Well, in hopes of elevating their reputation, they came out with the Crosley Hotshot.

The car was everything the company hoped for, aside from being a best seller. Whether it was the low-riding style of the Hotshot or the cheap-looking hinge doors, people weren’t buying what Crosley was trying to sell them with the Hotshot.

King Midget Model I Was A Build-It-Yourself Car

It’s hard to imagine, but the King Midget Model I was a do-it-yourself car that you built at home. First coming onto the market in the 1940s, the first generation of the King Midget came as a $500 kit.

The kit included axles, a sheet metal pattern so the sides of the car could be crafted, and a frame. The good news is that any single-cylinder would be good enough to power the quirky car. Needless to say, it wasn’t a hit.

There was no reason to own a Waterman Arrowbile

There is a reason only five Waterman Arrowbile were built. And for that reason, who needs a tailless aircraft that just happens to be able to drive on the highway? Answer: nobody.

Despite being considered the "first flying car", the Waterman Arrowbile is not very comfortable for everyday use. Of course, there were a few adrenaline junkies who all wanted to try! But the only one working now can be found at the Smithsonian Institution.

Chrysler Sebring Failed to Serve the American People

Michael Scott might like his rented Chrysler Sebring in Office, but the Americans did not share such sentiments when it was released. When people were discussing midsize cars, the Sebring was usually listed at the bottom of the list.

From the car's second-rate styling to its terrible performance, the Chrysler Sebring took all the bad traits of post-Crisis Detroit and turned them into a car no one wanted to drive.

AMC Gremlin should have rethought its name

When a car is called a "Germlin", it's safe to say that things will go bad before they get good. If it's a good option, then yes. That when it comes to the AMC Gremlin, that's not the case.

The unfortunate people who bought this car got nothing but a classic looking car that was nothing short of cheap. Considering it was one of the cheapest cars on the market, this is one of those cases where buyers got less than they paid for.

Jeep Compass named one of the worst SUVs

While Jeep enthusiasts swear by the company, there is one model that many keep up with, the Compass. In 2016 Consumer Reports According to the survey, the Jeep Compass received the worst satisfaction rating of any SUV on the market.

Some of the complaints included poor mileage, an uncomfortable cabin, and general noise. Given that people see the Jeep as more of a lifestyle than a brand, it's surprising to see over 50 percent of buyers regret buying a Compass.

Kia Spectra has a terrible safety record

Unfortunately for the Kia Spectra, not only did it have a terrible resale price, but its safety record is so bad it probably doesn't matter. Not only that, the car was known to have a terrible powertrain and less than stellar fuel economy, making it expensive to maintain.

Ironically, having a cheap car to maintain is one of the reasons people are attracted to Kia. Spectra has not lived up to customer expectations!

Hummer H2 was a disaster in terms of fuel economy

Even those who loved the original Hummer and everything the brand had to offer couldn't put down the dreaded Hummer H2. From abysmal fuel economy to oddly stretched body kit, the H2 has little to no good.

Well, maybe a few things. H2 is slightly thinner than its predecessor. Yes, it's a monstrous silver car lining.

Chevrolet Aveo

Although the Chevrolet Aveo translates to “desire,” the only emotions it really evokes in people are longing, desperation, and maybe a little bit of hatred. It's technically three emotes, but they're all accurate.

With unnecessary 14-inch wheels, a terrible drivetrain, and odd shape, the Chevy Aveo had to go through a huge rebuild before it became an acceptable road vehicle. This conversion turned Aveo into Sonic.

Dodge Coronet immediately went out of fashion

The Dodge Coronet was designed for one particular group of people who love flash and never go unnoticed. This car, which rolled off the assembly line in the late 1950s, went out of fashion almost immediately.

Unfortunately for the respected Dodge, the Coronet was nothing more than a joke. A car that would never pass a police car without being pulled over solely because of how it looked "out there".