Ugly Vehicles: The Worst Cars I've Owned and Drive

A journey through my automotive history reveals some unmistakably uglier and less reliable vehicles. In this article, I'll share my personal experiences with some of the most unique and perhaps the ugliest cars that have been part of my journey through motoring.

AMC Gremlin: Not Only Ugly but Dangerously Sluggish

One of the earliest and perhaps the most memorable experiences I had with an ugly and underpowered car was the AMC Gremlin. I rented it during a trip and my first encounter with it was more alarming than expected. Not only was it an eyesore, but its dangerously sluggish performance nearly got me into a serious accident.

The AMC Gremlin is a classic example of an underpowered car. It struggled to accelerate and seemed to be reluctant to move even after the driver stepped on the gas. This experience was particularly harrowing when I had to pull out onto a busy highway from the rental lot. The car's lack of responsiveness proved to be a significant safety issue, especially in a high-traffic environment.

Fiat Multipla: An Unexpected Ugly Ride

A few years later, I found myself sharing the controls of a matte-black Fiat Multipla. Although it wasn't mine, the experience was memorable as I helped a friend move into a new home. Considering the car's aesthetics, the Fiat Multipla didn't stand out as a standout purchase or rental. It seemed more suited for a comedy sketch than a serious vehicle.

1976 Gremlin Sport: The Rust Monster

The 1976 Gremlin Sport added a new chapter to the dark drama of my automotive history. This vintage machine was not only unattractive but also dangerously unreliable. In 1980, the car's rusting exterior began to crumble, and its handling was questionable at best. On snowy roads, the Gremlin Sport was a source of frustration. Approach with caution, as touching the brakes nearly sent the car into a complete 360-degree spin.

Alfa Romeo 1970 GT 1300: Rain and Metaphors

The Alfa Romeo 1970 GT 1300 reintroduced me to the joys of driving a vehicle that was not only stylish but also functional. While it looked good, the car faced a unique challenge. During a rainstorm, it behaved as if it were disintegrating before our eyes. Dripping and unstable, my wife and I dubbed it the "Alka Seltzer" given how it felt like the car was dissolving on the road. Thankfully, it lasted around two years before its MOT (which is the UK equivalent of the US's DMV inspection) failed due to lacking proper bodywork.

Honda Accord: A Consistent Reminder

After the Alfa Romeo, I ventured into the safe yet unenthusiastic territory of the Austin Allegro. Despite being a step up from the earlier vehicles, the Austin Allegro was still a car that made it clear that I wasn't fully satisfied with my choices. However, it served as a reminder of what a profound impact the 2014 Ford Fiesta had on my perspective.

2014 Ford Fiesta: My Current Allegiance

For today, the 2014 Ford Fiesta stands out as more than just a car; it has become a benchmark for what I expect from a vehicle. While it has some issues such as non-functional traction control and an inaccurate speedometer, its overall performance is commendable. The good news is that I consider it the worst car among those I've owned, and it's not too bad if you put it in perspective.

The 1990 Ford Sierra 3.0 V6: A Masterpiece of Dysfunctional Operation

Perhaps the worst car I've ever owned is undoubtedly the 1990 Ford Sierra 3.0 V6. This vehicle was a combination of disappointments: poor performance, bad fuel economy, and significant mechanical and suspension problems. To top it all off, the after-sales support and service were abysmal.

The Sierra's performance was so bad that it required a series of services that were initially advertised as minor but turned into a full-blown nightmare. After marking each item with specific electric blue paint, I requested to have every item listed for replacement or repair. Two days later, I received a call to pick up the car only to be told another issue had emerged.

Adding to the stress, the service advisor asked about the blue marking. A 10-minute call later, the service team informed me that another issue needed to be addressed, requiring the car to stay for another day. The lasting effect on my trust was profound, and the service experience was emblematic of my disappointment with the car.

1978 Zephyr: Price and Performance

In a quest for a more budget-friendly option, I turned to a 1978 Zephyr. This car was an unexpected find, purchased at a hundred-dollar auction with no heat and no air conditioning. While it lacked comfort features, the experience of operating a car with a standard transmission was refreshing. Interestingly, it was sold for a tax receipt of sixty dollars after I donated it, adding a humorous touch to the purchase and resale process.

Throughout my journey, these cars have taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of doing thorough research and choosing reliable vehicles. My experiences with these cars have shaped my approach to car ownership, and while some of these vehicles were decidedly unattractive and unreliable, they served as a valuable part of my motoring history.