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In the automotive world, there are cars that receive universal praise, and then there are those that seem to ignite strong opinions – but not in a good way.

These are the vehicles that drive people to vent their frustration, crack jokes, and sometimes make you wonder, “How did they get past the drawing board?”

Whether it’s due to poor performance, questionable design choices, or simply bad luck, these cars have earned their spot on the hate list. Let’s look at 10 cars that everyone loves to hate.

1. Chevrolet Camaro (Fifth Generation)

Chevrolet-Camaro-2010
Image Credit: Chevrolet.

The fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, produced from 2010 to 2015, was heralded as a comeback for the iconic muscle car, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for many enthusiasts.

Sure, the performance was there, but the bulky, overly aggressive design and cheap interior materials made it feel more like a wannabe than a true American muscle car. Many Camaro fans were disappointed by how far the car had strayed from its original roots.

2. Ford Edsel

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The Ford Edsel is often regarded as one of the biggest flops in automotive history. Introduced in 1957, Ford tried to create a car that would sit between the mid-range Ford models and the high-end Lincoln brand.

Unfortunately, the Edsel’s odd styling, combined with marketing blunders and mechanical issues, led to its swift demise. Even though the car was a massive failure, it has become a symbol of how not to approach the market.

3. Chevrolet SSR

Image Credit: Mecum.

The Chevrolet SSR, produced from 2003 to 2006, was an attempt to mix a retro-style pickup with a convertible roadster. It was an odd concept that didn’t quite fit either category. The car had a heavy, awkward design and poor fuel economy for a vehicle with a small bed and limited cargo space.

While some might argue it was quirky, it was hard to overlook its lack of utility and strange appeal that didn’t resonate with many drivers.

4. Pontiac Aztek

Image Credit: Mecum.

It’s almost impossible to talk about cars that people love to hate without mentioning the Pontiac Aztek. Produced from 2001 to 2005, the Aztek’s boxy and disjointed design made it a punchline for jokes in the automotive world.

It was certainly ahead of its time in some ways, offering unique features like a tent in the back for camping enthusiasts, but its looks and lack of refinement kept it from gaining any sort of following. To this day, the Aztek remains one of the most polarizing vehicles in history.

5. Smart ForTwo

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The Smart ForTwo was designed as a tiny, eco-friendly city car, but it’s often ridiculed for its size, weird proportions, and clumsy driving dynamics. While it certainly excels at parking and maneuvering through crowded urban streets, it’s impractical for many due to its cramped interior, underpowered engine, and lack of storage space.

The ForTwo’s tiny nature and quirky design made it both a love-it or hate-it car, but more often than not, it found itself on the hate side of things.

6. Nissan Juke

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The Nissan Juke is another vehicle with a polarizing design. Some people love its quirky, bold looks, while others can’t stand its odd proportions and bulging headlights.

Released in 2010, the Juke aimed to offer a sporty, compact SUV alternative, but its design left many scratching their heads. The car’s funky appearance often led to it being a target of ridicule, with many calling it out for being an eyesore on wheels.

7. Toyota Prius (First Generation)

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When the Toyota Prius first hit the streets in 1997, it was seen as a revolutionary car, thanks to its hybrid powertrain and emphasis on fuel efficiency.

However, the first generation was often criticized for its strange, uninspired design, and its futuristic looks were more jarring than appealing. While the Prius has grown into a beloved icon in the hybrid market, its first incarnation didn’t exactly win over many fans.

8. Chrysler PT Cruiser

Image Credit: Vauxford – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser was marketed as a retro-inspired compact car when it debuted in 2000. Unfortunately, its bizarre design, which seemed to be a mix of a minivan and an old-school sedan, turned many people off.

Critics called it awkward and impractical, especially when compared to other compact cars. Though it had a cult following, it’s hard to ignore the fact that it was largely viewed as a weird, miscalculated experiment by Chrysler.

9. Hummer H2

Image Credit: Rudolf Stricker – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

The Hummer H2 was introduced in the early 2000s as a civilian version of the military Humvee, offering a massive, intimidating presence on the road. While it was undeniably capable off-road, it became a symbol of excess and fuel-guzzling inefficiency.

In an era of growing environmental concerns, the H2’s poor fuel economy and colossal size made it easy to hate. The Hummer H2 quickly became a target for those who criticized gas-guzzlers, especially during the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles.

10. Mitsubishi Mirage

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The Mitsubishi Mirage is often seen as one of the most uninspiring cars on the market. Launched in the 1990s and reintroduced in 2014, this subcompact car has been criticized for its lackluster performance, cheap interior, and noisy engine.

While its low price tag might appeal to budget-conscious buyers, the Mirage’s poor driving experience and outdated design make it a car that many people love to hate.