Not every car can achieve legendary status. Some launch with plenty of excitement, only to falter and fail spectacularly.

Whether it’s due to baffling design, lackluster performance, or a disastrous combo of both, these cars didn’t just fall short—they were outright embarrassments.

Here are 10 cars that crashed and burned in the most spectacular ways possible.

1. Chrysler Pacifica (First Generation)

When the Chrysler Pacifica hit the scene in 2004, it was marketed as a game-changer—an SUV-minivan hybrid that would redefine family cars. Unfortunately, it failed on both fronts. The design was clunky, the interior cramped for its size, and the performance lacked any sense of premium appeal.

Add to that its inability to match the versatility of a minivan, and it’s no surprise the Pacifica quickly became an automotive footnote.

2. Nissan Cube

Released in 2009, the Nissan Cube was one of the most bewilderingly designed cars on the road. Its asymmetrical rear window and boxy shape made it a visual oddity, but it didn’t stop there—it was also underpowered, uncomfortable, and impractical.

Despite its bold attempt to be unique, the Cube ended up being a bizarre flop, discontinued in 2014 after failing to find a real audience.

3. Hyundai Tiburon (First Generation)

The Hyundai Tiburon, introduced in 1997, was Hyundai’s attempt at a sporty coupe, but it turned out to be an epic failure. While it looked aggressive on the outside, the performance couldn’t back it up.

With clumsy handling, a cheap interior, and an underwhelming engine, the Tiburon fell flat for anyone hoping for an affordable sports car experience.

4. Honda Crosstour

Honda’s reputation for reliability took a hit with the 2010 Honda Crosstour. Marketed as a cross between a sedan and an SUV, it ended up as a confused, overly-styled hatchback that didn’t quite fit into either category.

Its awkward proportions, stiff ride, and underwhelming performance made it a tough sell, and it was quickly pulled from the market after a short lifespan.

5. Ford Merkur XR4Ti

Sold in the U.S. between 1985 and 1989, the Ford Merkur XR4Ti was an attempt to rival European sports cars like the BMW 3 Series. But instead of hitting the mark, it missed it completely. The strange styling, cheap interior, and underwhelming driving experience made it feel like a car stuck between two worlds—and neither worked out.

Even with its turbocharged engine, the Merkur was a far cry from what it promised.

6. Buick Reatta

Produced from 1988 to 1991, the Buick Reatta was an ambitious attempt at a luxury sports car, but it failed to deliver. Its futuristic design was undermined by sluggish performance, making it feel like it was trying too hard to be something it wasn’t.

With a lackluster V6 engine and a high price tag, the Reatta couldn’t compete with the sports cars it aimed to rival, ultimately fading into obscurity.

7. Peugeot 505

While the Peugeot 505 found success in Europe, its introduction to the U.S. in the early ’80s was less than impressive. The car’s dated design, coupled with poor reliability and lackluster driving dynamics, made it a tough sell against more established sedans.

Though it had potential, the 505 never quite made its mark in the American market.

8. Mazda RX-8

The Mazda RX-8 had a cool factor with its unique rotary engine, but its charm wore off quickly for many owners. Poor fuel economy, reliability issues, and a lack of torque made for an underwhelming driving experience.

Though it sounded unique and looked sporty, the RX-8’s performance didn’t live up to expectations, leaving many owners frustrated by its upkeep.

9. Toyota Celica (Sixth Generation)

The Toyota Celica was once a symbol of sporty compact cars, but the sixth-generation model, launched in 2000, was a massive disappointment. While the styling was sharp, the car lacked the power and handling to back it up.

Its front-wheel-drive layout and lackluster performance made it feel more like a commuter car than a fun, sporty ride, and Toyota’s attempt to revive the Celica’s image fell flat.

10. Land Rover Freelander (First Generation)

The Land Rover Freelander, introduced in 1997, was supposed to be a compact, affordable SUV to rival the likes of the Honda CR-V. Instead, it became a mechanical nightmare, plagued with reliability issues and disappointing off-road capabilities.

With poor build quality and frequent breakdowns, the Freelander struggled to deliver on the Land Rover promise of durability, leaving many owners frustrated.