The Good, The Bad, and The Incredibly Ugly Cars

#23: 1973 Volkswagen Thing

If the Beetle was any indication, VW had an odd predilection for turning old army vehicles into commercial passenger cars. The 181, better known as the “Thing” in the US, was based on the Type 82 Kübelwagen, an off-roader used by German military. The Thing borrowed a few parts from the Beetle’s kit, but forwent the Beetle’s simplified exterior for something a little more rugged.

Despite looking like something out of a “Rambo” film, Things are actually still quite collectible, and some folks even still drive theirs. This might be because the US model was only in production for a few years, since it had to be halted when passenger vehicle requirements became stricter. I guess, like the Beetle, people just like weird-looking underdog cars.

If you want a real underdog, though, check out this next car.

#22: 1997 Isuzu VehiCROSS

If there’s one universal constant of the automotive industry, it’s that plastic shells make people cringe. It doesn’t help that in addition to the VehiCROSS’ plastic pants, it had a weird looking front with two titanium “teeth.” It almost looked like some kind of snaggletoothed hippopotamus.

But in spite of its dental concerns, the VehiCROSS was actually a decently capable SUV. It wasn’t anything to write home about on a commercial road, but off-road it demonstrated a powerful 4-wheel drive and suspension able navigate chunky, slippery surfaces with relative ease. The VehiCROSS is sort of like that weird buck-tooth kid you knew in grade school. Nobody knows what his deal is, but then he scores a homer in kickball or something and suddenly he’s awesome.

Speaking of teeth, I’m convinced this next car is going to eat me.