Based on J.D. Power polling, the following are the top 10 vehicles purchased strictly for appearance sake or, according to Denove, because their buyers said, “I like the way that looks and don’t care about anything else.”

1. Chevrolet SSR

2. Chrysler Crossfire

3. Dodge Magnum

4. Chrysler PT Cruiser

5. Mini Cooper

6. Chrysler 300

7. Volkswagen Beetle

8. Ford Thunderbird

9. Mitsubishi Eclipse

10. Cadillac XLR

Conversely, what follows are 10 vehicles that polled consumers deemed the ugliest, saying, according to Denove, “That thing is not getting near my driveway.”

1. Honda Element

2. Infiniti Q45

3. Pontiac Aztek

4. Mazda RX-8

5. Chevrolet Avalanche

6. Scion xB

7. Toyota Celica :(

8. Lexus LS 430 :mad:

9. Infiniti QX56

10. Mitsubishi Diamante

A vehicle that almost made the ugly list ironically was at the top of the list of vehicles most bought for their looks: the Chevy SSR, a combination pickup-roadster-convertible. There’s a fine line between love and hate.


Scion xB: Anti-style.
Although many consumers call the poor-selling Aztek homely, its buyers love its looks, says Denove. “It’s just that there are not enough of those people.”

Rogers says a senior designer at General Motors Corp., said of the Aztek: “Good idea, bad execution.”

Styling takes a back seat if a vehicle has other attributes that are stronger.

Denove cites the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. “They are top sellers, but styling for both is a non-starter because people buy them for reliability.”

He says Chrysler Group – unable to beat Toyota and Honda in perceived reliability – is wisely designing eye-catching vehicles.

“You can’t overnight change perceptions of reliability, but you can quickly change perceptions about styling,” says Denove. “That’s what Chrysler is doing with the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger. “Blandness is fine for Camry and Accord, not for Chrysler and Ford.”

Full text : Here (http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_video_games_influence/index.htm)

The ugly list, makes sense, I can see those cars there.
TheI got to have b/c of styling, well, I guess that is a reason a couple of those cars sell but I'd rather some other cars.

I can't believe the LS430 is on there - I think it looks great. I would certainly prefer its looks over the GS430 - and I own a GS!!

Jonny

i can't believe the LS430 was judged to be such an ugly car...I think the consensus would be that it's not exactly ugly, but just a car that doesn't stir much emotion...but just because of that, it shouldn't be deemed ugly. Obviously someone is smoking crack over there because the Chevy SSR is by far not one of the prettiest cars...

How in the world is the Crossfire on the good-looking list??

In the background playing "You're so vain....."

No shocker than MOST of the attractive cars are American. No Lexus, Toyota, Nissian, etc. phhfff and the LS 430!?

I don't think the LS, Celica, or the RX-8 should be on there. I'll agree that the LS doesn't evoke as much emotion in its design as its Euro counterparts and it can be percieved as bland... but bland isn't ugly. The Asstec and the Element are actually painful to look at. "bland" toyota products aren't painful to look at... some people just may say non-exctining.

And it was always my impression that there were many many people who thought the celica and RX8 were at least kinda cool looking if not good looking. I don't think either are offensive looking enough to be "ugly". If anything, i think that SSR should be on the ugly list.

I don't think the LS, Celica, or the RX-8 should be on there. I'll agree that the LS doesn't evoke as much emotion in its design as its Euro counterparts and it can be percieved as bland... but bland isn't ugly. The Asstec and the Element are actually painful to look at. "bland" toyota products aren't painful to look at... some people just may say non-exctining.

And it was always my impression that there were many many people who thought the celica and RX8 were at least kinda cool looking if not good looking. I don't think either are offensive looking enough to be "ugly". If anything, i think that SSR should be on the ugly list.

Exactly, How is the LS ugly? :egads: That SSR is a joke and the VW beetle on the top ten list.....No offense to any beetle owners on CL (if there are any) but that car should not be driven by anyone over the age of 21 and I'll leave it at that. Who are these people used for this very unscientific poll???

i hate JD power coz' they put my ls430 on there :)

i hate JD power coz' they put my ls430 on there :)
Seriously bro! :D

You have got to be kidding me.

First off, no offense to any owners on CL, but I disagree. Almost entirely.

Who the hell did they survey for this? 8 year olds, or 80 year olds? I mean, seriously, come on. They're all retro-styled vehicles besides the Eclipse!

I don't get how the Celica ended up on the "ugly" list :uh: That car is beautiful. The rest of the list I agree with for the most part, minus the LS430. I'd kill to have an LS430. It doesn't surprise me that the Q45's on the same list as the LS430, as they look somewhat similar, but I'd definitely vote for the M35 (the previous generation, not the current). No ugly vote here on the RX-8 though, that's a sexy car.

J D power is crap! :D

J D power is crap! :D
Of course though, when they rate Lexus #1 in tests.. :D

Here is my own list of 10 best looking and 10 ugliest cars(only those currently being sold in the U.S. as new car):

10 best looking vehicles:
Ferrari F430
BMW M3/330Ci/325Ci
Honda S2000
Chevrolet Corvette
Acura RSX TYPE S
Infiniti G35 sedan
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
Lotus Elise
Acura TSX
Lexus RX330/RX400h


10 ugliest vehicles:
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Pontiac Aztek
Chevrolet HHR
Chevrolet SSR
Ford Thunderbird
Chrysler Crossfire
Volkswagen Beetle
Lexus SC430
Honda Insight
Buick LaCrosse

I don't know where Power comes up with some of this crap.

The Magnum and the 300 are not bought just for looks, but for the Hemi engine, too. The Magnum and Mini-Cooper also are utile and have wagon-type space efficiency. So does the PT Cruiser. These cars are NOT bought just for looks.

I also have to disagree with some of the ugly list. There is almost nothing ugly about an LS430, and the only things ugly on a Q45 are the gatling-gun headlights....the rest o the car IMO is attractive.
And I don't see how the Toyota Echo managed to avoid the ugly list. That car looks like it went partly through a crusher at both ends while the middle stayed intact and was forced up.

I also have to disagree with some of the ugly list. There is almost nothing ugly about an LS430, and the only things ugly on a Q45 are the gatling-gun headlights....the rest o the car IMO is attractive.
And I don't see how the Toyota Echo managed to avoid the ugly list. That car looks like it went partly through a crusher at both ends while the middle stayed intact and was forced up.
I agree the pre-facelift 01-03 LS430 is bland & conservative, but still not ugly, the facelifted one actually looks a lot better, & when modded tastefully with wheels & kits etc.( but no VIP please ;) ) can look pretty good.
I also agree that the Echo sedan is very ugly, but surprisingly, the Echo hatchback, which you guys don't have in the US actually looks a lot better.

How can Celica be in the ugly list is beyond me. :mad: I mean, that car started the whole triangular headlight trend!:D

JD Power started this poll of ugly and nice a tad too soon. To engineer a car's engine and computer electronics for quality and reliability takes quite sometime. And since most of the imports have perfected that and others on the verge of perfection. I guess those are the steps they are willing to take 1st. Really, take Toyota/Lexus for example, they have some serious exterior designs kept in the secret room of theirs waiting to come out, it only a matter of time. As for the rest of the so called JD Power "nicer looking rides"......they may look nice, but fact in hand the ride and quality can be "HoarseS#!T"......like that saying goes "don't judge a book by its' cover" But on the other hand I must give JD Power brownie points for making us realize how consumers think about automotive in North America.

Here is my own list of 10 best looking and 10 ugliest cars(only those currently being sold in the U.S. as new car):

10 best looking vehicles:
Ferrari F430
BMW M3/330Ci/325Ci
Honda S2000
Chevrolet Corvette
Acura RSX TYPE S
Infiniti G35 sedan
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
Lotus Elise
Acura TSX
Lexus RX330/RX400h


10 ugliest vehicles:
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Pontiac Aztek
Chevrolet HHR
Chevrolet SSR
Ford Thunderbird
Chrysler Crossfire
Volkswagen Beetle
Lexus SC430
Honda Insight
Buick LaCrosse

This list is as bad as the JD Power one, maybe worse.

Funny thing is he included the G35 sedan & left out the G35 coupe, whereas the consensus from everywhere, particularly from non G35 owners, is just the opposite. :D Plus the RX is in there too ;)

Notice how the people who don't know anything about cars other than how they look overwhelmingly purchased American cars? That just speaks volumes. :uh:

Funny thing is he included the G35 sedan & left out the G35 coupe, whereas the consensus from everywhere, particularly from non G35 owners, is just the opposite. :D Plus the RX is in there too ;)
I thought that was hilarious. The G35c should possibly be on the 10 most attractive cars list. IMO, the G35 sedan can jump right in with the Q45 and QX56 as some ugly ass cars.

I wonder what guidelines they had? No exotics? JD Power is a good source, IMO, I am just wondering if they supplied people with a list already and people just chose from it or did people honestly just write down what they think.

One question.....Why did chrysler put wood body panels on an already ugly PT cruiser. I understand the whole retro/nostalgic thing but did we really need to see that again. Wasn't the old Jeep wagoneer enough?? I need to know who at Damler Chrysler signed off on that on.

One question.....Why did chrysler put wood body panels on an already ugly PT cruiser. I understand the whole retro/nostalgic thing but did we really need to see that again. Wasn't the old Jeep wagoneer enough?? I need to know who at Damler Chrysler signed off on that on.

We can ask a lot more questions than just that regarding DC.

LMAO at that list...

Please remember it's not a "top 10 best-looking cars" list, it's a "10 cars people bought SOLELY because of styling, not caring about other factors". There's a lot of "I like it 'cause it's different" involved in that decision, which explains the 300 and the Magnum. Now that 300's and Magnums are rather prevalent, my personal prediction is that sales will plummet. Their market is the immature buyer who simply wants style over substance, and style is fleeting.

The "ugly cars list" is more perplexing. I think anyone who would be ashamed to have an LS430 in their driveway deserves whatever kind of POS they're already driving...

I really can't understand the basis for the RX-8 being on the top 10 ugliest. That is one SEXY looking machine. Lower that bad boy and add a kit and looks other-worldly (in a GOOD way). The only thing I can think, is that the suicide doors are not too appealing.

http://www.wallpaper.net.au/wallpaper/automotive/Mazda%20RX8%20Mazdaspeed%20-%20800x600.jpg

Both lists=http://spot.colorado.edu/~johnsoja/STUPID.gif

Funny thing is he included the G35 sedan & left out the G35 coupe, whereas the consensus from everywhere, particularly from non G35 owners, is just the opposite. :D Plus the RX is in there too ;)

You like G35 coupe? great! But you want to laugh at people who like G35 sedan more? No good! My list is my list, what is so funny? In my eyes G35 coupe is very fat and round, its rear bumper is too thin, and I don't like it. What? Just because so many people out there love G35 coupe, I gotta like it also? Now write out your own list and let me see it. I guarantee I could say something "funny" about your list.

This list is as bad as the JD Power one, maybe worse.

That is your personal opinion or what? Who do you think you are? The god of car or something? You don't even write out your own list and give comments on other people's? Come on......let me see if it is worse than mine.

Here's my 10 Best & Worst list, only include those in current production :

BEST

Vanquish S
DB9 coupe/convertible
F430
NSX
C6 Corvette (Z06)
Koenissegg
SL55/65
CL55/65
Carrera GT
Lambo Murchi


WORST

Pontiac Aztek
Pontiac Sunfire
BMW Z4
Toyota Echo sedan
Honda Element
Mercedes C230 coupe
Infiniti QX56
Nissan Quest
Smart for 2
Honda Accord sedan


Many of those in my most appealing list are out of my price range. The cars I have now are probably the most appealing ones to me within my price range that I can use on a practical basis & reliable. But I won't include them in my most appealing list just because I own them. ;)

The current LS is a classic - absolutely ridiculous for it to be on that list.

The current LS is a classic - absolutely ridiculous for it to be on that list.

What is your definition of classic and what are you smoking??

What is your definition of classic and what are you smoking??

LMAO....And that's coming from an LS owner.

What is your definition of classic and what are you smoking??
Geez Lou! Why so harsh? Don'y you own one? LOL :D

Geez Lou! Why so harsh? Don'y you own one? LOL :D

Yes I do but I don't consider it to be a classic; simple, understated and non inspiring styling. My wife drives it and treats it like "It's only a car" which drives me crazy. :sad: :cry: :uh:

I gotta add the Ford Focus wagon. Everytime I see one I wanna http://jm.g.free.fr/smileys/pukeface.gif

I gotta agree, stylistically the LS does nothing for me :sad: I have not driven one yet (detailing one on Sunday) But I have to imagine it's like floating on a cloud. ;)

Yes I do but I don't consider it to be a classic; simple, understated and non inspiring styling.

In my opinion that's what makes it so great. True elegance should be understated. When it comes to style there are some things that are just timeless and, in my opinion, that it the true test of one's styling prowess. Sure it won't turn heads like a Chrysler 300, but true style isn't about throwing up giant "Look at me!" signs. Style shouldn't scream, it should captivate you with the most intriguing of whispers... and that's where the LS succeeds.

But I won't include them in my most appealing list just because I own them. ;)

Have you ever thought why I paid money to buy G35 sedan and RX330? Because I like its look, of course there are many other reasons also, but loving their looks is one of the major reasons. That is why I included them in my most appealing list. Now if I put the cars I own into the worst looking car list, that is wierd. If you don't understand, you have problems.

Have you ever thought why I paid money to buy G35 sedan and RX330? Because I like its look, of course there are many other reasons also, but loving their looks is one of the major reasons. That is why I included them in my most appealing list. Now if I put the cars I own into the worst looking car list, that is wierd. If you don't understand, you have problems.

If you have the cars listed in your sig, that's a no-brainer that you think they look good. You wouldn't buy an ugly vehicle because it was ugly. Aztek buyers bought their vehicles because it's actually not a bad vehicle and it has decent functionality.

Sure I don't think most people, if not all, would buy any car that would be in their top 10 ugly list, even if it's very appealing in other areas. But looking good, or even very good, is still very different from qualifying the top 10 list in my book. I can name at least another 20 more cars that I think looks good including mine, outside of my top 10 list. I don't pretend to think the cars that I buy within my ability & needs are always the best available.
Sure no one say you can't like one car over another regardless of others' opinion, but if you choose to post a list of cars in an open public forum, you should also expect people to look at it & will have an opinion of your choices, whether they think is funny, stupid, or brilliant, they are are entitled to it. You just don't take it personally.
Car magazines published their opinions & choices of cars they evaluate & compare, & they accept that the public will send them mails of approval & disapproval of their opinions all the time.
Just looking at the list that 's posted in the original post by J D Power, it has already generated numerous opinions of how they come up with it, & why people make the choices in the lists, whether it's approval or disapproval. Anybody that posted their own lists shouldn't expect to be immuned from that.

That is your personal opinion or what? Who do you think you are? The god of car or something? You don't even write out your own list and give comments on other people's? Come on......let me see if it is worse than mine.
God of car....that might be my next signature :D
http://clublexus.com/forums/image.php?u=10675&dateline=1124427152

God of car....that might be my next signature :D
http://clublexus.com/forums/image.php?u=10675&dateline=1124427152Looks more like a goddess of car to me.:D

Looks more like a goddess of car to me.:D
http://www.kaitaia.com/funny/pictures/hitit/wNDEzNzQzNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE.jpg
:D :D :D :D :D

I can't believe the LS430 is on there - I think it looks great. I would certainly prefer its looks over the GS430 - and I own a GS!!

Jonny


:agree: :agreed: :uh:

Notice there's no really high end cars or really cheap cars on the lists.

Generally, the high end represents the best looking and the cheapest represent some of the worst looking.

The LS looks great especially the new front end. I LOVE those headlkghts and grill!

Notice there's no really high end cars or really cheap cars on the lists.

Generally, the high end represents the best looking and the cheapest represent some of the worst looking.

The LS looks great especially the new front end. I LOVE those headlkghts and grill!

That is why I think they either supplied a list or there was a price cap.

LS430 is not ugly dammit, and JD powers need a b*t*hslapped :mad:

I wonder if the recent sale of J.D. Power to McGraw-Hill has compromised the company's integrity for impartial customer satisfaction data.

Not that I think J.D. Power polls were impartial to begin with:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/07/24/BUGVRDRDIJ1.DTL&type=business

For the uninitiated, J.D. Power is a Southern California market researcher that studies customer satisfaction in a wide variety of industries, from cars and cell phones to health care and utilities.

The company funds and performs its own research, then makes its extensive data available -- for a price -- to the industries covered.

Those industries in turn may use J.D. Power's findings in their marketing campaigns as independent proof that consumers can rely on their products and services.

But here are a couple of things most people might not know:

The companies evaluated by J.D. Power in fact pay the firm to use its name in their ads, and a hefty amount of cash is said to be changing hands.

my lsit..... as per stock cars! ;)

Porshe GT2
Porshe 996TT
Porshe Cayanne Turbo
BMW M3 E46
Ferrari 360 > F430
Aston Martin DB9
Bentley Continental GT
Rolls Royce Phantomn
Chevrolet Corvette
Mercedes S55 amg


the other list :thumbdn: no amount of modifications can rescue these hideous creations.

Pontiac Aztek
Pontiac Vibe
Chevy SSR
Chevy HHR
Mitsubishi Galant (I want the eclipse on this list also)
Honda Element
Honda Insight Hybrid
Kia rio cinco
The Entire Daewoo lineup
Dodge Durango


EDIT: btw I dont know why the LS430 is on that list, I know for myself I would trade in my GS for the LS430 in a heartbeat!!! That front end is just prestigious and stuck up! wooot! btw why is it the LS430 is one of the best selling luxury cars in its class if it was so ugly? I think some companies are threatened and trying to send bad imaging.

my lsit..... as per stock cars! ;)

Porshe GT2
Porshe 996TT
Porshe Cayanne Turbo
BMW M3 E46
Ferrari 360 > F430
Aston Martin DB9
Bentley Continental GT
Rolls Royce Phantomn
Chevrolet Corvette
Mercedes S55 amg


the other list :thumbdn: no amount of modifications can rescue these hideous creations.

Pontiac Aztek
Pontiac Vibe
Chevy SSR
Chevy HHR
Mitsubishi Galant (I want the eclipse on this list also)
Honda Element
Honda Insight Hybrid
Kia rio cinco
The Entire Daewoo lineup
Dodge Durango


Now THAT is a good list.

UpTownGS list > twiblueg35's list.....

and unbiased! :p

:D my lsit..... as per stock cars! ;)

Porshe GT2
Porshe 996TT
Porshe Cayanne Turbo
BMW M3 E46
Ferrari 360 > F430
Aston Martin DB9
Bentley Continental GT
Rolls Royce Phantomn
Chevrolet Corvette
Mercedes S55 amg


the other list :thumbdn: no amount of modifications can rescue these hideous creations.

Pontiac Aztek
Pontiac Vibe
Chevy SSR
Chevy HHR
Mitsubishi Galant (I want the eclipse on this list also)
Honda Element
Honda Insight Hybrid
Kia rio cinco
The Entire Daewoo lineup
Dodge Durango


EDIT: btw I dont know why the LS430 is on that list, I know for myself I would trade in my GS for the LS430 in a heartbeat!!! That front end is just prestigious and stuck up! wooot! btw why is it the LS430 is one of the best selling luxury cars in its class if it was so ugly? I think some companies are threatened and trying to send bad imaging.

:D Thank you. Someone also like the S55 AMG. I think it is understated beast/elegance. My favorite sleeper.

most of the ugly list seem accurate except the ls430. thats one classy looking car. maybe they meant the sc430 (sorry ladies) :D . and where are the bmw's? especially the 6 series and the z4???

I thought that was hilarious. The G35c should possibly be on the 10 most attractive cars list. IMO, the G35 sedan can jump right in with the Q45 and QX56 as some ugly ass cars.

I wonder what guidelines they had? No exotics? JD Power is a good source, IMO, I am just wondering if they supplied people with a list already and people just chose from it or did people honestly just write down what they think.

If G35 sedan were ugly, I wouldn't think they would be selling as well as they do & have a motor trend car of the year award.

I can understand the Aztek, Avalanche and xB...possibly the Q45 and QX56 as well...but the RX-8, Celica, LS 430 and Diamante are NOWHERE NEAR ugly. And since when is a PT Clunker a decent looking car?! :uh: In all fairness, I'm surprised there are no BMWs in the "ugly" list.

If G35 sedan were ugly, I wouldn't think they would be selling as well as they do & have a motor trend car of the year award.
Welcome Clubinfiniti Shenlong, oh I mean Clublexus. Look like you join us just to dig out about the old Infinity threads.
This thread is almost a month old and dig it out because " G35 Sedan".
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178263&page=4

This one is almost 3 months old.

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170018&page=3&pp=15

:thumbdn:

Both lists=http://spot.colorado.edu/~johnsoja/STUPID.gif

I couldn't say it better myself !

Welcome Clubinfiniti Shenlong, oh I mean Clublexus. Look like you join us just to dig out about the old Infinity threads.
This thread is almost a month old and dig it out because " G35 Sedan".
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178263&page=4

This one is almost 3 months old.

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170018&page=3&pp=15

:thumbdn:
These guys have no clue.

If G35 sedan were ugly, I wouldn't think they would be selling as well as they do & have a motor trend car of the year award.
The G35 sedan is ugly. And ugly cars can sell. Its not a best seller, so its ugliness does hurt. Other ugly cars that sell.
1. Toyota Prius
2. Nissan Maxima
3. Chevy Monte Carlo
4. Nissan Murano
5. Infintii QX56
6. Chevy Avalanche

etc etc

Ugly cars can sell.