When it comes to car design, some models have stood the test of time, while others have not aged well at all. In a recent poll conducted by Jalopnik, readers voiced their opinions on which car designs they believe have aged like milk. The results were quite surprising, with some iconic cars from the past being labeled as "dated" and "unsightly." Let's take a closer look at which car designs failed to stand the test of time according to Jalopnik readers.
Lincoln Town Car
The Lincoln Town Car, a staple of luxury automobiles for decades, was surprisingly one of the top contenders for the title of "aged like milk" in the eyes of Jalopnik readers. Once a symbol of prestige and elegance, the Town Car's boxy and outdated design has fallen out of favor with modern car enthusiasts. Many readers cited the car's bulky proportions and lack of sleek lines as major reasons for its lack of appeal in today's market.
"The Lincoln Town Car looks like a relic from a bygone era. Its boxy design and oversized dimensions just don't work in today's automotive landscape," stated one Jalopnik reader.
Pontiac Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek, often regarded as one of the most polarizing car designs of all time, received an overwhelming amount of criticism from readers. The Aztek's unconventional and asymmetrical styling, coupled with its plastic cladding and awkward proportions, made it a prime candidate for the "aged like milk" category. Many readers pointed out that the Aztek's design choices seemed out of touch even at the time of its release, and it has only become more jarring as the years have passed.
"The Pontiac Aztek was a true oddity in terms of design. Its quirky styling and unconventional looks haven't aged well at all. It's no wonder it's often considered one of the ugliest cars ever made," shared a Jalopnik reader.
Chevrolet SSR
The Chevrolet SSR, a retro-styled pickup truck with a retractable hardtop, didn't fare well in the eyes of Jalopnik readers either. While the concept of blending a truck with a convertible seemed exciting at first glance, the execution left much to be desired. Many readers expressed disappointment with the SSR's awkward proportions and its attempt to merge two distinct vehicle types into one design. The end result, according to readers, was a car that looked out of place and lacked a cohesive identity.
"The Chevrolet SSR was a swing and a miss in terms of design. Its attempt to combine a pickup truck with a convertible just didn't work, and the result is a vehicle that looks mismatched and awkward," remarked a Jalopnik reader.
Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke, a subcompact crossover with unconventional styling and bold design cues, also received significant criticism from Jalopnik readers. While the Juke was praised for its funky and playful appearance when it first debuted, it has since fallen out of favor with many enthusiasts. Readers noted that the Juke's exaggerated headlights, high beltline, and bulbous fenders have not aged well, and its overall design now appears dated and out of step with contemporary trends.
"The Nissan Juke was ahead of its time in terms of bold design, but that same boldness has become a liability as the car has aged. Its quirky looks now come across as garish and unappealing," explained a Jalopnik reader.
1997-2004 Porsche Boxster
Even a revered brand like Porsche wasn't immune to criticism from Jalopnik readers. The first-generation Boxster, produced from 1997 to 2004, was singled out for its design, which many readers felt didn't live up to the Porsche standard. The car's unconventional headlights and overall lack of the classic Porsche styling cues were cited as reasons for its inclusion in the "aged like milk" category.
"The first-generation Porsche Boxster looks like a departure from the classic Porsche design language. It lacks the elegance and timeless appeal that other Porsches are known for," commented a Jalopnik reader.
Conclusion
The opinions of Jalopnik readers serve as a reminder that not all car designs are destined to stand the test of time. While some models become instant classics and age gracefully, others quickly fade into obscurity due to their outdated and out-of-touch aesthetics. The cars mentioned in the poll all share the common trait of once being praised for their unique designs, only to later be deemed as "aged like milk" by a discerning audience of car enthusiasts. It's a testament to the ever-evolving nature of automotive design and the importance of creating cars that can withstand the passage of time.
In the end, it's clear that the concept of what makes a timeless car design is subjective and can change over time. What may be celebrated as groundbreaking and innovative in one era can become antiquated and unappealing in another. As automotive manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of design and technology, it's inevitable that some designs will fall out of favor. Nevertheless, these "aged like milk" cars serve as valuable lessons in the evolution of car design and the impact of changing tastes and preferences within the automotive industry.
