Car enthusiasts often have strong opinions about vehicle performance, exterior design, and interiors. Over the years, many cars have had interiors that left drivers and passengers feeling uncomfortable or bothered. This article examines 45 cars known for their poor interior designs.
Some vehicles had awkwardly placed controls or bad ergonomics, making driving frustrating. Others used cheap materials and uninspiring designs, leaving owners dissatisfied. We have compiled this list to showcase some of the most notoriously poorly designed car interiors.
Case Studies: Notorious Models
The Chevrolet Lumina, a discontinued model, faced criticism for its dull interior design. Another infamous example is the Dodge Journey, which received complaints regarding its cramped and outdated cabin. The Yugo was also poorly received due to both its design and build quality. These vehicles remind us of the importance of ergonomics and aesthetics in interior design for successful car models.
Dodge Journey: A Missed Opportunity
The Dodge Journey, especially the 2009 model, is criticized for its poor interior. Issues include low-quality materials and small cargo space. The 2020 model lacks smartphone integration and has a cramped third row. While affordable, the Dodge Journey fails to deliver a comfortable and functional interior.
The Yugo Saga: What Went Wrong?
The Yugo, often called the worst car in history, briefly attracted American buyers in the mid-1980s with its low price. Inside, it featured poor-quality fabric upholstery and carpeting that disappointed discerning customers.
Its subpar layout further contributed to its negative reputation. Competing with more refined options, the Yugo’s interior ultimately sealed its fate. It now serves as a cautionary tale in the automotive industry.
Chevrolet Lumina: Design Pitfalls
The Chevrolet Lumina was introduced as a modern replacement for the Celebrity, but its interior design left many disappointed. The Lumina’s interior borrowed outdated elements, failing to resonate with customers. While functionality was adequate, the Lumina’s design simply wasn’t appealing compared to competitors.
Dodge Caliber’s Reception
The Dodge Caliber has faced criticism for its interior design such as, limited comfort, poor materials quality and subpar radio reception. Nonetheless, Caliber enthusiasts appreciate the car’s other features and performance.
Related: What are Dodge Caliber Problems and Common Complaints!
Chevrolet Cavalier (Early 2000s)
The early 2000s Chevrolet Cavalier often received criticism for its subpar interior design. Common complaints include the use of cheap materials, unappealing design, and lack of comfort. Despite its affordability, the Cavalier’s interior left many drivers unsatisfied.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Despite its retro-styled exterior, the PT Cruiser disappointed buyers with its cheap plastics and dated fabric patterns inside. Critics felt its ergonomics and practicality were sacrificed for nostalgia. While it gained a fanbase for its exterior styling and versatility, its interior is a notable example of poor design.
Smart ForTwo (1st Generation)
The first generation of Smart ForTwo, launched in 1998, had a some notable interior design flaws. Despite its compact size, the interior was uncomfortable and cramped. Additionally, the plastic materials used lacked quality, while the layout was unappealing. Overall, this model’s interior couldn’t win many fans.
Fiat 500L
The Fiat 500L, launched in 2013, is often criticized for its interior. Despite its tall greenhouse and large glass areas meant to reduce claustrophobia, the cluttered dashboard with numerous buttons and knobs detracts from its appearance. Some also question the cabin’s quality.
Related: Worst Fiat 500 Years to Avoid and Common Reliability Problems!
Saturn Ion and its Interior Shortfalls
The Saturn Ion, produced from 2003 to 2007, is infamous for its poor interior. It featured cramped space, cheap materials, and basic tech. Reports also noted disappointing performance and poor heating in cold weather. These issues contributed to its bad reputation and poor sales.
Jeep Compass/Patriot (Before 2017 Redesign)
The pre-2017 Jeep Compass and Patriot faced criticism for their lackluster interiors. Featuring cheap materials and uncomfortable seating, users found them disappointing. MotorTrend reported that redesign in 2017 brought improvements, giving the Compass a more refined, upscale feel.
Related: The Best Year for Jeep Compass and Most Reliable Models!
Pontiac Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek is often criticized for its poor interior design. It featured cheap plastics and a confusing layout. However, its ugliness has become endearing for some, and it has gained a cult following in recent years.
Lincoln Blackwood
The Lincoln Blackwood was a luxury pickup truck that had a short-lived existence in 2002. One common criticism was its interior design. This truck had a 5.4-liter V-8 engine and was based on the Ford F-150 SuperCrew and Lincoln Navigator. However, it failed to impress customers with its peculiar design elements.
Ford EcoSport
Some owners of the compact SUV EcoSport find its build quality lacking, citing rattling noises, loose panels, and durability concerns. Potential buyers should consider these issues. However, many still enjoy its comfort, making it a mixed bag for interior design.
Chrysler’s Missed Opportunities
Chrysler has faced a few problems related to poor interior design in their cars. as some models were disliked for their cheap materials and overall lackluster design. This led to Chrysler suffering a decline in their reputation.
Toyota Echo (2000-2005)
Introduced in 2000, it was often criticized for its poor interior design. The Echo’s cabin featured cheap materials and a distinct lack of refinement. Its main drawbacks included a center-mounted instrument cluster and sparse equipment. Despite its budget-friendly price, the Echo’s interior design left many drivers feeling underwhelmed.
Chevrolet Aveo (2004-2011)
Produced between 2004 and 2011, the Aveo had its share of drawbacks. One issue was the lack of storage compartments, often leaving drivers and passengers with limited space for their belongings. Additionally, the instrument panel and dashboard materials appeared low-quality and unrefined.
Ford Mustang (2005-2009)
The 2005-2009 Ford Mustang’s interior design left some room for improvement. A common issue was an unresponsive center console, causing frustration for drivers. Additionally, some encountered a squeaky clutch pedal, which could be quite annoying.
Dodge Nitro (2007-2012)
The Dodge Nitro, produced from 2007 to 2012, is known for its poor interior. It features retro instrumentation and low-quality plastics. Despite decent off-road capabilities, the cabin is underwhelming. The basic layout and subpar materials make it a poor choice for those who value interior design.
Jeep Wrangler (JK before 2011 refresh)
The cabin was cramped and cluttered, featuring low-quality materials and ergonomic shortcomings. These issues were ultimately addressed in the later refreshed version. Considering its off-roading capabilities, the interior flaws were minor but noticeable.
Chevrolet Spark (Early Generations)
The Chevrolet Spark’s early generations faced criticism for their interior designs. Their cabins featured hard plastics, faux aluminum, and subpar fabrics. The cargo space was limited, with awkward folding seats. These shortcomings led many to dislike early Spark models for their cumbersome interiors.
Nissan Versa (1st Generation)
The first generation Nissan Versa faced criticism for its interior design. Despite being fairly roomy on the inside, there were several drawbacks. Thin materials were used for seats and doors, which felt cheap. The cabin was also quite noisy.
Chrysler Sebring (2007-2010)
One issue was the placement of some minor controls, leading to inconvenience for the driver. While the car provided good support with its front seats, the rear was considered tight for three adults. However, it did have a smooth ride and a large trunk for storage.
Suzuki SX4 (2007-2013)
The Suzuki SX4, a subcompact crossover produced between 2006 and 2014, offers affordability and utility. However, its interior quality leaves much to be desired. Owners often complained about hard plastics, an outdated dashboard design, and lackluster materials.
Mitsubishi Mirage (2014-present)
The Mitsubishi Mirage’s interior has been criticized for using cheap materials, a basic and dated design, minimal features, uncomfortable seats, poor noise insulation, and a lackluster infotainment system in earlier models.
Subaru Tribeca (2006-2014)
The Subaru Tribeca, produced from 2006 to 2014, faced criticism for its interior design. Drivers experienced poor comfort due to the lack of a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and limited seat adjustability. Despite being a mid-size SUV, it didn’t quite meet families’ expectations in terms of design and functionality.
Lincoln Town Car (2003-2011)
The Lincoln Town Car from 2003 to 2011 had a few interior design flaws that garnered criticism. One significant issue was the poor radio reception, which was addressed in a technical service bulletin. The car’s overall styling remained mostly unchanged for years, which made it feel somewhat outdated.
Cadillac Escalade EXT (2002-2013)
The Cadillac Escalade EXT, with production from 2002 to 2013, had faced several criticisms for its interior design. Its ungainly appearance was often mentioned by Car and Driver. The comfort and functionality, however, were noteworthy in the model.
Chrysler Sebring (2007-2010)
The Chrysler Sebring (2007-2010) had significant interior issues. The cabin materials felt tacky, and the layout was impractical with limited storage. The infotainment system was outdated and hard to use, and owners often complained about uncomfortable seating positions.
Hyundai Accent (2000-2005)
The Hyundai Accent from 2000 to 2005 is known for subpar interior design. The car does manage to still appear relatively stylish, however, the overall build is below standard. The inferior finish and use of low-quality materials made it one of the most criticized cars for interior design.
Kia Rio (1st and 2nd Gen)
Complaints included the use of low-quality materials and an unattractive layout. In the second generation (2007-2008), the Rio’s interior improved but still lagged behind its competitors. The materials, though better, lacked refinement, and ergonomic aspects needed enhancements. This resulted in an unimpressive user experience.
Chevrolet Cobalt (2005-2010)
With cramped seating and a low-quality feel, it wasn’t a fan favorite for comfort. Despite this downside, Cobalt featured a smooth ride and a sporty appearance. Still, many drivers found the compromised interior a significant drawback.
Dodge Avenger (2008-2014)
The cabin was smaller than it appeared from the outside and had lower-quality materials, which affected overall comfort and aesthetics. Drivers encountered heating problems and struggles with interior accessories, making the car less enjoyable.
Toyota Yaris (1st Gen, 2005-2011)
The first-generation Toyota Yaris is known for its fuel efficiency and easy maneuverability. However, its reputation suffered due to poor interior design. The materials felt cheap, the seating was uncomfortable, and storage was limited. Despite its compact size, passengers experienced cramped conditions and inadequate legroom.
Chrysler 200 (2011-2014)
The Chrysler 200 (2011-2014) received backlash for its poor interior designs. Complaints include, lackluster materials, cluttered layout and limited passenger space.
Pontiac Sunfire (1995-2005)
It showcased cheap materials and an outdated style. Key issues found in this model included, uncomfortable seats, limited headroom and poorly placed controls. Despite these flaws, the Sunfire offered decent performance and fuel efficiency.
Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke’s interior lacks aesthetics and comfort. Its unconventional styling and excessive plastics failed to impress most users. While the raised driving position was appreciated, the limited rear space made the back seats cramped, affecting long-distance travel.
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart had potential with its Alfa chassis and MultiAir Turbo engine. Sadly, the interior design fell short. The Dart’s cabin is filled with low-quality plastics and a cramped layout. Reliability issues also plague this car, affecting users’ overall perception of its interiors.
Ford Fiesta
Many drivers find its interior design lacking. Issues like the limited rear kneeroom due to chunky seats make it less comfortable for passengers. Additionally, the Fiesta has experienced problems with window mechanisms, where the entire unit would come loose from its fixings.
Subaru Impreza (Pre-2017)
The Subaru Impreza, particularly models before 2017, faced criticism for their interior design. Quality issues include poor interior fit and finish and outdated shared parts. A friendly reminder to research vehicles before purchasing!
Chevrolet Sonic
The limited cabin space and small cargo capacity are notable issues. Though the sedan offers 14.9 cubic feet of trunk space, it may not meet the needs of those seeking more utility. Additionally, the design aesthetics and material quality are unimpressive, leaving Chevy Sonic buyers wanting a more refined interior.
Toyota Corolla (Pre-2019)
The pre-2019 Toyota Corolla had some unimpressive interior features. Space was rather limited, with a 13-cubic-foot trunk in the sedan model. At the same time, the hatchback version wasn’t much better. A key issue was its forgettable design compared to competitors, making it known as an appliance-like car.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has been praised for its reliability; however, its interior design may leave some drivers dissatisfied. Some common complaints are related to uncomfortable seats and a dated dashboard design.
Ford Taurus (Pre-2019)
The pre-2019 Ford Taurus often faced criticism for its interior design. Passengers found that it lacked the airiness and spaciousness it should have. Despite sporting a huge trunk and a gentle ride, it struggled to compete with rivals in terms of agility, cabin quality, and rear-seat roominess.
Hyundai Veloster
Some users may find the Veloster’s cabin cramped and uncomfortable as well, limited rear visibility, small backseat and underpowered engine.
Chevrolet Malibu (Pre-2016)
The Chevrolet Malibu had a reputation for its lackluster interior before 2016. The interior plastics looked cheap and seemed like a step back in design. However, post-2016 models show significant improvements in this area.
Nissan Rogue Sport
The layout seems cluttered and materials feel cheap, making the driving experience less enjoyable. While the car offers versatility with its cargo space, the overall disappointment in its interior design remains a major drawback for those who prioritize aesthetics and comfort.
20 Classic Cars That Are The Market’s Best-Kept Secrets
Classic cars are admired for their timeless design, nostalgia, and unique features not found in modern vehicles. Some of the best deals in the used car market are American-made. You might be surprised by this list of affordable vintage cars you probably haven’t heard of.
READ GUIDE: 20 Affordable Classic Cars That Are Hidden Gems In The Market!
