Australia's Most Embarrassing Cars Ever Sold

Many drivers view their vehicle as a reflection of their personality, but some machines fail to project confidence on the road. While luxury sedans and sports cars make a statement, a 2003 Wheels report identified several vehicles that simply blended into the background for all the wrong reasons. The magazine assessed these models as some of the most embarrassing cars ever sold in Australia, citing poor build quality, lackluster performance, and questionable styling choices.

Models that left drivers red-faced

The list of failures includes several imports and domestic models that struggled to find a market. The Ford Cortina TC/TD faced criticism for its distinctive “coke-bottle” styling, which often looked tatty quickly. Owners noted that the crease lines on rear doors rarely aligned, and the interior finish was appalling. By the time the TD model arrived in 1974, the car’s roadholding was described as terrible on anything but smooth bitumen, with parts reportedly falling off during use. The brakes were prone to fading, and the steering wheel could even be torn from the driver’s hands under heavy braking on loose surfaces.

Imported vehicles fared little better. The Fiat Argenta, a facelifted version of the 132 sedan, arrived in Australia in 1983 with a price tag of $20,000. At the time, the original 132 was selling for just $12,000. Wheels described the car as a “boxy, body-clad heap” that lacked flair and was so bland it was expected to be boring, yet it managed to annoy drivers with irritating design choices. The car also had a reputation for poor handling, with Fiat reportedly making four attempts to fix the suspension issues over its lifespan.

Reliability and build quality were major issues for the Alfa Romeo 33, released in 1984 to replace the beloved Alfasud. Despite the Alfasud’s rust problems, the 33 regressed by using rear drum brakes instead of discs. The car’s high-tail body was considered too weak, and the electrics were described as hopeless. Inside, the experience was uncomfortable; door trims were made of cardboard, and the roof lining eventually turned to powder, effectively “snowing” on passengers if touched.

From the East and the West

Early Korean cars in Australia were notorious for their lack of appeal. The Hyundai Excel X1, launched in 1986, was described as excelling at transporting “mindless drones” at low speeds. Its blocky styling made a lump of wood look svelte, and the cabin plastics were so cheap they were benchmarked against disposable cutlery. The car’s breathless performance and hopeless trends cemented it as a laughing stock, though it gained a cult following for its surprising ruggedness.

Things got worse with the Lada Samara, which made the Excel seem palatable by comparison. Arriving in 1988, the car looked modern only next to its Niva 4WD relative. So bad was Lada’s build quality that, in Europe, Russian-built Samaras were sent to Belgium, stripped, and rebuilt before sale.