Just some cars I think look cool
That's all.
I like cars. I don’t like car-dependent societies, but I like cars.
These are some cars that I think look cool. They are not necessarily the cars that I think are the best-looking. But they are the cars whose designs live rent-free in my head.
There are a lot of Nissans on this list. Make of that what you will.
Cadillac SRX
2010–2016
Cadillac called this design language “Art and Science.” (A design language is a set of design characteristics applied to multiple products, like cars.)
In the rear, the angles and beveled edges, combined with the chrome elements and red taillights, remind me of jewelry or perfume bottles. I think that energy contrasts well with the slightly rugged roof rails and slightly aggressive fake side vents.
Also, I just discovered that the fake side vents light up.
Chrysler Crossfire
2004–2008
Remember when Chrysler made more than one car? There still aren’t any sports cars that look quite like this one.
Look how dramatic the curve of the rear end is. The line down the side is quite pronounced too, and Wikipedia points out how it sort of “cuts into” the car and inverts direction.
Dodge Caliber
2007–2012
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This terrible hatchback is trying really hard to pretend it’s masculine and rugged. Which is both disingenuous and sort of pathetically endearing. If nothing else, it still looks pretty unique.
The first few years of the Caliber have perhaps the most depressing car interior of all time.
Hyundai Nexo
2026–present
Not sold in the United States
The reason Hyundai doesn’t sell this here is that it’s powered by hydrogen, and only one state, California, even has hydrogen fueling stations.
But gosh, if they did sell this here and it wasn’t powered by hydrogen, I think people would snap it up. Hyundai calls this design language “Art of Steel.” I love the corrugations in the doors, the square rear lighting, and the way the back side window exists in this weird diagonal strip that runs across the side of the car.
Aesthetically, this seems like a more tasteful version of what the Cybertruck was trying to do.
Mazda CX-7
2007–2012
This car is my favorite blob. I love the subtle kink in the window line, plus the dramatic wheel arches.
Nissan Juke
2027 (future vehicle)
Not sold in the United States
Yes, this is actually a real car. Or at least, it’s going to be soon. (But not in the United States.)
Look how polygonal the doors are.
Nissan Maxima
2016–2023
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As I recall, when Nissan introduced the 2015 Murano (the next car on this list), they came up with the “floating roof” design where the paint color of the roof doesn’t connect to the rest of the car. Every other car company copied this design for their SUVs. But Nissan was so into the floating roof, it made its way to their sedans too.
I love the two subtle flowing lines on the side of the car, plus the tiny chrome “V” in the grille. (Nissan called this “V-Motion.”)
Nissan Murano
2015–2024
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Writing about the floating roof prompted me to look up this generation of the Murano, and I realized it actually still looks so cool. The big flowing line across the side definitely helps.
Nissan Murano
2025–present
This car (the replacement to the car above) is the reason I wrote this post, because every time I see one of these on the road, I turn to look at it.
The split front grille looked weird to me at first, but now I love it. And I love the daytime running lights that are just thin stacked horizontal lines.
I’m obsessed with the lines on the side of the car and around the windows. Curved lines, straight lines, parallel lines, intersecting lines, lines that flare out… The effect is subtle yet fascinating.
No more floating roof, though. The floating roof is now out of vogue.
Opel Adam
2013–2019
Not sold in the United States
You might hate this particular color, but come on. You can’t hate the shape. Or the size. Or the white roof and mirrors. Or the two perfect curved lines on the side.
Saab 9-5
2010–2012
It’s a shame this car was only sold for three years before Saab folded.
All the Swedish brands — all two of them, Saab and Volvo — loved themselves a boxy sedan. I feel like we should bring those back.
This car is subtle yet stunning. I love the parallel horizontal lines across the side of the car. I love the tiny vent-like thing by the front wheel. I love the roof that looks like it’s floating but in the front. (You don’t see that effect often on sedans either.)
And the light bar on the back, while overdone now, was ahead of its time then too.
Suzuki Ignis
2016–2026
Not sold in the United States
This car is egregiously cute. It’s sort of like the Dodge Caliber in that it tries to look rugged but it isn’t, but I think the difference is that this car also owns its cuteness.
I love the wheel arches. I also love how the back window kicks up and makes space for Adidas-style diagonal stripes. Wikipedia says these stripes reference the vents from a Suzuki of the late 1970s.
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Any favorites from this list, or any other cars you think look cool? Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe:
See you next time.
The Adam is adorable! There used to be a US Nissan Juke. It was cute and sporty looking but drove like most Nissans of the time. Love how all the design languages are 'Art of...' How about Art of Making a Good Looking car that also drives well?
You help me see things I would never look at, in ways I would never be able on my own. Beautiful. Thanks!!