Personifying cars by giving them a face isn’t actually weird. Designers intentionally shape headlights, grilles, and intakes to create a distinct character. Research on product “facial” expressions shows people do read emotions into product fronts, and that can influence how much they like a design.
Today, I’m going to focus on the more adorable side of the car face spectrum. These are cars that give off a positive energy, whether it’s joy, curiosity, or excitement.
These are cars that will just leave you smiling if you spot them at a car meet or have the chance to drive one. So, cuteness is technically subjective, but if you don’t find these cars cute, I’m going to have to assume you’re miserable.
What Makes a Car Cute?
In all honesty, cuteness is truly subjective, and you may not find these cars cute. However, I think I’m a bit of an expert on cute cars. I own two cars found on this list because I personally love a car that is both enjoyable to drive and extremely cute. If you can guess which two I own, let me know!
While I’m as much of an expert on cute car faces as one can become (unless there’s a certification I haven’t heard of), I also checked forums and other car discussions to see which cars others found adorable as well. I wanted to make this a very unbiased collection of cars that cover a wide range of styles, all of which are cute in their own way. There wasn’t really a very scientific formula involved, but I think you’ll have a hard time disagreeing with me when you lay witness to these cars.
Mazda Miata
There’s a reason this car has become associated with the “Yipee! Yipee!” meme online. With its friendly, round pop-up headlights and wide, toothless grin, the Miata looks extremely approachable, which is very appropriate for a car that’s known for being a great first manual to learn on.
Mazda designed the NA generation with this playful and friendly aesthetic in mind, as the Miata was intended to be an accessible sports car for all driving levels. Now, the Miata’s signature expression has made it an icon over 30 years later.
Austin-Healey Bug-Eye Sprite
It’s not fast. The original Bug Eye Sprite was rated around 43 horsepower, and period testing put 0 to 60 mph at about 20.5 seconds. But look at this thing. Look at its earnest face. This is a humble car that’s just happy to be on the road. It looks in awe of its surroundings, with its goofy pop-ups and tiny grin.
Even if you never reach 80 mph, you’ll definitely find yourself smiling while driving one of these silly things.
Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise looks like an energetic, naughty little alien that can’t wait to cause a little chaos. With its multiple “eyes” and the vents next to its grille, the Elise reminds me of the Xenomorph in Alien (hence why I have officially called mine “Xeno”), but less evil, of course.
On top of looking like an extraterrestrial creature that’s enjoying its escape from authorities, the Elise is super tiny. You’ll find yourself well below window level of a lot of regular traffic, giving the Elise an even more adorable aesthetic. Good luck getting out of one if you have bad knees, though.
Daihatsu Opti
The Opti is what a toddler would look like in car form. Its wide, close-set headlights and overly big “I don’t know how to smile for school pictures yet” grin are just too cute. The Opti looks like it may have had too much sugar and is just rearing to run around.
However, just like a clumsy kid, the Opti was never built for speed.
Mitsuoka Orochi
Remember when I said that the Elise was some kind of on-the-run alien? Well, it looks like the Orochi escaped along with it. While it’s from a completely different planet, it still has that otherworldly face with multiple eyes and a serpent-like mouth. I’d say the Orochi is a bit creepier than the Elise, but it’s probably just misunderstood.
With headlights that are evenly set with its grille, the Orochi looks a bit squished, like an anvil fell on its head and it’s now a bit confused but still happy to be roaming the earth.
Panoz Esperante
Speaking of lost brain cells, have you seen the Esperante lately? Its headlights are awkwardly far apart and on raised bumps that sort of resemble cheeks. Its grille is almost sliding off its face; it’s so low. The Esperante basically looks like a child’s attempt at drawing a face, but they put all the features too far apart.
Of course, the Esperante is too clueless to notice. It appears to be drooling as it gleefully takes in its surroundings in awe.
Mazda 3 (Second Generation)
I have never seen a more excited-looking car. Its slanted eyes look like they’re glimmering with mischievous plans, but its massive, open-mouthed smile is giving it all away.
While the Miata MX-5 has a more innocent, clueless expression, the Mazda 3 looks genuinely gleeful and like it may yell out “Hooray” at any point. This is one enthusiastic car.
McLaren P1
With a top speed of 217 mph, this track monster gets the adrenaline pumping. That’s why the P1 looks like it’s smiling from ear to ear. Its wide shark-like grin appears to be pushing its cheeks into its sparkling headlights. It almost appears to be saying, “Heh, heh, heh,” excited to pass anyone who gets in its way.
A lot of people’s smiles will fade away, however, when they hear the P1 costs about $1.15 million when new.
Volkswagen Beetle
With its beady, spaced-out eyes and long, thin grimace, the Bug’s face is the epitome of “no thoughts.” Inside its head, you’d probably see a shoestring, a dust ball, and a monkey with cymbals.
Volkswagen leaned into the Beetle’s lovable, oddball face in the 1960s, and U.S. sales were strong by the end of the decade, helped by legendary Doyle Dane Bernbach advertising. It’s looked absolutely clueless and proud of it for decades.
Ferrari F40
The Ferrari F40’s face is interesting in that it’s very expressive. When its pop-up headlights are down, it actually looks quite sad. Due to the angle of its square signal lights and its faintly smiling grille, the Ferrari F40 looks almost defeated, like it lost a race and is deeply ashamed. It’s almost too sad to look at!
However, when its headlights pop up, the lights below look more like it’s blushing! The Ferrari F40 appears hopeful, optimistic, bashful, and ready to give it another go. It’s just an adorable expression that I’m shocked can be captured in a car. Leave it to Ferrari to make an icon that has become a seven-figure collectible but still manages to look adorable (and yes, still expensive).
Did You Make It Without Smiling?
If you looked at these cars and didn’t feel the need to smile or squeal at their faces, I think it’s time to look inward and figure out why you choose to be so miserable. You came face-to-face with a Miata and didn’t feel your heart melting? You’re either lying or you refuse to experience joy.
In all seriousness (as serious as this can get), everyone finds different things cute. If these cars didn’t match your definition of cute, I’d love to hear your own suggestions! What cars make you smile?