Car Names That Make You Do a Double Take
Have you ever met someone whose name just didn’t fit them? Cars are no different. Some models have names that leave you scratching your head—or laughing out loud. From quirky choices like the AMC Gremlin to overly descriptive ones like the Isuzu GIGA 20 Light Dump, these cars prove that branding can be a bumpy ride. Let’s explore some of the most mismatched names in automotive history.
1. Quirky or Silly Names
Some car names sound like they were meant for something other than a car—maybe a pet, a drink, or even a household chore. These names are as puzzling as they are funny.
AMC Gremlin: A compact car from the 1970s with a name that practically begged for jokes. It’s hard not to picture little gremlins tinkering under the hood, especially after the Gremlins movie came out in 1984, cementing the connection between the car and chaotic mischief. Coincidence? Maybe, but the name certainly didn’t help its reputation for reliability.
Plymouth Duster: A sporty coupe with a name that sounds more suited for cleaning shelves than burning rubber. It’s hard to imagine someone saying, “I’ll take the Duster!” without thinking about a household chore.
Suzuki Cappuccino: Cute, compact, and zippy—just like a shot of espresso. But imagine pulling up to your friends and saying, “I just bought a Cappuccino!” They’d think you went to a café instead of a dealership.
Subaru Brat: Rugged and capable, but calling a car “Brat” seems like a strange branding choice. Did it really want to be seen as annoying or spoiled?
Daihatsu Charade: A name that unintentionally suggests it’s faking being a real car. Not exactly confidence-inspiring!
2. Overly Descriptive or Too Corporate
These names sound like they came straight out of a spec sheet—or a boardroom. They’re so literal or formal that it’s hard to imagine anyone saying them with a straight face.
Nissan Friend-ME: This concept car feels like a social media plea in car form. “Friend-ME” might’ve aimed to connect with millennials, but it just ended up sounding awkward.
Chrysler TC by Maserati: The name makes sure you know it’s fancy, but in trying so hard to impress, it feels more like a corporate memo than a car.
Isuzu GIGA 20 Light Dump: This truck’s name is so literal, it’s comical. Imagine saying, “I drive a Light Dump.” Yeah, no.
Mazda Titan Dump: Another truck name that sounds more like construction equipment than a vehicle for the road.
Nissan Big Thumb: was a heavy-duty truck introduced in the early 1990s. It was designed for commercial use, particularly for long-haul and freight applications.
3. Names That Tried Too Hard
Sometimes, car names aim for big ideas but fall short—or worse, give off completely the wrong impression.
Chevrolet Citation: This name might’ve been aiming for authority, but all it did was remind people of speeding tickets. Not a great association for a car.
Ford Probe: A sporty coupe with a name that sounded more clinical than exciting. Let’s just say it didn’t inspire visions of the open road.
Hyundai Scoupe: A mash-up of “sporty” and “coupe” that ended up as clunky as the car’s design.
AMC Pacer: Practical, yes, but the name lacked excitement. It sounds more like a piece of exercise equipment than a car.
Triumph Mayflower: Historical, but not exactly thrilling. It’s hard to imagine the Mayflower inspiring speed or adventure on the road.
4. Cultural or Linguistic Missteps
Sometimes, a name works in one language but misses the mark—or gets completely lost—in another.
Chevrolet Nova: The classic example of a name that didn’t translate well in Spanish-speaking markets, where “no va” means “it doesn’t go.”
Mitsubishi Minica Lettuce: Yes, lettuce. Naming a car after salad ingredients isn’t exactly inspiring.
Toyota Deliboy: A practical delivery van, but the name sounds more like a sandwich mascot than a vehicle.
Nissan Cedric: Great for an uncle, not so much for a car. It’s hard to imagine anyone saying, “Check out my new Cedric!”
Subaru FF-1 Star: Too technical and forgettable, this name didn’t do much to spark excitement.
Yugo Florida: A random geographic name that didn’t add much appeal to a car that needed all the help it could get.
What’s in a Name?
To borrow a line from Shakespeare: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But would a car by any other name sell as well? Probably not. After all, it’s hard to picture anyone rushing to buy a “Friend-ME” or proudly telling their friends, “I drive a Big Thumb.”
From the mischievous Gremlin to the frothy Cappuccino, these names prove that branding matters—sometimes more than the car itself. While they might not have lived up to their names, they’ve left a legacy of laughs and head-scratching moments.
Thankfully, car names have come a long way, often reflecting the personality and purpose of the vehicle. Whether you’re looking for something adventurous, practical, or bold, today’s options are designed to fit your lifestyle seamlessly. Explore our full inventory to find one that’s perfect for you—name and all.
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