The Strangest Car Names Ever Used
The Strangest Car Names Ever Used
The automotive industry is filled with creativity, innovation, and sometimes, downright bizarre naming choices. While some car names evoke power, elegance, or speed, others leave us scratching our heads, wondering what the manufacturers were thinking. From whimsical wordplay to outright puzzling monikers, the world of automobiles has seen its fair share of strange and unforgettable names.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the weirdest, funniest, and most perplexing car names ever used. Whether they were lost in translation, inspired by obscure references, or simply the result of questionable marketing decisions, these names prove that not every vehicle can be a “Mustang” or a “Corvette.”
1. The Nissan Cedric – A Car Named After a British Novel Character
Yes, you read that right. The Nissan Cedric was a popular sedan in Japan, named after the fictional character Cedric Errol from the 1886 novel Little Lord Fauntleroy. While the name might sound refined in literature, slapping it onto a family car seems oddly out of place. Did Nissan expect drivers to feel like aristocratic gentlemen every time they turned the ignition?
The Cedric remained in production for decades, proving that a peculiar name doesn’t necessarily doom a car—but it certainly raises eyebrows.
2. The Mazda Bongo Friendee – A Minivan That Sounds Like a Jazz Band
Mazda’s Bongo Friendee is perhaps one of the most delightfully absurd car names ever conceived. Introduced in the 1990s, this minivan’s name sounds like a rejected title for a children’s TV show or a quirky indie band.
Why “Bongo”? Possibly referencing the drum, suggesting rhythm and fun. And “Friendee”? Maybe an attempt to make it sound friendly? Either way, the name didn’t help it gain much traction outside Japan, though it remains a cult favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its oddball charm.
3. The Mitsubishi Pajero – A Name That Became a Problem in Spanish
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a rugged SUV known in many markets as the Montero or Shogun. But why the name change?
Well, in Spanish-speaking countries, “pajero” is slang for… well, let’s just say it’s not a flattering term. Mitsubishi quickly realized their mistake and rebranded the vehicle to avoid awkward conversations at dealerships. A classic case of a name getting lost in translation!
4. The Toyota Isis – An Unfortunate Naming Choice
Toyota’s Isis was a compact MPV sold in Japan from 2004 to 2017. At the time of its launch, the name (inspired by the Egyptian goddess) seemed harmless. However, as global events unfolded, the association with a certain extremist group made the name problematic.
Toyota eventually discontinued the Isis, proving that even seemingly innocent names can become regrettable over time.
5. The Daihatsu Naked – Because Why Not?
The Daihatsu Naked is a kei car that sounds like it belongs in a dystopian cyberpunk novel. Was it meant to symbolize transparency? Minimalism? Or just a bold (and slightly awkward) marketing move?
Either way, driving a car called the “Naked” would certainly make for interesting small talk at traffic lights.
6. The Chevrolet Nova – A Legendary Translation Blunder?
You’ve probably heard the urban legend: Chevrolet’s Nova failed in Latin America because “no va” supposedly means “doesn’t go” in Spanish. While this story has been debunked (the Nova actually sold decently in some Spanish-speaking markets), it remains a cautionary tale about the importance of cross-cultural name checks.
7. The Ford Probe – A Name That Didn’t Sit Well with Buyers
The Ford Probe was a sleek, futuristic sports coupe in the late 1980s and 1990s. Unfortunately, its name evoked medical procedures rather than speed and excitement.
Ford had originally intended the Probe to replace the Mustang, but backlash from fans forced them to keep the Mustang alive—and the Probe faded into obscurity.
8. The Honda That’s – Because Naming a Car Shouldn’t Be This Confusing
Honda’s That’s is a kei car whose name leaves everyone puzzled. Was it meant to be a placeholder? A philosophical statement? Or just a random word chosen for its simplicity?
Regardless, trying to search for “Honda That’s” online leads to some amusingly confusing results.
9. The Suzuki Mighty Boy – A Tiny Truck with a Big Ego
The Suzuki Mighty Boy is a micro pickup truck that sounds like it was named by a five-year-old. Despite its diminutive size, the “Mighty Boy” moniker suggests an overconfident attitude, making it one of the most ironically named vehicles in history.
10. The Volkswagen Thing – Literally Just Called “Thing”
Volkswagen’s Thing (known as the Type 181 in some markets) is a military-inspired utility vehicle that looks like it was cobbled together from spare parts. Its name is as straightforward as it gets—no fancy branding, just “Thing.”
Surprisingly, the lack of a creative name didn’t stop it from becoming a quirky classic.
Conclusion: What Were They Thinking?
From translation mishaps to outright bizarre choices, the automotive world has given us some truly strange car names. While some of these vehicles became cult classics despite their odd monikers, others serve as cautionary tales in marketing and branding.
One thing’s for sure: car naming is an art—and sometimes, manufacturers miss the mark in the most entertaining ways.
What’s the weirdest car name you’ve ever heard? Let us know in the comments!
