When it comes to vehicles, what’s in a name? Names like Ford Mustang, AMC Gremlin, and Jeep Gladiator are cool-sounding, and titles like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Lexus LS 400 symbolize reliability.
But there are vehicle names that are not just abnormal — they’re head-scratchingly bizarre.
It doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong with the cars, trucks, vans, or whatever. But when you see these 16 strange vehicle names, you’ll wonder, “What were they thinking?”
Honda That’s
Manufactured by Honda for the Japanese market between 2002 and 2007, the Honda That’s is one strange vehicle name. It was a small five-door hatchback with up to 63 horsepower and a 3-speed automatic tranny. But imagine going to a car dealership and telling a salesperson, “I want that That’s.”
Renault Le Car
The Renault R5 was marketed in the U.S. as Renault Le Car from 1976 to 1983. What’s odd about the name? “Le Car” is French for “the car.” Couldn’t the French carmaker have come up with a more unique title?
Perodua Kancil
The Perodua Kancil was made by Perodua, a Malaysian carmaker, from 1994 to 2009. The car wasn’t much to look at; its appearance is similar to the old Honda Civic Wagons. But the name “Kancil” should be “Canceled.”
Nissan Fuga
Built mostly for the Japanese market, the Nissan Fuga had three engine options. The most powerful was a hybrid model with a 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor that produced 360 hp. It had a continuously variable transmission and rear-wheel drive. It also had a humorously funny name…Fuga.
Subaru BRAT
The Subaru BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter) was a small truck the carmaker manufactured between 1978 and 1994. There were two engine options — a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder producing 67 hp and 81 lb-ft of torque and a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder producing 73 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque. Buyers could choose between a 4-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic tranny. While that’s fine and dandy, did they have to select the “brat” acronym?
Studebaker Dictator
If you’re a megalomaniac and want everyone to know it, why not track down a Studebaker Dictator? It was a vehicle manufactured by Studebaker Corp. from 1927 to 1937. But, in all seriousness, it wasn’t marketed toward dictator types. It referred to the vehicle as the standard for other cars in its category. But the name “Dictator” is still odd.
Mazda Carol Me Lady
The Mazda Carol Me Lady, manufactured for the Japanese market and marketed to the female demographic, is another weird name for a vehicle. It was made from the late ’80s to the early ’90s.
Suzuki Every Joypop Turbo
The Suzuki Every Joypop Turbo was manufactured for the Japanese market. It was a small van with a 0.66-liter F6A turbocharged inline-3 engine producing 64 hp and 85 lb-ft of torque.
It also had the option of a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Oh, and the name of the vehicle was mighty strange.
Peugeot Bipper Tepee Outdoor
A compact multi-purpose vehicle, the Peugeot Bipper Tepee Outdoor was designed for urban and light off-road motoring. It had two engine options, two transmission options, and a front-wheel drive drivetrain. The vehicle was mostly sold in European markets.
Mazda LaPuta
Well, this one’s unfortunate. While the Mazda LaPuta might be a good car overall, “LaPuta” means “female dog” in Spanish, so it might not have been the best title. The vehicle was a joint venture between Mazda and Suzuki and was sold mostly in Japan from 1999 to 2006.
Suzuki Esteem
Should Suzuki have given a name like “Esteem” to a cheap vehicle with lackluster specs? If someone needs a boost in their self-esteem, the Suzuki Esteem won’t cut it.
Ford Escort
Does this one need an explanation? The name pays homage to the oldest profession in the world. No thanks!
Volkswagen Thing
Okay, who at Volkswagen thought it was a good idea to name a car “Thing”? That doesn’t seem like the wisest of marketing moves.
However, the Volkswagen Thing was produced from 1968 to 1983. While it was made for military use, it was popular in the civilian market. And, yes, it came to the U.S. in the ’70s.
Nissan Friend-Me
The Nissan Friend-Me was a concept car rolled out at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. Manufactured mostly for the Chinese market, the vehicle featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine capable of 150 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. But, “Friend-Me”? Come on!
Mazda Bongo Friendee
The Mazda Bongo Friendee was a versatile campervan with a spacious interior. It was loved by outdoor enthusiasts who enjoyed camping in nature. Manufactured from the mid-’90s to the early part of the following decade, the vehicle was popular. But it was also named the “Mazda Bongo Friendee,” for crying out loud.
Mitsubishi Minica Lettuce
The Mitsubishi Minica Lettuce, manufactured from 1990 to 1998, was a compact vehicle focused on urban motorists. But would you want to drive a car named after a vegetable? Probably not.
Can You Think of Weirder Vehicle Names?
These are 16 vehicles with oddball names — the kind of titles that’ll leave you bewildered. Do you agree or disagree with these entries? Let us know in the comments. And add some names we may have missed.
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