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 literal ones like the Isuzu GIGA 20 Light Dump, these vehicles prove that branding can be a bumpy ride.

At First Class Auto Sales, we know that what’s under the hood matters more than the name on it. That’s why we focus on offering reliable vehicles with financing options for everyone—no matter your credit situation. But today, let’s take a detour into some of the funniest and most mismatched car names in automotive history.

1. Quirky or Silly Names

Some car names sound like they belong to a pet or a household product rather than a vehicle. Here are a few head-scratchers:

  • AMC Gremlin: A compact car from the 1970s with a name that invited jokes. With its reputation for unreliability, the name only added fuel to the fire—pun intended.

  • Plymouth Duster: A sporty coupe with a name better suited for cleaning shelves than hitting the open road.

  • Suzuki Cappuccino: Cute and zippy, but imagine telling your friends you just bought a Cappuccino. It sounds more like a trip to the café than the dealership.

  • Subaru Brat: Rugged and capable, but the name suggests it might throw a tantrum at any moment.

  • Daihatsu Charade: A name that suggests it’s pretending to be something it’s not—definitely not the confidence booster you’d want in a car.

2. Overly Literal or Corporate Names

These car names sound like they were plucked straight from a spec sheet:

  • Nissan Friend-ME: This concept car felt like a social media plea in vehicle form.

  • Chrysler TC by Maserati: An attempt to sound fancy but ended up sounding like a corporate collaboration gone wrong.

  • Isuzu GIGA 20 Light Dump: Practical? Yes. Catchy? Not so much.

  • Mazda Titan Dump: A truck name that screams construction site rather than the open road.

3. Names That Tried Too Hard

Sometimes, car names aim for sophistication but end up wide of the mark:

  • Chevrolet Citation: Meant to exude authority but just reminded drivers of traffic tickets.

  • Ford Probe: A sporty coupe with a name that sounded far too clinical.

  • Triumph Mayflower: Historical, yes. Exciting? Not so much.

4. Cultural or Linguistic Missteps

Some names just didn’t translate well in other markets:

  • Chevrolet Nova: Infamous for its Spanish translation, where “no va” means “it doesn’t go.”

  • Toyota Deliboy: A delivery van that sounded more like a lunch mascot.

  • Nissan Cedric: Great for an uncle, but not so much for a car.

What’s in a Name?

To quote Shakespeare, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But when it comes to cars, names matter—sometimes more than the car itself!

At First Class Auto Sales, we focus on offering vehicles that live up to their name. Whether you're looking for something adventurous, practical, or bold, we have the perfect car for your lifestyle—and we make it easy to drive it home with buy here pay here financing, bad credit auto loans, and zero down payment options.

Stop by First Class Auto Sales in Goodlettsville, TN, or visit FirstClassAutoSales.com today to browse our inventory. Who knows? You might just find your dream car with the perfect name—and financing to match!