Really Bad Car Names

When making a new car there must come a time to think about its name. It can make a big difference in initial reputation, so it is not a trivial task. Now, some companies have got it all figured out. For example, Mercedes-Benz names the cars according to the class they belong to and then add the number that used to mark the displacement. The BMW does a similar thing, just all in numbers. The first digit represents the size of the car and the following two the displacement. And it works like a charm. Some others opted for a different kind of names that should mean something. No one can say that Mustang, Aventador or Carrera are bad names. But these meanings can be pretty dangerous, especially if you don’t research a particular market. For example, there is a Korean drink named Coolpis. Imagine ordering a Coolpis in an English-speaking country. Fun, right? Well, here are some cars whose names were not very well researched.

Dodge Dart Swinger

And it came out in 1969. We can safely assume that it wasn’t very popular with the conservative crowds. Just imagine: “The Missus and I went to the car dealership and saw a lovely Swinger there. We couldn’t wait to get that lovely thing home”. What the hell?! And they had the idea to name the fastback version Beaver. What planet were they on, not knowing the slang meaning? Really, Chrysler?

1970 Swinger

Photo: Wikipedia

Ford Probe

Even before the name was announced, you could have known that something was wrong. I mean, a FWD sport car? And back in 1989? And then the name. Ok, the word does mean loads of things, but “being excited about getting a Probe” is not something you would like to say very often.

Probe based on Mazda design

Photo: Wikipedia

Subaru BRAT

The BRAT part was supposed to be short for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter. But, I’m not sure anyone in the US realized this. Despite the name it was sold for 15 years. I guess that badly behaved spoilt children were popular at the time.

Photo: Wikipedia

Daihatsu Charade

Daihatsu Mockery. Or Travesty, if you prefer these. Because that is what the word “charade” means. Even better is the Merriam-Webster’s definition of the word that says it is “an empty or deceptive act or pretense”. To be honest, the name might have been perfect, since these slow and tiny rides were not the most adored cars. Crappy design, worse durability and sluggish performance. They even had the 1-litre diesel engine and that was way before the diesels became the respected common rail machines. So you can imagine how slooooow it was. Well, at least they were honest.

This is actually the improved second generation of the Charade

Photo: Wikipedia

Studebaker Dictator

                Ok, the idea was ok-ish, but the timing was so very wrong. They wanted their car to dictate the standards in the industry, but several years later Hitler became known aaaand that was the end of this name.

1937 Studebaker Dictator

Photo: Wikipedia