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10 Funny Car Names that You Won’t Believe Exist

ByPhilipp Meister-June 13, 2024

Mustang, Viper, Odyssey, Voyager, are some of the truly nifty, inventive names for cars. But, there are plenty of funny car names that have nothing to do with their looks or features. 

Most people focus on the color, design, style, and engine power when buying a brand new automobile. But, you should watch out for the names too or you may end up with something like the ones featured here.

10 Funny Car Names that You Won’t Believe Exist

Many of the cars on this list don’t exist anymore. Well, the manufacturers have learned the hard way that ridiculous car names may create laughter and buzz but can’t make profits!

Honda That’s (2002 – 2007)

…What? Yes, you’ve heard it right! It may sound like an incomplete sentence but it’s the name of a Japanese MVP/estate that hit the market in 2002. 

We don’t know what the marketing people were thinking but Honda kept producing those wagons with that ludicrous name until 2007.

Volkswagen Thing (1968 – 1983)

…What? Yes, you’ve heard it right! It may sound like an incomplete sentence but it’s the name of a Japanese MVP/estate that hit the market in 2002. We don’t know what the marketing people were thinking but Honda kept producing those wagons with that ludicrous name until 2007.

Volkswagen Thing (1968 – 1983)

Volkswagen Thing (Photo source: Driven NZ)

What thing? Well, don’t ask us! Ask the Germans what Volkswagen meant with the word ‘thing’ when naming that somewhat weird convertible.

The design will remind you of a bad mesh up of a Volkswagen Beetle and a pontoon boat. However, despite having a bad design and an equally horrific name, Volkswagen produced it for 15 years!

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Ford Probe (1989-97)

Ford Probe (Photo source: Ford)

It was produced it as a competition to the Acura Integra. But, the name just sucks! What’s the image that comes to your mind after hearing the word ‘probe’? Exactly! Do you want everyone to grin or squirm after hearing your car’s name?

Mitsubishi Minica Lettuce (1989-93)

Mitsubishi Minica Lettuce (photo source: Bestcarmag)

It’s bound to make the list of funny car names because nothing could be as nonsensical as this is! And, if you’re wondering, this model has nothing to do with veg salads or rabbits!

Tang Hua Detroit Fish

Tang Hua Detroit Fish (photo source: Automotive Addicts)

It’s a cylindrical-shaped amphibious car from China. So, the word ‘fish’ seems appropriate given that it can swim in water. What does the name of an American city have to do with a car?

Mitsubishi Mini Active Urban Sandal

Mitsubishi Mini Active Urban Sandal (photo source: Mitsubishi)

The car features the Smart For Two concept that could have been futuristic if it had been produced in 1985. But, it was a 1995 production and the name just seems like a few words have been thrown together. Thank God that it didn’t get past the concept car stage!

Mohs Ostentatienne Opera Sedan

You know what a luxury car is! You can spot one amid hundreds in a traffic. But, you don’t need to name a car ‘Ostentatienne’ to indicate its luxuriousness. It’s just pure disgusting! Nevertheless, Mohs did it for their luxury opera sedan from 1967.

Maserati Quattroporte (1963 – ongoing)

Maserati Quattroporte (photo source: Edmunds)

It’s an executive sedan with a beautiful design, and the name does not sound odd if you don’t speak Italian. Do you think you won’t laugh at a car that has a weird name like Maserati ‘Four Doors’? Well, that is what the Italians use the word ‘Quattroporte’ for.

King Midget (1946 – 1970)

King Midget (photo source: Wikimedia Commons)

This microcar could be the perfect choice for Tyrion Lannister! Alas, the company had folded in 1970 and so was its funny-named car. It had a one-cylinder engine with just 9 horsepower and the design was ridiculous too!

AMC Gremlin (1970 – 1978)

AMC Gremlin (photo source: Carbuzz)

The car had a devoted fan following but the marketing team chose a rather odd name. The name incited even more interest after the 1984 cult classic featuring a mischievous creature named Gremlin.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011-2014)

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, introduced in 2011, was a distinctive convertible SUV that merged the versatility of an SUV with open-air driving.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (Photo: Car and Driver)

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with AWD, it offered luxury features like leather seats, heated seats, and a Bose sound system.

Despite its unique concept, it faced mixed reviews and limited sales, leading to its discontinuation after the 2014 model year. Its rarity has made it a collectible vehicle, but owners may face challenges in finding aftermarket parts and maintenance.

FAQs

  1. Why do some car manufacturers choose funny names for their vehicles?

Car manufacturers sometimes use funny names to grab attention, create buzz, or differentiate their models from competitors. It can be a marketing strategy to make the vehicle memorable.

  1. Are these funny car names common, or are they rare?

Hilarious car names are relatively rare. Most car manufacturers opt for more conventional names to maintain a professional image. However, some niche or special edition models may have humorous names.

  1. Do car names affect the popularity of a vehicle?

It depends. While a laughable name can make a vehicle memorable, it may also lead to potential buyers not taking it seriously.

Ultimately, the vehicle’s features and performance play a more significant role in its popularity.

  1. Are funny car names limited to a specific country or region?

No, funny car names can be found in various countries and regions around the world. Car manufacturers from different places may use humor in naming their models.

  1. Are there any benefits to having a funny car name?

While it can make a car more memorable, it may also be a double-edged sword. Some buyers might appreciate the uniqueness, while others may prefer more traditional names.

Check out this video from Donut for more fun facts about car names around the world!

Final Words

In conclusion, the world of automobiles is not only about engineering and performance; it can also be surprisingly humorous and unconventional when it comes to naming vehicles.

The existence of funny car names reminds us that creativity and a touch of whimsy can find their way into even the most serious industries.

While these names may not always guarantee a vehicle’s success, they do leave a lasting impression and spark conversations among car enthusiasts!

For more Industry Knowledge, follow Car From Japan today!

Philipp Meister is an amazing part of Car From Japan’s blogger team. After obtaining a degree in Automotive Technology from Technical University of Munich, Philipp worked as a technician in various Volvo dealerships. He has long been a car owner and enthusiast. With over 20 years experience in the automotive industry, he has great discussions about car that provide you interesting information of most famous cars. If you are a car lover and want to get most-updated trend of automotive industry, Philipp’s blog is a must-visit site.

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