Cars are a big part of our lives and we often spend a lot of time in them. Whether we’re commuting to work or going on a road trip, cars are a necessary mode of transportation. But, have you ever come across a car name or model that made you chuckle? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 funniest car names and model names that have been used in the automotive industry.
Ford Pinto:
This car was produced by Ford from 1971 to 1980 and was known for its small size and fuel efficiency. However, the name “Pinto” is also a slang term for a small male genitalia. The Pinto was also known for its tendency to catch fire in rear-end collisions. This led to a recall and a lawsuit, making the name even more unfortunate.
Suzuki X-90:
This car was produced by Suzuki from 1995 to 1997, and was a sports utility coupe. The name “X-90” sounds like “eXtra small” which is quite ironic as the car was quite small and boxy. The car was also known for its poor handling, which made it difficult to drive and even more comical.
Chevy Nova:
The Chevy Nova was produced by General Motors from 1962 to 1979. The name “Nova” means “new” in Latin, but in Spanish, it means “it doesn’t go” which is quite funny as the car was known for its reliability. However, it was not very popular in Spanish speaking countries as the name was not well received.
Pontiac Aztek:
The Pontiac Aztek was produced by General Motors from 2001 to 2005. The name “Aztek” is derived from the Aztec civilization, but it also sounds like “aesthetically challenged” which is quite fitting as the car was not well-received in terms of its design. The car’s unique and polarizing design, along with its poor performance, led to low sales and ultimately the discontinuation of the model.
AMC Gremlin:
The AMC Gremlin was produced by American Motors Corporation from 1970 to 1978. The name “Gremlin” is a mythical creature that causes mischief and trouble, which is quite fitting as the car had a reputation for being unreliable. The car’s small size and low price point made it popular with budget-conscious buyers, but its poor performance and build quality made it a target of jokes.
Ford Probe:
The Ford Probe was a sporty coupe produced by Ford from 1989 to 1997. The name “Probe” sounds like a scientific instrument used for examination, but it also sounds like a medical instrument used for examining body cavities, which is quite comical. The car’s futuristic and aerodynamic design, paired with its poor performance and reliability led to low sales and ultimately the discontinuation of the model.
Mitsubishi Pajero:
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a sport utility vehicle that is still in production today. The name “Pajero” is Spanish slang for “wanker” which is quite funny as the car is quite popular in South America. Despite its unfortunate name, the Pajero has become a respected and successful model in the SUV market, thanks to its off-road capabilities and reliability.
Dodge Colt:
The Dodge Colt was a compact car produced by Dodge from 1970 to 1994. The name “Colt” is a young horse, but it also sounds like a part of the male anatomy, which is quite funny. Despite its unfortunate name, the Colt was a popular and successful model in the compact car market, thanks to its fuel efficiency and affordability.
Subaru Baja:
The Subaru Baja is a pickup truck/SUV hybrid produced by Subaru from 2003 to 2006. The name “Baja” is a reference to the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, but it also sounds like a type of sandwich, which is quite comical. The Baja’s unique design, which combined the features of a pickup truck and an SUV, was not well received and ultimately led to the discontinuation of the model.
Toyota MR2:
The Toyota MR2 is a sports car produced by Toyota from 1984 to 2007. The name “MR2” stands for “mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2-seater” which is quite technical, but it also sounds like the phrase “emm-arr-too” which is quite comical. The MR2 was known for its sharp handling and sporty performance, but its small size and cramped interior led to jokes about the car being uncomfortable to drive.
Conclusion:
While these car names and models may have been the source of jokes and puns, they also played an important role in shaping the automotive industry. These cars may have had their shortcomings, but they also had their own unique features and characteristics that made them stand out. The next time you come across a car name or model that makes you chuckle, remember that there’s always more to a car than just its name.