“Reliant” seems like a terrible name for a car. I mean, the word does NOT mean “reliable.” Actually, it means “dependent.”
People want a car they can rely on. But if a car is “reliant,” well, then whether it starts is dependent on a host of other factors.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned the Ford Prefect. 
The USS Reliant is a science starship in 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Then of course there’s the USS Delorean and the USS Iacocca.
What about the USS Pinto, which collided with the USS Nova? Both were lost in the resultant tragic explosion.
Please include a link to Cecil’s column if it’s on the Straight Dope web site.
To include a link, it can be as simple as including the web page location in your post (make sure there is a space before and after the text of the URL).
Cecil’s column can be found on-line at this link:
Why do car makers come up with so many meaningless car names? (03-Dec-1982 )
The column can also be found on pages 189-190 of Cecil Adams’ book «The Straight Dope (1984; reissued 1986, 1998)».
moderator, «Comments on Cecil’s Columns»
In Arnold’s link, Cecil says: “No wonder the Japanese are killing us.”
Heh Heh
Camry, an arkie pronouncing the word ‘camera’.
Civic, originally Cvcc whatever that meant.
Tacoma, a city in Washington (I’m sure they’re very proud.!)
Celica, whatever.
Odyssey, I’m sure Homer (the original one) is proud.
Altima, the best altimeter in the world.
Accord, According to us this is the best car.
All deserve some :rolleyes:
The first time I saw that movie, one of the people I was with cracked, “Must be one of those new Plymouth ‘K-ships’.”
Yes, the Ultimate Altimeter!
Speaking of worse car names…
The Nissan Pajero (a 4 wheel drive)
Pajero means ‘wanker’ or ‘one who masturbates’ in Spanish