# Stupidest NAME for any Car **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 21, 2003, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331 "2003-12-21T17:31:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![drm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e57/32.png) [@drm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drm)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2003, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/81 "2003-12-25T01:44:13Z")
another vote for _reliant_ I actually like the name _touareg_. Even before **Spiny Norman** kindly informed me of what it was, It was a word I’d definately remember…and after I know what it means, I like it even more. ---
**Author:** ![Herge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Herge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Herge)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2003, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/82 "2003-12-25T01:50:42Z")
Tikki: That’ll be the Porsche **Boxster**. A very sweet little mid engined 6 cylinder rocket, very nice car. ---
**Author:** ![HomerIU](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@HomerIU](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HomerIU)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2003, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/83 "2003-12-25T04:42:38Z")
Qadgop, ``` I was wondering if I was the only one that hates the name Previa for a nice, family minivan. I mentioned this to my wife and she thought I was crazy. I could never buy one just because of the name. ``` ---
**Author:** ![hyjyljyj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/0ea827/32.png) [@hyjyljyj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hyjyljyj)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/84 "2004-10-20T02:51:27Z")
> [@Tikki](#): > > No one mentioned the VW Golf. What about the Porsche Boxter? Then there’s the Murcury Mistake…uh, Mistique… Yeah…hmmm…Golf…Jetta…Thing…Touareg…Karmann Ghia…Phaeton…Beetle…Vanagon…I’m detecting a definite pattern here from the folks in Wolfsburg. (The ones who own Bentley and not Rolls-Royce…) ---
**Author:** ![PastAllReason](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f07891/32.png) [@PastAllReason](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastAllReason)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/85 "2004-10-20T04:28:09Z")
> [@drm](#): > > another vote for _reliant_ But, but, but…it’s a nice reliant automobile. (And if I had a million dollars, etc. ) ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/86 "2004-10-20T04:44:13Z")
Okay, many of the names mentioned are indeed ridiculous, but come _on_, people. The **Hummer**? I mean, yeah, we all know why a guy might feel the need to drive something of that size (Mr. Legend works with someone who always calls out, “Sorry about your dick!” when he sees one driving by), but how the hell did they get away with actually _calling_ it that? What’s next? The Oldsmobile **Around-The-World**? ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/87 "2004-10-20T04:49:58Z")
Datsun Fairlady Songhuajiang Zhongyi Great Wall Sing Great Wall Deer Great Wall Sailor Great Wall Safe SUV Beijing Heroic And finally … the Shenlong Fukang. A [description](http://212.155.166.245:8038/4DCGI/Ga/Ph/0000000076/261102049977/): > [@](#): > > With self-steering rear axle technology, the rear wheels of Fukang will turn slightly adapting to the front wheel action. This unique technology provides Fukang with excellent ground adhesion and smooth hairpin turning. > > Speed is always the measure of the saloon of distinction. The Fukang range, with dynamic styling, powerful acceleration and outstanding performance will make your dreams come true. > > Fukang makes you feel at home. ---
**Author:** ![Sternvogel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Sternvogel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sternvogel)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/88 "2004-10-20T05:05:58Z")
> [@Manduck](#): > > Remember the Buick Achieva? That was a pretty clunky name. I remember the Achieva as being made by [Oldsmobile.](http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/search_results.pl?make=Oldsmobile&model=Achieva) However, it turns out there was also a [Buick](http://www.faqfarm.com/Car/Repair/39568) model by that name. Although it was designed specifically to appeal to women, the [Dodge La Femme](http://www.duricy.com/~firetone/lafemme/) is still worthy of a nomination in this category. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/89 "2004-10-20T05:21:12Z")
> [@Sam Stone](#): > > I always hated those totally meaningless names like “Ciera”. Yah! Brand new burnt umber Ciera! ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/90 "2004-10-20T08:59:28Z")
Reliant is the name of the company, not the car - their most famous model being the _Robin_. My nominations: Daihatsu _Charade_ Mitsubishi _Space Star_ Suzuki _Jimny_ Fiat _Idea_ (“What shall we call it? Hey! I have an idea!”) Toyota _Prius_ (sounds like a dildo) VW _Sharan_ (sounds like an Essex Girl) Kia _Magentis_ (Any colour you like, as long as it’s pink) Perodua _Kenari_ (sorry, that’s just too many syllables) ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/91 "2004-10-20T09:18:21Z")
> [@Green Bean](#): > > But the most horrible recent car name has to be the Nissan **Armada**. As soon as I heard a commercial, I turned to my husband and said, “but didn’t the Armada…_lose_? 😕” He said, “yeah, they did. I think they did. Didn’t they?”[…] What the heck were they thinking? The “Custer” didn’t test well with focus groups. Oh yes, also… _Anal Golf!_ ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/92 "2004-10-20T10:24:22Z")
Seriously, how long is it before we see things like the Maserati _Rapist_ or the Toyota _Penis_? ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/93 "2004-10-20T11:26:38Z")
Some more: [Chery Oriental Son](http://www.autoindex.org/model.plt?no=2475&ass=) [Geely Beauty Leopard](http://www.autoindex.org/bodies.plt?no=3249&ass=) [Pyongwha Hwiparam](http://www.autoindex.org/maker.plt?no=2119) (North Korean car!) [SsangYong Musso](http://www.autoindex.org/bodies.plt?no=2024&ass=) ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/94 "2004-10-20T11:29:58Z")
Honda’s rather oxymoronic ‘All New Legend’ [http://www.autoindex.org/news.plt?no=948](http://www.autoindex.org/news.plt?no=948) ---
**Author:** ![Balle\_M](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/13edae/32.png) [@Balle\_M](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balle_M)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/95 "2004-10-20T11:44:49Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Reliant is the name of the company, not the car - their most famous model being the _Robin_. Millions of people waiting for tow-trucks are gonna disagree with you… [http://www.stationwagon.com/gallery/1986\_Plymouth\_Reliant.html](http://www.stationwagon.com/gallery/1986_Plymouth_Reliant.html) ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/96 "2004-10-20T12:24:16Z")
> [@Spiny Norman](#): > > What’s so silly about “Touareg”, anyway ? Naming an off-raod vehicle after a desert people known for their nomadic lifestyle seems perfectly logical to me. Thank you. I was going to say exactly the same thing. The name makes perfect sense to me - why do so many people think it’s stupid? At least it actually **MEANS SOMETHING** , unlike so many of these stupid names. No, the real winner is… The **Toyota Tercel**. Is it a car, or a new type of crease-resistant polyester? ---
**Author:** ![pasunejen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/58956e/32.png) [@pasunejen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pasunejen)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/97 "2004-10-20T13:47:37Z")
I’ve seen the VW **Touareg** mentioned here a couple times; I actually kind of like it. Maybe I just have a thing for excess vowels. The GMC **Yukon Denali** gets my vote for stupidest name–not because it sounds dumb, but because the Yukon River, while it does flow through Alaska, doesn’t touch Denali National Park or come anywhere near the mountain itself. Maybe the name does make sense and I’m just not seeing it, but I’ve been bothered since the very first commercial I saw. ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_B.Phart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc29f/32.png) [@Capt\_B.Phart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_B.Phart)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/98 "2004-10-20T14:19:44Z")
> [@elmwood](#): > > Some more: > > [Chery Oriental Son](http://www.autoindex.org/model.plt?no=2475&ass=) > [Geely Beauty Leopard](http://www.autoindex.org/bodies.plt?no=3249&ass=) > [Pyongwha Hwiparam](http://www.autoindex.org/maker.plt?no=2119) (North Korean car!) > [SsangYong Musso](http://www.autoindex.org/bodies.plt?no=2024&ass=) …and you missed the [**Troller Pantanal**](http://www.autoindex.org/news.plt?no=954)? ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_B.Phart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc29f/32.png) [@Capt\_B.Phart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_B.Phart)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/99 "2004-10-20T14:20:53Z")
Sorry - the Anal Pantanal ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2004, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331/100 "2004-10-20T14:33:23Z")
> [@Balle\_M](#): > > Millions of people waiting for tow-trucks are gonna disagree with you… > > [1986 Plymouth Reliant station wagon](http://www.stationwagon.com/gallery/1986_Plymouth_Reliant.html) Fair enough; I thought we were talking about [this](http://www.3wheelers.com/robin.html) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupidest-name-for-any-car/220331.md?page=6)