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20 Car Names That Sound Like They Were Made Up on the Spot

Cameron Eittreim June 29, 2025

Car manufacturers have a knack for surprising us—not just with innovative features or bold designs, but also with the names they slap on their latest models. Sometimes, it feels as though someone spun a wheel of random syllables or mashed together their favorite words just for fun. Whimsical, puzzling, and occasionally hilarious, these car names often leave us wondering: What were they thinking? Whether inspired by animals, invented languages, or pure imagination, these names give us a glimpse into the playful side of the auto industry. Get ready to smile as we dive into some of the quirkiest examples!

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1. Isuzu Mysterious Utility Wizard

Isuzu mu wizard — The Isuzu Utility Wizard, a uniquely named Japanese SUV, stands proudly with its bold lines and adventurous spirit. | Photo by Janusz Walczak on Pexels

Few car names have sparked as much curiosity as the Isuzu Mysterious Utility Wizard. Instead of conjuring images of a rugged SUV, it sounds more like a character from a fantasy RPG.
This off-roader’s whimsical moniker is a prime example of Japanese automakers’ penchant for inventive English phrases that sometimes defy translation logic.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its oddball name, the Mysterious Utility Wizard gained a cult following and still amuses car enthusiasts today. For more, check out Jalopnik’s roundup.

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2. Nissan Friend-ME

Nissan friend me concept — The futuristic Nissan Friend-ME concept car shines under showroom lights, designed to connect friends with seamless social media integration. | Photo by Vera Zaharieva on Pexels

With the Nissan Friend-ME, Nissan aimed to capture the attention of millennials by speaking their digital language. The car’s name feels like a social media invitation—an earnest attempt to connect with a younger, tech-savvy audience.
While the strategy was bold, it risked coming off as forced or gimmicky. Still, the Friend-ME’s quirky branding got people talking about the concept.
For more insights, see Car and Driver’s coverage of this uniquely named Nissan.

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3. Mitsubishi Lettuce

Mitsubishi minica toppo 001 — The quirky Mitsubishi Lettuce hatchback stands out with its playful design, looking as fresh and crisp as its namesake vegetable. | Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels

The Mitsubishi Lettuce hatchback is a standout example of quirky car naming from Japan’s domestic market. Naming a car after salad greens is undeniably memorable, if also a bit mystifying.
Was it meant to evoke freshness or simply stand out in a crowded field? Whatever the intent, the Lettuce has left car enthusiasts amused and bemused in equal measure.
For a deeper dive into this curious choice, read Motor Trend’s history of the Mitsubishi Lettuce.

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4. Toyota Deliboy

Toyota deliboy rq — A quirky Toyota Deliboy delivery van parked curbside, showing off its charm and one of the funniest car names around. | Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

The Toyota Deliboy is a compact van designed for urban deliveries, but its name sounds more like a comic book sidekick than a workhorse.
Despite the playful moniker, the Deliboy was a practical solution for businesses, boasting clever storage and easy maneuverability.
Its quirky name and utility have earned it a cult following in Japan, where it’s fondly remembered as both functional and fun.
Learn more about this unique van at the Toyota Global Newsroom.

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5. Daihatsu Naked

Gaz 232628ad900e4d07813b19dd59879d77 — A compact Daihatsu Naked kei car sits parked on a city street, showcasing its boxy, minimalist design. | Photo by Martinus on Pexels

The Daihatsu Naked proves that sometimes, less is more—at least in terms of both design and naming. This boxy kei car’s name instantly raises eyebrows, especially outside Japan.
The “Naked” moniker reflects the vehicle’s minimalist, unadorned aesthetic, with exposed hinges and a bare-bones interior.
While the label might seem bold or even awkward in the global market, it certainly helped this tiny car make a lasting impression.
Discover more about its unique charm on DriveTribe.

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6. Suzuki Every Joypop

Uld6pn08w7e81 — A compact Suzuki Every Joypop microvan parked on the street, its quirky name adding a playful touch to city life. | Photo by Sleepi Alleyne on Pexels

The Suzuki Every Joypop is a microvan whose name practically radiates happiness and fun.
This cheerful title isn’t just for show—the Joypop became a hit among city drivers for its compact size and practicality.
Playful, upbeat names like this are a hallmark of Japanese car culture, aiming to evoke a sense of positivity and everyday delight.
For more on why these names work so well, check out Autoweek’s take on the Joypop.

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7. Honda That’s

4020207 thats — A compact Honda city car with the quirky “That’s” branding stands out for its unusual and memorable name. | Photo by Đan Thy Nguyễn Mai on Pexels

With the Honda That’s, confusion starts right at the name—leaving many to wonder, That’s what?
This quirky city car perfectly illustrates Honda’s tradition of giving its domestic models unusual, conversation-starting names.
Despite the puzzling title, the That’s was a practical, boxy hatchback beloved by urban drivers for its space and efficiency.
For an entertaining look at Honda’s unusual naming choices, visit The Drive.

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8. Mazda Bongo Friendee

S 0mbtnjg6lqt.vjflvrpiv — A cheerful Mazda Bongo Friendee camper van, known for its quirky name, sits ready for a road trip adventure. | Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

The Mazda Bongo Friendee sounds like something straight out of a children’s book, and that’s part of its charm.
This van’s name feels playfully random, as if Mazda embraced sheer whimsy in the branding process.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its oddball name, the Bongo Friendee earned a devoted following, especially among camper enthusiasts who valued its versatility and quirky personality.
For a look at why such unique names endure, visit Top Gear’s list of infamous car monikers.

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9. Great Wall Wingle

Wingle 5 2013 — A rugged Great Wall Wingle pickup truck stands ready on a scenic road, showcasing the strength of Chinese car brands. | Photo by Abdullah Alsaibaie on Pexels

The Great Wall Wingle pickup sounds more like a typo than a tough workhorse, but it’s been a surprising success story.
This name, which feels like a last-minute invention, stands out in a crowded field of pickups in China and abroad.
Despite its quirky branding, the Wingle has played a significant role in Great Wall’s export strategy, reaching markets far beyond its home country.
Learn more about its journey at Reuters.

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10. Nissan Cedric

Nissan cedric y34 [6851] — A pristine Nissan Cedric classic sedan parked curbside, showcasing timeless retro styling and vintage car nameplate charm. | Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels

The Nissan Cedric carries a name that wouldn’t feel out of place in a classic British novel, and with good reason—it’s inspired by the main character in “Little Lord Fauntleroy.”
While elegant, “Cedric” feels oddly formal and out of sync with the typical car-naming playbook, especially for a sedan.
Yet, this unique choice became a memorable part of Nissan’s history.
You can explore its heritage at the Nissan Heritage Collection.

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11. Proton Wira

Proton wira special edition e1458033767109 — A classic Proton Wira sedan showcases Malaysia’s flair for unique car names and practical, stylish design. | Photo by Luke Miller on Pexels

The Proton Wira is a household name in Malaysia, where “Wira” means “hero.”
Outside its home country, however, the name sounds like it was made up on the spot—unfamiliar and quirky.
Despite this, the Wira played a vital role in establishing Proton as a force in the Malaysian automotive industry, symbolizing local pride.
Learn more about its significance at the Proton Official Site.

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12. Subaru Brat

47176a1ac453f Hd 1983 Subaru Brat — A classic Subaru Brat compact pickup showcases its quirky charm, parked curbside with its signature rear-facing jump seats visible. | Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels

The Subaru Brat may sound like a mischievous troublemaker, but this compact pickup won over plenty of fans—especially in the U.S.
Its name, short for “Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter,” was as playful as it was memorable.
Despite its cheeky branding, the Brat proved to be a tough little utility vehicle and has since achieved cult classic status.
Dive deeper into its legacy with Road & Track’s feature.

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13. Suzuki Mighty Boy

1200px suzuki mighty boy 001 1665723276 — A vibrant yellow Suzuki Mighty Boy mini truck showcases the quirky charm of classic Japanese kei cars. | Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

The Suzuki Mighty Boy sounds like it should wear a cape and save the day, but it’s actually a pint-sized mini-truck beloved by enthusiasts of quirky Japanese cars.
Despite its modest size, the name exudes confidence and playful bravado—qualities that have endeared it to fans worldwide.
The Mighty Boy’s unique charm and rarity make it a sought-after collector’s item.
To learn more about this fun-sized hero, check out CarsGuide.

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14. Kia Bongo

Kia bongo 2016 ch 101240 2 — A sleek Kia Bongo commercial vehicle stands out on the street, showcasing one of the world’s most unique car names. | Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels

The Kia Bongo brings a rhythmic flair to the world of light commercial vehicles.
Its catchy, musical name makes it unforgettable, even if it doesn’t exactly scream “workhorse.”
Despite the playful branding, the Bongo has been a mainstay in Korea’s transport sector for decades, valued for its reliability and utility.
Discover more about this iconic vehicle at the Kia Global site.

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15. Tata Zest

Tata zest front right quarter — The sleek Tata Zest sedan takes center stage at an Indian car marketing event, showcasing its modern design. | Photo by Emanuel Turbuc on Pexels

The Tata Zest hit the Indian market with a name meant to evoke excitement and energy, but it also brings to mind citrus fruit.
This compact sedan was designed to inject some pep into Tata’s lineup and appeal to young, urban buyers.
While the name might sound a bit tangy, the Zest played a key role in Tata’s efforts to revitalize its brand.
Read more in The Economic Times.

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16. Daihatsu Move Canbus

Daihatsu move canbus 1 e1473321364728 — A charming Daihatsu Move Canbus microvan showcases its quirky design and compact shape against an urban backdrop. | Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

The Daihatsu Move Canbus is a petite van with a name that feels like a brainstorm session gone wild.
“Move” promises mobility, while “Canbus” references the vehicle’s modern electronic systems—yet together, they sound oddly stitched together.
Despite the patchwork title, the Move Canbus has become a favorite among urban drivers in Japan for its convenience and tech-savvy features.
Discover its unique story at the Daihatsu Official site.

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17. Geely Gleagle

20fdae10893c10fc0dc10f7a6f171aee — A sleek Geely Gleagle sedan proudly displays its distinctive badge, highlighting the evolution of Chinese car brand names. | Photo by ALYA’ARUB on Pexels

The Geely Gleagle is a Chinese sub-brand whose name sounds like a tongue-twister or a playful mascot.
Gleagle was intended to capture the imagination of young, urban buyers with a modern and energetic vibe.
Despite its awkward pronunciation, the brand made waves in China’s evolving auto scene by targeting a more youthful market.
Read more about this bold branding move at China Daily.

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18. Perodua Axia

Perodua axia 321 — A sleek Perodua Axia navigates bustling city streets, showcasing the charm and practicality of Malaysian city cars. | Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Pexels

The Perodua Axia is a Malaysian city car with a name that feels both futuristic and completely invented.
“Axia” stands out in a crowd, capturing a trend among compact car makers to use sleek, tech-inspired names.
Despite its artificial ring, the Axia quickly became a top seller, prized for its efficiency and urban-friendly design.
Find out more about its rise at the Perodua Official site.

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19. Daewoo Nubira

09 2000 daewoo nubira down on the junkyard pictures courtesy of murilee martin — A sleek Daewoo Nubira sedan stands parked by the roadside, representing the era of distinctive Korean car names. | Photo by Kanat Kairatov on Pexels

The Daewoo Nubira is a sedan with a name that sounds invented—and it is. “Nubira” was coined to mean “to go anywhere” in Korean, reflecting the car’s global ambitions.
Despite its unconventional title, the Nubira found buyers around the world, helping Daewoo expand its reach.
To learn more about its international journey, visit BBC News.

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20. Renault Twizy

Renault twizy 4683 40 — The Renault Twizy electric microcar stands out with its compact size and futuristic design on a city street. | Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Pexels

The Renault Twizy is an electric microcar whose name perfectly matches its zippy, unconventional character.
“Twizy” rolls off the tongue with energy, underscoring a growing trend toward playful, memorable branding in the electric vehicle world.
Its quirky design and offbeat name have helped it stand out in the crowded city car segment.
For more on how Renault is shaking up EV naming, see Wired.

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Final Thoughts on Whimsical Car Names

1200px renault twizy cotegauche byrundvald — A lineup of quirky cars showcases vibrant car name badges and creative designs, celebrating truly unique vehicles on display. | Photo by Jean Marc Bonnel on Pexels

Whimsical, spontaneous-sounding car names do more than just identify a model—they infuse personality and charm into the automotive world.
Whether these names spark laughter, confusion, or curiosity, they ensure a car’s legacy endures long after production ends.
Memorable names invite conversation and set vehicles apart in a sea of generic badges.
Next time you spot one of these oddly named rides, take a moment to appreciate the creativity behind it.
Which quirky car name is your favorite? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation rolling!

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20 Car Names That Sound Like They Were Made Up on the Spot

1. Isuzu Mysterious Utility Wizard

2. Nissan Friend-ME

3. Mitsubishi Lettuce

4. Toyota Deliboy

5. Daihatsu Naked

6. Suzuki Every Joypop

7. Honda That’s

8. Mazda Bongo Friendee

9. Great Wall Wingle

10. Nissan Cedric

11. Proton Wira

12. Subaru Brat

13. Suzuki Mighty Boy

14. Kia Bongo

15. Tata Zest

16. Daihatsu Move Canbus

17. Geely Gleagle

18. Perodua Axia

19. Daewoo Nubira

20. Renault Twizy

Final Thoughts on Whimsical Car Names

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