| Vancouver Auto Chat 2016 VAC Community Head Moderator: Raid3n |
 | 
03-11-2013, 11:01 AM
|
#1 | | F**K YOUR HEAD
Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: vancouver
Posts: 8,718
Thanked 8,153 Times in 1,251 Posts
Failed 643 Times in 181 Posts
| Autoblog: Top 10 Worst Car Names of All Time
Top 10 worst car names of all time Quote:
When it comes to naming new car products, the auto industry has had more than its fair share of careless blunders, misfortune and ridicule over the years. Need proof? Look no further than this week's Geneva Motor Show, where the uncreative named the new prancing horse the Ferrari LaFerrari (inspired by Renault's LeCar?) and the controversial Kia Provo also debuted.
As car manufacturers around the world rush to get their latest makes and models into consumer hands, it seems poor translations and slang terminology have had their way with many of their best marketing efforts.
Overcoming complex language barriers in multiple countries is no simple task, but some of the most memorable car name failures seem to be brought about by obvious mistakes or general lack of creativity spawned after a night of heavy drinking.
| Quote: 10) Subaru Brat
The Subaru Brat was an odd little car-based truck. Our younger readers are glazing over right now wondering what it is, well it’s basically a Japanese El Camino. The name however was an odd choice, it was hinting that the car was difficult and wouldn’t do what you asked of it. Even the logo suggested this thing would give you attitude… however it was a great vehicle that unfortunately, the public rejected and it disappeared fast.
9) Toyota MR2
Back when Toyota first launched the sporty MR2 coupe, they later discovered saying the car's letters and numbers in French sounded like "Em, Erhe, Deux," which translates to the car stinks like poop.
8) Ford Escort
When Ford scrambled to capitalize on the compact car craze, the Ford Escort was designed to get them back on track. Sure escort can mean friend or formal entourage of sorts, it can also mean something else. In the 1980’s call girls became more popular than street-walking prostitutes but they referred to themselves as… you guessed it escorts.
7) Volkswagen Thing
Volkswagen sure had some odd cars back in the day. Tinny, basic appliances to get people around was the VW focus but that also bred some cult classics. The Volkswagen Thing was one of them but it really was a strange name for the boxy four door... but then again this car was super weird. While they were imported here, the vehicle was anyTHING but successful and soon bowed out of the marketplace.
6) Ford Probe
Nothing sounds quite as uncomfortable as saying you're "driving a Probe"... Perhaps it was a name designed to appeal to those claiming to be abducted by Aliens or Sci-Fi geeks? Whatever the reason, many of us managed to avoid the Probe until it was laid to rest in 1997.
5) Chevrolet Nova
The Nova serves as a prime example of dealing with language barriers. GM was believed to have a problem with the name of the car in South America and Mexico when its name could be translated to "doesn't go" or "no go" in Spanish. Whether there is truth to that or not, the car was renamed to "Caribe" and the phenomenon of a Nova is defined as a "cataclysmic nuclear explosion" - not better.
4) Buick LaCrosse
When the original Buick LaCrosse debuted in North America, it was oddly badged in Canada as the Buick Allure. Why? Well, rumour has it GM found out the name LaCrosse en francais could potentially be offensive to Canadian consumers, as it's a term used to describe "self-pleasuring" actions.
3) AMC Gremlin
If we learned anything from 80s movies, you don't want to feed this car after midnight! Leave it to AMC to take an ugly name like Gremlin and try to make it something pretty. The odd name and strange styling certainly left its mark on the 70s decade as one of the most iconic hatchbacks.
2) Mazda LaPuta
Hmm, it's not often you come across censoring a car's name, but the Mazda LaPuta caused quite a stir as it translates to "whore" or "prostitute" in a number of Spanish-speaking countries. Luckily, it seems sales of this Mazda compact we're limited to the Asian market.
1) Ford Pinto
The Ford Pinto may well have been an iconic car, but that didn't stop Brazilians from turning the product away. You see, Pinto is slang term for small male genitals in Brazil. Still wondering why it didn't sell so well now?
| Haha I always thought Brat was kinda charming
What are some others you can think of?
| 
|  | |
03-11-2013, 11:09 AM
|
#2 | | My name is PJ and I like dogs.
Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Vancity/Toronto
Posts: 3,180
Thanked 1,683 Times in 532 Posts
Failed 26 Times in 20 Posts
|
Not exactly "bad"..
But Chevy Malibu always makes me think of the rum. lol
Then of course there's the whole "STi" deal...
__________________ Studies show 100% of people die.. Might as well have some fun.
Hello my name is PJ. Buy/Sell Feedback 1-0-0 | |
| | |
03-11-2013, 11:13 AM
|
#3 | | Editor
Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Raincouver
Posts: 3,516
Thanked 3,179 Times in 874 Posts
Failed 56 Times in 19 Posts
| | |
| | |
03-11-2013, 11:20 AM
|
#4 | | 14 dolla balla aint got nothing on me!
Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surrey
Posts: 638
Thanked 1,212 Times in 188 Posts
Failed 29 Times in 13 Posts
| | |
| | |
03-11-2013, 11:21 AM
|
#5 | | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 337
Thanked 224 Times in 84 Posts
Failed 16 Times in 6 Posts
|
I read some where its a common misconception that the nova did not sell well in mexico and south america because of the name. It did good.
| |
| | |
03-11-2013, 11:24 AM
|
#6 | | Rs has made me the woman i am today!
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,368
Thanked 5,225 Times in 1,389 Posts
Failed 376 Times in 130 Posts
|
I dunno, I tend to think names with all those numbers are the worst and terribly confusing.
Like BMW's love affair with number systems 316i 318i 320i 323i 325i 330i 335i and all those letters following...
__________________
[13-03, 11:25] MG1 when you hit the brakes, it shoots cum at pedestrian - bukkake
[12-03, 19:06] meme405 That e30 is so mexiflushed I thought we were in albuquerque
[12-03, 23:03] rb when i see a modded element. I have nothing but respect. either the parents kicked him out or the guy is killing hookers in the back | |
| | |
03-11-2013, 11:27 AM
|
#7 | | F**K YOUR HEAD
Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: vancouver
Posts: 8,718
Thanked 8,153 Times in 1,251 Posts
Failed 643 Times in 181 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by akinari-kun  I dunno, I tend to think names with all those numbers are the worst and terribly confusing.
Like BMW's love affair with number systems 316i 318i 320i 323i 325i 330i 335i and all those letters following... | At least bmw's starts to make sense after a while. The new Infiniti Q names are way more confusing lol
| |
| | |
03-11-2013, 11:52 AM
|
#8 | | nuggets mod
Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: richmond
Posts: 7,065
Thanked 3,835 Times in 987 Posts
Failed 178 Times in 60 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by !e.lo_ | Car & Driver must be really desperate for show presenters..
__________________
I searched for truth, and all I found was You
| |
| | |
03-11-2013, 11:52 AM
|
#9 | | RS.net, helping ugly ppl have sex since 2001
Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Revscene
Posts: 9,640
Thanked 7,691 Times in 2,581 Posts
Failed 434 Times in 126 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by ilvtofu At least bmw's starts to make sense after a while. | Except the new ones with so many new models, they are having a tough time keeping it simple; like Z4 sDrive35iS M-Sport 
__________________ Quote:
Originally Posted by skyxx Sonick is a genius. I won't go into detail what's so great about his post. But it's damn good! | 2010 Toyota Rav4 Limited V6 - Wifey's Daily Driver
2009 BMW 128i - Daily Driver
2007 Toyota Rav4 Sport V6 - Sold
1999 Mazda Miata - Sold
2003 Mazda Protege5 - Sold
1987 BMW 325is - Sold
1990 Mazda Miata - Sold 100% Buy and Sell Feedback
Last edited by sonick; 03-11-2013 at 12:25 PM.
| 
| | |
03-11-2013, 12:58 PM
|
#10 | | My dinner reheated before my turbo spooled
Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,784
Thanked 4,038 Times in 710 Posts
Failed 55 Times in 32 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by sonick Except the new ones with so many new models, they are having a tough time keeping it simple; like Z4 sDrive35iS M-Sport | Reminds me of Lancia.. Delta.. HF (High Fidelity).. Integrale.. Evoluzione.. II
| |
| | |
03-11-2013, 05:21 PM
|
#11 | | what manner of phaggotry is this
Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Kelownafornia
Posts: 18,285
Thanked 5,473 Times in 1,814 Posts
Failed 205 Times in 120 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by akinari-kun I dunno, I tend to think names with all those numbers are the worst and terribly confusing.
Like BMW's love affair with number systems 316i 318i 320i 323i 325i 330i 335i and all those letters following... | BMW makes sense tho.
the first number is the model ranging from cheap to luxury and just recently they are switching to odd being 4 door and even being 2 door, similar to audi. and the second two numbers are the trim (used to be engine size). So you know a 7 series is way more legit than a 3 series. and a 335i is a higher trim than a 328i. and Z cars are roadsters. anything added to that like Msport, Sdrive etc, are just features on that car.
Infinity makes no sense moving to calling ALL of their cars Q-something. and I still don't really understand Mercedes. Someone could ask if, like BMW, higher letters or more letters are better If a CL is a 2 door C, and an SLS is completely different and way better than an SL but an SLK is a completely different lower car all together? are the C, CL, CLA, and CLS based off eachother? what about the G?
__________________
STRENGTHaesthetics | |
| | |
03-11-2013, 05:48 PM
|
#12 | | Revscene.net has a homepage?!
Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Montréal
Posts: 1,295
Thanked 1,036 Times in 276 Posts
Failed 29 Times in 17 Posts
|
Then theres the Daihatsu Naked
Apparently Lada's used to be called Zhiguli which sounded too much like gigolo
| |
| | |
03-13-2013, 12:19 AM
|
#13 | | My AFC gave me an ABS CEL code of LOL while at WOT!
Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,820
Thanked 4,518 Times in 691 Posts
Failed 298 Times in 88 Posts
|
For anyone in Van who's imported a Mitsubishi Pajero...you'll never find one in Central or South America...
Because "pajero" means "one who masturbates" 
__________________ 1999 Nissan Stagea RSfourS, White
1994 Honda CB1000, Black
Previous Rides:
1992 Nissan President Sovereign, Black
1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R, Black
1989 Nissan Skyline GTS-4, Black
1986 Porsche 944, Black | |
| | |
03-13-2013, 12:40 AM
|
#14 | | Hacked RS to become a mod
Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Sunny Hong Kong
Posts: 53,560
Thanked 24,535 Times in 8,540 Posts
Failed 1,537 Times in 685 Posts
|
I honestly think the DODGE DART is one of the worst names. I can't believe they used it again! And the new Dart is actually a pretty cool car... but every time I hear that name, I can't help but picture it as a retarded car for some reason
| |
| | |
03-13-2013, 01:00 AM
|
#15 | | #savethemanuals
Join Date: May 2008 Location: Richmond
Posts: 3,980
Thanked 2,551 Times in 950 Posts
Failed 106 Times in 40 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by RRxtar BMW makes sense tho.
the first number is the model ranging from cheap to luxury and just recently they are switching to odd being 4 door and even being 2 door, similar to audi. and the second two numbers are the trim (used to be engine size). So you know a 7 series is way more legit than a 3 series. and a 335i is a higher trim than a 328i. and Z cars are roadsters. anything added to that like Msport, Sdrive etc, are just features on that car.
Infinity makes no sense moving to calling ALL of their cars Q-something. and I still don't really understand Mercedes. Someone could ask if, like BMW, higher letters or more letters are better If a CL is a 2 door C, and an SLS is completely different and way better than an SL but an SLK is a completely different lower car all together? are the C, CL, CLA, and CLS based off eachother? what about the G? | Mercedes is like BMW with exceptions. So BMW goes from 1-7 and Mercedes goes from A-S and the higher up the more expensive.
But then stuff like CL means coupe leicht (coupe light), SL means sportlich leicht, SLK means sportlich leicht kompakt, SLS means sportlich leicht super, etc etc.
Last edited by Energy; 03-13-2013 at 01:05 AM.
| |
| | |
03-13-2013, 01:03 AM
|
#16 | | YOU CANT CUT BACK ON FUNDING! YOU WILL REGRET THIS
Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: FL400
Posts: 5,866
Thanked 3,092 Times in 1,038 Posts
Failed 553 Times in 157 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by SpartanAir For anyone in Van who's imported a Mitsubishi Pajero...you'll never find one in Central or South America...
Because "pajero" means "one who masturbates" | I always read it as "Pak jer Lo"
which in Cantonese is... a man who slaps his penis
__________________
Where the hell am I
| |
| | |
03-13-2013, 04:05 AM
|
#17 | | Trollollolloing RS sine 2005
Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Richmond
Posts: 7,093
Thanked 2,471 Times in 704 Posts
Failed 473 Times in 132 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by akinari-kun I dunno, I tend to think names with all those numbers are the worst and terribly confusing.
Like BMW's love affair with number systems 316i 318i 320i 323i 325i 330i 335i and all those letters following... | it doesnt take rocket science to understand the general naming scheme...
u have XYY followed by either i/d/L/t/c where X is the series or range and YY the engine size (at least thats what it used to be, up until the release of the 3.0L twin turbo engine)
i = fuel injection/gasoline engine
d = diesel
L= long wheelbase
t = hatch back? (E36 oly i think)
c = coupe (E46s only i think)
so a 330ci is a 3 series with a 3L engine, coupe with gasoline engine
same with mercedes, u have letters up front, then ### for engine size
so a C350 is a C class with a 3.5L engine, or a ML550, a ML class with a 5.5L engine
ofcourse this is just the general naming scheme of how things are/were
__________________ Quote:
Originally Posted by MajinHurricane I had some girl come into the busser station the other day trying to make out with every staff member and then pull down her pants and asked for someone to stick a dick in her (at least she shaved). | Quote:
Originally Posted by 1exotic Vtec doesn't kick in on Reverse. | Quote:
Originally Posted by Ulic Qel-Droma its like.. oh yeah oh yeah.. ohhhh yeah... OOoooOohh... why's it suddenly feel a bit better... ohhhh yeahh... ohhh...oh..fuck... it probably ripped. | | |
| | |
03-13-2013, 06:16 AM
|
#18 | | I contribute to threads in the offtopic forum
Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Richmond, BC
Posts: 2,863
Thanked 208 Times in 67 Posts
Failed 36 Times in 23 Posts
|
This article seems poorly researched.
it's the Subaru BRAT, not Brat. It wasn't called that because it was difficult, it was an acronym for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter
I'm not saying that makes it a good name, but a bad name for different reasons. 
The being said,  my BRAT.
The Chevy Nova thing is a myth, and I can't really believe that losing sales in Brazil could really have had that much affect on the overall economic performance of the Pinto.
F-. Would not read again.
__________________ Quote: Originally posted by DLC
Subarus sound like a 50-gallon drum full of rubber balls, rolling down a hill | | |
| | |
03-13-2013, 08:44 AM
|
#19 | | Head of HR....have a seat on that couch
Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Coquitlam
Posts: 21,878
Thanked 15,606 Times in 4,325 Posts
Failed 284 Times in 130 Posts
|
I actually think the name LaPuta is pretty fucking awesome. Too bad the car is shyte.
__________________ feedback
Originally posted by v.b.
can we stop, my pussy hurts...
Originally posted by asian_XL
fliptuner, I am gonna grab ur dick and pee in your face, then rub shit all over my face...:lol
Originally posted by Fei-Ji
haha i can taste the cum in my mouth
Originally posted by FastAnna
when I was 13 I wanted to be a video hoe so bad RSUV #7 | |
| | |
03-18-2013, 02:06 AM
|
#20 | | VLS Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 16,351
Thanked 2,591 Times in 832 Posts
Failed 61 Times in 19 Posts
|
Gaylord Gladiator
__________________
2007 Volvo V50
Taken by ex: 2005 Toyota Prius.
R.I.P. 1997 Lexus ES300. 
R.I.P. 1989 Acura Legend Coupe LS.
| |
| | |
03-18-2013, 03:25 AM
|
#21 | | I only answer to my username, my real name is Irrelevant!
Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: CELICAland
Posts: 25,668
Thanked 10,388 Times in 3,914 Posts
Failed 1,390 Times in 625 Posts
|
i actually dont think those names are bad at all... except maybe the VW Thing...
and when i read laputa i automatically think  | |
| | |
Posting Rules
| You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
| | |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:55 PM.
|
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
The banners on the left side and below do not show for registered users!
