What do you think of the names that Japanese automakers give to their cars?

Naked. Bongo. Fits.

It's quirky, but I wonder where do they get inspiration for it? I also wonder if the Japanese can even pronounce or even understand the names of these cars.

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I don't like being too close to a Toyota ISIS.

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I don't like being too close to a Toyota ISIS.

It's okay, the ISIS isn't Japanese, it's actually a joint US and Israel venture.

As a Derek and Clive fan, my favourite was the Izusu Bighorn.

Mitsubishi Legnum?

There was also the whole Nissan family of Cedric, Gloria and Violet.

And it's best not to look up what Pajero means in Spanish.

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I'm partial to the Honda That's. (Incomplete sentence anyone?)

The Daihatsu Canbus always pops into my head as the "Cannibis."

Not sure what a Jimny is but it sounds like a misspelling of my friend Jimmy's name.

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Naming is often silly trying to sound interesting and foreign to Japanese. It's not only cars but other products baring not one but often 2, 3 or more names !

Compare BMW 321 to Nissan Dayz Roox Highway Star ... phew (and go find which year that model is...) !

I'm sure they have a laugh in the boardroom over the names with R and L, something like the "Life of Brian".. Laurel, Leaf, Rook, Celica, Crown, Curren, Gloria, Leopard, but the winner has to be the Toyota Corolla .

I've always wanted a Bongo Friendee.

You don’t see as many trucks with, ‘Powertard’ written on the back anymore.

They're great.

March, Hustler, Flair, Leaf, Aristo, Delica, Naked, Midget, Platz, Moco, Note. Cedric, LaPuta.......

I'm sure there's more.

@Speed

Unless you park next to a Honda Life.

They tried selling the Toyota MR2 in France.

It failed for some reason!

My car is a 1988 Nissan Laurel Medalist. Beats having a Ford Probe, I suppose

Aygo, Qashqai and Yaris

How did these names even come up?

Why can't simple names by year like

City car = City 2025

Adventure car = Trek 2025 / Trek 2025 E (extra)

How to even say some model names, e.g. the Alphard. Possibilities:

Alpha Road?

Alp Hard?

Alf Ard?

Al P. Hard?

Al B. Sure?

Johnny B. Goode?

Awesome.

A classic that inspired a generation of drift drivers: 'NISSAN Fairlady'