Jaguars, Cougars, Vipers, Stingrays; no I am not describing my family’s last visit to the zoo. These are all car names. Besides animals, car designers have taken their creation’s names from the skies (Aries, Equinox) and from maps (Dakota, Yukon). Much research and time is put into choosing names for cars because a strong intriguing name can mean higher sales. As much as we would like to say that we choose our cars solely on safety ratings and fuel efficiency, we have to admit that the name of the vehicle has a certain allure. We tend to say the name over and over again in conversation, relishing how it rolls from our tongue, and gauging other people’s reactions to it.
But what do some car names mean? Here is a list of some well known, and some not so well known, car names and their meanings. Some are self explanatory in their appeal, while others may leave you wondering how someone related the name to a car.
Plymouth Barracuda: a predatory sea fish with a long body and protruding jaws and teeth. Who wouldn’t feel fierce driving this?
Ford Mustang: a small wild horse living on the plains of North America. Feelings of freedom, strength and speed abound with this car.
Mercury Cougar: a large wild cat. All references to middle aged hormonally charged women aside; this car makes you think of pride and agility.
Pontiac Solstice: when the Sun is the farthest from the equator. Does this mean this car can drive long distances?
Honda Prelude: a piece of music that precedes another piece of music. Maybe this suggests that if you buy this car, you will always be first.
Ford Expedition: a trip made by people to explore unknown territory. This car is for the adventurous person who likes to discover new things.
Nissan Cube: a solid figure of six equal sides. Okay, who likes to drive a box?
Plymouth Fury: an outburst of violent anger. Wow, can anyone say road rage?
Dodge Stealth: almost undetectable by radar. Need I say more?
Mitsubishi Mirage: something that appears to be real but is unreal or merely imagined. This car is so cool, you only think it exists.
So now that you know a little more about car names, what does your car say about you? Are you a fast horse? Maybe you are a rugged explorer. Or maybe you are just a figment of our imagination.
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