Some cities are good names. The Kia Rio comes to mind. It’s just sad that a car that was named after an exotic place is an economy car.
Very interesting history, Benzman. More complicated than the version I was told by Datsun sales personnel.
The Mondeo was supposed to be another “world car” that Ford had planned. The Escort fell well short of being a world car. Mondeo implied world car, but in North America it became the Ford Contour and another version for Mercury. Neither sold well, I think because the tight interior and trunk space for that price range.
Another version got reincarnated as a Jaguar model.
Sorry, Docnick, but the Nova story is an urban legend - see:
GM dropped the planned rotary because they could not get it to pass emissions standards. Rotary engines of that vintage were very dirty.
Yes, I had no idea how long they’ve been around myself.
My first car was a 2 seater 1965 Datsun Fairlady. Well before the 240Z came around.
Thanks rps; from now on I will stay away from “urban legends”.
I really think that, in addition to adding another car the a crowded mid-price segment during a recession, the “horse collar” (and other less complimentary comparisons) grill really did the car in.
The push button gear shift had already been introduced by Chrysler, and the car had really nothing further to offer.
Yet Scotch Tape survives nicely since 3M’s original pitch was that it was a frugal way to package and fasten things.
Having spent a few weeks in Scotland this summer I can assure you that most Scots are proud of their ability to be frugal. Only over-sensitive North Americans would consider the term impolite.
Passat. It just sounds gross.
How about the ultra-luxury Kia Malibu? Oops, I guess that one is taken.
I think KIA is an awful name for a car company (killed in action!) , do you think many war veterans would want one?
Hmmmm, I heard it differently. When the Nissan corporation was getting ready to introduce its cars in this country they asked a US advertining think tank to come up with a catchy name for their cars. An ad exec asked when they needed the name. He was told that “tomorrow would be fine” The ad man replied “That soon?” which when corrupted into Japanese became Datsun.
Hey, it’s as good as your explanation…
MANY (obviously) years ago Studebaker had a top of the line car called the President. If that’s not bad enough, the next lower model in their line was the Dictator.
there’s Mazda’s scare- the “Millennium”
The Wasp was just a step below the Hornet. Both had STING, but the Wasp only had one stinger. The Hornet was the first car that was said to be able to pass anything but a gas station. I had a Hornet in the era of the NEW '64-1/2 Mustang. Best $50 car I ever had. It would run off and leave a 289 4BBL Mustang in 2nd gear overdrive.
Previa. It sounds too much like “previous” or “preview.” Don’t most people want the newest thing, and not just a preview of it?
what is an escalade?
is it just a republican word for an 'avalanche"?
a euphemism?
Actually, I have to admit the name of my own car is a bit silly (and, by extension, the names of most Mazda vehicles): Mazda Mazda6. 1) Who decided “Mazda” had to be in the name of the vehicle twice? 2) Why no space between “Mazda” and “6”?
After the LaCrosse I’ve been expecting the Basketball and Football.