Long before the engine starts, a car’s name sets the tone. Some suggest toughness and durability, while others hint at elegance or the thrill of exploration. And a select few become legendary. Explore this list of 20 unforgettable car names that have helped define how drivers connect with their vehicles.

Chevrolet Impala

Named after the swift African antelope, the Chevrolet Impala stood for both speed and elegance. Launched in 1958, it quickly became one of America’s top-selling full-size cars. Known for its style and muscle car performance, the Impala earned lasting popularity and remained a Chevy favorite for decades.

Dodge Charger

Dodge released the Charger in 1966 as a fastback muscle car with racing aspirations. Its name evoked aggression and speed, aligning perfectly with its powerful V8 engines. Over time, it transitioned into a performance sedan while retaining its street credibility. The “Charger” title became synonymous with American horsepower and bold design.

Toyota Camry

Coined from the Japanese word “kanmuri,” meaning crown, the Camry was positioned as a reliable monarch among sedans. Launched globally in the 1980s, it quickly earned a reputation for dependability and practicality. The Camry nameplate consistently topped sales charts, especially in North America, becoming a household staple for commuters and families.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

This model was launched in 1992, offering an SUV experience that combines luxury with off-road capability. “Cherokee” acknowledges Jeep’s indigenous-themed branding lineage, while “Grand” suggests an upscale evolution. Combined, the Grand Cherokee defined the midsize SUV category and still commands respect on and off the road.

Honda Odyssey

Borrowed from Homer’s epic, the “Odyssey” name captured Honda’s vision of long family journeys in comfort. The name implies adventure and endurance—qualities that helped it win loyalty among American families and praise from automotive critics. Introduced in 1994, it brought car-like handling and clever interior packaging to the minivan segment.

Ford Mustang

Inspired by the World War II P-51 Mustang fighter plane, the Ford Mustang name evokes freedom and speed. Introduced in 1964, it launched the pony car era and sold over 400,000 units in its first year. Its iconic galloping horse emblem captured its untamed spirit, and by 1965, it offered a V8 engine pushing out up to 271 horsepower.

Chrysler Pacifica

“Pacifica” evokes serenity and expansive travel, aligning with its role as a refined minivan. When released in 2017 as a reimagined model, it introduced innovations like the industry’s first hybrid minivan. Stow ’n Go seating and Uconnect infotainment further boosted its appeal. By 2023, it remained the only plug-in hybrid minivan in the U.S.

Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback, a name that nods to Australia’s rugged interior, combines adventure with utility. First released in 1994 as a lifted Legacy wagon, it catered to outdoorsy drivers wanting all-wheel-drive capability. It featured a raised suspension, roof rails, and protective body cladding. The car became Subaru’s top-selling model in the U.S. in 2021, surpassing the Forester.

Kia Telluride

The Telluride won the 2020 World Car of the Year. Named after the Colorado mountain town, the Telluride conjures images of high elevation and luxury adventure. Kia introduced it in 2019 to compete in the midsize SUV market. Its standard 3.8L V6 engine produced 291 horsepower and offered three-row seating.

Volkswagen Beetle

Originally dubbed the “people’s car,” the Beetle earned its name from its rounded shape and widespread popularity. Launched in 1938 as the Type 1, it became one of the world’s best-selling cars. Early models featured a rear-mounted air-cooled engine with about 40 horsepower. By 2003, the Beetle had surpassed 21 million units produced—a major automotive milestone.

Acura Integra

A few car names fuse identity and performance, such as the Integra. Acura launched it in 1986 as a sporty, front-wheel-drive compact with sharp handling. The third-generation Type R became a cult icon with its 8,200-rpm redline and 195 hp from a 1.8L engine. It helped establish Acura’s reputation as a precision-engineered performance brand.

Nissan Armada

Borrowing naval imagery, “Armada” suggests overwhelming power and size. This full-size SUV debuted in 2004 with three-row seating and a 5.6L Endurance V8 under the hood that produces 400 horsepower and can tow up to 8,500 pounds. Its second generation, released in 2017, shared architecture with the global Nissan Patrol.

Buick Enclave

Unlike older Buick models with alphanumeric names, “Enclave” offered a refined, upscale tone. Introduced in 2008, it replaced three aging models and signaled Buick’s shift toward premium crossovers. The Enclave featured QuietTuning technology and a 3.6L V6 engine. By 2019, it had become Buick’s best-selling vehicle in North America.

Toyota Sienna

Named after the historic Italian city of Siena, Toyota’s Sienna adds a touch of European style to family transport. Debuting in 1997 as the successor to the Previa, it became Toyota’s flagship minivan in the U.S. A major 2021 redesign made it hybrid-only, offering 245 horsepower and an impressive 36 mpg combined, with available all-wheel drive on most trims.

Land Rover Defender

The “Defender” name was adopted in 1990, though the vehicle was originally launched in 1983 as the Land Rover 90 and 110. Its name emphasized rugged durability and military roots. Reintroduced in 2020 with modern tech, it retained serious off-road chops. The Defender 110 offers up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance and wades through 35 inches of water.

Chevrolet Tahoe

Chevrolet introduced this model in 1995 as a shorter version of the Suburban. Its name comes from the scenic Lake Tahoe region, evoking rugged capability and outdoorsy appeal. It featured a body-on-frame layout and powerful V8 engines. The 2021 model featured an independent rear suspension and was available with up to 420 horsepower from a 6.2L V8 engine.

Mazda Miata (MX-5)

Rather than opting for a muscular or aggressive name, Mazda chose “Miata,” meaning “reward” in Old High German. Launched in 1989, it revived the spirit of lightweight British roadsters with Japanese reliability. The NA generation weighed just 2,100 pounds and offered near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Over a million units have been sold globally.

Hyundai Palisade

The name “Palisade” suggests strength and family protection, like towering cliffs guarding the coast. Hyundai launched this three-row SUV in 2020, replacing the Santa Fe XL. It features a roomy interior, premium finishes, and a standard V6 engine. By 2023, it delivered up to 86.4 cubic feet of cargo space and 291 horsepower from its 3.8L engine.

Porsche Cayenne

Unlike traditional luxury SUV names, “Cayenne” references a hot chili pepper—an unusual but bold choice. Introduced in 2002, it marked Porsche’s entry into the SUV market and drew criticism from purists. The gamble paid off: it became Porsche’s best-selling model. Turbo GT variants now offer 650 horsepower and a 0–60 time of 3.1 seconds.

Dodge Caravan

The name “Caravan” captured the essence of group travel and family utility. Chrysler launched the Dodge Caravan as a pioneer of the modern minivan era. Its sliding side doors and car-like drivability revolutionized family transport. This version dominated minivan sales for decades, with over 14 million units sold before discontinuation in 2020.