These Cars Are Cool As Cats
You're probably used to hearing about the Civics, Corollas, and Teslas of the world, but have you ever heard about the more unique car names in automobile history? While there are plenty of weird ones out there, today we're going to look at a specific category: animals. Some of these cars are named after creatures that make sense, but not all of them. How many of these can you get behind?
Patrick from Merrimack, NH, United States on Wikimedia
1. Chevrolet Impala
As one of Chevrolet's best-selling cars in the United States, the Impala is iconic for its accessibility and unique triple taillight design. Debuting way back in 1958, it's a testament to this car's quality that it was so popular and beloved for so long. And with it being named after one of the most graceful animals alive, you can expect the same smooth and speedy handling in this vehicle.
2. Plymouth Barracuda
If you're unfamiliar with the brand Plymouth, just know it was produced by the Chrsyler Corporation in an attempt to grow the lower price markets. This two-door pony car is beloved by junkies for its sporty style yet affordable price tag. It was great for those who wanted the look and feel of an expensive car, but without the hefty cost. And with the name Barracuda, it immediately evoked a sense of power and strength.
3. Nissan Bluebird
When you think of the word Bluebird, we're guessing you're automatically thinking of small and light. And that's exactly what this Nissan vehicle brings to the table. This compact car produced between 1995 and 2007 is one of the company's most popular and recognized sedans. While it's not the most stylish car, it is very reliable, making it a solid choice and worthy competitor of the Toyota Corona.
Rutger van der Maar on Wikimedia
4. Volkswagen Beetle
Better known as a "Punch Buggy" by younger generations, the Volkswagen Beetle is funnily reminiscent of the bug it's named after. Best known for its unique, rounded design, this car is incredibly petite and even cute-looking. There's something about it that just reminds you of a beetle, don't you agree? Though it's not the most beautiful car on the market, it resonated with large audiences, making it one of the most successful cars in history with a production period of 65 years.
5. Dodge Viper
Named after this sleek and sneaky reptile, the Dodge Viper was a high-performance sports car that is no longer in production. It was available as both a coupe or convertible, providing customers with some nice customizability. Sadly, low sales caused the end of the Viper after 26 years in the making.
The original uploader was NineKnuckles at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
6. Sunbeam Tiger
Manufactured by the Rootes Group which is a British company, the Sunbeam Tiger was partially designed by American racer Carroll Shelby. The car itself was a higher-performance version of the Sunbeam Alpine roadster, but with an impressive V8 engine. It was certainly a fierce car that lived up to its title, finding several wins in European motorsport rallies.
Brian Snelson from Hockley, Essex, England on Wikimedia
7. Ford Cougar
Classified as a "D-segment coupé" which meant the Cougar was a larger-sized family car, this Ford line up was sold in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Though it never became incredibly popular on the market, it will be fondly remembered as being an underlooked car that was both practical and trustworthy.
8. Fiat Panda
If you ever get this car in black and white, you'll be able to see how closely it resembles the adorable animal it was named after. While pandas don't exactly make you think of speed, this car is beloved for its reliability and is still currently in production. Now on its fourth iteration, there are even hybrid options that make this an excellent vehicle for city driving.
9. Corvette Stingray
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has had a rather long lifespan, currently now in its 8th generation from the original model. With its sleek and cool design, it's not hard to see why! This sports car doesn't just have impressive speed, with the 2025 model reaching heights of 194mph, there's a timeless appeal to it that keeps people going back for more. While the name Stingray might have sounded questionable at the start, it's now iconic for the brand.
10. Dodge RAM
For truck drivers, one of the most popular options on the market continues to be the Dodge RAM. Mighty just like the animal, this full-size pickup truck has won numerous awards throughout its production for its amazing power, build, and capabilities. What seems to stand out most for people is the drive quality and how responsive the steering feels.
11. Chevrolet Bison
Though this massive truck is no longer being produced, we'll always remember it for its fitting name and power. Classified as a "Class 8" truck which is given based off of the gross vehicle weight rating, this monstrous beast was certainly heavy-duty. Here's a fun fact, this is the largest truck ever produced by the company!
12. Ford Bronco
With horses already reminding you of speed and power, the Ford Bronco does a good job echoing those traits. Sttill being sold despite production starting in 1965, this line of SUVs is best known for its compact size yet amazing off-roading capabilities. This four-wheel drive, sport utility car will definitely get you where you need to be.
13. AMC Marlin
Originally called the Rambler Marlin, this vehicle was in production from 1965 to 1967 and was advertised as a personal luxury car. It was designed as a fastback which means the rear end curves down in one smooth slope from the roof to the tail. In 1967, the car received a huge makeover which involved adding in a longer hood, a more spacious interior, and new and improved engines.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
14. Volkswagen Rabbit
More formally known as the Volkswagen Golf MK1, this small family car is a familiar one in the automobile world. With its easy-to-recognize, boxy design, the Rabbit featured a steep hatchback that provided much more space than your typical trunk. It will always be an iconic vehicle in the company's line-up as one of the first to move away from Volkswagen's original typical features.
15. Stutz Blackhawk
Never heard of the Stutz Motor Company before? If the Blackhawk isn't ringing any bells, maybe it's because it was considered an American luxury car only produced between 1971 to 1987. While it definitely wasn't the most affordable option, it had a lot of star power. Even Elvis Presley owned one, in fact, he was the very first person to own one ever.
16. Triumph Stag
Manufactured by Triumph Motor Company, the Stag definitely has a cool name that immediately makes you think graceful yet speedy. With its sleek design, this car was designed by Giovannni Michelotti with the purpose of competing against other luxury sports cars and models. Sadly, sales never really took off and issues with its reliability eventually sealed the coffin.
17. Shelby Cobra
Though it was built by a British company called AC Cars, the AC Cobra was sold in the United States as well. With its clean interior design, quick take-off speeds, and powerful engine (the Ford V8), many see it as one of the most iconic sports cars in American history. In today's world, it's believed that there are less than 100 authentic models left!
18. Jaguar
Compared to the others on this list, Jaguar isn't just a single vehicle, it's an entire brand. Known for selling luxury cars with amazing quality, this company from the United Kingdom is best known for sports cars like the E-type which many car junkies thought to be perfect. If there's one thing Jaguar will always be praised for, it's their impeccably stylish designs.
19. AC Greyhound
This two-door vehicle produced by AC Cars can fit up to four people and was a new take on the existing Ace and Aceca models made by the same company. Unfortunately, it wasn't a car that resonated with customers, namely because of its lackluster design and unaccessible price point.
Detectandpreserve on Wikimedia
20. Buick Wildcat
Developed and produced between 1963 to 1970, the Buick Wildcat was a full-sized car that was eventually replaced by the Buick Centurion. Though it was initially released as a two-door coupe, the line was expanded to provide customers with more customized choices like a four-door and convertible option.
