Ever wonder why your neighbor’s vintage Camaro has such a cool name, or how the Blazer earned its rugged rep? Car names aren’t just slapped on by chance—they’re carefully chosen to stir emotion, build brand identity, and (let’s be honest) sell cars.
At Luke’s Auto Service, we’ve seen just about every model roll through the shop, and some of the stories behind these names are as interesting as the cars themselves.
Here’s a look at how some of the most legendary rides got their names.
AMC Pacer
The ’70s Pacer was AMC’s attempt at a futuristic, wide-bodied compact car. The name “Pacer” was meant to suggest speed and forward motion—something pacing ahead of its time. Whether you thought it looked cool or quirky, the name gave it a sleek, ambitious vibe.
Chevy Corvette
Named after a nimble, lightly armed warship, the Corvette was designed to be just that—fast, agile, and striking. It’s a name that’s carried serious weight in American performance cars for over 70 years.
Ford Bronco
Built to take on the rugged terrain and challenge the Jeep, the Bronco was Ford’s wild stallion. The name called up images of untamed land and rough rides—just what off-roaders were after in the ’60s and ’70s.
Lamborghini Diablo
Spanish for “devil,” the Diablo was named after a legendary 19th-century fighting bull. It was designed to embody fierce power and exotic danger, just like the animal (and maybe the driver behind the wheel).
Chevy Blazer
The Blazer was made to blaze trails—plain and simple. Chevy wanted a name that captured rugged adventure and go-anywhere capability. They nailed it, and the name became synonymous with early SUVs long before they ruled the roads.
Ford Mustang
You can’t talk American car names without the Mustang. It pulled inspiration from both the WWII P-51 fighter plane and the free-roaming horses of the West. Fast, agile, and unapologetically American—it set the tone for generations of pony cars.
Chevy Camaro
Chevy never gave a straight answer on what “Camaro” meant—one exec famously joked it was “a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.” The name actually comes from a French word meaning “comrade” or “friend,” but let’s be honest, that Mustang line is what stuck.
Volkswagen Golf
Believe it or not, the Golf isn’t named after the sport—it’s actually short for Gulf Stream, part of VW’s theme of naming cars after winds and currents (think: Scirocco, Passat, Jetta). A breezy name for a zippy hatchback.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
“Ghost” pays homage to the original Silver Ghost from 1906, known for being incredibly smooth and silent for its time. Today’s Ghost follows that lineage: ultra-luxurious, eerily quiet, and almost supernatural in how effortlessly it glides.
Dodge Charger
The Charger name hits hard. It screams speed, power, and aggression—all qualities muscle car fans crave. Whether you’re looking at the ’60s classics or today’s Hellcat beasts, the name fits like a racing glove.
Plymouth Barracuda
Before the Mustang even hit the streets, the Barracuda made waves. Named after the sleek, dangerous predator of the sea, it perfectly described the car’s sharp styling and serious bite on the drag strip.
Audi Quattro
“Quattro” simply means “four” in Italian, but for Audi, it was a statement. It marked the debut of their revolutionary all-wheel-drive system in a sleek coupe. The name became so iconic that “quattro” is now practically synonymous with AWD across the industry.
AMC Javelin
Designed to take on the likes of the Mustang and Camaro, the Javelin carried a name that evoked precision and power. Like its namesake spear, it was built to be thrown into the muscle car wars with deadly intent.
Cars Have Names for a Reason
The next time you’re stuck in traffic behind a Blazer or parked next to a Bronco, take a second to appreciate the thought that went into that badge. These names weren’t just slapped on—they were crafted to tell a story, spark an image, and create a legacy.
Swing by Luke’s Auto Service in Verona, NJ – whether you drive a Camaro or a Corolla, we’ll treat it like it belongs in the hall of fame.