The 10 Worst Car Names Of All Time

Thing

Volkswagen Thing
Image source: Flickr

In 1973 and 1974 Volkswagen decided that Americans were ready for a car that looked like a small child’s version of a toy jeep, and two-wheel drive convertible “Thing” was christened and offered for sale. Other names around the world weren’t so nondescript. In the UK it was called the Trekker, and in Mexico, it was the Safari. In Germany, it was the Kurierwagon.

Originally, the Thing was designed for German military use. It was a unique vehicle. The windows and doors could easily be removed. A drain in the floor made cleanup easy, with a hose. Its windshield folded down.

Drawbacks? The engine only offered 55 hp and the top speed was 71 mph.

Ironically, Things are now popular in the classic car market.