15 Amazing Cars Built By Brands You’d Never Expect
When you think of a luxury sedan, the first brands that probably come to mind are Mercedes, BMW, or Audi. But did you know that some of the world’s most surprising brands have dipped their toes into the automotive waters, creating cars that still make us do a double-take?
In this list, we’re diving into 15 amazing cars built by brands you’d never expect. Buckle up because this is going to be a wild ride!
1. Gucci – The Gucci Edition Fiat 500 (2011)
When high fashion meets horsepower, you get the Gucci Edition Fiat 500. This stylish collaboration between the famed Italian luxury label and Fiat featured a limited-edition ride adorned with the signature Gucci green-red-green stripe and monogram print.
Perfect for drivers who want their vehicle to make a bold statement—along with their outfit.
2. Samsung – The Samsung Motors SM5 (2000)
Before Samsung dominated smartphones and electronics, they explored the automotive field with the SM5, a premium sedan crafted alongside Renault.
Though it didn’t revolutionize driving as hoped, this sleek, comfortable model highlighted Samsung’s potential beyond tech. Now, they’ll stick to making phones, thank you very much.
3. Aston Martin – The Aston Martin Cygnet (2011)
A luxury sports car brand making a tiny city car? Aston Martin broke all the rules with the Cygnet, a compact urban car designed to meet tight city regulations while maintaining the company’s usual level of sophistication.
The result? A car that looked like it should be zipping around Monaco, not the streets of London. While it didn’t last long, it certainly raised eyebrows!
4. Toyota – The Toyota Alphard (2002)
When you picture a Toyota, you likely envision sedans or practical hatchbacks. Yet the Alphard emerged as a plush minivan for Japan’s elite, rivaling even the most opulent SUVs with its upscale features and sleek design.
It stunned everyone by blending practicality with lavish refinement.
5. Peugeot – The Peugeot 508 RXH (2011)
Peugeot rarely evokes thoughts of upscale SUVs, but the 508 RXH showcased their flair with a chic crossover blending sleek lines and hybrid tech.
This vehicle raised the bar for the French automaker, proving their chops in eco-friendly refinement. It marked a bold step into versatile terrain.
6. Buick – The Buick GNX (1987)
When you think of Buick, you likely think of spacious sedans or SUVs, not muscle cars. But in 1987, Buick shocked everyone with the GNX, a turbocharged performance car that could go head-to-head with the best of the muscle car world.
It was a surprising, no-nonsense powerhouse that packed 276 horsepower under the hood. Though it was limited to just 547 units, the GNX became an instant classic and showed the world that Buick wasn’t just about luxury—it could do raw power too.
7. Chrysler – The Chrysler ME Four-Twelve (2004)
Chrysler isn’t typically known for supercars, but they certainly made waves when they unveiled the ME Four-Twelve. With a quad-turbo V12 engine, this hypercar prototype boasted insane performance numbers that rivaled some of the most elite sports cars in the world.
While it never saw mass production, it was a bold move from a brand more accustomed to minivans than speedsters.
8. Subaru – The Subaru BRZ (2012)
Subaru excels at all-wheel-drive rigs for rugged terrain, not sleek sports machines. Yet the BRZ, crafted with Toyota, flipped that script as a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive gem that thrilled enthusiasts.
This affordable, fun ride defied expectations and became a standout hit.
9. Hyundai – The Hyundai Genesis Coupe (2009)
Hyundai built its name on budget sedans, but the Genesis Coupe shattered that mold with sharp styling and spirited performance.
It proved Hyundai could craft an affordable, engaging ride worth serious attention. This game-changer tossed the rulebook aside.
10. Volkswagen – The Volkswagen Phaeton (2002)
Volkswagen caters to everyday drivers, yet the Phaeton marked their ambitious leap into upscale sedans. Priced to challenge brands like Audi and BMW, this plush ride boasted premium features aplenty.
Despite its merits, it struggled to win buyers and faded after a short stint.
11. Ford – The Ford GT90 (1995)
Ford shocked the car world when it debuted the GT90, a concept car with a sleek design and a V12 engine that pushed the boundaries of performance.
Although it was never put into production, the GT90 proved that Ford could build an exotic supercar to rival the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini.
12. Jaguar – The Jaguar XJ220 (1992)
Jaguar was never really known for producing supercars, but the XJ220 changed that perception. With a top speed of 217 mph and a turbocharged V6 engine, this was a car built to compete with the best of the best.
However, due to production issues, the XJ220’s legacy was somewhat tarnished, but it’s still remembered as one of Jaguar’s boldest moves.
13. Tesla – The Tesla Roadster (2008)
Before Tesla became a household name for electric cars, they released the Roadster, an electric sports car that defied the odds.
Based on the Lotus Elise, this tiny roadster was the beginning of Elon Musk’s electric revolution, and while it was a far cry from the Tesla of today, it proved that electric cars could be fast, stylish, and environmentally friendly.
14. Volvo – The Volvo 1800ES (1972-1973)
Volvo, known for its focus on safety, stunned the automotive world with the 1800ES. A sleek, sportscar-like wagon, it combined practical storage space with a sharp, stylish design, giving Volvo a spot in the sporty coupe market.
With its glass hatchback and unique Scandinavian charm, the 1800ES was an unexpected and quirky offering from a brand known for its boxy sedans. Its rarity and distinctive design have made it a cult classic today.
15. Lego – The Lego Car (2013)
This one’s a little different. In 2013, Lego took the classic toy-building concept to new heights and constructed a car entirely out of Lego pieces.
The Lego Car wasn’t just for show; it was a fully functioning vehicle that could actually drive, albeit slowly. Who knew childhood building blocks could turn into a legitimate road-ready car?