“Badge engineering” describes how automakers take cars from another automaker, make little or no changes, and sell them under their own badge. This practice results in a developed badged car, also known as a rebadged car. Car manufacturers use this method to save production costs.
However, badge engineering does not always produce good results. Below are three of the best and worst badge cars ever produced.
The 3 Best Badge Cars of All Time
Over time, various car manufacturers have produced badge-designed vehicles. Although they are almost indistinguishable, some of these vehicles have become better than the original. Below are the three best badge cars ever produced.
Isuzu Trooper
The Isuzu Trooper is the most developed vehicle in the automotive industry. It is sold under 12 other names in different countries. The first generation was from 1981 to 1991, while the second spanned between 1991 and 2007. During these two generations, the Isuzu Trooper was renamed as Caribe 442, Chevrolet Trooper, Acura SLX, Subaru Bighorn, Honda Horizon, Opel Monterey, Vauxhall Monterey, Holden Monterey, HSV Jackaroo and SsangYong Korando Family. Its widespread acceptance is due to its off-road capabilities and rugged, basic transportation. It rivals the Land Rover Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruiser.
Aston Martin Cygnet
The Cygnet is perhaps the strangest Aston Martin ever produced. The company introduced it in 2011 to meet European emissions regulations. This small car is based on the Toyota iQ, but boasts unique features. These include a custom Aston Martin front grille, distinctive taillights and headlights, as well as a V8 Cygnet version, making it more prestigious, reports CarsCoops.
Vauxhall VXR8
Australian-based automaker Holden is known for producing one of the most desirable sports sedans. In its mission to introduce these types of cars to the UK, Vauxhall imported the HSV ClubSport and HSV GTS as the Vauxhall VXR8. The HSV ClubSport was produced between 2007 and 2009, while the HSV GTS was produced between 2010 and 2017. Although it was a decent call, the Vauxhall VXR8 didn’t garner huge sales in the UK, but it did give British enthusiasts a home-branded dream car.
The 3 weirdest cars with badges ever made
While some badged cars have achieved considerable success, others have not enjoyed the same. Here are three of the worst vehicles ever built.
Honda Passport
You are probably familiar with the modern Honda Passport SUV. But did you know that the Isuzu Rodeo was once redesigned? This version was plagued with problems that led to numerous safety recalls between 1997 and 2002. Common issues with the 1990s Honda Passport were damaged O-rings and faulty fuel level sensors.
Suzuki Renault
The partnership between General Motors and Daewoo in the 2000s resulted in a surprising new Daewoo Lacetti car, the Suzuki Reno. This came after a huge success with the Geo Metro, a rebranded Suzuki Swift. General Motors avoided making significant changes beyond the addition of marker lights and reflectors to meet regulatory requirements. Consequently, the Suzuki Reno was unsuccessful in the American market.
Cadillac Cimarron
The Cadillac Cimarron, a rebadged Chevy Cavalier, was the result of GM’s rush to compete with the popular Mercedes 190 E and Audi 5000 luxury sedans in 1979. But the rushed experience did not distinguish the Cimarron as a worthy competitor, especially with its base 88-hp. 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Cadillac tried to amp up the luxury with a leather interior and upgraded V6 engine. Still, the Cimarron was unable to beat its European rivals. As a result, Cadillac killed this car with a new badge in 1988.