Regarding naming conventions for vehicle models, car companies use anything from animal names to nature-inspired terms to seemingly random numbers and letters. In the past, many automobile manufacturers used music terminology for their car names. Honda, in particular, has multiple retired cars that followed this naming convention, such as the Prelude, Quintet, Jazz, and Ballade. In the United States, five vehicle models with a musically themed name are available for purchase.

1. Buick Encore/Encore GX: Repeat enjoyment

A musical encore is a repeated or extended performance from a musician, and the success of the Buick Encore and Encore GX lives up to that name. The 2022 Buick Encore is available starting at $26,100 with 24 city mpg and 32 highway mpg. The 2023 Buick Encore GX starts at $25,900 with higher city ratings at 29 mpg.

When Buick embarked on the journey of revamping the brand, names were purposefully chosen to fit their various car models, according to The NewsWheel. The Buick Encore/Encore GX’s design for maximum cargo space and flexibility and a 1.4L turbo engine for sporty action performs over and over again for whatever its owner needs. Additionally, the Encore’s continued strong sales performance over the years adds credence to its musically themed name.

2. Cadillac Lyriq: No. 1 in the music industry

As the first fully electric Cadillac production vehicle, the Lyriq SUV runs on the Ultium EV Battery Platform. The 2024 model starts at $58,590 with a 308-mile range on a full charge and responsive and agile driving.

GM Authority says the Lyriq is part of a change in Cadillac’s naming structure to signal a shift toward electric vehicles. This name was based on the music term “lyric” because Cadillac is mentioned in more songs than any other brand — and not just car brands.

3. Kia Forte: Strength in its class

Forte is a French word that means “strong,” which denotes that the music should be played louder in music terminology. The 2023 Kia Forte sedan is best in class in cargo space with a premium interior and spacious cabin. The 2023 model starts at $19,690 with available 201 horsepower and an estimated 35 highway mpg. Kia Cars-India says it was originally named the K3 in Korea, but the sedan debuted with the name Forte when released in America.

4. Honda Accord: Harmony and balance

According to Dictionary, accord is the French term for the word “chord” — a music term when two or more notes are played in harmony at the same time. The Honda Accord lives up to its name with multiple “notes” of power and refinement that balance harmoniously with one another.

Starting at $27,295, this sedan has a 192-hp turbo engine with 29 city mpg and 37 highway mpg. A hybrid model is also available with 204 hp with 46 city mpg and 41 highway mpg.

5. Hyundai Sonata: Unique character

The 2023 Hyundai Sonata starts at $25,250 with up to 290 hp and 38 highway mpg. According to Britannica, this model gets its name from a musical composition, typically made up of two to four movements, or parts, for a solo instrument or a small instrumental group. In a sonata, each movement is unique in character but in a related key, or similar groups of notes.

The Hyundai Sonata pays homage to this music term by combining unique aspects into one sophisticated vehicle. This sports coupe model has sharp design details and harnesses technology to provide passengers with comfort, convenience, and safety.

The continuation of musically-themed car names

The musically themed naming convention continues to be popular in today’s car market, with these five cars available for purchase in 2023. Additionally, more are on the way, such as the upcoming Honda Prologue EV. With a strong history of a naming convention that utilizes music terminology, car buyers can expect to see more music-themed vehicle names in the market’s future.