Canada has seen its fair share of rare, unusual and downright strange vehicles over the decades. Some arrived through limited distribution, others came from brands that barely existed here and a few were simply too quirky for the mainstream. They sold in tiny numbers, vanished quietly and today most Canadians barely remember them. These eight obscure machines prove that Canada’s automotive past is far more interesting than most people realize.
Daihatsu Rocky A Tough Little Off Roader Few Canadians Noticed
Daihatsu tried entering the Canadian market in the early 90s, and the Rocky was its headline act. It had a simple four cylinder engine, genuine off road ability and rugged charm, but almost nobody bought one. The brand lacked recognition, dealer support was thin and buyers flocked to bigger domestic SUVs instead. Today the Rocky is so rare in Canada that spotting one feels like finding a unicorn.
Sterling 825 A British Luxury Sedan with American Roots
The Sterling 825 combined Rover styling with Honda engineering, resulting in a quirky luxury sedan that actually drove quite well. Unfortunately, Sterling’s brief attempt to crack the Canadian market fell apart due to quality issues and a tiny dealer network. Most buyers never even heard of the brand. Surviving cars are almost museum pieces now, proof of a bold experiment that never took hold.
Subaru Baja The Quirky Half Truck That Confused Everyone
The Baja tried to blend a sedan, wagon and pickup into one design. It had charm, standard all wheel drive and Subaru reliability, but buyers could not figure out what it was supposed to be. Too small for truck buyers and too strange for crossover shoppers, it disappeared almost as fast as it arrived. Today it has a cult following among fans of oddball practicality.
Isuzu VehiCROSS A Sci Fi SUV Sold in Tiny Numbers
The VehiCROSS looked like something drawn for a comic book. Its chunky cladding, tapered profile and futuristic cabin were far ahead of their time. But its price was high, production was low and Isuzu already struggled in Canada. Only a handful ever made it onto Canadian roads. Those who know the VehiCROSS adore its uniqueness, and clean examples now attract collectors searching for forgotten gems.
Suzuki X 90 The Two Seat SUV Nobody Asked For
Suzuki took the already small Sidekick, chopped it into a two seat bubble and added a removable roof. The result was the X 90, one of the strangest vehicles to ever hit Canadian showrooms. It was too small to be a proper SUV and too tall to be a sports car. Sales were microscopic. Today it stands as one of the era’s boldest misfires and one of Canada’s most obscure modern cars.
Merkur XR4Ti A Performance Import from a Brand Nobody Understood
Ford created the Merkur brand to bring European performance to North America, and the turbocharged XR4Ti was its star. Sharp handling and punchy power made it fun to drive, but Canadians never warmed to the brand or its unusual name. Poor marketing and expensive parts sealed its fate. Collectors now hunt for surviving XR4Tis because so few remain.
Nissan Pulsar NX with Switchable Body Panels
The Pulsar NX offered something almost nobody asked for, interchangeable body modules. Owners could swap between a coupe tail, wagon style pod or open targa arrangement. It was creative but too complicated for mass appeal. Only a small number sold in Canada, and most of the modular panels vanished over the years. The car remains a fascinating footnote in Nissan’s history.
Bricklin SV 1 Canada’s Most Famous Automotive Oddity
Built in New Brunswick in the mid 70s, the Bricklin SV 1 featured gullwing doors, acrylic body panels and a mission focused on safety. Production troubles and quality problems ended the company quickly, leaving very few cars on the road. Despite its issues, the Bricklin is iconic simply because it was Canada’s own sports car. Its rarity and bizarre charm make it the perfect ending to this list of obscurities.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
