When you’re looking to buy a new car, it’s tempting to stick with what you know, especially if you have a brand with which you enjoy driving or have already established an affinity.
But don’t forget that plenty of other car brands are out there. They come in all shapes and sizes.
If you want to ensure that you’re getting the most value for your purchase, consider choosing one of these car brands that start with O!
1. Osella
Osella, the first on our list of car brands that start with O. Founded in 1977, is an Italian sports car manufacturer located in Varese. The company name comes from former owner Enzo Osella.
While Osella’s or Osellai can refer to cars and racing cars by Enzo’s company and his son Nicola’s companies, they participated in Formula One races from 1980 to 1985 under its name and during 1981 under Zakspeed.
In recent years, they have mostly built hot hatches using various drivetrain components sourced from Fiat, BMW, Volvo, and Honda.
However, they continue working on improving their prototype.
2. Oreca
Founded in 1985 by Henri Oreca and Romano Artioli, Oreca is one of the premier builders of race cars. They are rated as one of the fastest car brands that start with O.
The company has participated in every major international racing series since its inception (including Formula One). And it has captured over 150 significant victories.
The company’s wins include multiple Le Man titles, and a few American championships wins.
In recent years, Oreca has introduced some consumer-based products based on its successes in racing.
Products like paddle shifters for high-end road cars exist but no plans for full consumer car models.
3. Oscar
Many think that OSCA is a lesser-known Italian car brand. But it’s actually among Italian car brands that start with O.
It is an acronym for Officine Stampaggi Cementizi Anonima, which translates to Anonymous Stampings Cement Foundry Company. Vincenzo De Adamich founded it in 1921 and produced cars until 1978.
During its first year of production, it made just 12 cars. They saw sales rise to 300 in 1925 after opening their dedicated factory in Milan.
Their earliest model was called the Milano Sport (which could reach speeds up to 145 km/h), and it came with a 2-liter engine.
4. Old Yeller
Old Yeller, a manufacturer of trucks and vans, rose from humble beginnings in 2016.
In its first year, Old Yeller had a modest budget and produced only 12 trucks to sell throughout Oklahoma.
Old Yeller continues to provide affordable transportation for Oklahomans despite meager sales in its early years.
Especially those who want something built tough but priced reasonably.
If you’re looking for one of the off-road car brands that start with O, look no further than Old Yeller.
5. Opel
In 1862, Adam Opel founded Opel as a sewing machine manufacturer in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
Initially producing bicycles and sewing machines (the company’s motto was Man is born to find and lead ). It began manufacturing automobiles in 1899.
It was recognized as one of the companies manufacturing car brands that started with O. The company produced vehicles and engines for civilian and military use.
From 1902, it operated under Adam Opel GmbH & Co. Automobilwerke AG before being taken over by General Motors on December 28, 1929, after World War I.
After WWII, its German branch was not reopened due to France’s refusal to recognize its intellectual property rights.
6. OlsbergsMSE
The car brand started in 1978 as a performance shop specializing in rally and road racing in Sweden.
Since then, it has expanded to include everything from parts manufacturing to consulting services and even an appearance on BBC’s Top Gear.
The company is now famous for developing high-performance cars that can take a beating.
Their sturdiness earned them a contract from NASA for use on Mars exploration missions. It is known to be one of the sturdiest car brands that start with O.
However, due to recent financial problems within NASA funding programs, it is unlikely any of OlsbergsMSE’s vehicles will be used for space exploration anytime soon.
7. Oettinger
If you’re in Europe and looking for a car to get around in, several car brands start with O to choose from.
For example, there’s Oettinger Automotive AG. Founded in 1964 and based in Germany’s Black Forest region since 1990.
It offers both conventional cars as well as custom models. The company also has a small fleet of vehicles used for racing competitions.
Because most countries drive on the right side of the road, you’ll need to remember when shopping for an Oettinger car if it will be shipped to your country from Germany or elsewhere within Europe.
8. Oldsmobile
One of America’s oldest car brands that start with O. It was founded in 1897 as Ransom E. Olds Motor Vehicle Company.
Oldsmobile was a significant force in Detroit’s transition from horse-drawn vehicles to gasoline-powered cars.
However, the company went bankrupt in 2004 and merged with another brand, but it still survives today.
Oldsmobile cars featured many innovations over time. Its Rocket 88 is widely considered one of the first muscle cars.
Though it didn’t become a hit until about five years after its debut, Oldsmobile’s last models were made in 2004, though many are still on roadways today.
9. Orca
One of my favorite car brands that start with O is Orca—and it’s not even real.
I’ve found several sites offering Orca-branded vehicles and have been disappointed to learn they’re not in production.
If you’ve never heard of Orca cars before, don’t feel bad—they don’t exist (yet). But their website makes for a great learning opportunity.
Please look at what they offer: three types of vehicles (lightweight SUV, multi-passenger sedan, high-performance sports car) and six color options. There are plenty more details about why you should buy an Orca vehicle.
10. Obvio
Obvio is a car company based in Hamburg, Germany. In addition to selling cars and offering maintenance packages for current owners.
Obvio also handles every step in purchasing a vehicle, including arranging to finance and finding a buyer for your old vehicle.
It offers customers both manual and automatic transmission vehicles at affordable prices.
Before committing to a new Obvio vehicle, though, check out their current models (listed on their website)—research what other customers are saying about them online and arrange a test drive if possible.
Although there aren’t any known defects with Obvio’s products or services, customers have complained about service issues with their dealership locations.
11. Oka
The most notable model of this small car brand is a small, three-wheeled vehicle powered by an all-electric motor.
This French company’s history dates to 1973, when it built its first three-wheeler on a fuel tank frame.
The super lightweight and efficient vehicle was a hit in France and got more than 100 miles per gallon, but only 50 vehicles were sold before it went bankrupt in 1979.
Nearly 20 years later, Oka and Victory Motors became partners to produce a new version of its three-wheeler for Victory dealers across North America starting in 2007. This is one of the oldest car brands that start with O.
