Car Brands Starting With O

Several car manufacturers have names beginning with the letter O. Some are still in production today, while others stopped making vehicles decades ago. This guide walks through the brands you might encounter on the road or in automotive history.

The brands range from luxury marques to mainstream manufacturers, and they come from different countries around the world. Knowing which brands exist — and where they're from — can help you understand a vehicle's origin, what to expect from its design, and where to find parts or service.

Key Takeaways

  • Oldsmobile was a major American brand owned by General Motors that stopped production in 2004.
  • Opel is a German manufacturer still owned by Stellantis and primarily sold in Europe.
  • Oullim is a South Korean brand that produced vehicles in the 1990s and early 2000s before ceasing operations.
  • Overland was an American car maker from the early 1900s that no longer exists.
  • Ora is a Chinese electric vehicle brand under Great Wall Motors that launched in 2018.

Oldsmobile: The American Brand That Lasted 107 Years

Oldsmobile was founded in 1897 and became one of the oldest continuously operating car brands in the United States. It was acquired by General Motors in 1908 and remained part of GM's lineup for nearly a century. The brand was known for mid-range vehicles positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac in GM's portfolio.

The company stopped making new vehicles in 2004, ending production of the Alero and Intrigue models. If you encounter an Oldsmobile on the road today, it will be a used vehicle, typically from the 1990s or early 2000s. Parts and service for Oldsmobiles are still available through GM dealers and independent mechanics, since the vehicles share components with other GM brands.

Opel: The German Manufacturer Still in Production

Opel is a German car manufacturer founded in 1862 that began making automobiles in 1899. The brand is currently owned by Stellantis, a multinational corporation formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and the PSA Group. Opel vehicles are primarily sold in Europe, though the brand has a long history of exporting to other markets.

Opel produces compact cars, sedans, and crossovers aimed at the mainstream European market. The brand is known for practical, fuel-efficient vehicles. If you live in Europe, you may see Opel models like the Astra, Corsa, or Grandland regularly. In other parts of the world, Opel vehicles are sometimes sold under different brand names — for example, some Opel models are sold as Vauxhall in the United Kingdom.

Ora: The Chinese Electric Vehicle Brand

Ora is a relatively new brand launched in 2018 by Great Wall Motors, one of China's largest automakers. The brand focuses exclusively on electric vehicles and is primarily sold in China, though it has begun expanding to other markets in Asia and beyond. Ora models are designed to be affordable and practical for everyday driving.

The brand's name comes from the Chinese word for "hour" and is meant to suggest a fresh start. Ora vehicles are not widely available in North America or Europe yet, but as electric vehicle adoption grows globally, the brand may become more visible in additional markets. The vehicles typically feature modern technology and competitive pricing compared to other electric options in their class.

Oullim: The South Korean Brand From the 1990s

Oullim was a South Korean car manufacturer that operated from 1993 to 2005. The company produced compact cars and small SUVs primarily for the domestic Korean market. Oullim vehicles were not widely exported, so they are uncommon outside South Korea.

The brand ceased operations in 2005 after failing to compete with larger, more established manufacturers. Today, Oullim vehicles are found mainly in used car markets in South Korea. If you encounter one outside its home market, it is likely a collector's item or a vehicle that was privately imported.

Overland: An Early American Automaker

Overland was an American automobile manufacturer founded in 1903 that produced vehicles until 1926. The company was based in Indianapolis and later in Toledo, Ohio, and was known for affordable, practical cars aimed at middle-class buyers. At its peak, Overland was one of the largest car manufacturers in the United States.

The brand did not survive the economic pressures of the 1920s and ceased production nearly a century ago. Overland vehicles today exist only in museums, private collections, and automotive history records. They are considered valuable pieces of early American automotive history.

Other O Brands and Historical Notes

Beyond the major brands listed above, several other manufacturers with names starting with O have existed or continue to operate in niche markets. Some were regional brands with limited production, while others operated for only a few years before being absorbed by larger companies or ceasing operations entirely.

When researching car brands, it helps to know the brand's country of origin and whether it is still in production. This information affects where you can find parts, what kind of service support is available, and how common the vehicle is in your region. Online automotive databases and manufacturer websites can provide detailed histories of brands you encounter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oldsmobile still making cars?

No. Oldsmobile stopped production in 2004 and is no longer in operation. General Motors discontinued the brand after more than a century. Used Oldsmobiles from the 1990s and 2000s are still available in the used car market.

Where can I buy an Opel?

Opel vehicles are primarily sold through dealerships in Europe. The brand is not officially sold in North America. In some regions, Opel models are sold under different brand names, such as Vauxhall in the United Kingdom or Buick in China.

Are Ora electric vehicles available in the United States?

Ora vehicles are not currently widely available in the United States. The brand is primarily sold in China and is beginning to expand to other Asian markets. Availability in North America may change as the brand grows, but there is no confirmed timeline for U.S. sales.

What happened to Oullim?

Oullim ceased operations in 2005 after struggling to compete in the South Korean automotive market. The company did not have the scale or resources to survive long-term competition from larger manufacturers. Oullim vehicles are now found mainly in used car markets in South Korea.

Are Overland cars valuable today?

Overland vehicles from the early 1900s are considered valuable to collectors and automotive historians. They represent an important period in American car manufacturing history. Original Overlands in good condition can command significant prices at auctions and through specialty dealers.