This was definitely a poor name in retrospect, but I can see why they chose the name. The current functionality of autopilot is in fact pretty similar to aviati

This was definitely a poor name in retrospect, but I can see why they chose the name. The current functionality of autopilot is in fact pretty similar to aviation autopilots. Unfortunately most of the public thinks that an autopilot can fly a plane unassisted, so they naturally expect "Autopilot" to drive their car unassisted.