What Does Your Car Say About You?

So, its 6:15 at night and you’re sitting in traffic at a standstill.  Brake lights brighten up the night sky in an array of crimson during gridlock congestion.  The radio is on, but it’s an infomercial that you’ve begun to ignore, so your mind wanders.  You peer to the right and then to the left.  The man on the right drives a gunmetal painted Hummer, while the person on the left navigates a fluorescent yellow Toyota hybrid.  Immediately, you start to make assumptions.  The Hummer is a beast, made for adrenaline junkies and off-road advocates, while the Prius is for the health conscious, environmentally friendly neighbor.  Many of us associate certain cars with certain people.   

            A vehicle can provide insight into a person’s lifestyle, because our perception is based on the vehicle’s marketing.  Volvo’s are marketed for safety, while Porsche is an instant sign of speed.  So, what does YOUR car say about your lifestyle? 

According to a study by researchers at UC Davis, an individual who drives a small car (Honda Civic, SmartCar, Prius) usually lives in a high traffic city.  A small vehicle provides easy navigation through tight streets. They are usually more environmentally conscious and less concerned about their cars being a fashion statement or an indication of their status.  

Mid sized cars (Chevy Sedan) are a tad harder to decipher.  These drivers tend to be individuals belonging to blue-collar town, hold an above average income, are hard working, and enjoy their independence.    

Luxury vehicle (Cadillac, Lexus, Infinity) drivers usually drive for status reasons.  Middle-aged and retired people with a higher income are more likely to drive a luxury vehicle or a sports car.  Generally, they are hard working individuals who enjoy their independence.

The infamous minivan is for outgoing and friendly individuals who enjoy the ‘act’ of driving, while the pickup truck driver is for lower traffic, very hard working individuals that most likely live in the suburbs.  Truck drivers tend to utilize their vehicle for work or related activities. 

Sports cars (Porsche) tend to be driven by college educated, financially stable, or unstable young people with lower self-esteem.  Not confined to those characteristics, they can also be successful businessmen who enjoy having a fine vehicle that shows their status. 

Car colors also say a lot about their owner.  Check out these examples below:

Black: Aggressive personality, rebel

Silver: Cool, calm, may be a loner

Green: Reactive

Yellow: Idealistic

Blue: Introspective, reflective, and cautious

Red: Someone who is full of energy and pizzazz

White: Status seekers, gregarious

Cream: Contained and controlled

So, what type of driver are you?  Feel free to comment!