What is your all time favorite automobile?

The relationship between people and their favorite cars often transcends mere transportation; it embodies emotion, identity, and personal history. For many, a car is more than a machine; it represents freedom, adventure, and the journey of life itself. From childhood memories of family road trips to the thrill of driving a dream car, these vehicles often hold special significance. They can reflect personality, aspirations, and even social status, creating a deep bond between owner and automobile. This connection underscores the importance of cars in our lives, serving as symbols of independence and milestones that accompany us through various stages of our journey.

If you’ve read my blog over the past years, you know that I tend to be a frugal person when it comes to money, and personally I view a vehicle as simply a mode of transportation. Sure, I prefer to not drive a rust-bucket, but I don’t need a Lexus to feel good about who I am either.

So, here are some of my favorite vehicles over the course of my life with stories and recollections on each one, as well as my dream vehicle too!

AMC PACER

It was a magical Christmas morning when I was around 9 or 10 years old, a moment forever etched in my memory, as my dad surprised us with an AMC Pacer. I can still feel the excitement as I hurried down the stairs to our landing, my heart racing with anticipation. Through the window, I spotted that quirky car gleaming in the driveway, undeniably unique, and though it wasn’t my favorite, it was a spectacular surprise that filled the day with joy!

BUICK ELECTRA 225

My father held a deep admiration for Buicks for as long as I can recall. To me, riding in one felt akin to navigating a tank through a war zone, yet he cherished them profoundly. Even as I approached adulthood and began to consider purchasing a vehicle, the prospect of acquiring a Buick briefly entered my thoughts; however, the financial commitment proved to be somewhat beyond my personal budget.

CHEVY MONZA

This was the most literal piece of junk car I’ve ever driven (mine was dark green with a tan top), but it was the closest I got in my twenties to a Mustang. When you lifted the floor liner on the passenger side, you could see the highway speeding by beneath you! And let’s not forget the thrill of being able to pull the key out of the ignition while cruising at 60 mph or faster on the interstate—now that’s impressive.

CHEVY MONTE CARLO

I loved this car. The color, the style, and most importantly – the stereo, were all I could wish for back in those days. It ran pretty well for the time I had it, but eventually the repairs became more costly than was worth it to keep driving.

CHEVY CITATION

Not my car, but actually my wife’s vehicle before we were married. Back when we were dating, we’d have my now sister-in-law stay with us off and on throughout the summer, and when we’d go to the Drive-In, there would only be two going in, but three watching the movies. I assume the statute of limitations has expired by now for us poor college students. God bless that hatchback!

NISSAN SENTRA

This is the ONLY vehicle we have ever purchased brand new (considering the notion that “it depreciates 50% upon leaving the dealership”), and it has performed admirably. The most significant issue we encountered arose within the first week of ownership, when we returned from the local Target to discover that an individual had forcefully propelled a shopping cart into the driver’s side door—presumably out of frustration regarding someone acquiring a new vehicle. We subsequently took it to the body shop for repair of the dent, which they addressed, but unfortunately neglected to reopen the drains at the bottom of the door, leading to premature rusting on that side.

NISSAN ALTIMA

Probably our most sensible purchase for both quality and price. This Altima was not the sexiest car we could have owned, but it was always reliable and oddly enough is really the only one without an interesting story tied to it.

HONDA CIVIC

For less than $3,000, we were able to secure this used but well-maintained vehicle (stored in a garage for its entire life) and it is still in use today, as it closes in on 180,000 miles. Certain brands just keep on going for decades, with this one closing in on its 29th year this summer. Talk about Happy Honda-days!

NISSAN ROGUE

Travelling for work, I often times find myself driving one sort of SUV or another for a client meeting or benefit fair. When it came time to replace the Nissan Sentra above, we liked the Nissan brand, but there’s just something extra special about being even with the drive-through window when you order takeout that made us choose this awesome Rogue from Nissan. Ordering a hammock on Amazon for our Corgi only made it an even better choice! I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one if I’m being honest.

DODGE VIPER

Along the path of my life, I’ve fallen in love with a number of cars, whether it was the Chevy Camaro, Chevy Corvette (my older brother had one), Ford Mustang (something mighty cool about Jacklyn Smith’s Mustang on “Charlie’s Angels”), Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Murano (too expensive), or the Delorean from “Back to the Future”.

My favorite dream car (in theory) would be the Dodge Viper, as it was the car i’d always choose when playing Hot Wheels with my daughter when she was a child. I even ended up with that car on my desk at work for years (“keep it at your office, Daddy!”), and I still cherish it and the memories it brings, even though I’m not thinking I’d actually purchase a Dodge (just my personal opinion) …but damn it sure looked good!

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

As we wrap up this journey through my automotive adventures, I invite you to reflect on your own relationship with cars. What vehicles have made an impact on your life? Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom, a quirky first car, or a dream vehicle you’ve always aspired to own, every car tells a story. These experiences shape who we are and sharing them can forge connections with others who may resonate with your journey.

I’d love to hear about your favorite cars and the memories attached to them. So, join the conversation! Feel free to share your stories in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the unique bond we share with our automobiles and the adventures they bring. Your tale could inspire someone else or spark a fond memory they didn’t know they had. After all, it’s not just about the cars; it’s about the moments behind the wheel that define us.

---