There are myriad reasons we buy the cars we do, and many of us have no problem defending our choice armed with nothing more than an irrational love for a particular style or brand. I grew up in a Ford family (at one point there were four Fords from 3-decades in the driveway). But it wasn’t like, as a kid I was doing the research, looking up specs and comparing fuel efficiency and safety ratings. My folks loved Fords (and still
do) so my brother and I loved Fords. It just was.
So, it’s particularly fascinating, now that my job requires vehicle research, to find that there’s actually pretty good evidence for being a Ford fan. Take, for example, the
MSNautos.com article entitled “Best Selling Cars of the Past 50 Years” (http://editorial.autos.msn.com/10-best-selling-domestics-of-the-past-50-years?icid=autos_1919>1=22020#1). Granted, the number one spot is claimed by
the Chevy Impala in the 1960s. But the number 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9 spots all go to Fords! Altogether, the Top 10 accounted for 38.69 million vehicles sold. Of those, 22.26
million were Fords. Whoa.
Then, there’s this: 3 of the “10 Cars That Worry the Competition” (http://editorial.autos.msn.com/10-cars-that-worry-the-competition)
are… yup, Fords! And, of course, the Ford F-150 is America’s best selling truck and has been for the past 30-years. You know what’s funny? I would have defended Fords regardless but it’s a treat to find out that loyalty isn’t so irrational after all!