Land Rover:

I know of no one who owns these SUVs. However, they’re quite common down here in Orange County, California. Reports gleamed from reviews indicate that they’re expensive vehicles not only to purchase (when compared to other luxury SUVs like Lexus) but to maintain since reliability is not high.

Lexus:

Nearly as common as Honda’s in SoCal. And many of my peers either own one or want one.

Mazda:

I’ll admit it. I’m biased towards this brand. With the exception of the (now-discontinued) MPV and B-Series truck, I like all Mazda models and my recent experience with a 3 rental reinforces that feeling.

I know many folks who had a Mazda. Most, though, have either switched horizontally to a Honda or upward to luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz. But I’m seeing more of the vehicles lately, especially the 3. There’s a lot of value in these cars; i.e., NAV system, leather seating, sunroof, etc. can be hand below $30k. My biggest issue is the styling, especially on the 6. Otherwise, the brand offers a lot of goodies.

Mercedes-Benz:

Like BMW except good service.

Mitsubishi:

None of my family or peers owns one of these vehicles. I owned an old Mighty Max and still continue to have good thoughts on the brand despite the mixed press reviews.

Oldsmobile:

Surprised? One of my friends has an Aurora and its deterioration reflects that era’s quality.

Porsche:

My brother-in-law has one of the roadsters and says it’s a great car but very expensive to maintain.

Scion:

No one I know has one of these vehicles. They’re a common site, though, especially the xB and–amazingly, given OC highway conditions–so is the xA.

Subaru:

Increasingly becoming common if those spoilers are any indication.

Suzuki:

So non-descript it takes me a minute to recognize them from an old style Honda or Hyundai.

Toyota:

Next to Honda, there’s a LOT of Camrys in Orange County. My sister owns one and loves it.

Volkswagen:

No one I know has one. Fairly common in Orange County especially among women.

Volvo:

No one I know has one.

(To be continued)