Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep:

In 1996 I bought my first and, so far, only new car, a Dodge Neon. My choice was a surprise to everyone, who knew my nickname for the curvy vehicle was “the bubble car” when it debuted.

But after checking out the Mercury Mystique and a slew of other vehicles, I knew I found the right vehicle when I first slipped into the driver’s seat. The interior felt spacious and the view–which wouldn’t be duplicated until I sat in minivans years later–was expansive.

Biggest issues? With the first month the horn would go off until it drained the battery. That was replaced under warranty. I later had to replace the radiator after 90,000 hard-earned miles. But except for some other minor work (mostly my fault. One should change the oil every 3k-5k miles instead of 8k-10k), the car held up well. Only the electronics ultimately led me to donate the vehicle after reaching reaching 180k.

I knew a goodly number of folks who have Neons, mostly high school and college students. They found them cheap to purchase and have enough power to get them to and fro.

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury:

My spouse had one of the original Mustangs whose quality matched all the jokes about domestic vehicle quality. It broke down constantly, leaked everywhere, etc. And the service was abomidable. But we later bought a Ford Thunderbird (no, not the retro one) which was the opposite. We traded it in for our Mazda 626 after 160k and electronic issues made it prohibitive to continue repairs.

I’ve driven a Taurus and have been a passenger in its mechanical twin, the Sable. Found both to be solid cars.

Honda, Acura:

Virtually everyone I know either currenty owns or has own a Honda and the praise is universal. Reliable. Great value. Reliable. Awesome. I know at least one family who only own Hondas. We currently own a 2005 Honda Accord hybrid and, after 40k miles (no, that’s not a typo) it has performed flawlessly.

Acura owners I know love their vehicles as well. One is waiting for their 13-year old model to break down so they can buy a new car. Uh, huh.

Hyundai, Kia:

I know one family who only own Hyundais. They love them and find the quality to be great.

Nissan, Infiniti:

Few people I know own any of these vehicles. Mostly co-owners, they universally love their cars. Infiniti service is constantly praised.

Jaguar:

My spouse’s sibling has an XJ8 from her company and, despite the brand’s rep, there have been no significant problems with the vehicle. Everyone else who I mention the brand, though, flinches, and repeat the mantra about how unreliable are the vehicles.

(To be continued)