Mike@Ec, apparently a moderator for the European Car website, had a bit of a snit when someone accused him of hating cars.

Mike@Ec, apparently a moderator for the European Car website, had a bit of a snit when someone accused him of hating cars.

In both a forum and blog post, he was accused of being a “hater” of Hondas by a Honda car fan. Mike points out he has nothing personally against Hondas and, in fact, he respects them for what they are: good, solid, appliances for the masses. But just because he doesn’t particularly thrill to them doesn’t mean he hates them.

He illustrates with vehicles that he loves: European vehicles. He loves Porsches and owns one himself.

However, he recently had the experience in test-driving the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S SUV. While most of us would kill for the opportunity, there would have been no need since Mike would have gladly handed the keys to us. Despite the “P” on the hood, Mike found the experience less than enjoyable. He found his trip with a Cayman to be “ten times more enjoyable” than the six-figure Cayenne.

So is he a hater of Porsches? No, he just didn’t like that particular vehicle. Just because an enthusiast likes certain brands doesn’t mean they can’t look at their faults. I personally think all European cars are over-priced, unreliable pieces of metal which consumers purchase solely for marketing themselves as though they had money. Does that make me a hater? No, since given the chance, I’d buy a Jaguar or Volvo or Audi as soon as possible. I see those brands’ beauty and worth but it’s separate from my feelings about BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. I feel the same with American, Japanese, and Korean models: I like some from each group and, more importantly, dislike some based on the model’s merit, not the brand or group itself. I don’t hate any, though, just because something doesn’t appeal to me.

Mike pegged it right with his last sentence: “If you like something then enjoy it, but don’t get all bent out of shape when someone else doesn’t share your opinion.”