A recent review of the new Toyota Yaris sent me into a flashback. The reviewer, Anita Lienert, mentioned how small and unsafe she felt in the subcompact, feeling other drivers, especially those in SUVs, seemed to be out to “get” her.

I’ve heard similar stories from luxury car drivers, who said motorist seemed to go out of their way to block their Bimmers or Benz on the freeway. One guy even traded in his new BMW for a Toyota Camry after too many close calls.

I admit I don’t understand this attitude. Any vehicle is a killing machine no matter the make and model. It’s not worth getting a sense of (temporary) satisfaction by cutting off that BMW driver who’s treating the freeway like their personal Autobahn. If you want that, call the police on your cellphone once you get a good luck at that idiot’s license plate. But that’s dealing with the driver’s behavior: I’ve encountered many a young gun racing in their Evo’s and souped up Civics down the streets and freeways yet don’t hear anyone trading those cars in.

I know the behavior against luxury vehicles boils down to jealousy. Oh, you think, they have a Jaguar and think they’re better than us. Did you ever stop to think the driver’s retired and the car’s their dream vehicle? Or it’s used and cost less than a two-year old Insight? (How else can you explain, besides leasing, all the kids in SoCal driving Bimmers?) I have found $50,000 Bimmers, Jags, Benz, and Caddies for less than $30,000. Porsches? Dime a dozen out here in SoCal.

As a car enthusiast, I can see the beauty in virtually any vehicle. (See here on my take of the Pontiac Aztek.) I now do a little mental exercise when I see an M3 or AMG whatever. I picture the “star of the week who wrecked their vehicle” like Lindsay Lohan driving one of those vehicles. I immediately feel better about myself.