You Either Love Them or Hate Those That Do
Few things get car enthusiasts arguing quite as quickly as their favorite automotive brands. Some manufacturers have incredibly loyal fan bases, while others seem to attract just as many critics as customers, whether it's because of their styling, reliability records, pricing, or approach to engineering. A car that one driver considers a masterpiece might leave someone else wondering why anybody would spend that much money on it.
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1. Tesla
Ever since Tesla came along, everyone has either loved them or hated them. You have your fans who love their electric vehicles and charging stations, as well as how fast they can go and their infotainment system. For some drivers, Tesla represents the future of transportation, while others would happily choose almost any traditional automaker instead.
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2. Jeep
Jeep has many fans who like to drive their Jeeps. There are a lot of people who like the look of Jeeps and love to take their Jeeps out in the wild, with the exception of maybe not driving a Wrangler on the road. Their trucks get bad gas mileage, and you can hear everything on the road when you drive them.
3. BMW
BMW is known for making great cars with big engines and good looks. People love the power you get out of BMWs and their M packages. Others say BMWs are too pricey to repair and their cars have become too tech-heavy. There's also the familiar stereotype surrounding BMW drivers, which probably doesn't help the brand's reputation among people who aren't already fans.
4. Nissan
Nissan has made some pretty cool cars, and some love them while others don't. They have some pretty affordable vehicles and comfortable cabins, but there are some who are scared of buying a Nissan due to the CVT issue. If you're not scared of Nissan, you'll see some cool sports cars like the Nissan Z and the GT-R. The brand has a little something for everyone, although its reliability discussions can make purchasing decisions surprisingly complicated.
5. Subaru
There are always Subaru drivers who think Subaru is the best. When it comes to their cars, they always seem to rave about the AWD. Many people who buy Subarus love the AWD system that comes standard on their vehicles. They have some great vehicles that people enjoy, such as their Outback. Its loyal customer base is one of its biggest strengths, although that enthusiasm can sometimes make the brand feel a little misunderstood by outsiders.
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6. Chrysler
Everyone has an opinion when it comes to Chrysler, from its many bad cars to its good ones. Many love the Chrysler 300, which has become a huge hit with many drivers. They think the look is great and love having that much interior space and a V8 option. Its disappearance from certain vehicle segments has also left longtime fans wondering what direction the manufacturer will take next.
7. Volkswagen
Volkswagen seems to please almost everyone who drives one. Its GTI model has received many awards and great reviews. Some people love having a VW Jetta and driving around town with one. If you're someone who owns a VW, you may have run into issues where you've had to spend a lot of money on repairs. The brand's engineering reputation remains strong, but its maintenance costs can be a sticking point for budget-conscious drivers.
8. Dodge
Many people love their Dodges and think they're some of the best vehicles. They can drive around in one of their trucks knowing they have a big motor under the hood. You'll find that their muscle cars have been a hit with many people who want lots of horsepower in their cars. Dodge's shift away from its traditional V8 lineup has also divided longtime fans who aren't necessarily interested in its newer direction.
9. Mercedes-Benz
There are some people who love driving a Mercedes-Benz and some who don't. The look of their vehicles speaks for itself, and you know you're driving a luxury car when you get behind the wheel. There are some who will tell you that their cars have too many problems. Some buyers also feel that the brand's focus on digital displays and flashy interior features has taken attention away from traditional luxury.
10. Mini
If you're someone who enjoys driving on twisty roads, you're probably already a Mini driver. There have always been people who think driving a Mini is crazy. There are pros and cons to owning a Mini, as they're small cars, which means there's not much room inside the vehicle. Some people consider the design charming, while others simply can't understand why anyone would pay a premium for such a small vehicle.
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11. Fiat
Fiat has a long automotive history, but its modern vehicles tend to attract fairly strong opinions. The Fiat 500 became popular with drivers who appreciated its compact dimensions, distinctive Italian styling, and suitability for crowded urban environments. Critics, however, have raised concerns about reliability, interior space, and how practical the vehicles are outside city driving. Its limited presence in some markets has also made ownership and servicing less convenient for certain customers.
12. Land Rover
If you're someone who likes to drive a bigger luxury SUV, Land Rover has you covered. From the Defender to the Range Rover, there are always going to be fans of Land Rover. The thing that always seems to catch up with people is the cost of repairs and reliability. Some drivers believe the vehicles are worth the additional expense, while others would rather choose a less expensive SUV with a simpler maintenance history.
13. Kia
Over the years, Kia has grown into something that people have come to like. Their cars are very nice and stylish, and they even have some cars that are comparable to more expensive name brands. Kia has made some progress over the last 20 years, and they're trying to better their brand. Its rapid transformation has impressed many buyers, although not everyone has updated their opinion of the brand.
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14. Alfa Romeo
There are many people who love Alfa Romeo and its cool Italian-made cars. If you're looking to spend your hard-earned cash on one of these, you should know what you're getting yourself into. If you're someone who is always looking to spend money on their car, you'll love Alfa Romeo. For some drivers, the brand's character makes its compromises worthwhile, while others prefer vehicles with a more predictable ownership experience.
15. Cadillac
Cadillac is always going to be a car brand that some people think is nice while others think it's ugly. They have many models that can suit any driver's needs, from a large SUV to a sporty sedan. The Cadillac Escalade is a favorite among many drivers because of its size and look. Its electric vehicles have also generated debate about pricing, design, and how successfully Cadillac can transition into a changing automotive market.
16. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi is known for the sporty rally cars it made years ago, which are very rare nowadays, and people think those were the best vehicles it ever made. Nowadays, if you're looking to buy a Mitsubishi, you're probably buying an Outlander or another everyday driver. Others appreciate the straightforward vehicles and competitive pricing, particularly when considering family transportation.
17. Porsche
Some will always love Porsche and its sports cars. No matter what car you buy from Porsche, you're getting something awesome. Its 911 is known for being an amazing sports car, and some will only buy that from Porsche. Why would you buy anything else when you can get the 911? Well, if you're someone who enjoys the look of its SUVs, the Cayenne and Macan may be what you're looking for.
18. Toyota
Some may think driving a Toyota is boring because you're not driving something flashy or cool. Toyota is always going to have people driving its cars because of their reliability. Others will stay away from Toyota because of its recalls and engine issues. The GR lineup has helped challenge the idea that Toyota only makes sensible family cars, although its performance offerings still divide some enthusiasts.
19. Rivian
With the introduction of the Rivian truck, many have jumped on board to buy one. But why? Some will say it's because they want to drive something new and cool. Others may not want to buy a gas-powered truck anymore and want to jump onto the electric wave. Supporters see an exciting alternative to conventional trucks, while skeptics aren't convinced electric pickups are ready to replace their gasoline-powered favorites.
20. Lucid
Similar to Rivian, people have jumped on board to buy the Lucid Air. There are pros and cons to buying a Lucid, but they make some amazing vehicles. The range and speed are something you don't see often in a vehicle. Some drivers see Lucid as a serious luxury competitor, while others would rather stick with established manufacturers that have longer track records.
