If one searches automotive-related content online long enough, sooner or later, they will discover that there are many stereotypes of drivers that are awful and humorous at the same time. For example, there are different online quizzes out there that will guess the kind of car one drives after one answers a few questions about their driving habits. There are also YouTube videos that try to document these stereotypes. There is no science to these stereotypes videos or games. They are generalizations. Yet, for the last ten years, many of the stereotypes have become solidified in car culture. 

Driving a Ford Mustang leads to injured bystanders

The first stereotype relates to the owners of Ford Mustangs. Let me explain. Every auto enthusiast enjoys a good car show. A custom at many car shows is that when one leaves, a quick burnout is called for. For some reason, Ford Mustang drivers have been singled out as drivers who must lose control of their car when doing such a burnout. People are quick to point out many clips on YouTube showing car show Mustangs that have lost control and hit the onlookers. The reality is that any rear-wheel drive performance machine can have its rear-end kick out in the hands of inexperienced drivers. Yet the stereotype is that only Mustang drivers do this, perhaps because Mustangs are plentiful. While some may poke fun at Mustang drivers because of this stereotype, the truth is that a Chevrolet Corvette or Dodge Challenger can be substituted just as easily.

The rage monster

Another automotive stereotype that has become prevalent during the last ten years is the rage monster. This is a person who overreacts to a seemingly innocuous event or accident. For instance, a person is walking back to their car, trips, and what they had in their hands goes flying. One of the flying things hits a car occupied by a person who has a short temper fuse for whatever reason. This event culminates in a furious tirade directed at the person who tripped. The stereotype leans toward all short-tempered people having similar behavior. This is obviously not true. Everyone is different and handles events differently. 

Rude BMW drivers 

BMW drivers have been singled out for being the worst at using their turn signals and being impatient. However, if anyone is truly honest, they will recall a time or two when they have forgotten to use their turn signal. Sadly, there is enough disdain from the lack of signaling that BMW drivers have become the butt of many jokes, albeit disproportionately more than other brands. 

The Honda bump

This stereotype is one where a Honda driver will eventually get lost in their texting. In fact, so lost that their foot will drift off the brake pedal while stopped at a red traffic signal. Their car will then bump the vehicle in front of them. This stereotype is a relative newcomer to the automotive sphere.

If one takes time to sit down and review the stereotypes, one will discover that some of them have some shades of humor while at the same time are inflammatory. Yet, they are a part of the last ten years in car culture nonetheless. These stereotypes are amongst us for better or worse, and since they haven’t gone away in the last ten years, they are likely to stay with us.