Car lovers are tribal. Now and again, one comes across a mellow generalist with a smattering of Alfas, Hondas, Chevys and Volkswagens in the garage. But, mostly, a car guy’s heart is inscribed with the insignia of the truck his dad drove; his hand, forever gnarled around the shape of the gear shift on his first car. Loyalty, as in life, is prized in car culture.
That was true long before photo-based social media emerged: Ford gals didn’t play nice with Chevy gals, and Porsche guys sneered at the pretentious Ferrari folks. (And we sneered at both). What has changed? Now, you can broadcast your allegiances in picture and annotate for the world to see. Great day to be a #RangeRover owner! #LandRover #WaterCrackers #BassetHound #HouseOfWindor4Ever. Instagram is the superlative forum for automotive love. And, like gossipy high school kids, everyone want to know who’s getting the most.
After trawling through 4.6 million car-related Instagram posts between 2011 and 2015, the Auto Insurance Center has compiled a definitive list of the most car brand shout-outs. So whose tribe shouts the loudest? Let’s find out.
10. Audi
Audi is yet to displace Mercedes as the top luxury carmaker. But, at least in America, more people share photos of teutonic sedans from Ingolstadt than Stuttgart.
9. Dodge
To some, Dodge is home of the Hellcats, the 707-horsepower Hemi-engined Challenger and Charger twins. To others, Dodge means an honest work truck, dented but not diminished. Both haul ass on social media.
8. Ford
That famous blue oval looks great in a square. Plus, we think the Ford Raptor should get all the exposure (and contrast, and sepia tone, and vignette effect) in the world.
7. Lamborghini
Lamborghinis are rakish and sexy and carved from carbon fiber. Slap a Ludwig filter on those battle-axe lines and win the goddam internet.
6. Toyota
The brand might overall has a reputation for reliability over excitement, but more than a few folks who get downright giddy over economy cars. Also: FJ trucks.
5. Nissan
The GT-R, heroic Gran Turismo steadfast, is primed as a favorite for the Digital Generation. It delivers.
4. Porsche
There’s a frenzy right now for air-cooled Porsches: Prices are accelerating faster than, well, a water-cooled Porsche. New school or old, the 911 silhouette lends itself well to photos.
3. Ferrari
With annual sales around seven thousand, Maranello doesn’t make up much of the marketplace. The real estate it displaces in the minds of crazed, smartphone-wielding speed freaks, however, is gargantuan.
2. Jeep
Jeep is an American icon. A strong vintage contingent, populated by owners and fans of the long-discontinued Grand Wagoneer, anchors the base.
1. BMW
As any BMW driver will tell you before, during, or after driving their BMW, BMW drivers love BMWs. And the people have ‘grammed: Bavaria wins, and by a mile, with 710k posts to Jeep’s 451k.
