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.